I don’t know how to design a poster, what should I do?

 

·  Consult with your faculty mentor.

·  Attend an ORSP sponsored workshop.

·  Visit a web site on the topic of research poster preparation, such as:

           http://www.ncsu.edu/project/posters

 

What software should I use when preparing my poster?

 

At UW-Eau Claire, most research posters are prepared using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Pagemaker, CorelDraw, Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Powerpoint.  For best quality, we recommend using poster preparation software that is capable of saving directly to a PDF file (e.g. Adobe Illustrator), since this file format works best with our poster.  However, we encourage you to use software that you feel the most comfortable using for preparing your poster(s).  Please keep in mind the following:

 

·  When saving/exporting to a PDF file, DO NOT link to any graphics or images.  Instead be sure that your graphics and images are embedded.

·  If you use any software not listed above, you must save your work as a PDF file.

·  Be sure to open your PDF file and ensure that your poster displays properly before submitting it to us for printing.

 

What are the poster size limitations?

 

·  The amount of space allowed for research poster presentations vary from one meeting to the next, so carefully read the instructions provided by the meeting organizers.

·  UWEC’s Student Research Day size restrictions are 46” x 42”, portrait or landscape.

·  IMPORTANT: Our poster is limited to 42” (max poster width) in one direction.

 

Are there any basic poster design guidelines?

 

·  Carefully read the instructions provided by the meeting organizers for poster size constraints and information that the poster must include.

·  Sketch out your poster design on paper first.

·  Use san serif fonts (e.g. Arial or Helvetica) for titles and headings.  Use serif (e.g. Times New Roman, Palatino, Garamond) for body text. 

 

Suggested font sizes:

            Title: Between 72 and 150 points

            Subtitles: ~60 points

            Body text: ~24 points

·  Colors: Keep contrast high between foreground elements and background.  Do not overuse color. 

·  Edit and proofread carefully!

 

What elements should be included on my research poster?

 

  Header/Title that includes:

            ·  Full title of research project

            ·  Student(s) name, faculty mentor’s name(s)

            ·  Department name, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire

            ·  University seal

  Acknowledgements in bottom right corner of poster

   ·  Extramural funding sources (e.g. NSF) should be listed first.

   ·  UWEC Differential Tuition should be listed.

·  Intramural funding sources (e.g. UW-Eau Claire Center of Excellence for Faculty and Undergraduate Student Research Collaboration) should be listed.

 

   Other recommended elements: Abstract, Introduction, Methods and Results

 

Where can I get a copy of the university seal?

 

Below are two links to files that contain the UWEC Excellence Seal:

·  EPS of the Excellence Medallion

·  Transparent GIF of the Excellence Medallion

 

Where can I see a sample research poster?

 

·  Several full size research posters are on display at LTS, Schofield 30.

·  Review on-screen examples with critiques.

 

What if I make a mistake?

 

·  Proof your work very carefully!  Don’t rely on spell check.

·  Have several people (e.g. faculty mentor and advisor, colleagues) proof your poster before submitting it for printing

·  Proofing is solely your responsibility.  Our funding covers the cost of printing ONE large-format poster per documented research project/presentation.  We can print several smaller (11x17) drafts for proofing prior to printing your full-size poster.  Any additional full-size posters, including redo’s, will be charged at a production cost of $5.00 per square foot.

 

How do I submit my file to be printed?

 

Please see the Instructions for Printing page for information and instructions on how to submit your poster file to us electronically.

 

How long does production take?

 

Typically two working days, providing that adequate poster supplies are on hand (paper, ink and printheads).  However, we request that you submit your poster files to us AT LEAST one week in advance so that we’re able to print out a small draft for you to proof (if necessary) and make any revisions needed to your poster.  This helps allow you to catch and eliminate potential errors and problems with your poster prior to printing.  Due to the poster supplies available, we cannot guarantee pos requests sent less than one week in advance.  

 

Is there anywhere else on-campus that provides large-format printing and support?

 

Yes.  LTS provides support for large format poster printing for documented student faculty collaborative research projects.  For more information, please contact helpdesk@uwec.edu. 

 

Where can I get help?

 

General software usage questions for poster creation:	BITS/PALS, Learning and Technology Services (LTS)
Poster design issues and questions:	Gene Leisz (Poster Designer, LTS)  leiszgj@uwec.edu, 836-6004     Sean Hartnett (Cartographer, Geography) hartnesg@uwec.edu
Printing to the large format printer:	Poster Printing Administrator helpdesk@uwec.edu