Annual Academic Symposium

`SEE THE LIBERAL ARTS IN ACTION WITH INNOVATIVE AND INSPIRING PRESENTATIONS BY McDANIEL STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF!`
`For nearly 160 years, McDaniel College has been changing the lives of students from around the world, as well as right here in Carroll County. Founded as one of the nation’s first independent, coeducational institutions of higher learning, today McDaniel is a diverse, student-centered community committed to excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and professional studies.`

2026 Academic Symposium The Academic Symposium is free and open to the public.

Monday, May 4, 2026 | Sessions scheduled throughout the day from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Join us in honoring the original research, scholarship, and creative achievement of McDaniel College students, faculty, and staff. You are welcome to participate in the full day or pop into a session that interests you. It’s your chance to see the liberal arts in action! 

Not familiar with McDaniel’s campus? An Information Booth will be available throughout the day in Memorial Plaza to answer questions and provide directional assistance.

Continue to check this page for additional details.

Academic Symposium Session Schedule Download a Campus Map Request an Interpreter

Special events in conjunction with the day

Community Networking Breakfast & Presentation of the Phi Beta Kappa Lifelong Learner Award Advance registration is required.

Community leaders and partners are invited to join McDaniel staff, faculty, and students for a networking breakfast to recognize the college’s involvement in the region. The 2026 Delta of Maryland Lifelong Learner Award from the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society at McDaniel College will also be awarded to Steve Moore, owner of Westminster’s specialty running store Run Moore.

View full details and register to attend.

Cody Knipfer ’15, senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Space Commerce

Keynote Lunch with Cody Knipfer ’15, senior advisor for the Office of Space Commerce – “Shooting for the Stars, Together” Advance registration is required.

Hear from McDaniel alum Cody Knipfer ’15, who is currently senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Space Commerce. Knipfer graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies and went on to earn a master’s degree in International Science and Technology Policy, with a specialization in Space Policy, from the George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute.

Read full details and register to attend.

Spring Events Calendar

In addition to the Academic Symposium, please join our students, faculty, and staff as they participate in other academic and creative end-of-the-year events, which are open to the public. View the Public Events Calendar for additional events.

Pass on what you have learned

This year’s theme, “Pass on What You Have Learned,” celebrates research, mentorship, and discovery.

The McDaniel College Academic Symposium Steering Committee invites current McDaniel students, faculty, and staff to present during the Academic Symposium. Faculty and staff are welcome to submit a proposal; all student presentations need to be endorsed by faculty or staff.

Submit a proposal

Snapshots from previous Academic Symposiums

A man in a white shirt stands at the front of a classroom in front of a projector screen, while an audience listens.

The Green Terror mascot holds a sign for the Academic Symposium while standing outside in front of a green tent.

A student stands at the front of an amphitheater classroom with an audience.

A group of students poses next to a poster about the Westminster Detective Library.

A female student in a black dress stands beside a research poster.

A student points to a poster board featuring research while a group listens.

A student with a laptop next to her speaks to group.

A female student stands at the front of a classroom, leaning over slightly to talk to people seated in the front row. A PowerPoint slide on screen behind her explains fractions.

A male student points to a research poster board while two people listen.

A large room of people seated around round tables with McDaniel College Budapest Professor Gábor Molnár at a podium in the front of the room.