National Annual Research Competition
2012-2013 Guidelines

The national organization sponsors an annual research competition that is open to students who study in all fields and disciplines.  There are two research classes:  (1) undergraduate and (2) graduate students.  The research review committee awards identical prizes in both classes.  They include:

• One $1,000 first place prize
• Two $500 second place prizes
• Five $200 third place prizes

In addition, all participants are eligible to have their research paper published in the Annual National Student Monograph Series. All participants are recognized at the awards luncheon on Saturday, February 16, 2013.

Eligibility:
●    Student applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
●    A research abstract not to exceed two (2) pages must be submitted by November 9, 2012.
●    Student participants must attend the conference on February 14-16, 2013.  Each participant is scheduled for a twenty-five (25) minute oral or poster presentation.  The students may select the category that best fits the research presentation.
●    Bibliographical essays do not qualify as research.
●    Group submissions are allowed; however, please designate one contact person for the group.
●    One (1) entry per person or group.
●    Participants must register for the February 11-16, 2013 national conference.  However, participants are only expected to be in attendance February 14-16, 2013. 

All student participants are requested to attend the Saturday (2/16/13) awards luncheon.  Award winners must be in attendance at the luncheon.
 
Judging Criteria:
●    Thorough use of available resources.
●    Variety and appropriateness of sources.
●    Quality of the research process description.

Paper Length:
●    Papers must be a minimum of five (5) pages for undergraduate submissions and a minimum of ten (10) pages for graduate/professional submissions.

Submittal Date:
●    Papers must be submitted electronically by January 31, 2013.

Bibliography:
●    The research paper must include a bibliography of at least ten (10) or more citations and be written in a standard bibliographic format (MLA, APA, etc.).

Deadlines and Schedule of Activities:
●    Research abstract not to exceed two (2) pages is due by November 9, 2012.
●    Student registration fee ($150.00) for the February 11-16, 2013 conference is due January 25, 2013.
●    Completed research paper is due January 31, 2013.
●    Judges review is scheduled for completion by February 12, 2013.
●    Student is scheduled for a twenty-five (25) minute oral or poster presentation on either February 14 or 15, 2013.
●    All student participants are requested to attend the awards luncheon on Saturday, February 16, 2013.
●    Award winners must be in attendance at the awards luncheon on Saturday, February 16, 2013.
●    Students desirous of having their research published in the National Student Monograph Series must complete the author's publication form during the national conference.

Entry Form:
●    A completed entry form must accompany the abstract (due 11/9/12).
Judges:
●    Will be a panel of professional and academic scholars who represent diverse fields and disciplines.
Announcement of Winners:
●    Will be announced Friday evening, February 15, 2013.

Award Ceremony:
●    Prizes will be presented to the winners at the February 16, 2013 luncheon.
Student Recognition:
●    All student participants will be recognized at the luncheon with a framed certificate.  And, all students have the option of having the research published in the National Student Research Monograph (CD) Series.