What are your protocols for COVID-19?

BigRed//Hacks will be an in-person event to the fullest extent that CDC, New York State, and Cornell University guidelines permit. We expect to be able to accept all vaccinated Cornell students in person, and are working towards accepting all vaccinated students from other colleges in the US as well. We will keep you up to date as soon as we know who will be able to attend in person. Fear not, as the event will be fully hybrid, and allow for a full experience virtually as well. So even if you can't or feel uncomfortable attending in-person, there will be a full online component to the event for you to participate in.

Who is eligible to participate?

We are inviting all undergraduate and graduate students to participate in our hackathon. You don't need any past experience. You don't even need to be a computer science major! Our only requirement is that you are at least 18 years old and enrolled in an accredited college or university.

What will I need to bring?

If you are participating online, all you'll need is a stable internet connection and your computer! If in person, make sure you have been accepted as an in-person attendee (details will be released on this during the application period), and bring your school ID for registration. You are also responsible for bringing any equipment for building and demoing your hack: laptop, chargers, phones, etc. You may also want to bring a sleeping bag, change of clothes, and toothbrush.

Do I need to sign up with a team?

You don't have to sign up with a team, but it's certainly more fun! We allow teams of up to four people (they don't have to be from the same school), and while they can be specified on the application, you won't officially, create your team until the event. If you don't have a team yet, we'll host a social before the hacking begins for you to meet other amazing people.

What are the rules?

Detailed hack specific rules will be coming out closer to the event, but generally all hacks must be safe, must follow the MLH code of conduct, and should follow the theme of the event, where applicable. More details coming soon.

Why is there an application?

We want to ensure that all hackers will have a positive experience at BigRed//Hacks. Further, we need to know your T-shirt size and dietary information for swag and meal options! Don't worry, the application is short.

Are hardware hacks allowed?

We will be providing a dedicated hardware lab with sensors, microcontrollers, and basic components. Some of our sponsors are bringing hardware to loan, but we still suggest that you bring your own equipment if you know that you'll absolutely need it.

How does travel reimbursement work?

Unfortunately, we unable to provide travel reimbursements or busses for 2021. The in-person component of BigRed//Hacks is expected to be more heavily weighted towards Cornell students due to COVID-19 restrictions. Where travel is a burden or impossibility, our event will feature a fully online component with similar experiences to those found in-person. So fear not, you can have a similar hackathon experience virtually!

Are you providing food?

Don't worry, there will be lots of delicious food and beverages at our event, complimentary to all participants. We'll have vegetarian options as well.

Have more questions?

Send them to [email protected]!