Service organization at the University of Virginia • Applying systems thinking to solve problems across the UVA community
What we do
BAPS partners with various organizations and initiatives across the UVA community to help them solve their problems. These problems typically involve using some sort of technical component (e.g., spreadsheet system, programming system, troubleshooting system, etc.) to advance the organization's operations. With over 250 members, BAPS features mostly current systems engineering students (2nd through 4th-years), but recruits 1st-year students of any major to participate in these problem-solving projects with organizations. The hope is that 1st-year BAPS members can get a sense of what systems engineers often do in their classes and careers through these projects, while also having the mentorship and support of current systems engineering students within their project teams.
How we do it
BAPS invites organizations to submit projects to this website (see our For Orgs page). If a project is accepted, a project team will then be assigned to the organization (see more information about project teams on our FAQ page). The project team will then work with the organization to formulate the best solution pathway for the respective problem. This solution typically involves a presentation to the client/organization at the culmination of the project.
Who we serve
The organizations that BAPS served in the fall of 2024 include the Gordie Center, FoodAssist, and SWAP UVA. In the spring of 2025, we are working with Josie's Way, Madison House, the UVA Wheelchair Tennis Team, and YellowRed. BAPS aims to support other service-oriented organizations, but is open to considering all projects.
Non-affiliation statement
Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization, which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.