Join theCAT and become a part of our IT organization!
Your first step towards becoming a CAT is to attend the Braindump Orientation. Sign up to receive notifications about the Braindump Orientation 2022 by logging into your PSU email account and clicking the button below.
Admission to theCAT only happens once a year during Fall term and we will notify you when the date for Braindump Orientation 2022 is set.
Any PSU student can join theCAT, regardless of major, background, or prior experience. Come by to see what we’re all about!
Please contact us at support@cat.pdx.edu ASAP if you cannot attend Orientation but would still like to join theCAT.
The (Attend Anywhere) CAT
TheCAT has adapted the Braindump program to align with PSU’s Attend Anywhere course modality. Volunteers can pursue their curiosity, build their social network, and gain valuable job experience in the IT field while at home or in our server rooms.
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What is theCAT?
TheCAT is the Computer Action Team: a self-selected group of student volunteers from diverse majors and backgrounds who learn, grow, and innovate together on the systems in the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science (MCECS).
TheCAT is managed by the Director of Computing for MCECS and consists of a team of volunteers, student workers, and a handful of full-time employees. With the guiding hand of experienced veterans in the IT industry, students are given license to make connections and shape the organization for years to come.
Full-Scale IT Support
TheCAT maintains user services in MCECS via front desk duty carried out by student volunteers, both remotely and on campus, in FAB 82-01. Volunteers gain experience in handling support tickets, managing labs, assisting faculty and staff, and engaging in various team projects.
Computing Infrastructure
TheCAT manages a centrally administered but distributed network of Linux and Windows systems that span many buildings on campus. Volunteers have the opportunity to assist in systems administration and configuration, software installation, user account management, and fast-paced collaborative problem solving.
Networking Infrastructure
TheCAT also runs the MCECS network at PSU, providing the connectivity to ensure all internal systems work together as well as a critical role in the external network connectivity of the University.
Administrative Infrastructure
Additionally, theCAT has a number of teams that facilitate internal growth and strengthen communication with all of MCECS and the greater PSU campus. They provide volunteers the opportunity to gain skills such as leadership, public speaking, technical writing, graphic design, and video editing.
What is the Braindump?
The Braindump is a 14-month program that combines weekly lecture, hands-on training, group collaboration, and individual discovery within the context of our full-scale IT organization.
Volunteers gain a varied arsenal of technical, communication, and administrative skills that can fill up a resume. Some attain positions of leadership in various teams. All gain a diverse community of friends and professional connections that will last beyond PSU.
What’s covered in the Braindump?
Our continually evolving collection of topics and team projects include:
- CAT IT infrastructure
- User services
- Platform-specific user level stuff for:
- Windows
- Linux
- Networking
- Platform-specific systems administration stuff for:
- Windows
- Linux
- Networking
- Hardware management and troubleshooting
- App development (web/database)
- DevOps
- Technical writing
- Graphic design
- Public speaking/communications
- Project management
- Video editing
What happens after Orientation?
We also ask that you fill out the CAT application and send it to us by the following Friday on Induction Day. Click the following button and log in with your PSU Odin credentials to get to the application.
Email us at topdog@cat.pdx.edu and ask us for an application if you don’t have an active PSU Odin account.
If you have questions, please send e-mail to support@cat.pdx.edu or call 503-725-5420.
