Name: Daniel Monroy
Year in college: Third Year
Hometown: Guatemala
Favorite CS experience so far: I've enjoyed being involved in various organizations within CS because they make you feel as a part of the community. Talking to the professors and learning from their background is also an enriching experience since it also lets me explore the field.
CS First-year Pod Program
What is a Pod?
The CS First-year Pods are a program for all incoming first-year CS students to build CS community and connect students to CS-specific resources. Each student will be placed in a Pod course with a small group of other first-year students. An experienced CS mentor and CS staff facilitator will lead the weekly 1-hour meetings on several topics from time management to how to turn in your CS homework. Each Pod will also have a social aspect planned by their mentor. There will be several events over the semester such as capture the flag tournaments, scavenger hunts, community service events, and group study sessions that you will have the opportunity to attend with your Pod-mates!
How do I join?
The CS advisors will register each first-year student, so you do not need to do anything additional to get involved. Once you pick your schedule during orientation, we will add you to a Pod that fits in your schedule! Every incoming CS freshman and transfer student will be added to a Pod. Don't worry! The class doesn't add any hours to your schedule and we don't assign homework, so you will have plenty of time to focus on your other classes!
Who are the Pod mentors?
The Pod mentors are exceptional leaders and students at UT! Most of them are Computer Science majors who have encountered many of the issues you may face your first year. Your mentors will contact you near the end of the summer to introduce themselves and to set up any activities or events they may have planned for the weeks before classes start. You will also have a CS advisor that will help to facilitate your Pod meeting. They are an experienced contact person if you have issues that you and your mentor need help solving.
