JD Kaim, a sophomore computer science major, created a tool that effectively facilitates class-swapping among students. He’s now at odds with school administrators.
SEATTLE — A University of Washington student says he is facing disciplinary action after creating a website designed to streamline the course enrollment process for his peers. JD Kaim, a sophomore computer science major, developed the platform as part of a software engineering course. Despite removing the site at the university’s request, Kaim now finds himself at odds with school administrators.
Kaim, who grew up immersed in technology with parents working in the field, described his project as a tool to facilitate class-swapping among students. “I just wanted to make a framework so that everybody could participate and get the classes they want,” Kaim said.
The website allowed students to anonymously list classes they wished to drop and those they wanted to join, aiming to improve what Kaim described as an imperfect registration system. “A lot of people say, ‘Hey, I want to get into this class, but I can’t,’” Kaim explained. “By creating this anonymous platform, you could help people swap into classes regardless of their connections.”
However, university officials did not share Kaim’s enthusiasm for the project. According to an email sent by the school, the site violated UW’s registration policies, specifically prohibiting the use of automated tools for enrollment. Despite Kaim’s decision to take down the site, the university placed a hold on his academic record, preventing him from registering for future courses until he meets with school officials.
“They’ve put me on a registration hold,” Kaim said, describing the situation as “a soft expulsion.” He expressed concern about the potential impact on his academic future, noting that he has enough credits to graduate as early as May.
The controversy escalated after Kaim shared his experience in a LinkedIn post that quickly gained attention. Many professionals in the tech industry voiced support for the young software engineer, praising his creativity and initiative.
“I want to be a software engineer. I want to help make the world a better place,” Kaim said.
While he is encouraged by the outpouring of support, he hopes to continue his education at UW.
In response to inquiries about the matter, the university has yet to issue a formal statement. However, in its communication with Kaim, officials emphasized that the current enrollment system, which dates back to the 1980s, does not allow for student-created workarounds.
“I feel that by making this public, I can show people that if you’re in the right, you don’t need to back down just because a large institution is pressuring you,” Kaim said. He insists that his platform did not violate policies against buying, selling, or trading classes but merely facilitated voluntary class swaps.
As Kaim awaits a meeting with school officials, he remains hopeful for a resolution that will allow him to continue his studies. “I don’t want to join the list of college dropouts in the software world,” he said. “I’m flattered by the encouragement, but I want to finish my education here.”
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