Contest Rules

  1. Poems must be submitted/postmarked no later than Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
  2. Participants must be full-time students registered in any undergraduate (baccalaureate) program at Western University, including Affiliates.
  3. Previous first-prize winners are not eligible.
  4. The winner will be notified by email no later than May.
  5. The results will be posted on the Department of English and Writing Studies website and social media channels.

Submission and judging criteria

  1. Entries to be submitted in hard copy or PDF format to: Poynt Competition, Department of English and Writing Studies, University College, Room 2401, Western University or by email in PDF format to: uenglish@uwo.ca.
  2. Poems must be in English and may use any style of poetry.
  3. Poems will be judged for their originality and for their use of form and technique, traditional or contemporary, in a skillful and creative way to create or intensify themes or effects.
  4. Total entry not to exceed 4 pages. Maximum 150 lines. Entries might be one longer poem or several shorter poems.
  5. Entries must be original, titled, previously unpublished, and not currently under evaluation for publication.
  6. Poems must be typed on 8.5 x 11 paper in 12-point type.
  7. Entries cannot be returned. Entrants retain their copyright.
  8. Submissions will be numbered and coded before the judging by a contest organizer who is not a judge.
  9. Submission must include a cover page marked Poynt Competition with the following information:
    • your name
    • student number
    • permanent mailing address
    • telephone number
    • email address
    • title of poem(s)
    • do not include your name on the poem page
    • no staples
    • contest name: Alfred Poynt Award in Poetry

Inquiries to: Shelli Hunter | uenglish@uwo.ca