To download a copy of the NHD Rule Book, click HERE
Three Grounds for Project Disqualification
- Plagiarizing all or part of the NHD project. Please note that failing to give proper credit is plagiarism. This is presenting the work or ideas of others in ways that give the impression that they are your own (copying information word-for-word without using both quotations and citations, paraphrasing an author’s ideas without proper attribution, or using visuals or music without giving proper credit). Plagiarism in any form will result in disqualification.
- Reusing, individually or as a group, a project (or research from a project) from a previous year, or entering a project in multiple contests or entry categories within a contest year. 3. Tampering with any part of the project of another student.
- Tampering with any part of the project of another student.
Student Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves, both in person and online, in a manner that brings credit to themselves, their schools, and the affiliates they represent. Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of the students in their charge.
NHD Rules and Policies for Participants
Please remember that National History Day is concerned not only for the safety and well-being for students, but also for upholding the wishes of parents, teachers, school principals, and the many supporters who have a vested interest in the students' participation. As guests at the West Virginia University, you are expected to abide by the same rules the university has established for its students. To ensure that your stay is pleasant and trouble-free, you must observe the following rules:
- You may not physically harm, threaten to harm, or harass any person, including provoking and/or engaging in physical fights or malicious pranks.
- Alcoholic beverages or other drugs are expressly prohibited except those prescribed by a doctor.
- Possession of any weapons, firecrackers, or other flammable materials is prohibited.
- You may not tamper with the fire system or fire safety equipment. You may not set or fuel a fire of any size.
- You are responsible for complying with the requests of all chaperones and West Virginia officials, including cooperating in cases where you are aware of rules being broken by other students.
National History Day encourages students to express creativity and innovation in their entries, but the foundation lies in the execution of historical research. Entries will be graded by Historical Quality, Relation to the Theme, and Clarity of Presentation.
Historical Quality (60%)
- Historical Accuracy
- Historical Context
- Analysis and interpretation
- Use of primary sources
- Wide research
- Balanced research
Relation to Theme, "Conflict and Compromise" (20%)
- Clearly relates to theme
- Demonstrates significance of topic in history and draws conclusions
Clarity of Presentation (20%)
- Presentation, written materials are original, clear, appropriate, organized and articulate
- Entry is organized; visual impact is appropriate to topic