Answered: Programming Can Only Be Done By Students?

In In The Zone, the definition of Autonomous Period is:

The corresponding definition in Starstruck was:

Given this change in the definition of Autonomous Period, am I right to interpret the ITZ definition as precluding Adults from programming the robot for the Autonomous Period, or has it always been that way across the past several games?

Yes, this is correct. Adults are encourage to teach and assist Students with programming, however the the work should be done by the Students.