program assessment plan

Bachelor of Science Construction Management

Program Assessment Plan

Developed by:

Jeffrey C. Callahan, Assistant Professor of Construction Management and

J. Ellen McKay, Professor of Architectural and Engineering Technology

Submitted to:Dean of the Community and Technical College

University of Alaska Anchorage and Office of Academic Affairs September 11, 2006

document.doc of 26

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction___________________________________________________________________3

Construction Management Program Mission Statement________________________________4

Bachelor of Science Construction Management: Program Outcomes_____________________4

Program Outcomes Assessment Tools______________________________________________5

Program Outcomes - Table 1: Assessment Tools_____________________________________5

Program Outcomes - Table 2: Assessment Tools Applicability to Outcomes________________6

Assessment Implementation & Analysis for Program Improvement_______________________7

Appendix A: Exit Survey________________________________________________________8

Appendix B: Graduate Survey - Program Outcomes_________________________________12

Appendix C: Employer Survey - Program Outcomes_________________________________16

Appendix D: Course Level Assessment____________________________________________21

Appendix E: Course Level Assessment: Student Survey_______________________________22

Appendix F: Advisory Committee Feedback_________________________________________25

document.doc of 26

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this document is to outline the steps to be taken for determining the academic effectiveness of the Bachelor of Science – Construction Management (BSCM) program.

The BSCM will be housed in the Construction and Design Technology Division of the Community and Technical College. The initiating faculty for the program developed this educational effectiveness plan with input from the UAA Office of Academic Affairs and UAA Construction Management Advisory Committee. The program objectives and outcomes were determined in discussions held by the faculty and the curriculum development team over the course of the curriculum development process. The plan has been developed in accordance with the UAA Assessment Plan Format.

This plan is in response to direction by the University, the Board of Regents and the request of the University, which has been directed, by the Board of Regents and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, (NWCCU) to develop the means for demonstrating the effectiveness of degree programs.

document.doc of 26

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Construction Management program is to prepare students for a broad range of positions as entry-level construction managers and to provide continuing education for construction management employees.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: PROGRAM OUTCOMES

The program outcomes were established to align with the task/skills verification data developed by the construction management DACUM panel conducted in March - April 2003, and using the Standards and Criteria for Accreditation of Postsecondary Construction Education Degree Programs, (Document 103) published by the American Council for Construction Education.

Upon completion the graduate will be able to:

1 Represent the role of the constructor in the multi-discipline team responsible for managing construction projects.

2 Manage the principal resources of a construction industry organization including its workers, equipment, time, and budgets.

3 Assess project risk and evaluate alternate project delivery systems for project procurement and construction.

4 Communicate effectively with project design professionals during the planning phases of design-build projects and throughout the construction phase of all projects.

5 Utilize knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment operations to plan, control and analyze the results of construction processes.

6 Manage construction processes in unique and changing conditions to produce measured results that meet stated quality criteria and overall project goals.

document.doc of 26

PROGRAM OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT TOOLS

A description of the tools used in the assessment of the program outcomes and their implementation are summarized in Program Outcomes - Table 1. The tools and their relationships to the program objectives are listed in Program Outcomes - Table 2.

Samples of survey forms are included in the appendices.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES - TABLE 1: ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Program Outcomes Assessment Tools and Administration

Tool DescriptionFrequency/ Start Date

Collection Method

Collected by

Exit Survey

Students are surveyed upon graduation for their views on the

achievement of the program outcomes.

Administered yearly in May.

Graduates are identified and

survey forms are hand-delivered or

mailed. Telephone

follow-up contact

Faculty with assistance from

administrative staff

Graduate Survey

Graduates are surveyed one year after graduation for their views on the

achievement of the program outcomes.


Alumni are identified and

survey forms are mailed.

Telephone follow-up contact

Administrative staff

Employer Feedback

Employers of graduates are identified and surveys are mailed to employers.


Mailed survey to employers.

Administrative Staff

Course Level Assessment

Assessment of selected courses relative to their published outcomes.

Each offering of selected courses.

Data submitted by faculty to dept.

chair. Faculty

Advisory Committee Feedback

Committee members feedback of graduate work performance in

relationship to program and course-level outcomes.

Yearly discussion at

Advisory Committee meeting.

Meeting minutes Faculty/chair

document.doc of 26

PROGRAM OUTCOMES - TABLE 2: ASSESSMENT TOOLS APPLICABILITY TO OUTCOMES

Association of Assessment Tools to Program Outcomes

Upon completion the graduate will be able to:

Exi

t Sur

vey

Gra

duat

e S

urve

y

Em

ploy

er

Fee

dbac

k

Cou

rse

Lev

el

Ass

essm

ent

Adv

isor

y C

omm

itte

e


0 1 1 0 1


1 1 1 1 1


1 1 1 1 1


1 1 1 1 1


1 1 1 1 1


0 1 1 0 1

0 = Tool is not used to measure the associated outcome.1 = Tool is used to measure the associated outcome.

document.doc of 26

ASSESSMENT IMPLEMENTATION & ANALYSIS FOR PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT

General Implementation Strategy

The faculty in the Construction Management will work the administrative staff of the Construction and Design Technology Division to collect the data indicated Tables 1 and 2. The administrative staff will also provide support for course level assessment and other assessment activities as needed. The faculty will assemble the data and formulate a written report each year for the program faculty.

Method of Data Analysis and Formulation of Recommendations for Program Improvement

The faculty of the construction management department will meet at least once a year to review the data collected using the assessment tools. This meeting should result in recommendations for program changes that are designed to enhance performance relative to the program’s objectives and outcomes. The results of the data collection, an interpretation of the results, and the recommended programmatic changes will be forwarded to the office of Academic Affairs each year. Recommended changes, and a plan for implementing them, will be completed at this meeting.

The proposed changes to the program may be any action or change in policy that the faculty deems necessary to improve performance relative to programs outcomes. Recommended changes will consider workload (faculty, staff, and students), budgetary, facilities, and other relevant constraints. Changes may include:

o changes in course content, scheduling, sequencing, prerequisites, delivery methods, etc.o changes in faculty/staff assignmentso changes in advising methods and requirementso addition and/or replacement of equipmento changes and/or additions to facilities

Modification of the Assessment Plan

The faculty, after reviewing the collected data and the processes used to collect it, may decide to revise this plan. Revisions or changes may be made to any component of the plan that are approved by the faculty. The modified assessment plan, if revised, will be forwarded to the dean/director’s office and the Office of Academic Affairs.

document.doc of 26

APPENDIX A: EXIT SURVEYDescription:

The exit survey asks completers of the program to rate their performance relative to the program’s outcomes. Additionally, graduates are asked to rate the program’s delivery of the material related to the program outcomes from their viewpoint. A sample of the survey instrument is included on the following pages. Surveys are distributed to students when they apply for graduation. The students return the surveys by mail or to the faculty/staff. The results are not examined until after graduation.

Factors that affect the collected data:

Low return rates will affect the accuracy of the data. It is difficult get a good return rate from students about to complete the program. The timing of survey distribution is important to assuring a better return rate. Students will be more willing to complete the survey if they view it as a graduation obligation.

How to interpret the data:

Care should be taken to investigate and discuss the factors influencing the results before interpreting the results. The results of the surveys should also be compared against the other indicators to get good picture of program performance relative the expected outcomes.

Sample Survey.

A sample survey is provided on the next page.

Tabulating and Reporting Results

The faculty prepares the survey. The faculty or staff administers the survey, recording results and following up with phone contact to potential respondents. Staff receives the results and tabulates them for use by faculty in assessment review.

document.doc of 26

Community and Technical College - Student Exit Survey

UAA is continually seeking to improve our programs to provide our graduates with the best possible knowledge and skills to be successful. Your candid and thoughtful feedback to the following questions is essential to our quest.

We are asking for your name and current address so we can maintain our ability to remain in contact with you. However, your name and address will be separated from the survey BEFORE any tabulations are made. Your responses and comments will be collected by the CTC Dean’s office, who will separate your name and address from the survey, and then present only the findings as aggregate summaries to the Program and faculty so that no individual will be identified.

RESPONDENT INFORMATION

Name (Print):

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Date:

Please take a few moments to complete and return this questionnaire. Then, return the completed survey, which includes this page, in the postage-paid envelope by date .

THANK YOU.

Construction and Design Technology Division University of Alaska AnchorageCommunity and Technical College

document.doc of 26

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Gender: Male Female

Age: ____20-24 ____25-29 ____30-39 ____40-49 ____50-59 ____60+

RATING THE PROGRAM This program had a series of specific outcomes we expected to attain with you. Please rate the extent you believe each of the following outcomes was attained:

PROGRAM OUTCOME Excellent Very Good

Good Fair Poor N/A







document.doc of 26

RATING THE UNIVERSITY UAA had a series of general education outcomes we expected to attain with you. Please rate the extent you believe each of the following was accomplished:

Excellent Very Good

Good Fair Poor N/A

Ability to think critically and solve problems Ability to communicate clearly on the jobAbility to express ideas in writingAbility to use technology required for workAbility to solve mathematical problems

What improvements would you recommend to make this UAA program better?

(If you would like to write more, please include a separate page.)

Would you recommend this program to others? Yes No

RATING UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICESWe would also like to know if you received the help you needed from our academic services. Please rate the extent you believe we accomplished the following:

Excellent Very Good

Good Fair Poor N/A

Quality of the Construction Management instruction Quality of the Construction Management facilitiesDepartment of Construction Management support staff helpfulnessQuality of UAA academic advising

How much did your program require you to access UAA’s library/information resources? Often Occasionally Rarely Never

Did the library/information resources adequately meet your needs? Yes No

Thank you again for your candid and thoughtful responses. Please return this survey to:Community and Technical College, Dean’s Office, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508

document.doc of 26

APPENDIX B: GRADUATE SURVEY - PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Description:

The Graduate Survey asks program graduates to rate their performance relative to the program’s outcomes. Additionally, graduates are asked to rate the importance of the program outcomes from their viewpoint. A sample of the survey instrument in included on the following pages. Surveys are distributed to graduates each May for those graduating during the current academic year. Identical surveys are distributed again, one year after graduation.


The results of the surveys are tabulated and a numeric scoring system (1 – 5) will be generated to assess the relative success/lack of success in meeting the program outcome. The results will also be compared against employer surveys for a better outline of program performance. There is no direct connection in the two surveys between the employers and the graduates who work for them.

Sample Survey.

A sample survey is provided on the next page. The questions and data collected will be the same.


The survey is prepared by the faculty. The survey is administered by faculty and the administrative staff. Staff receives the results and tabulates them for use in faculty outcomes review.

document.doc of 26

University of Alaska AnchorageAssociate of Applied Science – Construction Management

Program Outcomes Graduate Survey(ONE YEAR AFTER GRADUATION)

The UAA Construction Management Program requests that you complete the following survey to assist the program in assessing the achievement of its objectives and outcomes. Your feedback will help us to determine how well we are doing and what we can do to better serve our students, alumni, and the construction community.

Month and Year received BSCM:

Primary construction-related field in which you work:

General commercial building contractor

General heavy/highway contractor

General residential contractor

Specialty contractor (field/discipline):

Construction manager

Project/building owner

Government agency

Other:

Not working in construction-related field

Currently enrolled in another degree program:

Field of study:

School:

Your primary job function:

Executive/General Management Contractor (Sole proprietor)

Project manager Project superintendent

Project administrator Estimator

Quality control inspector/manager Consultant

Project management assistant Field engineer

Other:

Approximate number of employees at your work site: < 10 10 – 25 26-50 51-100 101-500 501-1000 > 1000

Approximate number of employees at worldwide sites: no other sites < 10 10 – 25 26-50 51-100 101-500 501-1000 > 1000

Other information (check all that apply): Have participated in continuing education activities (not including graduate degree studies) Have attended a professional/technical society conference(s) Have taken graduate course(s) since graduation Member of a professional/trade association:

document.doc of 26

RESPONSES

The following responses concern the UAA Construction Management Program educational outcomes. In this survey, we ask for your opinion relative to each of these outcomes.

First, rate the importance of each outcome relative to your employment experience since graduation.

Second, rate each item in accordance to your ability to function in relation to each outcome. Please feel free to use the space after the list to explain or comment on any of your responses.

The primary outcomes of the UAA Construction Management Program are that all graduates will:

IMPORTANCE ABILITY

Extremely Important Outstanding

Very Important ¦ Very Good¦

Important ¦ ¦ Good¦ ¦

Somewhat Important ¦ ¦ ¦ Poor ¦¦ ¦

Not Important ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ Unacceptable ¦ ¦¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦

1. represent the role of the constructor in the multi-discipline team responsible for managing construction projects...................... .....................

2. manage the principle resources of a construction industry organization including its workers, equipment, time, and budgets...................................................................................... .....................

3. assess project risk and evaluate alternate project delivery systems for project procurement and construction........................... ..................... ..................................................................

4. communicate effectively with project design professionalsduring the planning phases of design-build project and throughout the construction phase of all projects ........................... .....................

5. utilize knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment operations to plan control and analyze the results ofconstruction processes...................................................................... ..................... ......................................................................................................

6. manage construction processes in unique and changing conditions to produce measured results that meet statedquality criteria and overall project goals.......................................... ..................... ......................................................................................................

document.doc of 26

Optional comments:

document.doc of 26

How would you rate your overall preparation to:

No Extremely Very Somewhat NotOpinion SatisfiedSatisfiedSatisfiedSatisfiedSatisfied

be a construction manager? obtain your first job after graduation? transition into your first job? perform professionally as a construction manager?

Would you recommend a UAA construction management education to a friend or relative?

Yes No Maybe

Please list up to three major strengths of your construction management education or other UAA experiences.

Please list up to three areas for improvement in our construction management program or other aspects of UAA.

With respect to the previous question, do you have any suggestions on how UAA could address these improvements?

Please return to:UAA – Construction and Design Technology Division3211 Providence Drive, UC 130Anchorage AK 99508

document.doc of 26

APPENDIX C: EMPLOYER SURVEY - PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Description:

The employer survey asks employers to rate the performance of their employees who have graduated from UAA relative to the program’s outcomes. Additionally, employers are asked to rate the importance of the program outcomes from their viewpoint. A sample of the survey instrument in included on the following pages. Employers of our graduates are obtained through Advisory Committee contacts, from Alaska Department of Labor reports and from UAA Career Services Center.


A number of factors need to be taken into consideration when analyzing the data. The following factors are those that may affect the reliability of the collected data.

Low return rates. It is proven difficult get a good return rate from the employers, even with follow up phone calls.

Employer may not be aware of all the UAA graduates in their employ.


Care should be taken to investigate and discuss the factors that affect the collected data before interpreting the outcome. The results of the surveys will also be compared with Graduate Surveys and follow-up Graduate Surveys to gain a greater understanding of program performance. There is not a direct connection in the two surveys between the employers and the graduates who work for them.

Sample Survey.

A sample survey is provided on the next page.


The survey is prepared by the faculty. The survey is administered by the staff. Staff receives the results and tabulates them for use in faculty outcomes review.

document.doc of 26

University of Alaska AnchorageAssociate of Applied Science in Construction Management

Employer Survey - Program Outcomes (YEAR)

The UAA Construction Management Program requests that you complete the following survey to assist the program in assessing the achievement of its objectives and outcomes. Your feedback will help us to determine how well we are doing and what we can do to better serve our students, alumni, and the construction community. Please contact the department if you have any questions about this survey. Phone: 907-786-6425.

Construction Organization:

General commercial building contractor

General heavy/highway contractor

General residential contractor

Specialty contractor (field/discipline):

Construction management

Project/building owner

Other:

Organization Ownership:

Federal Gov. State Gov. Local Gov.

Corporation Sole Proprietorship/Partnership

Alaska Native-owned

Other:

Primary Job Function of UAA BSCM graduates (check all that apply):

Corporate Official/General Management Contractor (Sole proprietor)

Project manager Project superintendent

Project administrator Estimator

Quality control inspector/manager Consultant

Project management assistant Field engineer

Other:

Number of total employees at your work site: < 10 10 – 25 26-50 51-100 101-500 501-1000 > 1000

Approximate number of employees with UAA BSCM degrees at your work site: < 10 10 – 25 > 25

Number of total employees at worldwide sites: no other sites < 10 10 – 25 26-50 51-100 101-500 501-1000 > 1000

document.doc of 26

RESPONSES

The following responses concern the UAA Construction Management Program educational objectives. In this survey, we ask for your opinion relative to each of these objectives.

First, rate the importance of each outcome relative to your organization.

Second, rate each item according to the graduate’s ability to function relative to each objective. Please feel free to use the space after the list to explain any of your responses.

The primary objectives of the UAA Construction Management Program are that all graduates will:

IMPORTANCE ABILITY

Extremely Important Outstanding

Very Important ¦ Very Good¦

Important ¦ ¦ Good¦ ¦

Somewhat Important ¦ ¦ ¦ Poor ¦¦ ¦

Not Important ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ Unacceptable ¦ ¦¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦

1. represent the role of the constructor in the multi-discipline team responsible for managing construction projects...................... .....................

2. manage the principle resources of a construction industry organization including its workers, equipment, time, and budgets...................................................................................... .....................

3. assess project risk and evaluate alternate project delivery systems for project procurement and construction........................... ..................... ..................................................................

4. communicate effectively with project design professionalsduring the planning phases of design-build project and throughout the construction phase of all projects ........................... .....................

5. utilize knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment operations to plan control and analyze the results ofconstruction processes...................................................................... ..................... ......................................................................................................

6. manage construction processes in unique and changing conditions to produce measured results that meet statedquality criteria and overall project goals.......................................... ..................... ......................................................................................................

document.doc of 26

Optional comments:

How would you rate the overall preparation of UAA BSCM graduates to:

No Extremely Very Somewhat NotOpinion Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied

be construction managers? perform professionally?.................................................................

Would you recommend a UAA construction management education to a friend or relative? Yes No Maybe

Please list up to three major strengths of your UAA BSCM employees.

Please list up to three areas for improvement in our construction management program or otheraspects of UAA.

With respect to the previous question, do you have any suggestions on how UAA could address these improvements?

document.doc of 26

What can the UAA construction management program do to better serve the needs of your organization?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Please return it in the enclosed self addressed, stamped, envelope to:

UAA – Construction and Design Technology Division3211 Providence Drive, UC 130Anchorage AK 99508

document.doc of 26

APPENDIX D: COURSE LEVEL ASSESSMENT

Description:

Course level assessment for this program will be conducted in the following four courses identified by the initiating faculty as “key” courses that mark significant steps or thresholds in the curriculum:

CM 163 – Building Construction Cost EstimatingCM 201 – Construction Project Management ICM 301 – Construction Project Management IICM 450 – Construction Management Professional Practice

Additionally, using similar methodology and criteria, course level assessment can be developed for any or all courses. Course level assessment uses of assessment tools to determine the effectiveness of a course relative to the course’s published outcomes. The results of the course level outcomes assessment are translated/mapped to the program’s outcomes for use in program level assessment.


The course level assessment is strongly influenced by the instructor’s perceptions since this is the individual supplying the strongest assessment data. The instructor’s perception survey is combined with data student perception survey. The factors that affect the results depend, in large measure, on the assessment tools used by the instructor. Some factors that influence the collected data include:

o The standard of academic rigor set by the course instructor. A lower standard may tend to result in high course assessment and vice-versa. Variability of standards makes data combination and comparison questionable.

o The variable number and detail of tools used in assessment of the course. For example, a single exam is not a good indicator of performance because it by necessarily lacks comprehensive treatment of the spectrum of the course content.


Care should be taken to investigate and discuss the factors influencing the results before interpreting the outcome. The results of course level assessments should also be compared against other measures to get good picture of program performance.

Results from selected course projects, performance on exams, and other key indicators of student performance will be collected by the instructor and translated/mapped by the use of averaging tables, to the Course Level Assessment column on the Program Outcomes Assessment Results Table.

document.doc of 26

APPENDIX E: COURSE LEVEL ASSESSMENT: STUDENT SURVEY

Description:

The student survey is used to obtain student perceptions about their abilities, relative to the published course outcomes, resulting from their participation in a course and, to a degree, in its prerequisite courses.


Surveys are strongly influenced by a number of factors.

o The standard of academic rigor set by the course instructor. A lower standard may tend to result in high course assessment and vice-versa. Variability of standards makes data combination and comparison questionable.

o The timing of the administration of the survey. o Interpersonal relationships between the instructor and students will affect survey results.


Care should be taken to investigate and discuss the factors influencing the results before interpreting the outcome. The results of the surveys should also be compared against other measures to achieve the best overall outline of program performance.


The course instructor will tabulate and report the results as a part of their course assessment report.

document.doc of 26

(OUTCOMES SURVEY SAMPLE) CM A201 – Construction Project Management

STUDENT OUTCOMES SURVEY

The purpose of this survey is to get your perceptions about how well the objectives of this course were met. These perceptions will be used to improve the course. Your honest responses will be a great assistance to the continual

improvement of the UAA Construction Management program. Circle the appropriate response.

After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following:

How well did the course cover this outcome?

Your understanding/skills related to this outcome.

1 Describe the fundamental steps in the design and construction process and identify project

delivery methods. Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent

2 Identify written and graphic construction contract documents and the purpose, role and

information found in each different type.Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent

3 Examine Division 1 of the specifications to identify the contract administrative, temporary

and procedural requirements.Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent

4 Explain the purpose and the elements of submittals including product, material, and building equipment technical data, and shop

drawings.

Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent

5 Compare project communications methods including Requests for Information (RFI’s), required periodic reports, project meetings, project recordkeeping and quality control

documentation.


6 Interpret site conditions and project requirements for temporary facilities and

construction, to produce a jobsite layout and logistics plan.


7 Recognize changes in the project and develop procedures to track and monitor change

orders.Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent

8 Explain methods used for managing direct labor, monitoring labor productivity and

implementing safety programs.Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent

9 Complete a subcontract agreement for use on a project. Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent

10 Differentiate subcontractor’s scopes of work and explain procedures for managing project subcontractors and monitoring subcontractor

productivity and progress.


11 Complete a progress payment application. Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent

12 Explain methods used to manage materials procurement, monitor materials

contract/quality compliance, and ensure correct materials quantities and appropriate

materials storage and handling.


What grade do you expect from this course? A, B, C, D, F

document.doc of 26

Preparation for CM A201- Construction Project Management

This course has two prerequisites courses. Your responses will help faculty assess the effectiveness of the curriculum.

CourseHow important is this

course to your success in CM A201?

How well did this course prepare you for CM

A201?

Grade received in

course

Taken @

UAA?

CM A101 – Fundamentals of CADD for Building Construction

Not / Mild / Moderate / Very / Essential

Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent A B C D F

Yes / No

CM A102 – Methods of Building Construction

Not / Mild / Moderate / Very / Essential

Poor / Fair / Good / V.Good / Excellent A B C D F

Yes / No

Comments:

document.doc of 26

APPENDIX F: ADVISORY COMMITTEE FEEDBACK

Description:

The Construction Management Advisory Committee (CMAC) is made up of construction contractors, practicing construction management professionals from the public and private sector, construction management alumni, and construction management faculty. The CMAC meets quarterly and serves as a conduit for information flow and communication between the construction management faculty and the construction industry. Members of the CMAC may be employers or graduates of the CM program, therefore; they are excellent sources of information regarding their perceptions of the capabilities of CM graduates and the viability of the program. Faculty will direct discussions to focus on published program outcomes.


The data will be drawn from CMAC discussions at face-to-face meetings one quarterly meeting each year. It is anticipated that these discussions will consist of an exchange of information about CM graduates and interns who are working in the field. While evaluating such data, it will be important to contextually relate input received from committee members with respect to specific students to their work environment, employer expectations, and the employer field of construction practice. Faculty will be required to keep a contemporaneous record of these evaluative discussions and enter them into a written report that will be filed for faculty use used for internal evaluation by the department only for use in the faculty outcomes review.


It is important that faculty, not staff, author the written assessment data gathered at CMAC meetings, treat the data as confidential student information, and student names not be recorded in the reports. Ostensibly, graduate/intern names will not be used during the discussions, but if mentioned by name, they will not be recorded.

The data collected from the CMAC will be subjective and may be highly subjective. When recording such information, the faculty report author must be mindful of this fact. However, it is an invaluable indicator of industry perception of the CM program. Positive suggestions for change(s) should be the primary function of the interpretation.


The faculty members of the CMAC will record the assessment data gathered and record it for the yearly faculty outcomes review.

document.doc of 26