Mizzou GPC Annual Interdisciplinary Case Competition

Solve real problems. Build real skills. Make a campus-wide impact.

Join students from across Mizzou for the Annual GPC Interdisciplinary Case Competition, where teams tackle a real challenge facing our university, pitch solutions to a panel of experts, and compete for cash prizes.

Across two high-energy days, you’ll test your ideas, sharpen collaboration and presentation skills, and connect with peers, faculty, and alumni who care about innovation at Mizzou.

Whatever you study – your perspective matters here. Come build something meaningful together.

Mizzou GPC ICC 2026 Recap

At a Glance

  • Who can participate: Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled at Mizzou
  • Teams: 2-4 students (any disciplines; mixed programs encouraged)
  • Prizes: Up to $500 per team member
  • Format: Two in person info sessions/seminars, case release, written brief of your proposed solution, prelims, finals, networking
  • When: Register your team until Dec. 5, present your pitch in Jan.
Team REgistration Information Session Registration Public Speaking Seminar Registration

Competition Objectives

  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Bring together varied expertise to solve complex problems.
  • Enhance critical thinking & problem solving. Analyze a real-world brief and craft actionable strategies.
  • Promote ethical decision-making. Center integrity and stakeholder impact in every recommendation.
  • Stimulate innovation & creativity. Propose bold, feasible ideas with lasting value.
  • Expand networks & exposure. Connect with judges, alumni, and campus leaders at the Networking Dinner.

Prizes

  • First place: $500 per team member
  • Second place: $300 per team member
  • Third place: $200 per team member
  • Honorable mentions: Recognition for fourth and fifth place teams.
  • Advisor spotlight: Faculty/staff advisors of winning teams recognized.

2025-26 Timeline

  • First info session and skills building seminar: Nov. 6 at 5.30 p.m.
  • Second skills building seminar: Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Team registration deadline: Dec. 5, 2025
  • Case released: Dec. 15, 2025 at 5 p.m.
  • Info session (Zoom): Jan. 15, 2026 at 1 p.m.
  • Case brief due: Jan. 19, 2026 by 5 p.m.
  • Day 1 (prelims & networking dinner): Jan. 21, 2026, 1-6 p.m.
  • Day 2 (finals): Jan. 22, 2026, noon-4 p.m.

How to Participate

  1. Register your team (by Dec. 5)
    Submit the online form with team name, leader, members (2-4), and optional advisor.
  2. Get the case & attend the info session
    Case drops Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. Join the Jan. 15 Zoom for guidance and Q&A.
  3. Build your solution
    Research, analyze, and develop a concise, well-supported plan.
  4. Submit your case brief (by Jan. 19, 5 p.m.)
    Follow the brief template and formatting requirements (shared at release).
  5. Present at prelims (Jan. 21)
    Deliver your 10-12 minute pitch + brief Q&A to judges.
  6. Compete in finals (Jan. 22)
    Top five teams present to the full panel and audience.

Judging Panel

A cross-campus panel of faculty, staff, students, and alumni evaluates clarity, feasibility, innovation, ethical considerations, and impact.

Chief Judge: Announced Dec. 15.

Eligibility & Teams

  • Open to all Mizzou undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
  • Teams of 2-4; cross-disciplinary teams strongly encouraged.
  • One faculty/staff advisor is optional (but recognized if your team places).

What You’ll Gain

  • A portfolio-ready case brief and presentation
  • Experience collaborating across disciplines
  • Feedback from experienced judges and campus leaders
  • Professional connections at the Networking Dinner
  • Real influence on ideas that could shape university initiatives

FAQs

Info Sessions and Seminar

To get you competition-ready with clear guidance, practical tools and skills, and time to ask questions.

  • Nov. 6 Info Session + Skills Seminar (5:30 p.m.)
    Overview of the competition (timeline, rules, scoring, deliverables), tips on working in teams and stress management, team-formation tips and roles.
    You’ll leave with: a clear game plan and (optionally) a draft team or a path to find teammates.
  • Dec. 4 Skills-Building Seminar (5:30 p.m.)
    Tips on public speaking and presenting. Advice on how to tackle the challenge, case that you will be given in December.
    You’ll leave with: a stronger outline for your brief/pitch

No. Come solo or with friends. We’ll help with team matching. 

Yes. The seminars are open to all Mizzou students, and attending doesn’t obligate you to join the competition. Come to build skills, meet people, or just learn. (If the room fills, priority seating may go to registered teams.)

About Case Competition

No. We’ll provide a brief, template, rubric, and an info session to get you started.

Yes. Register and we’ll help match you to a team.

No, but teams with an engaged advisor often benefit from coaching and perspective.

At least two members must attend each live round. Finals require the full team if selected.

Contact

Živilė Raškauskaitė
Director of Professional Development, Graduate Professional Council
Email: muoslprofdev@missouri.edu