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Information for Moderators


The moderators’ task is to announce each speaker and ensure the session runs on time. If you want to volunteer to moderate a session, please email the UPRC Committee at usi.psichi@gmail.com. It’s a great way to serve the organization! 

  • 1. Arrive at your assigned room at least 10 minutes before the session begins. Proceed to the front table and check the A/V equipment is working. Individuals with PowerPoint MUST load their presentations at the beginning of the session, and you should ensure they do so. It will make the transition from one talk to the next run more smoothly if people don’t need to load their presentations between speakers.  
  • 2. IMPORTANT: Contact speakers before the conference or speak to them before the session starts to ensure they understand how to pronounce the speaker’s name and their pronouns. This is an essential part of welcoming a speaker. Feel free to ask for phonetic pronunciation if that would be helpful. Names are important and respecting others’ names is something UPRC considers core to its mission of belonging.   
  • 3. Start the session on time. Introduce each speaker and the title of the paper. Keep the presentations on time. Offer warnings to let people know when they have five minutes and two minutes remaining on their 15-minute time block. Do not permit people to go past their time, and do not permit questions if the time limit has been reached. Be respectful of everyone!   
  • 4. Take questions immediately after their talk and DO NOT wait until all speakers are done to allow for questions for the entire session. Each speaker should have their own question time unless they go over their time limit.  
  • 5. If the speaker does not show, DO NOT start the next presentation until the time indicated in the program. Simply have a break.  
  • 1. Poster session moderators should arrive in the poster area approximately 10 minutes before their session.   
  • 2. Walk around to see if anyone needs assistance setting up their posters.   
  • 3. Pins should be available in Carter Hall and/or in the registration area.
  • 4. Once the posters are set up, and the session is underway, you may leave.