GENERAL FAQs
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General Contest FAQs
Go to the Guidelines page to access the 2026 Team Manual.
Q: What are WERC's online resources? (Posted 9/22/25)A: WERC website: Find tasks, manuals, forms, schedules, travel tips.
Team Site: Advisors, teams, and judges register to participate in the contest, upload photos, reports, and enter and view scores.
ESP Short course: link will be available on the Team site, and may also be emailed to registered teams.
Q: For the full-scale design, we are not to include the cost of the building that would house our solution. What about solar panels used to power our solution? (Updated 1/28/26)
A: Make sure you include costs of building any equipment or special structures needed to specifically make your design function. If you will be incorporating PV modules specifically to power your design, include the costs of purchasing, connecting, maintaining, and retiring them.
Q: What power supplies will be available to us at the contest? For example, are we be expected to bring our own DC power supply? (Updated 1/28/26)
A: Yes, you need to bring your own power supplies (either to plug into the traditional 110V outlets or if using solar panels, be sure to request an outdoor bench-scale booth in your 30% Review.
Q: For the 30% review, should we include sources/references? (Updated 1/28/26)
A: No need, unless you think your ideas might sound far-fetched, and you feel the need to provide evidence of taking a reasonable path.
Q: For the 30% Project Review, does the four pages include figures? (Updated 1/28/26)
A: Yes, but don't make them tiny and unreadable just to stay within the page limit. Because a diagram speaks a thousand words, if your diagram needs a full page, you can add one. We trust you as engineers to use your judgement on this.
Q: How do we get the link to the ESP Short Course, and when will it be available?
A1: We will make it available in the Team Site.
Q: Should the PFD be based off the bench-scale or the full-scale design plans? (Updated 9/22/25)
A1: The PFD in the technical report should include all processes and components as they apply to both your full-scale and bench-scale prototype designs. The PFD for the prototype should reflect the full-scale design as closely as possible.
A2: The PFD in the 30% Project Review and the ESP should include all processes and components as they apply only to the bench-scale prototype.
Q: Where can we find a downloadable WERC logo? (Posted 8/12/25)
A: It is posted on our website (WERC.nmsu.edu) under the top tab: "PRESS KIT"
Q: What are the protocols for using our college logos, WERC logos, sponsor logos? (Posted 9/22/25)
A: At the all events, please feel free to wear your school colors, proudly display your logo, etc.
Place the WERC logo and all sponsor logos on: presentations slides and poster. Spell sponsor names correctly!!
Q: When is the technical report due? (Posted 9/09/25)
A: The technical report is due on Friday, March 26, 2027, 11:59 PM (Your time zone).
Q: What is the attire for the different events at the contest? (Posted 7/02/24)
A: Please see the Contest Timeline (Team Manual) for event attire.
Q: To what address can we ship equipment to Las Cruces prior to coming to the contest?
A: Please see your Team Manual and the Equipment Transport Form for information.
Q: For the written report, are we allowed to add in actual pictures of our design? (Posted 8/02/25)
A: Yes! Teams should include photos of their equipment in their technical report. The more images the better.
Q: What is the deadline for submitting the technical report draft to our auditors? (Posted 8/02/24)
A: We suggest that you target March 6 for submitting your draft to your auditors. This allows 3 weeks for them to read their section, send comments, and potentially review your report a second time. See Team Manual.
Q: What should we put in the social media post? (Posted 8/02/24)
A: Send out something friendly and exciting that thanks the sponsors and tells people what you are doing, like this: We are excited to be solving xxxx at the WERC Environmental Design Contest in Las Cruces, NM. We send a big "Thank you" to our sponsors: @XXX, @XXX. (But put it in your own words--you don't want everyone to use this same phrasing.) Include a photo of your team having fun working on the project. Please try to post all along the way. This helps all of us - it brings visibility to your school, to the sponsors, and to WERC.
Q: Registration says "Gender for Style." What does that mean? (Posted 7/16/23)
A: Faculty and judges receive a gift of a jacket or vest. The Ladies versions are narrower in the waist than the men’s versions. If you prefer it larger in the waist, select “Male.” If you prefer it narrower in the waist, select “Female.” All participants receive a T-shirt. T-shirts are unisex sizing.
Q: What computer connections will be available for presentations at the contest? (Posted 7/16/25)
A: HDMI is provided. We also have VGA-to-HDMI adapters. Your team should bring any other needed adapters.