Above: Students present their posters and visual art exhibits during the 2022 COSCA event.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh students are set to present 110 projects—from posters and performances to film, visual art and oral presentations—during the Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Activity (COSCA) on Thursday, April 27.
The annual symposium, held in Reeve Memorial Union, begins with a welcome at 8:15 a.m. and concludes with the Provost’s Awards Reception at 4 p.m.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Activity at UW Oshkosh. As with any anniversary, this one provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon all of the great student work and dedicated faculty mentoring that has allowed us to sustain and even grow this event over time,” said Stephen Kercher, director of University Research and Creative Activity.
To celebrate the milestone anniversary, an exciting change is in motion for this year: For the first time, College of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students will be presenting their research projects at COSCA.
“We are really excited about the inclusion of DNP students this year,” Kercher said. “The hard work and dedication required to complete UW Oshkosh’s DNP program is typically understood only by Nursing faculty, DNP students and their families. COSCA 2023 will allow a large public audience to appreciate the knowledge and skill these special students have acquired as part of their advanced training.”
Forty-six DNP students are planning to be in attendance and presenting on a wide range of topics, including nursing burnout, mental health, the effects of rising patient volumes, tobacco use in minors and more.
Most of the projects and original creative works showcased at COSCA are collaborations between students and professors that begin in class and are then completed beyond the classroom. Presenting on or performing those efforts allows students to showcase their hard work and talents to the public while also gaining invaluable experience from the demands of performing, explaining one’s work and answering questions.
“Anyone eager to learn about what’s new and exciting in a wide range of disciplines will enjoy attending. You can experience a beautiful piece of music, learn about vital issues in the world of contemporary healthcare, explore new horizons in the sciences and much more all under one roof—Reeve Union—and walk away with a profound appreciation for what today’s students, with the encouragement and guidance of their faculty mentors, are able to achieve,” Kercher said.
After the COSCA welcome at 8:15 a.m. in Reeve Ballroom 227 C, the schedule for the day includes poster and visual art exhibits from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Ballroom AB; performance presentations from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Ballroom 227C; oral presentation sessions throughout the day in Reeve 209, 210, 220, 221 and 306; poster and visual art presentations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ballroom 227 AB; and the Provost’s Awards Reception from 4 to 5 p.m. in Reeve Ballroom 227.
Visit the 2023 Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Activity page to learn more about the research, scholarship and creative activities that will be showcased this year.
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