Google Summer of Code/Administrators

Read below the responsibilities of Wikimedia's organization administrator in various phases of the Google Summer of Code program. Note: Contents in this page follow the timeline of the previous round which might be different next year, but the process of the program will more or less remain the same.

After the program is announced
October 10 - January 19


 * Recruit two organization administrators Wikimedia participates in both GSOC and Outreachy. As the timeline and process of both these programs are similar and requires coordination, it's recommended to have same administrators organizing them.
 * Create Google Summer of Code 20XX page on MediaWiki.org Add ideas for possible projects, administrators contact information, and application process steps. Also, in Phabricator, create a corresponding milestone or request permission to create one if you don't have already.
 * Select ideas for possible projects Choose projects from the possible-tech-projects workboard on Phabricator. Task description of chosen projects should meet the listed criteria.
 * Connect Wikimedia's technical priorities with the program For example: quick scan through the community and developer wishlist to explore possible projects.
 * Ensure Possible Mentors list is up-to-date Participants interested in working on their project idea will use this list to reach out to mentors.

Mentoring organizations application period
January 19 - February 9


 * Apply to be a mentor organization Visit the official program site to learn how to apply. Some of the information we filled out in the application last year is available.
 * Monitor steps from section above Select or refine project ideas, update them on Phabricator & MediaWiki.org page.

For the sections listed below: do not miss any email reminders from Google as they will contain information about important deadlines.

After getting accepted as an organization
February 27 - March 20


 * Announce on the Wikitech-l & Wikimedia-l mailing lists Request for help with mentoring a project (example).
 * Create a discussion room for interested mentors For the previous round, we used Phabricator's conpherence. It was easier that way to have projects and program specific conversations.
 * RECOMMENDED: Host an information session for applicants For the previous round, we used YouTube for the live broadcast and IRC for a simultaneous discussion (more details).

Student application period
Before the deadline: February 27 - March 20


 * Suggest next steps in the process to both students and mentors Encourage students to follow both the official and Wikimedia's application process guidelines. Remind mentors to review student proposals on Phabricator and give them feedback.
 * Answer students and mentors queries They might approach you via various communication mediums (emails, Phabricator, IRC). Be prompt in your replies.

After the deadline: April 3 - May 4


 * Ask mentors to review applications mentors Encourage them to follow the selection process tips and report to you their score.
 * Announce results on Wikitech-I & Wikimedia-I mailing lists once they are out (example). You could also send emails to accepted participants & congratulate them (example).

Community bonding period
May 4 - May 30


 * RECOMMENDED: Provide a group communication tool to students and mentors For the previous round, we used Zulip (more here).
 * RECOMMENDED: Engage students in your community Prepare a list of small tasks to help students get familiar with the community practices and processes. (example)

Coding period
May 31 - August 29


 * Suggest next steps in the process to both students and mentors Encourage students to write weekly reports, work towards accomplishing milestones in their project timeline, communicate regularly with mentors, and submit evaluations on time. Encourage mentors to continue providing guidance to students during this time.
 * RECOMMENDED: Host an IRC chat with students Allow students to learn and share their work with fellow participants and request feedback.
 * RECOMMENDED: Share students' weekly reports with the community (example).
 * Add students blog feeds to Wikimedia planet

Wrap-up
August 29 - late October


 * Suggest next steps in the process to both students and mentors Ensure no pull requests are remaining to be merged and deployed in production and documentation both on-wiki and in the code is complete.
 * Add students projects to the Google Summer of Code past projects page
 * RECOMMENDED: Write a blog post for Wikimedia and/or Google Open Source blog Include information about participants, projects they worked on, what they accomplished, etc. At the very least, announce on Wikitech-I & Wikimedia-I mailing list.
 * RECOMMENDED: Host a lightning showcase Invite students to share the projects they built with the community.

= Resources =
 * Read the pages in the "Org admin" section of the GSOC mentoring manual.
 * Read lessons learned from the previous editions.
 * Read lessons learned from the 2017 edition.