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Information for Judges

Sign Up to Judge

Please indicate your interest in judging at the student poster session by checking the appropriate box on your online JMM registration.

Expectations for Judges

1. Sign up to be a judge when you register for JMM.

We need approximately 200-300 judges for the 2021 virtual poster session! Please sign up so we know how we are doing, and spread the word to other colleagues who might be interested. 

2. Attend the Judges' Orientation Session (Date TBA).  While we request that first-time judges attend and encourage all judges to do so, this session is not required. You will find out which posters you are critiquing here. If you are unable to attend this session, you will receive notification via email as well.

3. Attend your assigned MAA Undergraduate Student Poster Session on Thursday or Friday.

Judges will each evaluate between 2 and 4 posters. See the links below for evaluation criteria and other information. 

Judging Criteria

Download the judging guidelines.

Feedback: Please keep in mind that the purpose of this session is to give students experience presenting their work and feedback on their efforts. The most valuable responses they get are your written notes in the top section of the evaluation form, so we thank you for taking the time to write these short comments.

A sample evaluation form is available here.

We ask that you remember that the subject of the project was most likely chosen by the advisor and the mathematical content may be a factor of the topic. The answers to questions are particularly important. You should feel free to ask questions of the student(s) on their topic.

The virtual student poster session abstract book and session schedule can be found here. 

Judging FAQs

Do I need to register for JMM as well?

Yes, all judges should also register for JMM.

How long does the judging take?

This varies according to personal preferences of the individual judge. You probably want to spend at least 10 to 15 minutes with each poster to fully understand the project and to assess answers to mathematical questions.

Do I need to go to the Judges Orientation Session?

While we request that first-time judges attend and encourage all judges to do so, this session is not required. You will find out which posters you are critiquing here. If you are unable to attend this session, you will receive notification via email as well.

What criteria do I follow for judging a poster?

The judging criteria can be found at the top of this page.

How many posters will I be expected to judge?

Each judge is assigned 2-4 posters; most judges will be assigned 3 posters.

Will I be judging my own student's work?

No, judges are not permitted to judge their own students' work.

When can I leave? Do I have to stay till the end of the poster session?

We encourage you to remain in the virtual session for the full 2 hours out of respect for all student presenters. 

Am I the sole judge for a poster?

No, each poster is evaluated by two or three judges.

Am I expected to ask questions of the poster presenter?

Yes, asking questions is very critical to evaluating a poster. See the guidelines for judging criteria.

Is there any compensation for judges?

Judging is a volunteer role. We greatly appreciate your help, and the students appreciate your feedback!