Gamers Battle in Multiplayer Chess at the "Be IT" Launch
Photo by Mark Ferguson

The “Be IT” campaign, launched on July 29, is designed to increase the number of skilled IT workers by encouraging young students to consider their future in computer science.

By introducing new classes for first year students (Comp 105 and 106), students can start programming in first year en route to a computer science degree geared specifically for a new generation of students.

Programming will allow students to develop software for the likes of Apple, X-Box 360, Nintendo Wii, and Playstation 3.

“We believe there’s a new kind of student we’re trying to meet,” said Eric Neufeld, head of the Computer Science Department. “We’re preparing students for a new kind of career.”

The initiative between the U of S and SaskInteractive is as likely a pair as Mario and Luigi. According to Neufeld, the partnership began soon after the new courses were being discussed in Computer Science.

“We have a lucky situation where business wants people to start going into computer science,” he said.

Although the new courses were not available when the university calendar was released, students can enroll now for the fall semester.

- Mark Ferguson, On Campus News