While the meeting mentor system helps them to become active listeners, there must also be a forum for the students to make their first scientific presentations in a supporting and positive atmosphere. The student symposium meets this need. The seminar is a transitional activity, moving students from passive listeners to reactive and pro-active participants. It provides a confidence building experience for the participants in a comfortable and congenial atmosphere. A session consists of a series of about fourteen 10-min.
Graduate students serve as seminar session moderators.
By having the 3-4 speakers return to the front for questions together makes it less threatening for any single individual student. The student symposium has been the highlight of the six past programs. Generally 12-14 students each year presented their research or research plans. These symposia have been well attended by the general ASLO membership, with over 100 individuals in the audience each time. These sessions tend to be extremely interesting, due to the enthusiasm of the students, quality of the presentations, and diversity of topics covered.