April 29, 2020 (Middletown, Conn.) — For the sixth consecutive year, Middlesex Community College (MxCC) students presented original research during the college’s Academic Convivium, which took place virtually on Friday, April 24, 2020.
According to college CEO Steven Minkler, the Convivium is an annual research symposium and initially began as part of the Honors Program, where students could share their projects and establish a culture of academic excellence.
“Middlesex is one of only a couple of community colleges in Connecticut that has an event like this, so this makes us kind of special by allowing students to present research projects and to celebrate that in a very public way,” said Minkler during his welcoming remarks.
Throughout the afternoon, 18 MxCC students made oral presentations to showcase their academic research on topics ranging from the negative effects of smartphone use to human trafficking to racial discrimination in the criminal justice system, and much more.
“It’s really special watching students showcasing their work in a legitimate academic conference setting and watching everyone else learn from that work,” added Professor Andrea Levy, who coordinated and hosted the first-ever online version of the event.
Students provided detailed research that included statistics, survey results, analyses, and references primarily in PowerPoint presentations shared onscreen. Online attendees from the college community were also able to make comments and ask questions after each presentation.
Since 1966, Middlesex Community College has provided high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, enhancing the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. A part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, MxCC offers more than 70 degree or certificate programs at the main 35-acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden, and online.
