Rules of Participation
We allow teams of up to four hackers. You don't need to have a team to participate, but the creative process of a Hackathon lends itself to team and team building. The Huskie Hack is about collaborating and integrating individual skill sets, experiences, and creative problem solving taken into account when addressing an issue or problem. In other words, you don’t need one, but teams are encouraged. We will assist in grouping teams together during the event, so don’t let this discourage you from attending! An ideal team often includes a coder, an engineer, a designer and a knowledge specialist--nursing, physical therapy, psychology, counseling, sociology, biology or the arts. With the right balance of technology aptitude, organizational and planning skills and sales and presentation prowess, a team has a fair shot at delivering an amazing idea that receives a great deal of attention. We will host a team formation event at the beginning of the hackathon so that no one has to hack alone (unless they want to).
How big can my team be?
Teams can be 2-4 people. You may have a bigger team, but your team wouldn’t be eligible for the judging process or prizes. You can still work on a project in a bigger group or receive feedback on the project from mentors at the event.
Are we allowed to build on past projects? Can I start working on my idea before the event?
No, part of the excitement of this event is reinventing, repurposing, and redesigning applications, games, “things”, concepts and moon shots as an example of your ability to think out of the box.
Do I need an idea to sign up?
No! You and your team members will develop that pie in the sky idea at the event. While you are free to begin dreaming or envisioning now, no work or coding should take place prior to the event. We want an even playing field. Most people don’t have an idea before they get to the event. But once you start talking to other people, you might come up with something. You can also work with somebody else on their idea if you like it. There are all types of ideas surrounding what health and wellness mean. Think about what it means to you, your family, your community, and what it means economically, socially, globally, and environmentally. We will have mentors to help prompt ideas if you and your team are really stuck. Just know that there is no right or wrong answer.
What's this about judging and awards? Will there be prizes?
Judging will take place during the event by a panel of individuals representing a cross section of faculty, community members, and sponsors. Submissions will need to be submitted by 6:00 AM for preliminary judging. Remember, submissions take time, so plan to load your project by 5:50 AM to ensure it is posted by the deadline.
What is a competition without prizes? Unlike a day at school, we expect you to teach us a thing or two and be rewarded.
Safe Space
Our Huskie Hack will invoke Safe Space rules. A safe space is a place where anyone can relax and be fully self-expressed, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, age, or physical or mental ability; a place where the rules guard each person’s self-respect and dignity and strongly encourages everyone to respect others.
Code of Conduct
All participants will be expected to abide by the Code of Conduct available here. When registering you will acknowledge receipt and acceptance in abiding by these rules.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Email tlrogers@niu.edu
We participate as a Major League Hacking (MLH) Member Event
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