Computing Sciences
Overview of UPE
[Upsilon Pi Epsilon is a tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code]
I. History
Computing Sciences is a relatively young discipline. Yet despite its comparative youth, Computing Science has had an unparalleled effect on almost every aspect of contemporary life. Indeed it is difficult to predict the ultimate place of the computer in our world. It is the express purpose of Upsilon Pi Epsilon to promote the Computing Sciences and to encourage its contribution to the enhancement of knowledge.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) was first organizaed at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, in 1967. The international organization now consists of chapters in various colleges and universities in North America and overseas.
The Association will accomplish this mission through programs that:
Enable outstanding students to obtain
recognition of superior educational achievement
that emphasizes the computing sciences as well
as liberal arts, sciences, and other professional
and interdisciplinary education in the context
of individual and societal responsibilities,
Assist in maximizing the personal and
professional growth of students in UPE by
financially supporting scholarships and other
creative endeavors that include the discovery,
integration, and application of knowledge,
Establish significant partnerships with
external constituencies interested in
promoting and subsidizing high quality
computing science education,
Seek opportunities to extend individual
memberships and chapter activities into
additional environments yet to become identified.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon is an honorary society whose membership consists of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in Computing Science. Only schools that offer a degree in a computing science-related discipline may be chartered. Likewise, prospective student members must be working toward a degree in Computing Science at the time they are considered for membership. Yet members are chosen not only for their scholastic achievement in a computing science program, but also for distinguishing themselves as true professionals by meeting the standards of the society. Membership is limited to those who can effectively achieve the original goals of the society. These goals include:
Upsilon Pi Epsilon is the first and only, existing international honor society in the computing sciences. It has received endorsements from the two largest computer organizations in the world, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS).
UPE is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS).
UPE has formalized a partnership with the ACM. This partnership will provide UPE with computing support of the UPE member data base as well as support for the UPE web site.
ACM will also provide free ACM student memberships to active members of UPE for one year. The note below briefly describes the most recent communications from Ms. Fran Sinhart of the ACM.
You will be receiving free for 1 year the new "ACM Student Power Package," which includes the following:
New chapters are chartered upon analysis of both the computing science program and the interest shown in Upsilon Pi Epsilon at the sponsoring institution. Information for judging the prospective chapter's qualifications is gathered by means of a packet of forms that will be sent to the university upon request. Applications from computing science programs that are accredited by the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board normally receive favorable approval for a UPE chapter.
The cost of starting a UPE chapter is a one-time institution fee of $500, payable prior to the new chapter's charter ceremony. The institution fee covers the expenditures that relate to the initial set-up of a chapter. These costs include the travel expenses of the Executive Council member who will conduct the charter ceremony, the UPE logo (a large metal key), charter certificate and related memorabilia that are presented to the new chapter. There is also a one-time fee of $25 per member. This fee covers the international membership fee, which goes into the account of the association. Each member receives a membership certificate. Members may also purchase a carat-clad keypin and other UPE memorabilia's.
recognizes academic excellence in the
computing sciences.
has chapters in various colleges and
universities in North America and overseas.
is the only honor society that is recognized
by the ACM and the IEEE-CS.
presents scholarship awards to active members.
present scholarship awards to student members
of the ACM and the IEEE-CS.
presents cash awards to chapters who send
representatives to its annual convention.
presents cash awards and plaques to all
participating teams at the ACM International
Scholastic Programming Contest.
presents scholarship awards on behalf of
industry supporters of the association.
presents the ABACUS Award - an annual award
that is presented to the individual who, over
several years, has provided extensive support
and leadership for student-related activities
in the computing sciences.
UPE receives extensive support from Microsoft Corporation and IBM Corporation. Funds received from these two corporations are used to fund the UPE scholarship awards. Beginning in 1998, UPE expects to award up to 20 $1,000 scholarship awards to active UPE members. Scholarship applications are due in May and awards are announced the following September.
UPE is an active supporter of the ACM Scholastic Programming Contest. Various UPE chapters provide support at local and regional programming contests. The Executive Council of UPE provides support at the ACM World Finals by serving as support staff for the contest. In addition, UPE presents $200 cash awards to each team at the World Finals (Each team from an institution with an active UPE chapter receives an additional cash award of $300).
Prospective chapters are urged to send a letter to the UPE International Headquarters (or send email to osm@csuchico.edu) requesting that the application forms be sent to them. The address is: