CUSSS 2026
About CUSSS
The Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium (CUSSS) operates under the auspices of the South Carolina Sociological Association (SCSA). The Symposium provides undergraduate students the opportunity to present their research at a professional meeting with the support of faculty. Presentations should be based on research that students have created in or because of one of their upper-level social science courses.
Francis Marion University will be hosting CUSSS 2026, on April 17. Dr. Jessica Burke (jburke@fmarion.edu) is the organizer.
Registration is $20/per person, which includes lunch. There is a discounted price of $15/per person for groups of 8 or more, including faculty or guests. Students are required to present to enter the research paper, poster, and presentation competitions.
Our program for the 2024 symposium is at the bottom of this page.
All Social Sciences & Areas are Included
Research and poster presentations in any area of social science are welcome. “Social science” includes but is not limited to Sociology, Applied Sociology, Anthropology, Communication, Criminology, Economics, Geography, History, Media Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Race/Ethnic Studies, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Policy Studies, and Global/International Studies.
“Research” is broadly defined. However, posters, papers, and presentations must be based on data generated by some method of student inquiry.
Awards & Recognition
We look forward to honoring student presenters with awards!
All presenters will receive Certificates of Participation. The two best papers, the two best presentations, and the two best posters will each receive a Certificate for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and a cash prize.
How to Participate and Submit your Presentation
The 2026 deadline for abstracts is April 3, 2026. Papers are due April 3, 2026.
Please email the items listed below to jburke@fmarion.edu with the
subject heading "CUSSS"
- You name and institutional affiliation
- An abstract (approximately 200 words) that reflects the general content of the research paper, presentation, or poster
- Designation of the format – paper or poster
- Any equipment or accommodations that you may require for your presentation
Additional Information
Faculty sponsors are encouraged to help students submit abstracts and guide them with their posters and papers.
Undergraduate research papers, presentations, and posters with multiple authors may be presented. However, to be considered for each competition, they must be single authored. Students must be present to win.
Have any questions about CUSSS? Contact Dr. Jessica Burke at jburke@fmarion.edu.