Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does AITP mean?                                                                                       

AITP stands for Association of Information Technology Professionals. It was previously called Data Processing Management Association (DPMA), but was changed to the current name in 1994.

It is a professional association comprised of career minded individuals who seek to expand their potential -- employers, employees, managers, programmers, students and many others. The organization seeks to provide avenues for all their members to be teachers as well as students and to make contacts with other members in the IT field, all in an effort to become more marketable in rapidly changing, technological careers.

For more information check the national website: http://www.aitp.org.

What are the Mission and Vision statements of AITP?

The Mission of AITP is to provide superior leadership and education in Information Technology (IT). It is dedicated to using the synergy of IT partnerships to provide education and benefits to our members and to working with the industry to assist in the overall promotion and direction of Information Technology.

 AITP's Vision is to be recognized as the professional organization of choice among information technology professionals by providing industry leadership and opportunities for professional development and personal growth.

When was UTPA's AITP Student Chapter founded?                    

The, then, DPMA chapter started in Pan American around the Fall of 1987.

What is our sponsoring professional chapter?                                                                                        

AITP @ UT-Pan American forms part of Region III of the National Association. Region III includes professional chapters and 49 student chapters in such states as Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and of course, Texas. With 33% of student membership Region III  has a combined amount of about 2, 160 students.

The San Antonio AITP Professional Chapter is the sponsoring chapter for UT-Pan American. Check out their website: http://www.sa-aitp.org.

Who are (or can be) members of AITP?                                                                                             

Primarily, it serves as a focal point for CIS and CS majors, but it is open to anyone who has an interest in computers and all topics associated with these (programming, systems, databases, web development, networking, etc). 

What are the benefits of joining AITP @ UT- Pan American?

• Learn and discuss IT issues (computer hardware/software, certifications, new technologies, etc).

• Be more informed of important career planning events, not just within Pan American, but also outside.

• Gain real-world insight to jobs and companies (through speakers, field trips, etc).

• Attend regional and national conferences where not only will you attend workshops, be able to participate in programming competitions, but also meet students from other colleges and most importantly have fun!

• Practice technical, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Network (socialize and make friends, share personal and job-wise experiences).

• Participate in fundraisers and have your own AITP account!

• Have a free lunch every meeting!

Does AITP offer any tutoring for any CIS/CS courses?

At the moment (Spring 01), AITP is trying to implement a formal tutoring program for introductory courses in both CIS an CS classes. Officers are willing to assist anyone during their office hours and/or refer you to someone who gladly and willingly will help you.

If you have the time and/or is knowledgeable in any of the following:

• Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access)

• Programming (VB, COBOL, C++, Java, etc)

• Database Management, Systems Analysis, Networking, OOD, etc.

• Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Marketing (for CIS students)

Try signing up and volunteering 1 hour a week. Email: utpa_aitp@yahoo.com.

How and what do I need to become a member? 

• Local membership fee is $5.00 per semester (this is to cover food in meetings,and other general expenses throughout the semester0

• National  membership is $25.00 annually (you get several "goodies" from this membership and most importantly help keep AITP @ UTPA active as a student chapter).

Note: for both memberships you have to fill in specific forms to keep in our records.                                            Note 2: If you happen to be in any of Dr. Rao's COBOL classes and you bought a playbook then you're a member.

When and where are the meetings?

Meetings for Spring 2001 will be held Tuesdays every two weeks starting from March 8th, during activity period (12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.) unless stated otherwise for fundraisers or other events.

Meetings are usually held in the College of Business Administration (BUSA or COBA) in Room # 116. Again, unless stated otherwise.

Check our calendar!

Where is the AITP office located?

It is located in BUSA 212A (inside student lounge, behind the wall where the computers are at, 2nd door to your right!).