The School of Computing’s Belonging Engagement & Affinity Computer Hangout (BEACH) was conceived in Fall 2022 and launched in Spring 2023 with support from an Undergraduate Mini-grant award from the College of Engineering, the Vergnano Institute for Inclusion, and the School of Computing. The program provides a space open daily for undergraduate students to meet and collaborate, and is staffed by a team of undergraduate student leaders: school-level teaching assistants, called BEACH Lifeguards, and a program manager, the BEACH Patrol. A series of technical and career workshops, as well as social activities to promote a sense of community in the rapidly growing School of Computing, are also key components of the BEACH program.
We are grateful to the 2023-2024 BEACH staff for an excellent job leading the BEACH this year!