NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 29, 2017) – The deadline for the sophomore essay competition is Dec. 11, with cash prizes up to $200.

The Dillard Undergraduate Research and English departments and Will W. Alexander Library are hosting the 2018 Learning Commons Essay Competition.

Submissions of a five-page research paper on “Changing the Outward Signs of Racism” are to be made to the UG-RES-CRE course in Canvas by the deadline. The topic is a reference to the recent controversy surrounding Southern tributes to slavery such as the Confederate flag and historical monuments.

Lynn Strong, director of Undergraduate Research, said emphasis has been placed on library research, with librarians, faculty and advisers able to assist in locating resources.

 “You can go to the Internet, we don’t discourage that… but pure information is in the library,” she said.

Winners of the top three papers, decided upon by a panel of judges, will receive $200 for first place, $150 for second and $100 for third place.

Strong cited two goals for the competition: critical thinking and preparation for graduate school. Strong’s office also provides students research presentation opportunities such as Dillard’s annual Research Symposium and local, regional, and national conferences.

For entry guidelines and essay criteria, go to “Undergraduate research and creative work” in Canvas.