ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers 1/20/11 Fees Request for 2011-2012 Academic Year Address Civil Engineering Room 217, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-625-6638 N/A asce@umn.edu Phone Fax Email We acknowledge that the fees committee does not award actual dollars, but rather a penny fee that earns dollars based upon student enrollment levels. Any differences between anticipated and actual income resulting from changes in enrollment are the responsibility of the student organization, not of the fees committee. Kari Gerstner Preparer s Name Here Michelle Williams, Kayla Hoops Co-Preparer s Name Here Is your organization an IRS 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit? Yes No X If yes, please provide proof of your organization s 501(c)(3) status. Funds are being requested for (check all that apply): General Operating Support: X Start-Up Costs: Capital: Project / Program Support: X Technical Assistance: Other (List): Budget Dollar Amount Requested $ 10,000 Total Annual Organization Budget $ 70,679 Total Project Budget (apart from General Operating) $ 19,800
Section 1: Narrative ASCE Student Chapter History Brief summary of organization history, including date of establishment The student chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at the University of Minnesota was established in 1922. A student-led organization, ASCE student chapter was originally founded to provide academic and networking services to students in Civil Engineering. Throughout our history, the organization has grown to encompass a broader spectrum of services including a recently established academic library, expanded tutoring services, and increased volunteering and networking opportunities. ASCE student chapter has a large membership and we hope to increase student involvement in the future. Mission and Vision Organization mission and vision statements, inclusive of organizational goals ASCE Mission Our mission is to provide essential value to our members and partners, advance civil engineering, and serve the public good. ASCE Vision Civil engineers are global leaders building a better quality of life and the ASCE Student Chapter enhances the educational experience of these future engineers. ASCE Goals Increase student involvement in our organization Provide academic, professional, and networking services to students Increase involvement with other student organizations on campus Increase faculty and graduate student involvement in our organization Broaden the scope of our weekly educational presentations and increase the number of site tours Higher attendance of national companies at the ASCE Career Fair Relationship with Organizations of Like Mission Describe your organization s relationship with organizations of like mission The University of Minnesota student chapter of ASCE is a member of the ASCE Minnesota Section and the ASCE National organization. These sections support our group by encouraging student attendance at ASCE meetings and leadership conferences. The chapter president attends monthly board meetings with the Minnesota section; in this meeting, the president learns about what is occurring in ASCE both locally and nationally. Annually, our student chapter sends officers to the ASCE National Leadership Conference and this year we also sent four students to the ASCE National Conference. These events not only help officers gain leadership and insight as to how other chapters function, but also provide a chance to network with fellow students and professional engineers. With this broader network base, the officers can gain professional contacts for the career fair, professional brown bag lunches, and possible internship opportunities.
Along with ASCE National and the Minnesota Section, the student chapter is also involved with the Minnesota Section Younger Members Group (YMG), a group of civil engineers under the age of 35. YMG hosts at least one social event each semester at which students can network and cultivate relationships with young engineers and former classmates in a social setting. Since we are a society of civil engineers, the Civil Engineering department plays an important role in our student chapter. In the past the department has been a primary source of funding for the chapter, but due to budget cuts, the funds they are now able to supply are not sufficient for the ASCE student chapter to provide all of our services and opportunities to our members. The department is very supportive of our chapter and promotes our expansion by providing an advisor within the department. The department also allows our officers to speak to classes so that all civil engineering students know about ASCE and how to become a member. All of this support from the department has made our student chapter one of the largest and most active chapters in our region. In addition, the ASCE student chapter is involved with and continuing to expand involvement with student groups on campus. We host events each semester with ITSO, MN-MSPE, and MEESE and promote events and attend meetings for the Science and Engineering Student Board. Over the next year we intend to plan more events with student organizations on campus. Possible events include brown bag lunches on topics that not only apply to civil engineering, but also include architecture or other engineering interests. This creates the opportunity for students outside of Civil Engineering to benefit from our brown bag program. We also have set a goal to organize three events with other student organizations each semester to promote pride and community within our chapter and throughout the university as well. The Need for ASCE within the University Community Illustrate the need for your organization within the university community, inclusive of how your organization meets this need ASCE benefits the University community by offering leadership opportunities, distributing scholarship and job information, and holding an annual career fair. By holding an annual career fair, ASCE student chapter generates professional interest in the University of Minnesota and in the Civil Engineering Department. This event also gains respect for the University from the professional community, as the talent and hard work of many students is showcased. In 2010 we expanded our community outreach program with our greatest improvement being the addition of a program called Bridges Build em and Bust em. This event brought over 30 middle school aged students and their parents to the campus, promoting both civil engineering and the university as a whole. Student Benefits of ASCE Detail the student benefit derived from your organization, whether or not students utilize services The ASCE student chapter has become extremely influential within the Civil Engineering department because of the amazing benefits offered to students. ASCE provides students with academic, social, networking, and professional opportunities. Academically, our group offers tutoring services, graduate student mentorships, a growing library of civil engineering materials,
and a take-your-professor-to-lunch program. ASCE is also the parent group of Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge; these groups are very important as they provide students with hands-on experience with construction materials. The wide variety of social opportunities includes intramurals and an annual softball game against the professors and graduate students. These activities create a comfortable setting for students to network with other students, professors, and grad students; such experiences strengthen the student experience at the University. Providing students with valuable information are the brown bag lunches. These lunches are held almost every week and cover a wide variety of topics such as grad school and professional research, company information, aspects of the five civil engineering fields, and information regarding other ASCE events and opportunities. The most prominent benefit that ASCE provides is the annual career fair. About 20 companies attend every year, giving not only civil engineering students, but students in other fields of engineering, the opportunity to connect with company recruiters, receive academic and professional advice, and learn more about the companies. Prior to this event, ASCE offers a resume critique to the students to ensure that they are prepared and confident. ASCE aims to enrich the academic, social, and professional lives of all students in engineering. Hoping to reach as large of a base of students as possible and inspire interest from every student, ASCE offers a wide variety of programs and events. We take pride in our diverse programs and the value that we provide to students. The following statements further describe the Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe programs that we support: Steel Bridge: Every year, The American Society of Civil Engineers and The American Institute of Steel Construction sponsor an international competition in which college students design and fabricate a 1:10 scale bridge made of only structural steel members, welds, and fasteners. Students involved have the opportunity to learn metal working skills from peers including welding and safe shop practices. For a program concerned with design, it is exciting for students to see the fruits of their labor and see how their work compares to that of other schools. Students work together to complete design, fabrication, and timed construction of the bridge. Concrete Canoe: The University of Minnesota s participation in Concrete Canoe is a rich and valuable tradition. Our design and construction process allow students to be involved in concrete design, testing, and structural analysis while developing an appreciation for the versatility of concrete. Team members also develop leadership, project management, and engineering problem solving skills. Additionally, students build lasting network connections with industry professionals, professional organizations, and with each other. These opportunities and practical experiences provide students with the tools to succeed both in their student careers and as professionals.
Rule changes in previous seasons have challenged us to learn new skills in mold construction and continually be on the hunt for unconventional sustainable materials to incorporate into our mix design. We have learned many valuable lessons which are passed on from season to season to new team members allowing us to build a legacy characterized by innovation, improve upon our performance and techniques, and ensure continued growth of our team. Student Involvement Describe student involvement within your organization With 208 members in a department of 280 upper division students, ASCE holds a large membership base. Every student is involved differently, using the programs that they find the most personally beneficial. Thirty students participate in intramurals every semester; about ten to twenty students and professors attend the weekly brown bag lunches; and over 150 undergraduate and graduate students attend the career fair. ASCE provides a large number of services in order to encourage involvement from students in all engineering fields. The ASCE Student Chapter also encourages students to become involved in leadership roles such as the ASCE 2012 Regional Student Conference committee. Three students joined this committee and will plan speakers, site and University tours, social events, and competition events for the conference. These members will undoubtedly gain significant leadership, organizational, planning, and team working skills through their involvement with the conference and with ASCE. Section 2: Organizational Chart Provide a block diagram that supplements the narrative section and details more clearly the structure of the student group. The organizational chart should provide a clear picture of the reporting structure, student involvement and programmatic areas.
ASCE Officer Descriptions: President: Attend monthly ASCE MN Section Board Meetings and Section Meetings Organize monthly meetings with the Civil Engineering Department Head, officer planning meetings, and ASCE Annual Conference Committee Create the new budget Assist and support other officer positions Correspond with Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge captains In charge of the Bonestroo, Rosene and Anderlik Professor Award Vice President: Main organizer for the ASCE Spring and Fall Career Fairs Expand professional contact base for Career Fairs In charge of office key distribution Responsible for ordering food for Officer Meetings Treasurer: Track all incoming and outgoing expenses on a monthly basis Help create the new budget with the President Handle reimbursement forms on a bi weekly basis Fundraising Officer: Responsible for completing grant applications Principal organizer of Student Activity Fees Application Organize other fundraising events Student Resources Officer: Peer Tutoring coordinator Graduate Undergraduate Mentoring Program Organizer Organize community outreach events such as C.E. Exploration Day, Habitat for Humanity, and the Build em Bust em event Responsible for coordinating and expanding the ASCE Alumni Library Distribute nomination forms, secure funding, and select non bias judge for the Peer Nominated R.O.S.E. Scholarship Outreach Officer: Responsible for organizing weekly brown bags Organize Pre Career Fair Preparatory Session and Resume Critiques Organize 1 2 construction site tours per semester Co organize educational events with other student organizations Student Activities Officer: Organize networking opportunities such as Post Career Fair Socials and events with ASCE Younger Members Group Organize May Social event with ASCE Younger Members Group: Twins Game social outing Organize sporting events such as ASCE intramural teams, CSE week event, Professor vs. Student softball game, and athletic games with other student groups Organize Civil Engineering social events such as Laser Tag Night and Applebee s Social
Secretary/Office Manager: Responsible for updating and documenting membership Organize times for officers to speak to Civil Engineering classes about ASCE events, membership, and general information Send out Monday weekly email to all ASCE members Maintain office supplies and keep the office organized Manage ASCE Library check out/check in Section 3: Performance Report Use quantitative measures to indicate the degree of use and participation of services and programs within the student group. Figures should be used to demonstrate the impact the student group has on campus life and the collegiate experience. Consider the following details: o Participation/attendance figures o Survey results o Number of students served Event Type Number of Meetings ASCE Member Attendees Non- Member Attendees Officer Meetings 7 9 - Conferences ASCE National 1 4 - ASCE Leadership 1 6 - Outreach Habitat for Humanity 1 8 - Build'em and Bust'em 1 8 - Mahtomedi 1 10 - Career Fair Fall 1 150+ 40 Spring 1 60 10
Brown Bags 25-Jan 1 18-16-Feb 1 16-23-Feb 1 17-2-Mar 1 15-8-Mar 1 27-22-Mar 1 18-5-Apr 1 14-7-Apr 1 16-16-Sep 1 14-28-Sep 1 21-5-Oct 1 8-11-Oct 1 12-4-Nov 1 30-15-Nov 1 14-7-Dec 1 12 - Social Applebee's 1 53 - Post Career Fair - Spring 1 15 - Intramural Soccer 2 12 - Intramural Volleyball 2 10 - IT Week Movie Night 1 5 - Laser Tag 1 15 8 Spring Grill out 1 20 - Student vs. Faculty Softball Game 1 35 8 Post Career Fair - Fall 1 30 4 Intramural Flag Football 1 12 - Fall BBQ 1 155 15 ChemE Soccer Game 1 20 20 Other Concrete Canoe * 30 - Steel Bridge * 10 - *Note: These programs are run by team captains and the number of meetings varies depending on the amount of work that needs to be completed.
Section 4: Reserve Accounts Any student group reserve accounts must be listed and described. Include the following: o Name of the account(s) o Current amount in the account(s) o Purpose of the account(s) o Additional information the committee may find helpful ASCE holds a checking account entitled ASCE University of Minnesota Student Chapter. This account is a free community group checking account at TCF and currently holds $27,000. Of this balance, $18,500 is currently allocated as reserve accounts in our budget. The purpose for this reserve balance is primarily to fund the ASCE 2012 Regional Student Conference that the University of Minnesota will be hosting. Student chapters from the Mid-West are invited to attend and experience a weekend of valuable networking events and educational presentations. The Steel Bridge competition is also held at this conference, during which, the bridges are tested. After the ASCE 2012 Regional Student Conference, the balance of this reserve account will be drastically reduced. The reserve account is also intended as an emergency fund to be used in circumstances of reduced funding. Section 5: Fees Request State the total amount of your student services fees request. Indicate whether this amount is a decrease from last year, an increase from last year, or if this is a first-time request. The Fees committee will be particularly interested in the reasoning behind a fee increase. Indicate at what percentage your organization will operate in the summer of 2012. o If your organization has an office, will it be open? o What programs and services will your student group offer? o How will students who pay Student Services Fees in the summer benefit from your organization? The total amount that ASCE is requesting is $10,000. This is the first time that we are requesting Student Service Fees. ASCE has received an annual award from the Department of Civil Engineering in the past. However, the department cannot help fund ASCE any longer due to budget cuts. This is the primary reason that ASCE is requesting Student Service Fees this year. ASCE will operate at approximately 20% in the summer of 2012. The only program formally offered to our members during the summer is the academic library. However, all students who pay student services fees in the summer may request information or program availability from officers via email. ASCE officers use the summer as a planning period for programs offered during the fall semester.
Section 6: Description of Impact of a 10 Percent Reduction in Fees Request Indicate the impact on the student group should this request be reduced by 10 percent. Consider the programs or services that would be affected, the implications on expenditures and revenues and the management steps that would be taken This year the Civil Engineering Department reduced their annual award to the ASCE student chapter by $2,000 which resulted in significant budget cuts to our educational programs. The program that received the largest cut was our academic library. The initial intent was to purchase books for the library, but due to the lack of funds the expansion of the library depended on donations. Further budget cuts, such as a 10% reduction in funding, would be extremely detrimental to our academic and professional programs as there would be no funding to improve and support them. The travel budget would be reduced by $500, resulting in fewer officers being able to attend leadership and professional development conferences. These conferences are very important to improving our organization for our members. In addition, multiple social and networking events as well as the Take-Your-Professor-to-Lunch program would need to be temporarily discontinued until increased funding provided their reinstatement. The loss of these events and programs will likely reduce student interest in ASCE and affect one of the organization s main goals of increasing student involvement.