CS 3604: Professional Activities

Fall 2002, Dr. Rosson

The focus of this class is preparation for a professional career in computing, so we offer various mechanisms (and credit!) for engaging in professional behavior. These activities are scattered throughout the semester, so if you miss out on one, you will have plenty of chances to participate in others. The list below may change during the semester as more opportunities present themselves, so be sure to check this page regularly. Credit is calculated from a baseline of (20) hours of service learning, which yields 100% of this grade component. Each activity must be documented and submitted to the GTA for appropriate credit. All such documentation must be submitted no later than midnight on the last day of classes, 12/11/02.

1. Service learning:

   This is an option organized and provided through the Service Learning Department. To participate, students must go through an orientation, be assigned a service learning project, contribute 20 hours to the project over the semester, and write a final report (due on 12/9). If this option is completed, the student will receive 10 points for professional participation (full credit).

2. Volunteer work, e.g., through CS-squared or other organizations:

   Any volunteer work directed at CS concerns or issues will count as a professional activity (as long as you are not already getting credit for it under another course). This might be tutoring or other mentoring activity, working with community groups on computer projects, etc. Such activities must be documented and signed off by the activity organizer or client, including number of hours contributed. Points will be assigned accordingly.

3. Participation in the online debates:

   In the second half of the semester, teams will be organizing and conducting online debates. Students may receive up to 6 points professional credit for full participation, defined as contribution of at least one reasonable and thoughtful comment to each debate (not counting your own). The portion of the 6 points assigned will be determined by the number and quality of contributions.

4. Career night for graduating seniors:

   On September 23 (7-9pm, Bowman Room in Cassell), there will be a Career Reception for graduating seniors. A small executive committee will meet September 2 (5-6pm, McBryde 655) to plan the reception; students who participate in this meeting will receive 2 points of professional activity credit. Graduating seniors (December or May) who attend the event and sign the attendance sheet will receive 2 points.

5. Departmental seminars, guest speakers, etc.:

   Throughout the semester, there are likely to be departmental or guest speakers who give technical presentations. Students who attend any such event and sign up on the attendance sheet will receive 2 points. These opportunities must be announced in advance to receive credit; feel free to alert the instructor or GTA if you know of one coming up.

6. Leadership in theACM Student Chapter, UPE, or AWC:

   The department sponsors several undergraduate organizations aimed at supporting other students or providing professional development. Students who participate as an officer in any of these groups will earn 5 points of professional participation.

7. Possible extra credit:

   Some students will by nature "do it all", meaning that they may participate in service learning, the student chapters, the seminars, the debates, etc. Such students may receive up to 5 points added to their overall course grade average, depending on level of contribution.