Event Preview: HFASS Student Research Fair

Since it first opened its doors, PVCC has been committed to providing students with the resources and opportunities for success. PVCC’s services help students on their way to employment, and one of these ways is the promotion of students’ own achievements. However, some departments of study receive less of the spotlight than others. With the Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences Student Research Fair, students with exceptional work in these categories can share their academic achievements with the PVCC community, as well as boost their attractiveness to future universities. 

But how can the fair be held in a time of quarantine? Students were expected to present their projects on April 2, but PVCC closed the campus in March, forcing the organizers to improvise. 

“Basically, our original plans of having students present their work in front of an audience must be jettisoned,” said Dr. Todd Platts, associate professor of sociology and one of the organizers of the event, in an email. “We decided to post student papers on PVCC’s website, something that is still being worked out.” 

Originally, students nominated by faculty in the humanities, fine arts, and social sciences division were to present their research in front of a panel, but since this is not possible, the works nominated are now being put through an editing process wherein faculty members make editorial comments on the essays. The students then make the changes and submit the papers to be posted online. Before the closing of the campus, there was also talk of collecting the papers into a pamphlet, but in Platt’s words, that “does not seem likely at the moment.” 

Still, PVCC students can look forward to seeing the research papers online at pvcc.edu, and Platts said they are “still hoping to award cash prizes,” giving participating students something to look forward to as well.