Texas Tech University

Impact Talk Review Rubric

Thank you for serving as an Impact Talk reviewer! Please use the rubric and scoring column below to rate each Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URCA) presentation in your session. Each presenter should explain how their URCA project has/will make an impact.

  • Impact may relate to the cultural or societal value of their work.
  • Impact may look like opportunities to commercialize work.
  • Impact may relate to advancing the state of knowledge in a particular field of research.

Reviewers are asked to evaluate how effectively presenters make this case, not the perceived merit of the claimed impact.

10-Point Evaluation Criteria

Impact "Factor"

How well did the presenter make a case that their project is making an impact? (Score: 1-10)

  • Beginning (1-2 points): Impact on the field/culture/future scholarly work, benefit to society, and/or potential for commercialization was not addressed.
  • Developing (3-5 points): Impact on the field/culture/future scholarly work, benefit to society, and/or potential for commercialization could be better clarified.
  • Proficient (6-8 points): Impact on the field/culture/future scholarly work, benefit to society, and/or potential for commercialization are generally clear.
  • Mastery (9-10 points): Impact on the field/culture/future research, benefit to society, and/or potential for commercialization are clearly addressed.

Visual Communication

How effectively did presenter use (or not use) their single Impact Talk slide? (Score: 1-10)

  • Beginning (1-2 points): Slide choice hurt their presentation.
  • Developing (3-5 points): Slide choice did not enhance presentation.
  • Proficient (6-8 points): Slide choice generally enhanced presentation.
  • Mastery (9-10 points): Slide choice significantly enhanced presentation.

5-Point Evaluation Criteria

Clarity

Did the presenter clearly describe the impact of their URCA project?

  • No (0 Points)
  • Yes (5 Points)

Approachability

Did the presenter make their project approachable for a non-expert audience?

  • No (0 Points)
  • Yes (5 Points)

Personal Impact

Did the presenter clearly explain how they personally were making an impact (beyond the general impact of the broader project)?

  • No (0 Points)
  • Yes (5 Points)

Timing

Did the presenter effectively use their time without going over 3 minutes?

  • No (0 Points)
  • Yes (5 Points)

Total Score

Maximum Points Possible: 40

Presenter Award

Should this presenter be considered for an outstanding presenter award? (Note: does not guarantee selection for presenter finals session)

  • Yes
  • No

 

Center for Transformative Undergraduate Experiences

© 2026  Texas Tech University Jun 12, 2026 9:15 AM