College of Liberal Arts
Social Science Symposium
The annual Ben Austin Social Science Symposium (formerly USSS – Undergraduate Social Science Symposium) will take place on April 6, 2026, in the Tom Jackson Building at MTSU.
Sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the BASSS provides a forum for students to present their research, share ideas, and engage with faculty and peers. In addition to student presentations, the symposium will feature a career panel with professionals from non-profit and government organizations.
Submissions
The BASSS seeks submissions on social science-related topics from students (undergraduate and graduate) in CLA and across campus. Submissions may include:
- Research papers
- Class projects
- Posters
- Independent research
- Capstone projects
- Works in progress
Submission Deadline: March 27, 2026
Benefits
The BASSS is an excellent opportunity for students to:
- Present their work in a professional and welcoming academic setting
- Gain experience speaking about research
- Receive feedback from faculty and peers
- Strengthen graduate school or job applications
- Network with peers, faculty, and community organizations
- Paper awards
Monetary prizes will be given to the top three undergraduate papers and one prize for the best graduate student paper. To enter the competition and to be considered for an award, please also submit complete papers not to exceed 25 pages, double-spaced, using the submission form. Please indicate in your paper whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student.
Schedule
8:30AM – 9:00AM Registration
9:00AM – 11:30AM Morning Sessions
11:30AM – 12:25PM Networking and Career Panel
12:25PM – 5:00PM Afternoon Sessions
To learn more about previous years’ symposiums, click here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Dr. Meredith Dye, Meredith.dye@mtsu.edu, or the Sociology/Anthropology Department at socanth@mtsu.edu.
