Mars Expo

Mars Expo is an interdisciplinary, role-playing academic event and competition pioneered by the General Education Department and University College. Students prepare projects and presentations with faculty mentors and compete as small colonies to win up to $1500 or as individuals to win up to $150.

Mars Expo aims to create community, incite imagination and curiosity, and help students navigate the temptations and challenges of our increasingly technocentric world. While students are welcome to use appropriate technology, the project also invites collaboration, creativity, and public facing scholarship through live performance and direct engagement. 

Mars Expo is open to any undergraduate student and faculty mentor. Participation can be through a class or through an independent project. 

The public presentation of colony teams, independent projects, and the collaborative Gold Record, will be Friday, November 20, 2026, on the Newnan Campus. However, interested faculty members can also host an event in Carrollton through their department and use Teams to stream in and join the fun! 

All colony teams will also be connected with a coach in addition to their faculty mentor. Coaches are recruited from staff, administration, and faculty, as well as the local community. To participate as a team coach, contact Melissa Jackson (mjackson@westga.edu).