Concordia Cancels Classes to Celebrate Student Research

When your college cancels all classes for the day, you know something special is happening.

Concordia College Moorhead turned its entire campus into a celebration stage this week for the URSCA Symposium. The all-day event featured original research and creative projects from students across every discipline, from hard sciences to fine arts.

Student scholars presented work that normally stays hidden in labs, studios, and field sites. Projects spanned science experiments and data technology innovations alongside music compositions, artwork, and global studies research. The campus community got to see the outcomes of months of dedicated work.

The college didn't just make the symposium optional. Classes and practices were officially canceled so everyone could focus on celebrating student achievement. The day included awards, prizes, and activities honoring the scholars' accomplishments.

"Sometimes hard work happens in labs, in studios, and out in the field, and not a lot of people get to see the outcomes of that work," said Concordia Associate Professor Krys Strand. "And so this is an opportunity for them to really have a chance to share that."

The event, also known as Celebration of Student Scholars, has been building this tradition for seventeen years. Each year, the college reaffirms that student research matters enough to stop everything else.

The Ripple Effect

The message Concordia sends goes beyond one campus event. By canceling regular activities, the college tells students their intellectual curiosity and creative work deserves center stage. It shows younger students what's possible when they pursue their passions with dedication.

The symposium also breaks down walls between disciplines. Science majors see art projects, musicians learn about data research, and everyone discovers the breadth of talent among their peers. These connections spark new ideas and collaborations that extend far beyond graduation.

When institutions prioritize celebrating achievement over maintaining routine, they create cultures where excellence thrives.