Get Involved
When you’re a student in Computer Science, you never have to be alone; that is, unless you really want to, but we don’t recommend it. You will have more fun participating in one of the amazing organizations on campus or volunteering at a department or campus event.
Join a Student Group
Joining a student group on campus has many benefits. Student groups help you connect with other students on campus that share similar interests. Groups organize social events, manage fundraisers, create industry partnerships, and offer services to students. It's a great way to get involved and have a positive impact on your community.
What the CSSS offers:
- Yearly memberships provide access to old exam files, locker sales, and discounted events.
- A range of local events, such as Unix Bootcamp, LAN Parties, video game tournaments, board game nights, weekly lounge events, and much more!
- The Computer Science Graduation Banquet
- Various food, snacks, and beverages for sale.
Office: Spinks 338
In addition, the CSGCC receives some funding from the University-wide GSA to carry out its operations. In return, the CSGCC organizes social events for the Department, such as welcoming activities for new graduate students and social gatherings throughout the year. The social events organized by the CSGCC include different sporting activities, games and outings to be enjoyed by the graduate students, faculty and staff. Finally, the Council assists and advises new students moving to the University of Saskatchewan.
All graduate students within the Department of Computer Science are by default a member of the CSGCC. No membership application or fees are required. Positions on the executive include: President, Vice-President of Finance, Vice-President of Internal/Webmaster, Social Representative, MSc Representative, PhD Representative, and a Faculty and Staff Liaison.
- University of Saskatchewan Students' Union (USSU)
- Aboriginal Students' Services
- International Student Services
- Student Employment & Career Centre (SECC)
- Visit the Arts and Science website for more links to useful organizations.
Computer Science on Campus
If you're looking to get more experience in Computer Science, you have come to the right spot. This is a one stop shop where students can browse different oportunities to get invoved within the Computer Science community on campus. The list is comprised of workshops, contests, student works, entrepreneurial initiatives, and graduation celebrations. Get the full Computer Science student experience and beef up your resume at the same time.

A Game Jam is an event where a diverse set of participants come together and develop a video game over the span of 48 hours. That’s right, just over a single weekend! You will be surprised at what you can do with a motivated team and a short amount of time. Participants prototype, design and create a video game in a short period of time. The condensed 48-hour time limit encourages creative thinking between participants with different backgrounds and skill sets. Game Jams result in small but innovative and experimental video games. Typically participants work in small teams, racing to produce a game with limited time and resources, but unlimited creativity.
Game Jams are about discovery, innovation, and creativity. Not everyone has a finished product at the end – one of your biggest takeaways is a valuable learning experience. What does the “jam” in “Game Jam” mean?: Jam is a reference to the musical jam sessions performed by bands and artists. Not to be confused with a traffic jam or a delicious spreadable fruit jelly. The biggest reason to join a Game Jam is to have fun. Either exploring a new gaming concept or practicing your artistic skills, you will have a blast learning and making new friends – all while developing and playing video games!
People with all skill levels and interests are welcome to participate in the Game Jam. During the past events, participants ranged from programmers, students, artists, game enthusiasts, and designers. The formula of gathering participants with all different backgrounds to work together will result in creating something fun and innovative. For those who are interested but might not have a lot of programming experience, we will be offering game development tutorials to get your skills up to speed.
Game Jam events usually offer workshops to familiarize participants with various game development environments, such as Processing, Unity and Unreal4. Game developers from the industry are invited to speak over the weekend, giving insight into their experience and careers in game development. Game Jams are usually organized by Game With US – a group of Human-Computer Interaction students who are passionate about game development. For announcements and more information about past and upcoming events, check out the Game Jam website.
Every September, to kick off a new academic year, the Computer Science Student Society (CSSS) organizes a Linux Bootcamp for students to refresh their technical skills. The day starts with a beginner Linux session, followed by an intermediate and advanced session. Students will have an opportunity to meet the new CSSS Execs, enjoy a pizza lunch, tour the Department and get their CSSS memberships.
Listen to the September announcements for more information.
Industry representatives are invited to meet with the students and give talks. It is a great opportunity for students to network and hand out resumes. This event is organized by the Department of Computer Science and the Student Employment and Career Centre.
Every Spring, The CSSS and the Department of Computer Science hold a banquet to celebrate our graduating students and all the accomplishments our faculty, staff, and students have achieved during the academic year. The evening includes a dinner, speeches, awards, entertainment, and a surprise or two. Everyone is welcome to attend the banquet, including all students, faculty, staff, researchers, family, friends, alumni, and special guests.
For more information on the Computer Science Spring Banquet, listen to the announcements or contact the Computer Science main office.
This contest runs from October to April every year, where participants develop their business plans by receiving mentorship, guidance, and training. The Grand Prize winner receives $50,000 from the U of S Industry Liaison Office and office space from Innovation Place to help get their new venture off the ground. Second and third places also receive funding towards their business venture.
Computer Science Off Campus
The Computer Science community does not simply end at the edge of the campus. Saskatoon has an exciting and eventful technology community. Conferences, hackathons, workshops, clubs, and dinners are just the tip of the iceberg. By getting involved with off campus groups, students will have the opportunity to network and learn from the industry experts.
We invite students who express an interest in computer science from across Saskatoon and surrounding areas to participate in Digitized. Throughout the day, students participate in various activities such as hands-on workshops. These workshops include iPhone and Android mobile programming, robotics, animation, digital media, and creating video games. Students also attend speaker presentations from experts in the industry, with topics such as gaming, mobile, entrepreneurship, software development, cyber-securit, bioinformatics and more.
Over 350 high school students attend every year, ranging from grades 10 to 12. The event wouldn't be a success without the help from over 40 volunteers, a number of high school teachers and sponsors.
REGISTRATION
This event is typically held in May and students can submit their registration online. Information surrounding Digitized are sent to high schools, so keep an eye on student announcements or make an appointment with your career counsellor. Teachers may contact the event organizers for more information at digitized@cs.usask.ca
BarCamp is an international network of user-generated conferences. BarCamps are open, participatory events whose content is provided by participants.
At BarCamp, there are no spectators, only participants. Attendees should prepare a demo, a session, or help with one, or otherwise volunteer / contribute in some way to support the event. All presentations are scheduled the day they happen. BarCamp participants help to select the topics they want to see and talk about. Anyone is welcome at BarCamp. Attendance is usually diverse and includes software engineers, web developers and designers, application and game developers, marketers, entrepreneurs, students and artists.
They also fulfill our role as a community resource by hosting workshops on electronics, programming, crafts, and any other skills that members (or guests) are willing to share.
Volunteering in the Department

We are always on the lookout for volunteers to lead workshops, assist with workshops, give presentations, or help with setup and take down. The following are a few annual events where we need great volunteers like yourself:
- Digitized
- Computer Science Summer Camps
- K-12 Workshops