Central Washington University
Assessment of Student Learning
Construction Management Program
Industrial and Engineering Technology Department
College of Education and Professional Studies
Spring 2010
Introduction: This report is an overview of the student learning outcome assessment process.
Included are the instruments utilized, data collected and the resulting changes that took place
during the time period from March 2009 to March 2010. Discussion of the significance of the
results is also included.
Contents:
1. Program Mission and Goals
2. Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment
3. Assessment Instrument Table (overall program and student learner outcome
assessment)
4. Narrative Report of Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
A. Senior Survey
B. On-Campus Recruiting
C. Focus Group Report
D. AIC Exam
E. Student Learner Outcomes Data
5. Appendix: Supporting Documents and Data
A. Complete Learner Outcomes, Tied to Department, College and
University Goals
B. AIC Exam Results, Spring 2009
C. Exit Interview Form, Spring 2009
D. Senior Survey Data, 2009
E. Report of Change Forms
2009 Graduating Class
Construction Management
Central Washington University
1. Program Mission and Goals
The primary mission for the Construction Management Program is to provide the highest
possible quality general construction education to undergraduate students who are preparing
for careers in the construction industry.
The secondary mission is to maintain ongoing contact with the construction industry and to
provide support for this industry.
The Major Program Goals Are:
 Goal A: Improve the quality of instruction within the program
 Goal B: Provide support for the construction industry
 Goal C: Measurably improve the overall quality of the construction program
 Goal D: Support professional development for program faculty
 Goal E: Improve and expand the heavy/civil construction option within the program
2. Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment
Twenty eight specific student learning outcomes have been divided into three primary
categories. These three primary student learning outcomes and a summary of the corresponding
assessment methods are as follows:
Outcome
1. Cognitive/Knowledge/Knowing
A. Graduates shall be able to identify and
describe the legal, economic and social
aspects of the construction industry, the
construction process and construction
contract systems.
B. Graduates shall demonstrate analytical
skills and knowledge in the area of
structures, construction finance, cost
analysis, construction safety, construction
materials, construction methods and building
systems.
2. Affective/Attitudes/Feelings and Values
A. Graduates shall obtain employment as
construction professionals in entry-level
positions. Graduates shall also possess the
skills, knowledge, attitude and behavior to
advance within the industry.
Assessment Method, When Assessed, Students
Assessed
Specific instruments in courses: CMGT 444,
CMGT 445(fall quarter, seniors), 455 and CMGT
456. (winter, seniors).
Specific instrument in courses: CMGT 485
(spring, seniors), IET 312 (winter, spring,
juniors), CMGT 265 (fall, winter, sophomores),
CMGT 460, 461 (spring, seniors), CMGT 320
(spring, juniors and seniors), CMGT 442 (winter,
juniors and seniors), CMGT 450 (fall, seniors),
CMGT 455, 456 (winter, seniors) and SHM 323
(fall, juniors). Also: AIC Exam section scores and
employer survey responses (not every year, junior
and senior students and graduates).
Assessment Method
Ethics assignments in CMGT 265 (fall,
sophomores), CMGT 444 and CMGT 445 (fall,
seniors). Also specific assignment in CMGT 265
(fall, sophomores) and lab scores in CMGT 267
(sophomores, spring). Also, employer survey (not
every year) graduating senior survey, exit
interview (seniors, spring).
3. Skills/Doing
A. Graduates shall be able to estimate, plan
and schedule a small commercial/residential
or heavy/civil project using microcomputers
and appropriate software.
B. Graduates shall be able to demonstrate
basic building and material testing skills and
the proper use of construction software.
C. Students graduating from the program
shall be able to communicate clearly and
effectively, orally, graphically and in writing.
Assessment Method
Estimating final project (juniors, spring), AIC
exam section on scheduling (seniors, spring),
CMGT 447 final project (seniors, fall). Also,
employer survey (not every year).
CMGT 267 (sophomores, spring), CMGT 450
(seniors, fall), CMGT 460 and CMGT 461 lab
scores (seniors, spring). Employer survey (not
every year).
Presentations in various courses, IET 161 final
project (freshmen and sophomores, winter),
CMGT 265 sketching exercises (sophomores,
fall), CMGT 346 and CMGT 347 research paper
(juniors, winter) and AIC exam section on
Communication Skills (spring 2009). Also,
employer survey. (not every year).
Complete details of all the student learning outcomes, corresponding program, department,
college and university goals are available in the appendix of this report (Section 5A).
3. Assessment Instrument Table
In addition to assessment data collected in specific courses, the CMGT program uses other
assessment instruments. The following table summarizes the instruments that are utilized to
collect data, evaluate student learning outcomes and make changes to the construction
management program. The instruments utilized to assess student learner outcomes are shown in
bold italics in the table.
Instrument
Description
Student
Evaluation of
Instruction
Forms (SEOI)
Standardized
evaluations
pertaining to
course and
instructor
Continuous
Quality
Improvement
(CQI)
Instructor selfevaluation
pertaining to each
course
Exit
Questionnaire
Written document
completed by
graduating seniors
in June. Pertains
to education and
pending
employment.
Chair or
Associate Dean
conducts a focus
group survey with
all the graduating
seniors, designed
to identify
program strengths
and weaknesses
Written survey
pertaining to
placement, duties,
salary, job
satisfaction and
education at
CWU is mailed to
all alumni on
record that
graduated within
the past five years
Focus Group
Alumni Survey
Where
Implemented
Completed by
each student
in each
course in the
program
Completed by
each
instructor at
the
conclusion of
each course
400 level
course in the
major
400 level
course in the
major
Schedule
Every quarter,
usually in the
last week
Every quarter
Feedback
Summary and
individual
comments
supplied to
instructor, IET
Chair and Dean
within three
weeks
Instructor
implements
changes
Implementation of
Change (Adjustment)
Faculty member
adjusts course
delivery/content. IET
Chair, Personnel
Committee and the
Dean of CEPS may
make suggestions
Faculty member
adjusts course
deliver/content
Administered
each May or
June by the
IET Chair or
CEPS
Associate
Dean
Administered
each May or
June
Results are
summarized and
discussed among
the faculty and
Chair
Faculty/program
director implement
changes for the
upcoming academic
year
Chair or
Associate Dean
prepares short
written report,
results are
discussed with
program director
Faculty/program
director implement
changes for the
upcoming academic
year
Five-year
cycle
Detailed report is
prepared
Information is shared
with the Executive
Members of the
Advisory Council (re:
job placement and
salaries) and with
program faculty.
Helps to identify
direction and
satisfaction of program
and areas that may
need improvement
Results provide
comparison with the
national averages.
These results are
arranged by subject,
allowing identification
of relative strengths
and weaknesses
Reporting mechanism
American
Institute of
Constructors
CPC Level I
Exam
National Exam
designed for
seniors/profession
als
Required of
all seniors as
part of
CMGT 488,
Professional
Certification
Administered
every March
or April
Summary report
is prepared and
submitted to the
program
coordinator each
May
Report of
Change Form
Documentation of
changes
At all levels
Continuous
Program faculty
4. Narrative Report of Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the CMGT program are very well received by industry, as indicated by the
following measures:
A. Senior Survey
On June 1, 2009 an exit questionnaire was distributed to seniors in the Construction
Management program. Thirty nine surveys were distributed and 39 were returned.
Employment: Of the 39 seniors, 36 indicated that they were graduating in June, three in
December and one planned to attend graduate school. Of 35 June graduates seeking
employment, 25 (71%) indicated that they had accepted a position in industry. The average
starting salary of the 25 graduating seniors who responded to this question was $56,879.
This is up very slightly from 2008 ($56,700) and substantially from 2007 ($51,900) and
2006 ($49,500).
Satisfaction: In addition the seniors were asked to rate their satisfaction pertaining to 14
aspects of their construction management education. A scale of 1 to 5 was used with 1 being
“strongly disagree” and 5 being “strongly agree”. It should be noted that the responses
ranged from a low of 3.1 for satisfaction with knowledge gained in the area of “safety” to a
high of 4.6 for satisfaction relative to “CWU’s program is competitive with other CMGT
programs”. This satisfaction rating for the program as a whole (92%) is exactly the same as
it was in 2008 and above the rating in 2007 (86%).
These survey results support student learner outcomes (or at least the senior students’
perception of knowledge gained) in two of the three categories:
1. Cognitive/Knowledge/Knowing
B. Graduates shall demonstrate analytical skills and knowledge in the area of
structures, construction finance, cost analysis, construction safety, construction
materials, construction methods and building systems.
Item from survey
Engineering concepts
Construction methods and
plan reading
Management concepts
Budgeting and cost control
Construction safety
Rating from survey
4.4
4.2
4.0
3.7
3.1
3. Skills/Doing
A. Graduates shall be able to estimate, plan and schedule a small commercial/residential
or heavy/civil project using microcomputers and appropriate software.
Item from survey
Bidding and estimating
Scheduling
Rating from survey
4.2
4.4
B. Graduates shall be able to demonstrate basic building and material testing skills.
Item from survey
Surveying
Rating from survey
4.2
C. Students graduating from the program shall be able to communicate clearly and
effectively, orally, graphically and in writing.
Item from survey
Written communication
Oral communication
Rating from survey
3.8
3.8
Other summary employment data is included below and the complete data from the
survey is included in Appendix D.
Starting Salary
Employment
(Type of firm)
Type of Work
$56,879
General contractor
88%
Commercial
28%
Specialty contractor
12%
Heavy/Civil (includes
marine)
56%
Owner
0%
Residential
4%
Other
12%
It should be noted that the percentage of graduates placed with commercial
contractors was down significantly from 2008 (56%) and the percentage
placed with heavy/civil contractors was up significantly from 2008 (35%).
This is likely the result of federal stimulus money for construction public
works projects.
B. On-Campus Recruiting
During the time period of this report, March 2009 to March 2010, approximately 55
companies have visited campus to recruit CMGT students for internship and permanent
positions. This number is down significantly from the previous year (85 companies). These
visits occurred in conjunction with the IET Career Fair in the Sub-Rec ballroom on Thursday
November 6, 2009 and fairly continuously throughout fall and winter quarter in the Hogue
Technology building. All aspects of construction (residential, commercial, heavy/civil,
marine and mechanical) were represented.
C. Focus Group Report
Students are generally satisfied with their learning and educational experience:
On June 1, 2009 Dr. Ethan Bergman, Associate Dean of the College of Education and
Professional Studies, held an informal focus group interview with 33 graduating in
Hogue room 220. His findings are included in the form of a short report. Names
have been removed from the report:
June 1, 2009
MEMO
To:
Bill Bender, Chair, IET
David Carns, Program Director, Construction Management
From: Ethan Bergman, Associate Dean, CEPS
Re:
Exit Interview
Thank you for inviting me to the Construction Management Lunch and Exit Interview. I
enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the students in the program.
Overview
The main impression I got when talking with the students is that they feel the program is
strong and offers the environment to succeed in construction management. The students
sited the combination of engineering and hands on experience gives them real benefit
when they are working on problems. Both the overall quality of the program and the
opportunity for networking and interaction with members of the construction
management profession are very positive attributes of the program.
Specific Curriculum Changes
Several courses were mentioned concerning changes. 455 could be downgraded to a 300
level course because it is quite a bit of redundancy. 488, the exam prep class should be
more lecture-based to provide more useful information. The LEED class needs to
increase credits. IET 301 Project Cost Analysis often not taught well. This class and
Accounting could be combined. There needs to be more emphasis on concrete and not
asphalt. The steel structural class needs to be improved. The utilities class is not taught
well. Some mentioned ADMG 385 as a waste of time. Others liked it.
Major Strengths
Need to require an internship. The strong engineering background is a real plus. Program
is small and quite a bit of one-on-one, hands on experience.
Suggestions








Change the prerequisites so that there are more construction classes before you
get formally admitted.
Question about why ENG 101 and 102 are prerequisites.
Make the number of credits less for graduation. Probably less than a third of the
students indicated they get through in 4 years.
Have the program pay for the certification test.
Use more up-to-date software such as Quick Bid and On Screen in classes so the
students are aware of them in the field.
The safety class didn’t always end in a 10 Hour Card
Class scheduling needs to be addressed because students often have big breaks
between classes and they can’t schedule work around it very well.
Construction job fair.
Other comments
The computer lab is not effective because of the lack of available time and space to
access the computer programs. It is also very hot. There was considerable discussion
about some of the faculty members’ teaching and their ability to cover material needed in
the major. There was concern that they aren’t effective and that the students weren’t
prepared with the material they cover in the classes they teach.
Summary
It seems evident that the students appreciate the education they have received at CWU in
the Construction Management program. They have some concerns about curriculum,
instructors and facilities.
Those are the main points. I hope they are helpful.
C
Connie Lambert, Dean
Results and Changes: The students had many relevant comments and some good ideas and
some have been implemented at the time of this report. A change in the curriculum was proposed
and approved in February of 2010, reducing the total number of credits required for the major by
three. This change included the elimination of ADMG 385 from the major (replacing the class
with a choice of business and/or management courses), increasing the number of credits for the
CMGT 452, LEED in Construction, course from three to four. The student comments about the
CAD lab are legitimate. This will be addressed with the completion of the new addition and
renovation of the existing Hogue building, as there will be two computer labs. One lab will be for
classroom instruction and the other will be available for out-of-class student work. The building
will also have cooling, eliminating the issue of the computer lab being too hot.
The AIC exam as been an issue with the students for a number of years. The review course
(CMGT 488) has been changed to more of a lecture-based course in 2010. It should be noted that
the CWU students performed very well on the exam in the spring of 2009, with 82% passing
(national average, 66%). The fact that the exam is a requirement has been included in the
university catalog for the last year:
Exit Requirement
Students are required to complete the Associate Constructor exam administered by
American Institute of Constructors and achieve a minimum score of 60% to graduate with
a BS in construction management.
The SHM 323 class (Construction Safety) has been an issue, off and on, for a number of
years. The class needs to be restructured and made more consistent from instructor to
instructor. One of the issues has been the recent turnover in faculty in the SHM program.
D. AIC Exam
The American Institute of constructors (AIC) exam scores indicate extremely strong
performance for students from the Construction Management Program at Central
Washington University. Numerical results are utilized to provide data to evaluate student
learner outcomes.
The AIC exam is required of all CMGT seniors in the spring of their year of graduation. This is a
national, eight-hour comprehensive exam that tests and identifies ten areas of competency. In
April of 2009, 38 CMGT seniors took the exam and their average score was 234.34/300 (78%),
while the national average was 219.69/300 (73%). One thousand and nine (1009) students took
the exam nationwide.
Results are summarized below:
 31 of the 38 students from CWU who took the exam passed (82%). This up slightly
from 2008 when 79% passed and 2007 when 78% passed.
 666 of 1009 students nationally passed (66%)
 The average percentage score from CWU was 78%, up from 77% in 2008, from 75% in
2007 and 67% in 2006
 It is noteworthy that six CWU students scored in the 95th percentile and of these six,
two were in the 99th percentile, nationally.
Central students scored higher than the national average in nine of the ten categories. This is
slightly down from 2008 when CWU students scored above average in all of the ten categories.
Scores in this one category for 2009 are:
Category
Construction Safety
Possible
Score
23
Minimum
Acceptable Score
16
CWU
Average
16.76
National
Average
16.83
The communication skills category, which involves reading and interpreting plans and written
correspondence and writing business letters and memos, appears to be an issue, both at Central
and nationally. It is worthwhile to note the positive trend for CWU students in this category over
the past five years:
Category
School
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Communication
Skills
CWU
76%
65%
63%
59%
62%
National
Average
69%
55%
66%
64%
63%
The scores in the area of communication skills have shown slight improvement over the years and
are above the national average and, finally, slightly above the current AIC designated minimum
score of 12/17 (71%). This is one of the designated learner outcomes. Students are relatively
satisfied with their knowledge of written communication skills (3.8 out of 5), based on the 2009
senior exit survey. Data from the identified learner outcome assessment plan, Item 3C.5,
Technical Written Report (see subsection E below), shows average scores on written technical
report instruments of 74% (there are two assessment instruments used, both at the junior level,
although data is available from only one instrument), with a target of 80% and therefore a
variance for this item of -6% . Although this is not exactly the same as the business writing
component identified on the AIC exam it does give a measure of competency in the area of
written communication. Changes from previous years that were made to increase students’
written communication skills include the addition of written papers, memos and letters in existing
CMGT courses, however it is a concern that scores have dropped from the last assessment cycle.
It is too early to determine if this is statistically significant.
The scores in the area of construction safety have increased slightly over the past four years,
while the national average in this category has remained fairly constant and more recently
actually declined (see table below). This is likely as a direct result of the fact that a construction
specific safety class, SHM 323, Construction Safety, was added to the major three years ago as a
replacement for SHM 386, Occupation Safety and Health. This change was the result of student
evaluations, senior performance on the AIC Level I exam in “Construction Safety” and alumni
feedback. The addition of this course appears to have proven successful and it is anticipated that
AIC exam results in this one category will continue indicate improvement in the coming years.
Category
Construction
Safety
School
CWU
2009
72.9%
2008
73%
2007
71%
2006
68%
2005
67%
National
Average
73.2%
70%
73%
72%
70%
More recently this course has been taught by a variety of adjuncts and probably needs to be
monitored more closely to assure that the content aligns with the needs of the CMGT program.
E. Student Learning Outcomes Data
Assessment data from the latest assessment cycle of evaluating student learning outcomes, is
detailed below. This spreadsheet includes data collected through the end of this assessment
cycle; March 2010.
Assessment Data, Student Learner Outcomes
Central Washington University Construction Management Program
Data From Assessment Measures
80%
80%
80%
80%
88% 8%
76% -4%
68% -12% 88%
72% -8%
80%
80%
75%
80%
80%
80%
70%
70%
70%
80%
80%
88%
85%
73%
79%
87%
72%
88%
76%
93%
0%
8%
10%
-7%
-1%
7%
2%
18%
6%
13%
80%
80%
75%
80%
80%
80%
70%
70%
70%
80%
70%
84%
83%
89%
97%
82%
73%
76%
95%
-10%
9%
3%
9% 87%
17%
12%
3%
6%
15% 95%
2. Affective/Attitudes/Feelings and Values
A
Attitudes and Behavior
A1
Ethical issues
A2
Team players
A3
Industry organizations
80%
80%
80%
96%
89%
16% 85% 5%
9%
-80% Not Assessed
80%
80%
80%
86%
89%
6% 90% 10%
9%
-80% Not Assessed
3. Skills/Doing
A
Plan and Schedule
A1
Quantity take off
A2
Bid preparation
A3
Network schedule
90%
90%
70%
94%
95%
90%
4%
5%
20%
90%
90%
70%
93% 3% 98%
88% -2%
94% 24% 80%
B
B1
B2
Material Testing
Soils and concrete testing
Surveying equipment
80%
80%
89%
89%
9%
9%
80%
80%
90% 10% 86%
91% 11%
C
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
Communication
Techncial oral report
Business presentation
Prepare working drawings
Sketching and drawing
Technical written report
Business writing
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
70%
91%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
70%
85%
81%
85%
65%
94%
14%
73%
3%
82%
90%
12%
83%
3%
11% 90% 10%
-80% Not Assessed
-80%
1%
5% 89% 9%
-5%
5%
92%
90% 10%
88% 8%
85% 5% 96%
76% 6%
8%
7%
15%
80%
80%
80%
80% 87%
80%
80%
75%
80%
80%
80%
70%
70%
70%
80%
4%
8%
8%
8%
9%
8% 100% 20%
Measure 2
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
75% 75% 0%
80%
80% 84% 4%
80%
70%
70%
70%
80%
80% 85% 5%
80% 89% 9%
80%
Not Assessed
80%
80%
80%
90% 94% 4%
90%
70% 92% 22% 82% 12%
90%
90%
70%
6%
80% 94% 14% 86% 6%
80% 91% 11%
80% 87% 7%
80% 93% 13%
12%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
70%
80%
80%
80%
80%
80%
70%
8%
10%
16%
Shading indicates the data was collected in the spring of 2008
This is included in the March 2008 to March 2009 report
Shading indicates the data was collected from the April 2009 AIC Exam
Shading indicates the data was collected in the spring of 2009
This is included in the March 2009 to March 2010 report
Shading indicates the data was collectd from the March 2010 AIC Exam
82%
2%
88%
81%
74%
67%
8%
1%
-6%
-3%
Actual
Variance
Actual
Target
Variance
82% 2%
58% -22%
84% 9%
84%
88%
78%
78%
79%
88%
2010/2011
Measure 1
Year:
Measure 2
7%
Actual
Variance
Actual
Target
Variance
81%
82%
4% 84% 4%
-80% Not Assessed
1% 88% 8%
2%
Analytical and Systems
Accounting
Mathematics and sciences
Wood, steel and concrete
Structural mechanics
Electrical and mechanical
Soils and foundations
Financing and money
Construction safety
Project administration
Project planning
2009/2010
Measure 1
Year:
Measure 2
Actual
Variance
Measure 1
2008/2009
Actual
Target
B
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
B10
Variance
84%
Actual
Actual
80%
80%
80%
80%
Variance
1. Cognitive/Knowledge/Knowing
Description
A
Legal, Economic, Social
A1
Contracts
A2
Laws
A3
Dispute resolution
A4
Management principles
Target
Outcome
Year:
Measure 2
2007/2008
Measure 1
Year:
There are 28 specific student learner outcomes that have been identified for assessment and
continuous quality improvement and, at the time of this writing, data is available for nearly all of
the outcomes, as indicated in the table above. Although this is a work in progress, the most
recent data indicates that students are at or above the target values for nearly all measures,
however during the previous assessment cycle the students were slightly below the target values
in the three areas of Construction Laws, Dispute Resolution and Management Principles
(Outcomes 1.A2, 1.A3 and 1.A4). Students are exposed to these areas in two courses, CMGT
444 and CMGT 445, senior courses that cover construction contracts and contract interpretation
and application. Data from these courses was not available at the time of this writing.
In the category of Cognitive/Knowledge/Knowing, B. (Graduates shall demonstrate
analytical skills and knowledge in the area of structures, construction finance, cost
analysis, construction safety, construction materials, construction methods and building
systems), students have performed very well. In fact, scores continue to remain strong,
especially in the areas of Electrical and Mechanical Systems, Soils and Foundations,
Financing and Money and Project Planning. It should be noted that the data from item
1.B2, Mathematics and Science, that indicated an assessment value 10% below the target
from the 2009 assessment cycle, is now 22% below the target value of 80%. This item is
assessed in IET 312, Strength of Materials, and is based on a calculus-based exam
questions. Students continue to struggle with calculus applications. The plan is to
emphasize integral applications in the future in this course (and others) in an attempt to
strengthen students’ understanding of these concepts and applications.
It should be noted that students again appear to be very strong in the areas of oral
presentations and relatively strong in Project Planning and Construction Scheduling,
Surveying and Project Layout and Engineering Concepts. This last data is supported by
relatively high scores in the areas of project planning and scheduling and Surveying and
Project Layout on the 2009 AIC exam.
AIC exam results, spring 2009:
Category
Possible
Score
Planning,
Scheduling and
Control
Surveying and
Project Layout
Engineering
Concepts
46
6
27
Minimum
Acceptable
Score
32
(70%)
CWU School
Average
National
Average
37.00
(80%)
34.71
(75%)
4
(67%)
19
(70%)
5.13
(86%)
22
(81%)
4.84
(81%)
20
(74%)
As this data-based assessment process continues it will be possible in future years to
identify trends and incorporate changes into the program to help provide the students
with an even better education.
5. Appendix: Supporting Documents and Data
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Complete Learner Outcomes, Tied to Department, College, University Goals
AIC Exam Results, Spring 2009
Exit Interview Form, Spring 2009
Senior Survey Data, 2009
Report of Change Forms
A. Complete Learner Outcomes, Tied to Department, College, University Goals
Student Learning Outcomes
(performance, knowledge, attitudes)
Related
Program
Goals
Related
Departmental
Goals
Related College
Goals
Related
University Goals
Goal A.
Improve
the quality
of
instruction
in the
program.
1. To nurture
excellent
programs in
Technology,
and
Engineering
Technology
related
disciplines by
maintaining or
obtaining
national
accreditation
in the
following
programs.
Goal 1 - Provide
for an outstanding
academic and
professional
growth experience
for students at all
CWU locations.
Goal 2 - Prepare
students to
participate in an
increasingly
diverse economy
and environment.
Goal I: Maintain
and strengthen an
outstanding
academic and
student life on the
Ellensburg
campus.
Goal V: Achieve
regional and
national
prominence for the
university.
1.Cognitive/Knowledge/Knowing
A. Graduates shall be able to identify
and describe the legal, economic and
social aspects of the construction
industry, the construction process and
construction contract systems.
Method(s)
of
Assessment
Who
Assessed
When
Assessed
Standard of
Mastery/
Criterion of
Achievemen
t (How good
does
performanc
e have to
be?)
1. The student shall be able to identify
and explain construction contracts and
the roles and responsibilities of all
parties involved with 80% accuracy.
2. The student shall demonstrate
knowledge of lien laws, local and
national labor laws and the contractors’
and owners’ rights pertaining to these
areas with 80% accuracy.
3. The student shall be able to explain
various construction dispute resolution
techniques and various steps that may
be taken to avoid disputes with 80%
accuracy.
4. Students shall be able to describe
basic management principles,
organizational behavior and structure as
these related to the construction
industry with 80% accuracy.
B. Graduates shall demonstrate
analytical skills and knowledge in the
area of structures, construction
finance, cost analysis, construction
safety, construction materials,
construction methods and building
systems.
CMGT 444 and
CMGT 445 Exam
Seniors
Fall
80%
Seniors
Fall
80%
CMGT 444/445
Exams
Seniors
Fall
80%
CMGT 455/456
Quizzes or
Assignments
Seniors
Spring
80%
CMGT 444 and
CMGT 445 Final
Exam
Goal A.
Improve the
quality of
instruction
in the
program.
1. To nurture
excellent
programs in
Technology, and
Engineering
Technology
related
disciplines by
maintaining or
obtaining
national
accreditation in
the following
programs.
Goal 1 Provide for an
outstanding
academic and
professional
growth
experience for
students at all
CWU
locations.
Goal I:
Maintain
and
strengthen
an
outstanding
academic
and student
life on the
Ellensburg
campus.
Goal V:
Achieve
regional
and
national
prominence
for the
university.
1. Students shall demonstrate an
understanding of managerial accounting
techniques as they relate to the
construction industry with 80%
accuracy.
2. Students shall demonstrate an
understanding of mathematics and
science; including chemistry, physics
and mathematics through calculus with
80% accuracy.
3. The student shall demonstrate
knowledge of types and uses of
construction materials, including wood,
steel and concrete. This knowledge
shall include understanding
terminology, units of measure, sizes
and gradations, standard designations,
specifications and testing techniques,
with 75% accuracy.
4. Students shall demonstrate
knowledge in the areas of structural
mechanics, including statics and
strength of materials with 80%
accuracy.
CMGT 485 Exam
or Assignment
Seniors
Spring
80%
IET 312 exam
question on shear
and moment
diagrams
Juniors
Winter or
Spring
80%
CMGT 265 Exam
questions
Sophomo
res
Fall or
Winter
75%
CMGT 460/461,
average of exam 1
Spring
75%
Seniors
Fall or
Winter
80%
IET 311 Exam,
Find reactions for
a beam
Juniors
5. Students shall demonstrate an
understanding of, electrical and
mechanical systems with 80%
accuracy.
6. Students shall demonstrate
knowledge of soil mechanics and
foundation types and principles of
design with 80% accuracy.
7. Students shall demonstrate a
working knowledge of construction
cost accounting, financing,
insurance, bonding, bidding and
procurement practices, depreciation
and expensing, cost forecasting,
cash flow requirements, time value
of money and project payment
procedures, with 70% accuracy.
8. The student shall demonstrate
knowledge of construction safety
training, procedures, record
keeping, maintenance, inspection,
penalties and compliance with
state and federal regulations with
70% accuracy.
CMGT 320,
Assignment to
calculate the
electrical load for
a house
CMGT 442,
Assignment to
calculate the heat
load for a building
CMGT 450,
Assignment to
calculate the
bearing capacity
of a shallow
foundation
AIC Exam
section;
Budgeting, Costs
and Cost Control,
overall scores of
CMGT seniors
AIC Exam
section;
Construction
Safety, overall
scores of CMGT
seniors
SHM 323 Final
exam, average
scores
Juniors/s
eniors
Winter
80%
Spring
80%
Seniors
Fall
80%
Seniors
Spring
70%
Seniors
Spring
70%
Juniors
Fall
70%
Juniors/S
eniors
9. Students shall demonstrate an
understanding of construction
project management; including
concepts, roles and responsibilities
of individuals, administrative
systems and procedures, cost
control systems, proper job site
and office documentation and
quality control philosophies and
applications with 70% accuracy
10. Students shall be able to
demonstrate knowledge of site
mobilization and short term project
planning, including staffing,
material requirements and
equipment selection and utilization
with 80% accuracy.
AIC Exam
section;
Management
Concepts, overall
scores of CMGT
seniors
CMGT 455/456
Project
2.Affective/Attitudes/Feelings/Values
A. Graduates shall obtain employment as
construction professionals in entry-level
positions. Graduates shall also possess the
skills, knowledge, attitude and behavior to
advance within the industry.
Goal A.
Improve
the quality
of
instruction
in the
program.
1. To nurture
excellent programs
in Technology, and
Engineering
Technology related
disciplines by
maintaining or
obtaining national
accreditation in the
following
Goal 4 Build
mutually
beneficial
partnerships
with alumni,
industry,
professional
groups,
institutions,
Goal I:
Maintain and
strengthen an
outstanding
academic and
student life
on the
Ellensburg
campus.
Goal V:
Seniors
Spring
70%
Seniors
Spring
80%
programs.
5. Continuously
improve the cultural
educational
environment.
1. Students shall be able to identify and
understand ethical issues relevant to the
various parties in the construction process, and
to react in a manner consistent with ethical
standards established by the construction
industry associations, with 80% accuracy.
2. Students shall demonstrate the ability to
work in groups and act as team players, with a
success rate of 80%.
3. The student shall demonstrate knowledge of
construction industry organizations, such as;
The Associated General Contractors of
America (AGC), The National Association of
Home Builders (NAHB), The Mechanical
Contractors Association (MCA), The
American Council for Construction Education
and The American Institute of Constructors.
Students shall also demonstrate knowledge of
the commitment and importance of these
organizations to society, with 80% accuracy.
and the
communities
surrounding
our campus
locations.
Achieve
regional and
national
prominence
for the
university.
Average
scores of
CMGT 265
ethics
assignments
Sophomores
Fall or
Winter
Seniors
80%
80%
Fall
Average
score of
CMGT
444/445
ethics
assignment
Average
scores on
CMGT 267
final project
CMGT 265
Assignment
or exam
Sophomores
Spring
80%
Sophomores
Fall/Winter
80%
3. Skills/Doing
A. Graduates shall be able to
estimate, plan and schedule a
small commercial/residential
or heavy/civil project using
microcomputers and
appropriate software.
Goal A.
Improve the
quality of
instruction
in the
program.
1. To nurture
excellent
programs in
Technology,
and
Engineering
Technology
related
disciplines by
maintaining or
obtaining
national
accreditation
in the
following
programs.
5.
Continuously
improve the
cultural
educational
environment.
1. Students shall be able to
perform accurate detailed
quantity takeoffs on a
commercial/residential project,
including all Construction
Specification Institute (CSI)
divisions, both manually and
utilizing Microsoft Excel, with
a success rate of 90%.
2. Students shall be able to
Goal 1 - Provide
for an
outstanding
academic and
professional
growth
experience for
students at all
CWU locations.
Goal 5 - Provide
professional,
high-quality
staffing,
facilities,
technologies,
and appropriate
resources to
ensure the
highest levels of
academic and
professional
development.
Goal I: Maintain
and strengthen an
outstanding
academic and
student life on the
Ellensburg
campus.
Goal V: Achieve
regional and
national
prominence for
the university.
CMGT 343
Final project
scores
Juniors
Winter
90%
accurately prepare a bid, based
on pricing of materials, labor,
equipment, overhead and profit
for a commercial/residential or
heavy/civil project. In
addition, students choosing the
general construction option
shall be able to utilize
estimating software, such as
Timberline, to create and
submit a bid for a
residential/commercial project.
Students choosing the
heavy/civil construction option
shall be able to estimate and
bid a heavy/civil project using
appropriate software, with an
accuracy rate of 90%.
3. Students shall be able to
prepare, analyze and update
both a Gantt chart and a
network (critical path method)
schedule for a
commercial/residential or
heavy/civil project, both
manually and utilizing
scheduling software (Microsoft
Project, SureTrak or similar
scheduling software), with a
success rate of 70%.
CMGT
344/345
Final Project
AIC Exam
section;
Planning,
Scheduling
and Control,
overall score
of CMGT
seniors
CMGT 447
Final project
average score
Juniors
Spring
90%
Seniors
Spring
70%
Seniors
Fall
70%
B. Graduates shall be
able to demonstrate
basic building and
material testing skills.
Goal A.
Improve the
quality of
instruction
in the
program.
1. To nurture
excellent programs
in Technology, and
Engineering
Technology related
disciplines by
maintaining or
obtaining national
accreditation in the
following programs.
5. Continuously
improve the cultural
educational
environment.
1. Students shall
demonstrate the ability to
perform basic field and
lab tests on construction
materials, including
concrete, and soils with
80% accuracy.
Goal 1 Provide for an
outstanding
academic and
professional
growth
experience for
students at all
CWU locations.
Goal 5 Provide
professional,
high-quality
staffing,
facilities,
technologies,
and appropriate
resources to
ensure the
highest levels of
academic and
professional
development.
Goal I: Maintain
and strengthen an
outstanding
academic and
student life on the
Ellensburg
campus.
Goal V: Achieve
regional and
national
prominence for
the university.
CMGT 450,
Overall
average lab
scores
CMGT
460/461,
Slump and
cylinder tests,
overall
average lab
report scores
Seniors
Fall
80%
Seniors
Spring
80%
2. Students shall
demonstrate the ability to
properly use and care for
construction surveying
instruments, including
levels, transits,
theodolites, tapes and
electronic distance
measuring devices, as
these instruments relate
to construction projects,
with 80% accuracy.
C. Students graduating
from the program shall
be able to
communicate clearly
and effectively, orally,
graphically and in
writing.
CMGT 267
Lab, overall
average lab
scores
Goal A.
Improve the
quality of
instruction in
the program.
1. To nurture
excellent
programs in
Technology,
and
Engineering
Technology
related
disciplines by
maintaining or
obtaining
national
accreditation
in the
following
programs.
5.
Continuously
improve the
cultural
educational
environment.
Goal 1 - Provide
for an
outstanding
academic and
professional
growth
experience for
students at all
CWU locations.
Goal 2 - Prepare
students to
participate in an
increasingly
diverse economy
and environment.
Goal I: Maintain
and strengthen an
outstanding
academic and
student life on the
Ellensburg campus.
Goal V: Achieve
regional and
national
prominence for the
university.
Sopho
mores
Spring
80%
1. Students shall be able
to effectively prepare
and present a technical
oral report on various
construction topics, with
80% success
2. Students demonstrate
the ability to make
business and
professional oral
presentations, with 80%
success.
3. Students shall
demonstrate the ability
to prepare and edit a
complete set of working
drawings for both a
residential or
commercial building
using AutoCAD
software, with 80%
accuracy.
CMGT
346/347
Student
presentation
average
scores
CMGT 485
Student
presentation
average
scores
4. Students shall be able
to communicate
graphically using
standard sketching and
engineering drawing
techniques, including
proper dimensioning,
orthographic
projections, sections,
auxiliary views and
detail views, with 80%
accuracy.
CMGT 265
Sketching
and drawing
assignments,
average
scores
IET 161 Final
project
average score
Junior
s
Winter
80%
Senior
s
Spring
80%
Fresh
men/S
opho
mores
Junior
s/Seni
ors
Fall/Winter/
Spring
80%
Sopho
mores
Fall/Winter
80%
5. Students shall be able to
properly research a topic, using the
reference materials at the library,
the Internet and industry resources
to prepare written technical
reports, with 80% accuracy.
CMGT 346/347
Research paper
average score
6. Students shall be able to clearly
demonstrate their written
communication skills by writing
prose, business letters, resumes,
and daily job reports that include
proper grammar, spelling and
sentence structure, with a 70%
success rate.
AIC Exam
section;
Communication
Skills on written
skills, overall
score of CMGT
seniors
Juniors
Winter
80%
Seniors
Spring
70%
B. AIC Exam Results, Spring 2009
C. Exit Interview Form, Spring 2009
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Construction Management Exit Interview Questionnaire
This form is confidential and will be used for program assessment purposes. It is to be completed prior to graduation from the Construction
Management program.
Name (optional) ______________________________________ Graduation Date ___________________
A.
Background:
1.
Why did you choose the CMGT program at CWU? _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2.
What previous construction-related experience have you had? ______________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3.
What other college level education have you had prior to coming to CWU?
_____ None
_____ Other University, _________ Number of hours
_____ Community College, No Degree
_____ University Degree, Program __________________
_____ Community College, Associate Degree
4.
B.
How did you hear about the CWU program? ______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Post-graduation employment:
1. Have you accepted a position? _____ yes
_____ no (skip to question 3)
2. If yes, position title _________________________________________________________________
Starting Salary ________________________
Starting Date __________________________
Company Name ___________________________________________________________________
Company Address _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

How would you best categorize this company (circle all that apply)?
General Contractor

Specialty Contractor
Supplier
Owner
Self-employed
Other
Type of work associated with your employer _______________________________________________________________
(commercial, residential, heavy/civil, marine, utility, mechanical, electrical, industrial, etc.)

How did you become aware of this position? _______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

What factors were important in making this decision?
___________________________________________________________________________________
3.
If you have not accepted a position, what is your career objective?
_________________________________________________________________________________

C.
Have you interviewed?
_____ no
_____ yes
_____ number of companies
Continuing Education
Do you plan to obtain additional education?
_____no
_____ yes
_____ Graduate School - Type of Program ______________________________________________
_____ Other BS program ____________________________________________________________
_____ Special Certifications __________________________________________________________
D. Construction Management Education from Central Washington University
How strongly I agree that...
Strongly
disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly agree
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
bidding and estimating.
О
О
О
О
О
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
budgeting, costs and cost control.
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
О
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
surveying and project layout.
О
О
О
О
О
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
project administration.
О
О
О
О
О
my education experience at CWU prepared me to
compete with graduates from other construction
programs.
my studies at CWU contained a good balance
between theory and application.
the CMGT program adequately developed my
written communication skills.
the CMGT program adequately developed my oral
communication skills.
the CMGT program adequately developed my
computer skills (spreadsheets, estimating,
scheduling, CAD).
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
engineering concepts and applications (statics,
strength of materials, soils, etc.)
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
management concepts.
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
materials, methods and plan reading.
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
planning and scheduling.
the CMGT program prepared me well in the area of
construction safety.
E. General Comments
1. What specific curriculum changes (course additions, course deletions, course changes) would you recommend?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What do you consider to be the major strengths or most positive aspects of the construction management program?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What suggestions (physical facilities, industry involvement, faculty, etc.) would you like to make relative to making improvements to
the construction management program?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Other comments?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D. Senior Survey Data, 2009
E. Report of Change Forms
Report of Change
Program Assessment, Construction Management
Central Washington University
Date of report: December 14, 2009
Name: Dave Carns
Description of concern:
Scoring major applications, October 2009
How and when the concern was identified:
As applications for the major became more competitive this fall it was also more difficult
to objectively evaluate work experience and the letter of application for each student.
Actions taken or to be taken:
After discussion with the other faculty members it was also evident that the number of
points for work experience should be increased slightly and the number of points for the
letter decreased slightly. In addition a new form entitled “Detail of Work Experience”
(attached) was created for each student to submit, along with a resume, will make it
easier to evaluate the quality and length of each applicant’s construction experience.
Also, the number of possible points for work experience was increased from 1.5 pts to 2.0
pts. and the number of possible points for the letter was reduced from 1.0 pts. to 0.5 pts.,
keeping the total possible number of points at 12.
Review method and timeline:
The new scoring method will be reviewed in October of 2010 when students next apply
for the major.
Report of Change
Program Assessment, Construction Management
Central Washington University
Date of report: March 8, 2010
Name: Dave Carns
Description of concern:
The CMGT curriculum was found to be 5 credits short in the Business and Management
category per ACCE requirements.
How and when the concern was identified:
The ACCE visiting team decided, when they were on campus in March 2009, that
ADMG 385 (5cr), Business Report Writing cannot be counted in the Business and
Management curriculum category.
Actions taken or to be taken:
The CMGT curriculum has been changed, and approved by the Faculty Senate, so that
there are now the required 27 credits in the Business and Management category. ADMG
385 was removed replaced with a choice of courses, including: HRM 381, MGT 380,
MKT 360, ADMG 201 and ADMG 372.
Review method and timeline:
By fall 2010 all students new to the major will be advised under the new requirements.
Report of Change
Program Assessment, Construction Management
Central Washington University
Date of report: March 8, 2010
Name: Dave Carns
Description of concern:
Attendance at the Industry Advisory Council meetings has been sporadic and some
members have not been active.
How and when the concern was identified:
The ACCE team, when they visited campus in March of 2009, mentioned in the Visiting
Team Report mentioned that there is an opportunity to increase industry support through
a more active advisory council.
Actions taken or to be taken:
This concern has been alleviated with the recent reorganization and revitalization of the
Construction Management Industry Advisory Council in the fall of 2009. Bylaws have
been adopted, membership has been increased, committees have been created and
meeting dates have been established. All council members have been assigned to a
committee and given very meaningful roles to assist the program.
Membership: Twelve members, six of whom must be alumni
Committees: Each committee has been assigned a faculty coordinator and each
committee has selected a chair from among its members.
1. Membership Committee
2. Events/Outreach Committee
3. Curriculum Review Committee
4. Scholarship Committee
The council will meet twice per year; the second Thursday of October in the Puget Sound
area and the second Thursday of May on the CWU campus, with some students in
attendance. These changes led to an increase in attendance, with 10 of the 12 members,
plus the 4 CMGT faculty members and CEPS Development officer present at the October
2009 meeting.
Review method and timeline:
Review will be done on an ongoing basis.
Report of Change
Program Assessment, Construction Management
Central Washington University
Date of report: March 8, 2010
Name: Dave Carns
Description of concern:
There is an opportunity to increase the diversity of students in the CMGT program.
How and when the concern was identified:
The ACCE team, when they visited campus in March of 2009, mentioned in the Visiting
Team Report mentioned that there is an opportunity to increase student diversity within
the CMGT program.
Actions taken or to be taken:
The Advisory Council scholarship committee created a new Construction Management
Scholarship, funded initially with $35,000 from the Advisory Council Foundation
Account. The Committee will use these funds to award a $3000 scholarship to students
(pre-majors) entering the program. The scholarship criteria gives a slight preference to
women/minority students.
Review method and timeline:
The scholarship applications are due May 1, 2010 and the money will be awarded for the
2010/2011 academic year. Review will be done on an ongoing basis.
Report of Change
Program Assessment, Construction Management
Central Washington University
Date of report: March 8, 2010
Name: Dave Carns
Description of concern:
Current workload plans do not account for the heavy student advising load for CMGT
faculty members.
How and when the concern was identified:
The ACCE team, when they visited campus in March of 2009, mentioned in the Visiting
Team Report that the workload plans for CMGT faculty do not appear to adequately
address the heavy student advising load.
Actions taken or to be taken:
In March of 2010 CMGT faculty submitted workload plans for the 2010/2011 academic
year that increased the number of workload credits for student advising from 1.0 to 2.0.
Review method and timeline:
By fall 2010 CMGT faculty will either have a reduced workload for teaching or overload
pay to compensate for the heavy advising load.