December 8, 2025, 2:15 - 6:30pm
Welcoming First-Year Scholars to the academic community
click here to read the 2022 Middlebury Campus article
Faculty Sign-up and Info
For details about this year's event, please see the
First Year Symposium 2025 Fact Sheet
If you’re already interested, or want to sign your class up now, please submit this form by Tues Aug 19.
To contact the FY Symposium Team, please click here.
Student Presenter FAQs
Why a symposium for First Year students?
We want to welcome you to the academic community by giving you and your classmates a taste of what it's like to be a public scholar. But just a taste! Three minutes or less for speakers at the front of a room. Ideally, you'll enjoy the experience of presenting and hearing what your peers have to say. Come spring, you might even sign up to present at another Middlebury tradition -- the Spring Student Symposium.
Can I use notes?
That's up to your professor. If they've left it up to you, let's be honest: we're more engaged by a speaker who uses notes sparingly, or not at all. Ultimately, though, you should use the style that helps you feel most comfortable and connected to your audience. To find what works for you, you might practice working your way down this list:
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Script
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Note cards
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Note card
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No notes!
Bottom line: Don’t wing it! Find what works for you and commit to it.
What are we doing about slides?
Presenters using slides can assume that a tech person will be at the podium, changing slides for you. To prepare, just practice saying “Slide, please.” Your class and your partner class will assemble a joint slide deck before the event.
Should I stand behind the podium?
Well, not if you're using slides (the tech person will be there). Even if you're not, though, speakers tend to feel more connected to the audience when they step out from behind the podium. Maybe give it a try and see how it feels?
Where can I get help with my content?
Peer Tutors at The Writing Center will hold a special FYS Writing Night. No need to register -- just stop by the CTLR.
Where can I get help with my delivery?
Oratory Now Coaches will offer a Drop-In Delivery Prep Session at the Innovation Hub, 132 Blinn Lane. They’ll have snacks on hand and you can expect some one-on-one time with a peer coach. Of course you can always use go/speak to request a private O-Now coaching session.
Help Me Prepare
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Delivery Prep Drop-In Coaching at 132 Blinn Ln
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Private Coaching with Oratory Now
