February 4, 2026
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Brown Center Wright Room

Student Spotlight:

Humanities and Communication Day

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore our Mass Communication and Creative Writing programs, connect with faculty and current students, and get a firsthand look at our facilities. Lunch will be provided for the first 75 registrants.

Expect a packed agenda featuring workshops for developing skills in both written and journalistic arts, information on admissions and financial aid, guided tours of our program spaces, and the opportunity to pose questions to a panel of current students.

Register Here

CONTEST DETAILS:
The Department of Humanities and Communication is again hosting the Creative Writing and Mass Communication Contests! This is your time to SHINE- students may submit creative works within a variety of categories (see details below). Winners will be announced and receive awards at the close of the event. Seniors who place for awards may also be eligible for scholarship offers of up to 4 semesters’ books & tuition! Contestants are welcome to submit entries to multiple categories in one or both contests. Entries must be submitted by January 15th.

Submit Contest Entries

Creative Writing Contest

Category 1: Prose
Prose submissions may include fiction, creative nonfiction, one-act plays, and/or short film scripts. Any work submitted should stand alone (no book chapters). Prose submissions can include multiple works. The sum of those works should be no less than three pages and no more than fifteen.

Category 2: Poetry

Poetry submissions may include any style of poetry and should include multiple works; at least three pieces. They should not exceed fifteen pages in total.

Submissions to this contest may be in Word document or PDF file format.

Mass Communication Contest

Category 1: Photography

Please submit .jpeg or .png files and include a range of photos you have taken. Showcase your ability to shoot movement, low light, changes in settings and environments.

Category 2: Video Storytelling

Please submit .mp4 or .wav files and this submission can be anything from newscasts or packages to sports hype videos, advertisements or public services announcements. Showcase your ability to shoot stable footage and edit it into a reasonable story.

Category 3: Print Storytelling

Entries in this category should be submitted as a Word document or a .pdf (no Google docs, please). This category is pretty much any form of written storytelling to include a screenplay, film script, news/sports article, an essay or short story. These submissions are to demonstrate your ability to tell your readers a story.

Category 4: Social Media

Entries should be submitted as either a Word document, .html, .mp4 or any acceptable format listed, depending on the type of post or campaign you plan to use for competition. This category is all about showing off your media literacy of combining recognizable trends with new information for your target audience. This is also a storytelling category.

February 11, 2026
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Brown Center Wright Room

Math & Science Day

Scientific Apparatus Events

  • Breakout – Max 4 people per group (4 groups available)
    • Breakout combines the excitement of an escape room with challenging academic puzzles as teams race against the clock to crack codes and solve clues. Each year features a brand-new theme, keeping the experience fresh and thrilling for returning groups.
  • CSI – Max 2 people per group (7 groups available)
    • Step into the role of a detective as you analyze clues and piece together evidence to solve a mystery. Quick thinking and sharp observation will determine who cracks the case first!
  • Ping Pong Launcher – Max 2 people per group (Unlimited groups; launcher must be built before the event)
    • Design and build your own launcher ahead of time, then compete to score the most points in a fast-paced showdown. Only the most creative and accurate launcher will take the win!
  • Write It – Build It – Max 3 people per group (10 groups available)
    • One teammate describes a science-themed sculpture under pressure while the others race to rebuild it using only those instructions. Communication and teamwork are the keys to victory!
  • Puzzle Fest – Individual event (Unlimited groups)
    • Challenge yourself with brain-bending puzzles that test your logic and speed. Work solo to outsmart the competition and finish first!
  • Computer Science – Max 2 people per group (10 groups available)
    • Dive into the world of technology! This event tests your problem-solving skills with hands-on tasks that blend logic, creativity, and innovation.

Sign Up Today