EMU Today

YPSILANTI- Eastern Michigan University construction management students placed second in a national pre-construction competition that tested their knowledge preconstruction services during an expansion and renovation project.

The Associated Schools of Construction sponsored the competition, October 12 to October 15, in Downers Grove, IL.

Pre-construction team: Spencer Grassi, Brandon Francis, Ryan Jones, Michael Eiswerth, Nate Walsh, Andrew Bigaman

Six EMU construction management students were asked to create a proposal, presentation on a $20-$40 million hospital expansion and renovation. Students also participated in an interview with the judges on the project.

The objective was to expose students to different preconstruction services in today’s construction environment, such as team selection, logistics planning, conceptual estimating, risk analysis, constructability review, resource allocation and safety.

More than 350 students participated representing 27 universities.

“This competition gives students an opportunity to apply what they have learned in what is the best possible learning experience,” said James Stein, construction management professor and coach of the Eastern Constructors student organization.

First, second and third place teams were recognized with a trophy and a nominal cash prize at the awards ceremony on October 15.

There were seven competitions during the Associated Schools of Construction conference, three that were regional and four that were national open competitions, such as the preconstruction competition that EMU competed in.

The Associated Schools of Construction is a professional association for the development and advancement of construction education, where the sharing of ideas and knowledge inspires, guides and promotes excellence in curricula, teaching, research and service. To learn more about the organization, visit the Associated Schools of Construction website.

The mission of the Eastern Michigan University Construction Management Program is to prepare management-oriented professionals for the construction industry through mastery of specific construction science and professional skills. To learn more about the program, visit the construction management website or call 734.487.0354.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.