I've updated the SAoC page to reflect the decision to accept applications from non-university students. I want to make two things very clear.

First, preference will be given to university students who can provide proof of enrollment. That's not to say that their applications will automatically be accepted, but if it comes down to a student and a non-student, each with a strong application, to fill the final slot, the student will be given preference.

Second, it is incumbent upon non-student applicants who are currently employed by a software development firm to ensure there are no contractual barriers to participating.

We're also still looking for potential mentors, so if you are willing to work in that role, please let me know!

On Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 03:23:41 UTC, Mike Parker wrote:
> I've updated the SAoC page to reflect the decision to accept applications from non-university students.

Great! I think this will open up the pool of applicants considerably.

On Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 03:23:41 UTC, Mike Parker wrote:

> Second, it is incumbent upon non-student applicants who are currently employed by a software development firm to ensure there are no contractual barriers to participating.

That seems risky - an employer may claim ownership of those contributions.

On Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 13:36:13 UTC, bachmeier wrote:
> On Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 03:23:41 UTC, Mike Parker wrote:
>
>> Second, it is incumbent upon non-student applicants who are currently employed by a software development firm to ensure there are no contractual barriers to participating.
>
> That seems risky - an employer may claim ownership of those contributions.

That's precisely why I mention it. We expect that applicants to take the necessary steps to verify there are no issues *before* applying. If, during the application process, it is discovered that there are potential issues, that's grounds for an automatic rejection. We do have access to a legal team, so there will be a certain level of due diligence where required.

On Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 13:50:52 UTC, Mike Parker wrote:
> On Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 13:36:13 UTC, bachmeier wrote:
>> On Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 03:23:41 UTC, Mike Parker wrote:
>>
>>> Second, it is incumbent upon non-student applicants who are currently employed by a software development firm to ensure there are no contractual barriers to participating.
>>
>> That seems risky - an employer may claim ownership of those contributions.
>
> That's precisely why I mention it. We expect that applicants to take the necessary steps to verify there are no issues *before* applying. If, during the application process, it is discovered that there are potential issues, that's grounds for an automatic rejection. We do have access to a legal team, so there will be a certain level of due diligence where required.

Would it be easier to submit a approved conflict of interest paper with the application?

-Alexander

On Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 20:05:28 UTC, 12345swordy wrote:

> Would it be easier to submit a approved conflict of interest paper with the application?
>

All I'm saying is that each applicant is responsible for making sure they are free and clear to participate. If you have an employment contract that makes participation problematic, then yes, obtaining permission from your employer and including a document to that effect with your application would be fulfilling that responsibility.