The 2009 Student Research Symposium (SRS) showcased the research, scholarship, and creative activity of 359 SDSU undergraduate, masters and doctoral students. Students presented oral or poster presentation of their original work. Those delivering an oral presentation competed for one of 10 president's awards ($500 each) or one of two college dean’s awards ($250 each) from their respective colleges. Students presenting their work via poster were eligible for one of 15 provost's awards ($150 each). The 10 president's award winners represented SDSU at the CSU Student Research Competition.

The SRS is an annual event that provides a venue for sharing academic excellence and demonstrates SDSU’s commitment to discovery and innovation. The SRS’s success is due, in part, to faculty mentors who guided the students in their original scholarly work. Likewise, over 200 dedicated faculty, staff and community volunteers contributed their time and expertise to evaluating presentations and providing students with critical feedback.  2009 financial support came from the President's Leadership Fund, Aztec Parents Fund, Graduate and Research Affairs, Office of the Provost, Academic Deans, SDSU Research Foundation, SDSU Retirement Association, Honors Council, University Advancement, Student Research Committee, Undergraduate Studies, Associated Students, Amylin Pharmaceuticals and private donations.

The SRS is coordinated by the Division of Research Affairs and the University Research Council's Student Research Committee.