FAQs
ACM
What can BPDC ACM offer outside the university curriculum?
With the fast paced growth of the world around us, we see a bunch of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, data science, web development, blockchain, internet-of-things (IoT), quantum computing, computational biology and more!
Our goal is to have our members primed and ready with the essentials and foundations required to be literate in these fields so that they have a competitive advantage over the average B.E student when they graduate.
We achieve this by inviting industry professionals and research scientists for talks and seminars on these technologies and also by fostering a student-to-student mentorship for sessions and workshops to induce collaborative learning.
How does BPDC ACM compare to other clubs?
We openly collaborate with fellow clubs at university over the academic year to deliver events that are unique to our shared goals and ideas.
How do I know that ACM is right for me?
As much as we’d love to list the reasons here, we would much rather you take some time to interact with one of our council members. They can advise you on how you could fit in at the club and recommend a skill track for achieving your goals.
I am not a Computer Science student, can I still join ACM?
Yes! You are eligibile for both the official ACM and ACM BPDC's student membership options. We hold a number of interdisciplinary events and programs where our members pick up inisghts and skills in various fields. While the club activities are mainly tailored for improving CS skills, students from other engineering disciplines can benefit from being a part of these programs.
What is ACM?
ACM brings together computing educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. As the world’s largest computing society, ACM strengthens the profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life‐long learning, career development, and professional networking.
Events
Can a BPDC ACM member conduct a workshop?
Yes! Any member can conduct a free/paid workshop if they express interest to a council member for the same. We encourage our members to step forward and host an event on a topic they are passionate about and we provide all the necessary support through promotions and guidance on hosting it in-line with our standards.
Will BPDC ACM organise XYZ kind of event?
The club seeks to host events in diverse topics of computer science and related fields. We are constantly planning and executing events that we feel will benefit our members everyday. If you would like to see a particular kind of event, feel free to express yourself on one of our public groups, or to a council member and we will consider the interest.
Do I need to know coding to participate in the events?
Yes, and no. There will be events/competitions that require you to know at least one programming language to participate in a way that you stand a chance to win. In such cases, we usually host a pre-session to provide the necessary training for this contest. Other workshops will set aside a couple of sessions to train a member in a specific programming language before the core aspect of the event kicks off. We host other kinds of events which will test skills that are unrelated to coding as well.
What kind of events does BPDC ACM hold over the academic year?
Our events include,
Semester-long workshops aimed at building proficiency in a particular domain or a programming language. (Python, Competitive Programming, iOS development, etc.)
Short term workshops to introduce concepts and apply them hands-on. (Blockchain, Business Analytics, PC Building, etc.)
Competitions/tournaments such as Capture the Flag, Play2Code, etc.
Talks/seminars hosted by professionals.
Collaborations with other clubs for events such as Big Oh, AI Play, etc.
International coding competitions such as hosting Google Hashcode.
SIGs
Are ACM CP, ACM AI, ACM Dev and ACM Hex different clubs?
No. CP, AI, Dev and Hex are are called special interest groups (SIGs) of BPDC ACM and they come entirely under our flag. The SIGs are designed to bring like-minded students together to take sessions and hold competitions on a weekly basis in the SIG of their interest. They form the crux of how we go about student-to-student mentorships.
Can I be a part of more than one SIG?
Yes, BPDC ACM members can attend any SIG event of their choice. Members will have to enquire about series-sessions where topics discussed in current sessions will depend on what was discussed in previous ones.
I am interested in XYZ, which SIG will work out for me?
Enquire with an ACM council member. They can direct you to a SIG that best suits your requirements.
Miscellanous
What is BPDC ACM-W and what is it’s relation to BPDC ACM?
ACM-W is ACM Women’s chapter which is aimed at promoting and empowering women in the field of computer science. ACM-W is our sister club in university and both of us derive from the official ACM.
Can members of ACM join W and vice-versa?
Any BPDC ACM member can join BPDC ACM-W if and only if the membership is approved by W based on their own criteria. Any BPDC ACM-W member is welcome to be a member of BPDC ACM provided that the membership fee is paid.
How are council members chosen?
The council is divided into Core Council and Executive Council. New members for Executive Council are chosen at the beginning of the second semester. There is a full-council selection at the end of every academic year. Selections happen in 2 phases. First, interested candidates send in their CV to the ACM mail. Then, the shortlisted candidates are called for an interview hosted by 2-3 current council members in the presence of the faculty sponsor. Based on the interview, council members are selected for the upcoming duration.