Welcome to the Programming for Graduate Students course at Western Michigan University, where the future of computer science takes shape. Our program offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with dynamic first-year graduate students brimming with energy, enthusiasm, and a profound desire to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world business solutions. These students, while primarily fresh faces in the field, are armed with a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to translating their newfound expertise into impactful solutions for your organization. By partnering with our institution and these budding tech talents, you'll gain access to a wealth of innovation and a source of fresh, dynamic thinking that can invigorate your business.

Expectations for a Successful Partnership

To make the most of this collaboration, we kindly request the following from our esteemed employers:

• Clear Business Projects: Provide a well-defined project in the field of study, offering students the opportunity to apply their programming skills to a real-world challenge within your organization.
• Guidance and Mentorship: Be willing to guide and mentor students throughout the project, sharing your expertise and providing constructive feedback.
• Passion for Collaboration: Approach the partnership with a passion for working closely with students in a collaborative and constructive manner.
• Time Commitment: Dedicate time to regularly engage with the students, offering guidance and support to ensure the project's success.

Steps to Match and Collaborate



1. Submit a Match Request: Begin by submitting a match request via Riipen to initiate contact with the professor and express your interest in collaborating.
2. Meet with the Professor: Arrange a meeting with the professor to discuss your project and its suitability for this experience. Ensure alignment with the course's objectives.
3. Confirm the Match: Once the match is confirmed on the Riipen platform, a group of talented students will be assigned to your project.
4. Collaborate for Success: Engage in meaningful collaboration with the students, providing guidance, feedback, and mentorship throughout the project's duration.

At the culmination of this collaboration, you can anticipate receiving:

• A comprehensive final report, summarizing key project findings and recommendations.
• A final presentation delivered by the student group, offering insights, learnings, and actionable outcomes.
• Flexibility in deliverable formats, which can be tailored to your organization's specific needs, with options open for discussion with the professor.