04/13 Event Summary: What CIS Classes Shall I take Next Semester?

This event featured a panel and discussion about CIS courses offered in Fall 2006. We were pleased to have quite a large number of undergraduate participants: 2 Sophomores, 2 Juniors, and 6 Seniors (including "non-graduating" seniors), the majority of whom are majoring in Computer Science. Other undergraduate participants are minoring in Computer Science or are considering switching to a CIS or IS major.

Special thanks go to Terry Harvey who gave wonderful advice to our undergraduate participants and who provided us with Jazz music. Also many thanks go to all the TAs who provided great advice.

Questions asked

• What classes should I take?
  
• What professors are the best for which courses?
  
• What have you heard about course X?
  
• How many and which classes do I need for a Major/Minor in Comp Sci?
  
• Which class is more related to Software Engineering, NLP, etc.?
  
• Which class is more useful for me?
  
• Why is this class required for a major/minor?
  
• What type of professor would be best to give me a letter of recommendation for graduate school/internship/job?
  

Future Events

This meeting was quite a success. People expressed their wish to have a similar event every semester from now on. It is a great opportunity to hear what fellow undergraduate students say about courses they took. It is also a way to get great advice from instructors and TAs.

Inspiration from Another School

The women's group at UI developed the Just Be program, a program to change young people's perception of computing. Their site may give us more ideas about what we can do!