FAQs

All current UW-Milwaukee students are eligible. We encourage students from diverse academic backgrounds, including computer science, engineering, business, supply chain management, data science, ITM, and more.

Not necessarily! While programming knowledge (especially Python) is helpful, you can collaborate with team members who have coding expertise. This is also a great opportunity to learn new skills.

The specifications document is posted in the hackathon Canvas site. Team members will be enrolled in the Canvas site upon registering for the hackathon.

The coaches schedule is listed in the Canvas site. They will offer remote coaching October 22-23 and October 29-31. In-person coaching at CSI will be offered October 24-25.

Python is the preferred language due to its compatibility with the auto-scorer. However, other languages are allowed if you can integrate them with the scoring tool.

Yes, open-source code is allowed, but it must be properly cited. All work must comply with ethical guidelines.

CSI has licenses for Finite Scheduler. Teams are invited to use the software in CSI’s Emulation/Simulation Lab. Check in at the front desk and request access.

The hackathon will be judged based on a combination of automatic scoring, presentations, and a final report (submitted by the top 3 teams). Teams will be evaluated on the efficiency of their scheduling solutions and their ability to explain and defend their approach. Judges include professionals from Kimberly-Clark, Rockwell Automation, and UWM faculty.

The top 3 teams will submit a detailed report explaining their algorithm, strategy, and results. The report should include documentation of your code and a clear explanation of any external software used. A sample report will be provided on the Hackathon Canvas site.