[Anupam Goli]

-crosses fingers that this thread doesn't descend into a dead horse abuse fest-

In our history it has changed quite a bit. Before 2009, we had a head mentor that handled logistics, administrative operations, and facilities, but this mentor also knew a lot about robots and robot building. He would insist upon using certain concepts, and be a voice in the design. He would often direct the design process himself. Since 2009, the organization went to a student-led approach. Our head mentor from 2003 left after the 08 season. The students took up the efforts. In my experience in this student done model, it's been way too much work on the students, and as a result, the performance and sustainability of the team is falling apart. Now the mentors only stand back and are consulted as aides, instead of directing the design process or handling funds and logistics. Students head each department, and the mentors only aid if asked to.


I personally would like to see a collaboration of students and mentors, where both work together. Mentors and students would go through the design process together, create business plans together, and work together on the robot.