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Student Activities Conference - UTRGV Program

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS

ACADEMIC COORDINATORS: Dr. David Stevens, UIL Director of Academics

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Coordinators and Coaches Update. Room EENGR 1.274  
    This is an overview of how the academic coordinator can ensure a successful UIL academic program. We will cover dates, forms and changes for the year. Dr. David Stevens, UIL Director of Academics.
  10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Survival Tips for the Academic Coordinator and Coach. Room EENGR 1.274    
    A few ideas on balancing coordinator, coaching and teaching duties to provide a great experience for your UIL academic program. Guest Presenter.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. I’m the New Academic Coordinator. Room EENGR 1.274    
    For beginning academic coordinators and coaches. We will cover the basics of getting started and the resources available. Dr. David Stevens, UIL Director of Academics.

Academics

 

ACCOUNTING: Kay Whitton, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 a.m.
  • Session #TBA.  Accounting Basics of Success. Room ESCNE 2.507
    While medals and plaques may be the ultimate goal, there are many levels of success. Come get ideas about how to start a successful accounting program and build that program over time, not overnight!
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Accounting Cycle: Contest to College Major to Career. Room ESCNE 2.507  
    The Accounting contest offers rewards that can lead to success far beyond a state medal. Come learn how you can find lifelong fulfillment starting with a simple accounting cycle.
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Accounting Rocks! Room ESCNE 2.507    
    An organized game plan to help students (and coaches) learn UIL accounting, using the revised accounting concepts list and resources from the accountingrocks.net website.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Mastering the Accounting Regional Test. Room ESCNE 2.507    
    Tips on advancing to the Regional meet, then understanding the four main concepts that must be learned to advance to State.

CURRENT ISSUES & EVENTS: Andy Bates, State Contest Director

  9:00 a.m.- 9:45 pm
  • Session #TBA. Current Issues & Events Introduction & Discussion. Room ESCNE 2.108  
    The Current Issues and Events contest is designed to help students stay informed about more than what is on Twitter, including issues at the local, state, national and international levels. Over time, students become more informed members of society and more culturally aware. Over time, the contest evolves. Discuss this evolution.

BARBARA JORDAN HISTORICAL ESSAY CONTEST

  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. One Essay, Big Impact. Room ESCNE 1.604  
    Discover how students can spotlight individuals, organizations, or movements that have shaped Texas history and culture. This session offers guidance on selecting meaningful subjects and crafting essays that celebrate positive contributions. Students could become UIL state finalists by submitting one essay online. Aaron Cuevas, PSJA Early College HS.

JOURNALISM: Ivan Silva and Luis Alaniz, La Joya ISD

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA.  Copy Editing 101. Room ESCNE 2.104
    Copy editing means more than spelling and punctuation. It’s a skill that prepares students for college and the workforce. Learn different levels of editing from checking grammar and style to assessing the legal and ethical implications of mass media. 
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am
  • Session #TBA. Good News. Room ESCNE 2.104
    Lead with the future event. Then what? In this session, we’ll talk about what makes an award-winning news story and see how you can become a successful reporter for “The Leaguetown Press.” 
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. Feature Comforts. Room ESCNE 2.104  
    A powerful lead is everything. In this session, we’ll look at how the best feature leads draw the reader into a story — and draw the writer into a successful feature writing contest.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. Take a Stand. Room ESCNE 2.104  
    The Highly Capable and Hardworking Human is in the house as we study the editorial writing contest. Get ready to make your voice heard. 
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm
  • Session #TBA. It's All in Your Head. Room ESCNE 2.104  
    A good headline tells the reader what the story is about and makes them want to read it, too. In this session, we’ll show you how it’s done. 

LITERARY CRITICISM: Mark Bernier, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA.  A Foundational Introduction to the Literary Criticism Contest. (Double Session Part I) Room Room EENGR 1.268
    We will engage in an interactive overview of the four parts of each test.  Bring your questions.
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am
  • Session #TBA. A Foundational Introduction to the Literary Criticism Contest. (Double Session Part II)  Room EENGR 1.268  
    We will engage in an interactive overview of the four parts of each test.  Bring your questions
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. Explicating Poetry for the Literary Criticism Contest. (Double Session Part I) Room EENGR 1.268  
    We will focus on preparing for Part 2 and Part 3 of the test. 
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. Explicating Poetry for the Literary Criticism Contest. (Double Session Part II) Room EENGR 1.268  
    We will focus on preparing for Part 2 and Part 3 of the test. 
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm
  • Session #TBA. The 2026 Reading List and The Handbook to Literature. Room EENGR 1.268  
    A discussion of how to use the Handbook in preparation for the test will follow a general overview of the selected reading for this year's Part 2. 

READY WRITING: Ruben Rodriguez, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA.  Ready Writing: An Overview of the Contest! Room EENGR 1.603
    For new contestants. Double Session Part I. A review of UIL rules, the Ready Writing rubric and contest fundamentals and writing strategies. Designed for first-year competitors and beginning coaches.
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. An Introduction and Review of the New Ready Writing Scoring Guide. Room EENGR 1.250  
    For new contestants. Double Session Part II. A review of UIL rules, the Ready Writing rubric and contest fundamentals and writing strategies. Designed for first-year competitors and beginning coaches.
11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA.  An Introduction and Review of the New Ready Writing Scoring Guide for Contestants and Coaches. Room EENGR 1.603
    For new contestants. Double Session Part I. An overview of changes in the new rubric used for grading.
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. An Introduction and Review of the New Ready Writing Scoring Guide for Contestants and Coaches. Room EENGR 1.250  
    For contestants and coaches. Double Session Part II. An overview of changes in the new rubric used for grading.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Andy Bates, State Contest Director

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am
  • Session #TBA. Introduction to the Social Studies Contest. Room ESCNE 2.108  
    Double Session Part I. Discuss the basics of how to approach the UIL Social Studies Contest.
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. Introduction to the Social Studies Contest. Room ESCNE 2.108  
    Double Session Part II. Discuss the basics of how to approach the UIL Social Studies Contest.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. Social Studies: Advanced. Room ESCNE 2.108  
    Double Session Part I. Review rules, contest format, information related to this year’s topic, what type of questions to expect and resources that will prove useful.
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm
  • Session #TBA. Social Studies: Advanced. Room ESCNE 2.108  
    Double Session Part II. Review rules, contest format, information related to this year’s topic, what type of questions to expect and resources that will prove useful.

SPELLING & VOCABULARY: Linda Berrey, State Contest Director

10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. Becoming Legitimate Logophilic Laureates. Room ESCNE 2.102
    Strategies for upping your spelling game.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. Strategies for Upping Your Spelling Game. Room ESCNE 2.102  
    Applying spelling strategies and taking a practice test.

STEM

CALCULATOR APPLICATIONS: Dave Bourell, State Contest Director

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. Beginning-Introduction to the Contest. Room ESCNE 1.288 
    Review format, scoring and types of problems. 
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am
  • Session #TBA. Intermediate-State of the 2026 Contest and Units Workshop. Room ESCNE 1.288   
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. Intermediate – Acceleration and Trajectory Stated Problems. Room ESCNE 1.288   
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. Advanced - Taking and Scoring a Full Contest. Room ESCNE 1.288   

COMPUTER SCIENCE: Dr. Shyamal Mitra, State Contest Advisor 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. UIL CS Contest Rules. Room EENGR 1.242 
    This session is for first-time contestants and coaches. We will review the contest's structure and the basic rules for the written and the programming parts. We will share some tips on how to do well in both.
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am
  • Session #TBA. Computational Thinking. RoomEENGR 1.242   
    The foundation of Computer Science is computational thinking. It is a powerful approach to problem-solving with or without computers. Ours will be a gentle introduction to computational thinking using puzzles.
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. Syntax of Java. Room EENGR 1.242 
    We will cover the basic syntax of Java, including object-oriented programming concepts that will allow you to write powerful programs. We will discuss strategies for mastering the written test.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. Basic Algorithms. Room EENGR 1.242   
     Algorithms are step-by-step solutions to computational problems. Most algorithms are composed of some critical components. We’ll cover basic algorithms and classes of algorithms, including recursion and data structures, which are helpful in the programming contest.
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm
  • Session #TBA. Computing Resources. Room EENGR 1.242  
    We will survey the resources that are available for self-study or used in a school curriculum to produce world-class programmers.

MATHEMATICS & NUMBER SENSE: Cliff McCurdy & Larry White, State Contest Directors 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. Mathematics Contest. Room EENGR 1.300 
    Overview of the UIL Mathematics contest: guidelines, rules, resources, practice materials, Q&A. Cliff McCurdy, state contest director.
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am
  • Session #TBA. SAC 2025 Mathematics Test. Room EENGR 1.300  
    Take/grade the new 40-minute 60-question SAC 2025 Mathematics test followed by Q & A to discuss/answer questions from the test. Cliff McCurdy, state contest director.
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. UIL Number Sense Contest. Room EENGR 1.300  
    Overview of the UIL Number Sense contest: guidelines, rules, resources, practice materials, Q&A. Larry White, state contest director.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. SAC 2025 Number Sense Test. Room EENGR 1.300  
    Take/grade the new 10-minute 80-question SAC 2025 Number Sense test followed by Q & A to discuss/answer questions from the test. Larry White, state contest director.
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm
  • Session #TBA. Number Sense and Mathematics Joint Session. Room EENGR 1.268  
    Work, discuss and answer questions from the tests. Cliff McCurdy and Larry White, state contest directors.

ROBOTICS: David Trussell, UIL Director of STEM

  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am
  • Session #TBA. Introduction to UIL Robotics. Room EENGR 1.262  
    Double Session Part I. An overview of program structure, options and guidelines for participation, recommended resources, and more.
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. Introduction to UIL Robotics. Room EENGR 1.262  
    Double Session Part II. An overview of program structure, options and guidelines for participation, recommended resources, and more.

SCIENCE: Dr. David Bixler, Dr. Brian Anderson and Meghan Pavlicek, State Contest Directors 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. The Big Picture. Room ESCNE 2.106 
    An overview of the Science contest, how to prepare your students and what to expect from the test writers. Dr. David Bixler, Dr. Brian Anderson, and Meghan Pavlicek, state contest directors.
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 am
  • Session #TBA. Meet the New Biology Contest Director. Room ESCNE 2.106  
    Meet the new director and hear about her approach to writing questions, with a brief look ahead to the 2026 season. Meghan Pavlicek, state contest director.
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 am
  • Session #TBA. Chemistry Deep Dive. Room ESCNE 2.106  
    A discussion of the process used by the Chemistry director when he writes questions for the UIL exams and suggestions for preparing for the chemistry portion of the exam. Dr. Brian Anderson, state contest director.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 pm
  • Session #TBA. Physics Deep Dive. Room ESCNE 2.106
    Deconstructing the Science test, with insights into how Physics section is developed. Dr. David Bixler, state contest director.
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 pm
  • Session #TBA. Coaches' Roundtable. Room ESCNE 2.106
    A discussion among UIL Science Coaches and Science Directors about topics such as recruiting, motivating, and preparing students for the UIL Science competition. New coaches as well as veteran coaches are invited to attend. Dr. David Bixler, Dr. Brian Anderson, and Meghan Pavlicek, state contest directors.
 
 

SPEECH

 

CONTEST: Director, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room 
    While 
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel

CONTEST: Director, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room 
    While 
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel  

CONTEST: Director, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room 
    While 
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel

CONTEST: Director, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room 
    While 
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Title. Room  
    A panel 

 

THEATRE

ONE-ACT PLAY: Paula Rodriguez, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. One-Act Play Session. Room 
    TBA 
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. One-Act Play Session. Room  
    TBA
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Meet the OAP Judges- The Most Common Notes I Find Myself Giving as an Adjudicator in the UIL One-Act Play Contest. Room  
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Let’s start from the very beginning: UIL One Act Play Rules, Planning, Updates and Questions. Room  
    For ALL OAP Directors. (Double Session, Part 1), Paula Rodriguez, UIL State Theatre Director.
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Let’s start from the very beginning: UIL One Act Play Rules, Planning, Updates and Questions. Room  
    For ALL OAP Directors. (Double Session, Part 2), Paula Rodriguez, UIL State Theatre Director.
 

FILM: 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. Getting Started with the UIL Film Festival. Room 
    Are you new to UIL Film? This session will give you a jump start. Get informed about the categories & rules, view examples of past winners, and find the inspiration. Paula Rodriguez, UIL State Theatre Director.                                                                                                                          
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. Behind the Camera: Communicating with Talent. Room ELABS 259
    In this workshop students will learn how to properly connect with their talent to create impactful films and documentaries. Jose Ochoa, Video Production Teacher, Sharyland HS.
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. And the Award Goes to...Building the Skills to Start an Award-Winning Film. Room ELABS 259
    In this session, students will learn how to get started on creating an award-winning film. Subjects include Camera Basics, Story Telling, Audio and Sound Effects, Editing and Submission to Film Festivals; Jose Ochoa, Video Production Teacher, Sharyland HS.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Creative Incubator: Power up Your Film Ideas. Room ELABS 259 
    In this session students will have the opportunity to learn new tactics on how to create fun and creative stories for their films. Jose Ochoa, Video Production Teacher, Sharyland HS. 

Theatrical Design: Rachael Gomez, State Contest Director. 

 9:00 a.m.- 9:45 am
  • Session #TBA. The Basics: What Is the Theatrical Design Contest? Room 
    This Session is for those looking to enter the contest for the first time or who would like a refresher on the expectations. Because the challenge is different every year, it is important to update as you are starting your competition year. If you have never participated but would like to… hopefully this session will inspire you to compete in what promises to be our best year ever.
  9:55 a.m.- 10:40 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. The Prompt. Room  
    Double Session Part I. Our contest this year is based on the play, THE KING STAG. The design challenges are super exciting and offer some new project opportunities within the different categories. This session will dig into the many possibilities of concepts to explore and how to incorporate the prompt within your designs.
10:50 a.m.- 11:35 a.m.
  • Session #TBA. The Prompt. Room  
    Double Session Part II. Our contest this year is based on the play, THE KING STAG. The design challenges are super exciting and offer some new project opportunities within the different categories. This session will dig into the many possibilities of concepts to explore and how to incorporate the prompt within your designs.
  11:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. What Makes a Winning Entry. Room  
    The Theatrical Design Contest incorporates a 30/30/20/20 Evaluation system. Learn what to do to maximize success within each criteria. This is ultimately an artistic communication contest so let’s talk about what that looks like for you. We will also talk pro-tips and tricks for making your entry stand out.
  12:40 p.m.- 1:25 p.m.
  • Session #TBA. Vertical Team Strategies to Engage Middle School Design Students and Build Your Team.. Room  
    With the introduction of the new UIL MS Theatrical Design Contest you have the chance to grow your learning and resources as a High School team. Learn lots of ways to work and learn together and exponentially increase your chance for success.