Computer science students seek software projects

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: 907-474-7902
10/13/08

University of Alaska Fairbanks computer science students are now accepting proposals for software design projects.

The projects allow students to gain real-world experience while local government, public service and private organizations gain customized software free of charge. Typical prices for commercial custom software development projects like those done annually by UAF students can run as high as $40,000. The projects often require more than 650 hours of software development per team of four to five students.

Students have developed more than 59 successful projects in the last 20 years. Last spring, student teams developed two systems for local customers. One project was software to control a robot for Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. The other project was a web-based system for the Far North Christian School. Both projects were judged successful by their respective customers.

Previous clients include Love INC, Fairbanks North Star Borough, City of North Pole, Bureau of Land Management, Fairbanks Taxi, University of Alaska Museum of the North, and the National Weather Service. Clients are partners in the educational process by working with students to clarify requirements and being involved in the evaluation of project outcomes.

The deadline for applications is 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, 2008. Requests can be submitted via e-mail to fycsci@uaf.edu or by regular mail to: Department of Computer Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 756670, Fairbanks, AK, 99775-6670. Proposals should include a basic description of your organization’s needs and contact information. Direct phone inquiries to at 907-474-2777.

CONTACT: Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu.

MLG/10-13-08/049-09