{"id":5233,"date":"2026-02-12T22:29:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T22:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/?page_id=5233"},"modified":"2026-04-07T22:23:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T22:23:46","slug":"mugs-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/studentopportunities\/mugs-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Midwest Undergraduate Geography Symposium 2026 (MUGS)"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"introduction block-container\" >\n    <div class=\"introduction__content\">\n    \t        \t<p class=\"introduction__copy\">Macalester College is excited to host the 2026 Midwest Undergraduate Geography Symposium! MUGS brings together undergraduate students from across the Midwest to share research, explore new ideas, and celebrate geography in all its forms.\r\n\r\nWhether you want to present your projects and posters in a low-key setting, meet other geographers or support your family and friends, MUGS 2026 is for you. <\/p>\n    \t    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"collection-deadlines block-container\" >\n    <div class=\"collection-deadlines__inner\">\n        <div class=\"collection-deadlines__content\">\n                                        <h3 class=\"collection-deadlines__subheading\">Key Dates and Deadlines<\/h3>\n                                <ul class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-group\">\n                                            <li class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline\">\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-name\">Registration Deadline (Presenter)<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-divider\">\n                            \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol collection-deadlines__deadline-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-caret.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n                            <\/span>\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-date\">DEADLINE EXTENDED! Friday, April 17, 2026<\/span>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline\">\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-name\">Abstract Submission Deadline (Presenter)<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-divider\">\n                            \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol collection-deadlines__deadline-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-caret.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n                            <\/span>\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-date\">DEADLINE EXTENDED! Friday, April 17, 2026<\/span>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline\">\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-name\">Registration Deadline (Non-Presenter)<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-divider\">\n                            \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol collection-deadlines__deadline-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-caret.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n                            <\/span>\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-date\">April 28<\/span>\n                        <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline\">\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-name\">MUGS<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-divider\">\n                            \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol collection-deadlines__deadline-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-caret.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n                            <\/span>\n                            <span class=\"collection-deadlines__deadline-date\">May 2<\/span>\n                        <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                                    <div class=\"statistic-group__cta-container\">\n                        <div class=\"statistic-group__cta-inner\">\n                            <div class=\"statistic-group__cta\">\n                                <a class=\"base-cta-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.touchnet.com\/C23333_ustores\/web\/store_main.jsp?STOREID=80&amp;SINGLESTORE=true\" target=\"_self\">Register Today<\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tentative Program-at-a-Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>8:30 am \u2013 9:30 am \u2013 Registration and Breakfast<br>9:30 am \u2013 10:45 am \u2013 Concurrent Session 1<br>10:45 am &#8211; 10:55 am \u2013 Break<br>10:55 am &#8211; 12:10 pm \u2013 Concurrent Session 2<br>12:10 pm \u2013 1:00 pm \u2013 Keynote Speaker Bill Moseley<br>1:00 pm \u2013 2:15 pm \u2013 Lunch &amp; Poster Session<br>2:15 pm \u2013 2:25 pm \u2013 Break<br>2:25 pm &#8211; 3:40 pm \u2013 Concurrent Session 3<br>3:45 pm &#8211; Business Meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Student Presentation Opportunities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>1. <strong>Paper: <\/strong>A 15-minute presentation.&nbsp; The paper presentation allows for a more in depth look at or research topic within geography. Presentations will be grouped into sessions based on relevance\/topic. Examples:&nbsp;Capstone Project, Honors Project, or any in depth Geography research project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. <strong>Lightning: <\/strong>A 5-minute presentation. The lightning paper session is a group of very short presentations summarizing recent research or studies. A maximum of eight slides per presentation. Examples: Course research paper, poster, cartographic\/GIS\/remote sensing project, or preliminary research for an upcoming project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. <strong>Poster<\/strong>: Showcase your research or project work in a visually engaging, accessible academic poster. Posters should clearly communicate the project on their own, while presenters are also expected to engage with the audience, discuss their work, and answer questions during the session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. <strong>Attend:<\/strong> Fellow students, family and friends are welcome to attend to support budding geographers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Registration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Registration Fee for MUGS 2026 is $20. Fee includes light breakfast and lunch.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.touchnet.com\/C23333_ustores\/web\/store_main.jsp?STOREID=80&amp;SINGLESTORE=true\">Register for MUGS 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abstract Submission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Abstracts (maximum 200 words) are due no later than April 12 and are required for paper and lightning presentations. <strong>Please register for MUGS 2026 before submitting an abstract.<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdgZVvtbo32dInuo45rYek_RPSgCP1jAONk-tCV1b7yja4A3g\/viewform?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=113283142020731341376\">Submit your MUGS 2026 abstract<\/a><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MUGS 2026 Keynote Speaker Bill Moseley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 35%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Nourishing Geography: The Six Dimensions of a Thriving Discipline<\/strong><br>These are challenging times for American higher education and geography has not been immune to the headwinds. While periods of turmoil are disconcerting, these can also be times of opportunity if the discipline is proactive and strategic. This talk discusses six such challenges that also represent opportunities for the AAG and geography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About Bill Moseley<\/strong> <br>William G. Moseley is a DeWitt Wallace Professor of Geography and Director of the Food, Agriculture and Society Program at Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN. His research focuses on tropical agriculture, food security, environment and development, particularly in Africa. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters as well as 12 books. His research has been funded by the US National Science Foundation, the US Fulbright-Hays Program, and the American Geographical Society. In 2022-2023, he was a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, in 2016 he was awarded the Kwadwo Konadu-Agyemang Distinguished Scholar Award by the AAG, and in 2013 he received the AAG media award. He currently serves as president of the Mande Studies Association (MANSA) and President of the American Association of Geographers (AAG). He previously served as a member of the United Nations High Level Panel of Experts for Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN). His commentaries have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post and Al Jazeera English.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2020\/11\/Moseley-fall-2020-920x1024.jpg\" alt=\"William Moseley\" class=\"wp-image-2251 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2020\/11\/Moseley-fall-2020-920x1024.jpg 920w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2020\/11\/Moseley-fall-2020-269x300.jpg 269w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2020\/11\/Moseley-fall-2020-768x855.jpg 768w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2020\/11\/Moseley-fall-2020.jpg 1259w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MUGS 2026 Planning Committee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Catherine Kane &#8217;26<br>Oliver Matus-Bond &#8217;26<br>Eric Carter, Geography Department Chair<br>Connie DeLage, Geography Department Coordinator<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-FAQ-1.pdf\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-FAQ-1.pdf\">MUGS 2026 FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Download MUGS 2026 Flyer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-Promotional-Flyer-1.pdf\">MUGS 2026 MUGS Flyer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-Promotional-Flyer-768x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-Promotional-Flyer-768x1024.png 768w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-Promotional-Flyer-225x300.png 225w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-Promotional-Flyer-1152x1536.png 1152w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-Promotional-Flyer-1536x2048.png 1536w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/557\/2026\/02\/MUGS-2026-Promotional-Flyer.png 1728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact us <br><a href=\"mailto:mac-mugs@macalester.edu\">macmugs2026@macalester.edu<\/a><br><\/h2>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tentative Program-at-a-Glance 8:30 am \u2013 9:30 am \u2013 Registration and Breakfast9:30 am \u2013 10:45 am \u2013 Concurrent Session 110:45 am &#8211; 10:55 am \u2013 Break10:55 am &#8211; 12:10 pm \u2013 Concurrent Session 212:10 pm \u2013 1:00 pm \u2013 Keynote Speaker Bill Moseley1:00 pm \u2013 2:15 pm \u2013 Lunch &amp; Poster Session2:15 pm \u2013 2:25 pm [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1173,"featured_media":0,"parent":466,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5233","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1173"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5233"}],"version-history":[{"count":86,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5233\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5623,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5233\/revisions\/5623"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/geography\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}