Professional & Technical Communication -- Writing Contest

SUNYIT typically conducts an annual writing contest during the Spring semester. The 2003-2004 academic year marked the Twenty-Second Annual Contest. Follow the links below to find answers to typical questions:

Who is eligible?
What kind of submissions are appropriate?
How many works may I submit?
Is there a required format?
How will the submissions be rated?
How do I learn whether I've won and when do I get my award?
How may I get my work back?
When will I learn more about this year's contest?

Who is eligible?

Any student taking courses at SUNYIT during the academic year for which the contest in being held.

What kind of submissions are appropriate?

General Essay
This category includes papers written for history, literature, sociology, political science, or psychology classes; studies of ethical or professional issues; personal opinion essays with solid argumentative style.
Technical and Research Report
This category includes applications projects, statistical studies, experimental studies, survey response analyses, proposals, computer user documentation, or term project reports.
Creative Writing
This category includes poetry, short stories, satire, fantasy, or sections of novels or plays.
Print/Commercial Design
This category includes brochures, flyers, ads, posters, newsletters, or digital photography.
Digital Graphic Design
This category includes animation, digital video, or an entire website of your creation. Note: For this category, all submissions should be on a CD which is playable on a PC or Mac.

How many works may I submit?

One submission is allowed in each of the categories, except for Creative Writing where your poetry submission may include up to six poems.

Is there a required format?

All entries should be typed/word processed (except for visual design) and should include a cover sheet listing your name, mailing address, telephone number, category of submission, title(s) of the submission(s) and your student number. PLEASE PRINT YOUR STUDENT NUMBER ONLY (not your name) ON EACH SUBMISSION. Your NAME should appear only on the cover sheet which will be used after the selections are reviewed to determine the identity of the winners.

How will the submissions be rated?

Work will be reviewed for each category by a panel of judges who will assign a maximum of 5 points for each of the criteria listed below:

General Essay

Statement of Thesis, Style or Format, Argument/Evidence, Logical Development, Sophisticated Content, Sophisticated Use of Language, Technical Accuracy as Appropriate, and Awareness of Audience.

Technical and Research Report

Awareness of Audience, Clarity of Purpose, Appropriate Organization, Appropriate Design/Graphics, Logical Development, Sophisticated Content/Evidence, Sophisticated Use Of Language, and Technical Accuracy.

Creative Writing

Originality, Style or Format, Appropriate Length, Logical Development, Sophisticated Content, Sophisticated Use of Language, Technical Accuracy as Appropriate, and Awareness of Audience.

Print/Commercial Design

Balance, Movement, Proportion, Focus, Continuity/Unity, Clarity, Creativity, And Positive vs. Negative Space.

Digital Graphic Design

Movement, Focus, Continuity/Unity, Clarity, Dominance, Style, Creativity, and Navigation/Presentation. The entries that receives the highest average point count for each category will determine the winners. Should there be no prizeworthy work in a given category, that prize will not be given.

How do I learn whether I've won and when do I get my award?

Winners will be contacted by telephone no later than a week after the contest deadline, and a formal announcement will be sent to the college community. The awards will be presented at an Awards Ceremony. A published writer will be a special guest and invited to give a reading from his/her work. Among the past guests are: poets -- Amiri Baraka, Judith Johnson, Jackie Warren-Moore, and Omanii Abdullah; fiction writers -- Chris Zenowich and Barry Targan; non-fiction writer --Thomas Bass; novelist --Thomas Gavin; Native American storyteller - Joseph Bruchac; and perfomance artist and playwright Karen Eterovich.

How may I get my work back?

The best way to get your work back is to submit a self-addressed stamped envelope/mailer along with your entry. The School of Arts and Sciences will not guarantee the return of entries without this envelope/mailer.

When will I learn more about this year's contest?

Details will be announced in the spring via email, posters, and flyers, as well as on this web site. You may also contact contest coordinator Mary K. Perrone at: fmkp@sunyit.edu.