UBC Launch Pad Documentation

# 🔖 Manifesto

WARNING

These documents are a work in progress.

# Vision updated

This section is a guidance of what Launch Pad stands for, and how we can pitch Launch Pad to our potential partners and sponsors.

# Launch Pad’s Value Proposition

Technical advancements have created enormous opportunities in the world, people are capable for more than ever before. In this fast changing world, we want to provide a space for students who are passionate about technologies to develop their skills, to explore new possibilities, to share their expertise and learn from others, and to gain hands-on experience in building out what they envision.

Ranking 1st in Computer Science in Canada, UBC has many communities that help to connect students with industry leaders through events, workshops, and Hackathons. However, there is a lack of opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills and commit on a project they are passionate about.

Therefore, as a software development club, Launch Pad aims to create the best space for students to learn and practice industry-standard tools and techniques, to develop multidisciplinary teamwork, and to figure out what they can do with technologies.

# One-liner

As the leading software development club at UBC, Launch Pad prepares students for the future by providing a space for them to learn and practice industry-standard tools through building projects with like-minded individuals.

# Three-liner

As the leading technology club at UBC, Launch Pad is devoted to create a collaborative and professional environment for software development. It is our goal to provide the best space for students to apply and develop their technical skills outside of classroom, to learn and practice industry-standard tools, and to build passion projects with like-minded individuals.

# What We Do

Members in Launch Pad form into teams to work on an 8-month development project based on their interests and skill sets. Each team consists of a tech-lead, developers and designers, where they collaboratively go through the design thinking process to design and build a product.

As a club, Launch Pad supports every member’s experience through multiple ways:

  1. We provide enormous resources (Launch Pad’s database and guidelines) from experienced members to support members in their development process
  2. We connect members with industry professionals to learn about the industry skills through internal workshops
  3. We design team structure to enable mentorship and multidisciplinary teamwork from their peers
  4. We recruit with high standards to ensure everyone in Launch Pad is driven and dedicated in their own expertise

# What We Offer

WARNING

This needs to be fleshed out more.

# Talent Pool

Our members are students who went through a rigorous selection process, who are dedicated in advancing their skills, and are experienced in a professional working environment. Many of our past alumni went to top firms and are recognized by industry leaders.

# Brand/Product Awareness

Our members are always looking for tools for development.

# Innovative Ideas

Our members are problem-solvers across diversed backgrounds.

# What We Need

We need long-term support on two fronts:

# Club Activities

This includes everything from nice things like occasionally holding internal events or food to improve team-bonding and productivity, to organizing workshops and external events that aim to raise awareness about Launch Pad and spread the expertise that some of our members have acquired.

Events both external and internal are expensive, workshops take many hours to organize and hold, but making sure we do these things on a regular basis is important for keeping morale up, improving productivity, and draw more people with an inclination to join Launch Pad to get involved.

# Services and Resources

Many of our projects rely on servers, tools, and resources that are not free. We also try to find organization tools, teaching aides, etc. to help run Launch Pad better. All of this costs money, and the lack of funding means we have to shut down some cool projects. Continued, long-term investment in Launch Pad helps us teach our members to use industry-standard tools and practices, as well as deploying awesome applications.

# Code of Conduct

All members must agree to and abide by the following policies:

  • Treat everyone in Launch Pad with respect.
  • Attend meetings every week for 4 hours to the best of your ability, and notify your team in advance if you will be absent or can't work on your tasks.
  • Complete the ticket(s) assigned to you each week to the best of your ability.
  • Be available on Slack throughout the week, responding to messages within 24 hours.

Any of the following are reasons for expulsion from Launch Pad:

  • Not treating other Launch Pad members with respect
  • Consistently missing meetings without notifying your tech lead
  • Consistently not completing your weekly ticket without notifying your tech lead
  • Consistently showing up late to meetings, missing meetings, or failing to complete tickets
  • Consistently not responding to or ignoring Slack messages