Computer Science

Clubs and Organizations

The Spelman College Computer Science Department has the following student organizations. If there are other clubs and organizations that should be listed, please let us know.

• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

• ACM Programming Team. This team meets regularly to learn, discuss and practice programming techniques. They compete annually in the ACM-sponsored Southeast Regional Programming Competition.

• Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE)--Zeta Chapter.

  History: Computing Sciences is a relatively young discipline. Yet despite its comparative youth, Computing Science has had an unparalleled effect on almost every aspect of contemporary life. Indeed it is difficult to predict the ultimate place of the computer in our world. It is the express purpose of Upsilon Pi Epsilon to promote the Computing Sciences and to encourage its contribution to the enhancement of knowledge.

  Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) was first organized at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, in 1967. The international organization now consists of chapters in various colleges and universities in North America and overseas.

  Mission Statement The mission of Upsilon Pi Epsilon is to recognize academic excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the computing sciences.

  Guidelines and Goals Upsilon Pi Epsilon is an honorary society whose membership consists of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in Computing Science. Only schools that offer a degree in a computing science-related discipline may be chartered. Likewise, prospective student members must be working toward a degree in Computing Science at the time they are considered for membership. Yet members are chosen not only for their scholastic achievement in a computing science program, but also for distinguishing themselves as true professionals by meeting the standards of the society. Membership is limited to those who can effectively achieve the original goals of the society. These goals include:

  1. The recognition of outstanding talent in the field of computing science,
  2. The promotion of high scholarship in computing science,
  3. The establishment and maintenance of high standards in computing science,
  4. The representation of computing science in interdisciplinary communications, and
  5. The encouragement of individual contributions to society through computing science.

The following are professional organizations for computer scientists. It's worth learning what they are and considering joining, certainly upon graduation. Again, if there are other organizations that should be listed, please let us know.

• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)"

• The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Contrary to what you might expect, this organization is not just for electrical engineers. The IEEE sponsors computer conferences, journals, and bulletins. Many computer scientists are members.

• American Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)". This is the premiere professional society for AI researchers.

• National Society of Black Engineers. This is an organization for engineers and information technology professionals. NSBE has student chapters; you get membership forms via their web page.