| ABOUT US |
Board of Directors | Steering Committee Recognizing the lack of any one organization that strongly promotes science and technology in Central Virginia, Charlottesville Albemarle Robotics (CARobotics) through its team Cavalier Robotics desires to fill that gap. CARobotics has, since 2000, been directed to nurturing the enthusiastic pursuit of hands-on science and engineering among the youth of Charlottesville and Albemarle. This is accomplished through fielding teams each year in the FIRST Robotics competitions. At Cavalier Robotics we encourage students and mentors to share and apply knowledge of engineering, business, and leadership skills through a fun, hands-on experience. As a team, members work toward a common goal of designing, building, marketing, and operating a competitive robot in a business-like environment while supporting the ideals of FIRST. Since 2001 Team 619 has successfully participated annually in the NASA/VCU FIRST Regional Competition in Richmond, Virginia.Charlottesville Albemarle Robotics follows the FIRST principles of "Gracious Professionalism." And Coopertition. Below are quotes from the FIRST website: "Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended. In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity." Coopertition CoopertitionTM produces innovation. At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete. Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from mentors. And it is managing and being managed. Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can. Students' Role High school students participate in the FIRST competition in January through March. What is there to say – robots, kids, music. A rock festival for robots. But before the festival comes the designing and building of the robot to meet the specifications and challenges set out by FIRST. From kick-off to shipping we have six short weeks to get a robot up and running. It is intense; it is challenging and most of all – it's fun! During the pre-season (September through December) we will be building small (60 lb) robots to familiarize everyone with the parts provided by FIRST. It is also at this time that students are also “cleared” on the safety aspects of the lab and use of the equipment. Our programs accommodate students with a wide array of interests, including computer programming, web design, electrical and mechanical engineering, media relations, organization, robot construction. The organization is student-directed, under the oversight of mentors. As such, there are also opportunities for students to experience aspects of running the club as a business, which include budgeting, writing, photography, fund raising, planning and marketing. Board of Directors The Board of Directors consists of seven members who have fully embraced the concepts and benefits
associated with Charlottesville Albemarle Robotics and FIRST.
The board, with parental and student input, enacts the development of business plans,
policy objectives, and
business strategy. The board also ensure effective organizational planning, sees that team resources
are managed effectively and that the team meets regulatory requirements that apply.
This board monitors the team's performance in light of the mission, vision, goals, and strategies, as
articulated in the business plan. Directors are expected to follow developments that affect the team.
Cavalier Robotics Steering Committee Cavalier Robotics is lead by a Steering Committee consisting of the adult leader of each of the six work groups, and the student leader or "captain" of each work group. Specific responsibilities include:
|