General Student Questions (current, transfer, freshman):
What is an internship and why am I required to do one?
What are the "500 hours" that I keep hearing about?
How do I document these hours?
What are my options for an internship?
When should I do my internship?
Who is the internship coordinator for the department?
Can the internship that I am doing right now count?
Do I have to do a certain internship or can I choose one for myself?
How do I find work experience or an internship?

Student Organizations:
Why should I get involved in a student organization?
What organizations are offered in the CM department?
How do I get involved?

General Questions:
10 tips for success in the CM department
What is a pre-requisite?
What is a co-requisite?
What is an override?
How do I get an override?
What is an overload?
How do I get an overload?
What GPA must I maintain?
Is it ok for me to have an "off" semester?
Can I take classes online or during the summer?
Can I take classes at other institutions?
Are there any minors that go well with a degree in Construction Management?

Freshman Questions:
How do I enter the CM program?
Do I have to meet with an advisor in order to register?
What is an advising code?
How do I register?
What courses should I take my freshman year?
Should I try to attend Freshman Orientation?

Transfer Students / Change of Major Students:
How do I enter the CM program?
Do I need to see my advisor in order to register?
What is an advising code?
How do I register?
What classes should I take my first semester in CM?
Are there support resources for "non-traditional students"?

Prospective Students:
What kind of career opportunities are there in the industry?
What is CM?
How do I apply for admission to the CM program?

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General Student Questions (current, transfer, freshman):

*What is an internship and why am I required to do one?
An internship is a requirement and an opportunity for Construction Management students to obtain full-time structured industry experience and work experience that may be part- or full-time, during the summer or school semesters.  The internship program participates with a variety of construction companies and organizations. The Phelps Placement Office, located in Guggenheim Hall, endowed by Mr. Joseph Phelps, class of 1951, assists students with internship placement and coursework structure.

The internship program is a requirement for students, designed to prepare students for, and provide sponsor companies with, beginning management experience. Interns have the prospect of exposure to Field and Office Operations, as well as Project Management within the construction industry, in order to reach learning objectives and work towards career goals.

*What are the "500 hours" that I keep hearing about?
The 500 hour work experience requirement is for any student seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management admitted Fall 2003 or thereafter who elects to complete the shorter three month internship. The 500 hours is a required minimum amount of work experience necessary for students to fulfill the prerequisite for the 12-week, 3 credit internship. Note: Students who wish to complete a 24-week, 6 credit internship DO NOT need to file documentation of 500 hours work experience. Acceptable work hours may not include more than two employers. A minimum of 200 hours must be completed with each employer. Students are encouraged to work for a contractor or organization (city, county, or federal entity). Retail sales will not be accepted towards the requirement; and landscaping is discouraged. The 500 hour work experience must be documented and submitted for approval prior to the last day of finals week the December before a student plans to complete their summer internship.

*How do I document these hours?
Students must document work experience by presenting the following five (5) items for consideration to the Placement Office Coordinator. Documentation must be submitted for review prior to the last day of finals week the December before a student plans to complete their summer internship. This documentation must be approved before taking CON 267 (taken the semester immediately prior to CON487 internship).

1. Presentation of Work Experience form. This form is obtainable from the Phelps Placement Office in Guggenheim Hall. This is a signature sheet which will be returned to students the first day of class in CON267 showing acceptance or denial of work experience documentation.

2. Written Statement of Completion. This memo must be addressed to the Placement Office Coordinator (see link for contact information) and include the following: o Clearly document the dates and duration of work experience; include start date, end date, hours per week, and total number of hours. o Provide a description of responsibilities and duties performed.

3. Updated Copy of Your Resume

4. Written Report of Experience. Double-spaced report with a minimum of 500 words. The report needs to include at least the following two sections:

• Activities and Experiences: Discuss work activities and how these activities contributed to the employer’s objectives.
• Personal Benefits Gained: Summarize work activities and show how your experience provided you with practical construction applications. Discuss unique and unusual experiences. The report should be written as a professional technical report.

5. Letter of Completion from Employer. The letter should be on company letterhead, must be addressed to the Placement Office Coordinator, and should address the same items as the student’s written statement of completion. If two companies are used to meet the 500 hour minimum requirement a letter from each employer must be included.

• Attach copies of final timesheet, pay stubs, or W-2 statements from employer(s) to your packet.

*What are my options for an internship?
1. CON 487A 24-week internship (6 credits)

• Takes place during the Spring or Fall term and the appropriate corresponding summer session prior to CON 465 Construction Management Professional Practice.
• ENFORCED Prerequisites: CON 267, CON 317, and CON 367
• Great option for students who do not have the required 500 hours of prior work experience necessary for eligibility for a 12 week internship.
• Longer, more in-depth internship experience.

 

2. CON 487E 12 week internship (3 credits)

Takes place the summer prior to graduation

• ENFORCED Prerequisites: CON 267, CON 317, CON 367, and documentation of 500 hours of prior construction related work experience submitted prior to the last day of finals week the December before a student plans to complete their internship.
• Students may have one or two semesters left after completion of the 12 week internship. CON 487E is an enforced prerequisite for CON 465 Construction Management Professional Practice.
• Great option for students with extensive previous construction experience.

*When should I do my internship?
Students may enroll in their internship after completion of prerequisites. For both internship options, students must take CON267 (Pre-Internship Seminar), CON317 (Safety Management), and CON367 (Construction Contracts and Project Administration). Students who wish to take the 12-week internship must also submit and be approved for the 500 hour work experience requirement prior to taking CON267. Students may also choose to complete one 24-week internship, usually following the student’s junior year or during the senior year. 

*Who is the internship coordinator for the department?

Anna Fontana
Phelps Placement Office Coordinator
Department of Construction Management
113A Guggenheim Hall
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1584
(970) 491-4610; (970) 491-3068 FAX
afontana@cahs.colostate.edu
http://www.cm.cahs.colostate.edu/

*Can the internship that I am doing right now count?
Students are not eligible to enroll in the CON487 Internship program until he/she has completed CON267 (Pre-Internship Seminar), CON317 (Safety Management), and CON367 (Construction Contracts and Project Administration). The internship program is designed to provide structured industry experience, including the submission of a final portfolio at the completion of the internship. If you are completing work within the construction industry currently, the hours may be applied to the 500 hour requirement (see links on "500 hours" and "How do I document these hours?" for further information). Meeting the 500 hour work experience requirement will meet one of the prerequisites for enrollment in the 12-week (3 credit) internship.

*Do I have to do a certain internship or can I choose one for myself?
The Phelps Placement Office will assist in placing students on internship via the Career Fair or during on-campus interviews each semester, or the student may contact the placement office with a specific company request.

*How do I find work experience or an internship?
The Phelps Placement Office is a good resource for position announcements. The placement office, located in 113 Guggenheim Hall, posts full- and part-time job positions on the Job Board. The Career Center, located in Ammons Hall, also has copies of our job postings, which are accessible through their website: www.career.colostate.edu. Additionally, the Construction Management Department holds bi-annual Career Fairs specifically for students in Construction Management. Please see the Internship Office for upcoming Career Fair dates.

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Student Organizations:

Why should I get involved in a student organization?
Involvement in student organizations is very important for several reasons. First and foremost it helps students connect to the community around them. Student organizations are great ways to network and compete in national competitions at which you may meet your future employer.

It also looks great on resumes for students to show that they made the effort to go above and beyond basic course work and participate in all the program has to offer. We consider departmental and campus involvement as critical when making decisions concerning scholarships and future employers also take involvement into consideration when looking at applicants.

What organizations are offered in the CM department?
CM Board of Directors (CMBOD)
American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
The Associated General Contractors of America(AGC)
Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)
Emerging Green Builders (EGB)
Mechanical Contractor Association of America(MCAA)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Women in Construction (WIC)

How do I get involved?
For a list of organization contacts go to our student organization website at Clubs and Activities and be sure to keep an eye out for information posted around the building at the start of each semester.

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General Questions:

10 tips for success in the CM department

1. Be proactive.
2. The faculty can be great allies on the road to graduation; get to know them.
3. Get involved in at least one on-campus student organization. 
4. Meet with your advisor at least once per year.
5. Say thank you to people around campus who really help you out.
6. If you have a question, ask it!
7. Take responsibility for your education.
8. Don’t procrastinate!
9. Go to class.
10. Have fun.

What is a pre-requisite?
A pre-requisite is a class that you must have in order to move on to the next level. Unless otherwise noted, all pre-requisites in the department are enforced. For a list of all currently required courses and their prerequisites print off our course checksheet at  www.cm.cahs.colostate.edu/cm_checklist.stm or pick one up in the CM Advising Office (222B Guggenheim Hall)

What is a co-requisite?
A co-requisite is any course that can be taken concurrently (at the same time) as the following course. Courses that have Pre or Co-requisites are designated on the CM course check sheet.

What is an override?
An override is when a departmental advisor or the Registrar’s Office takes off the blocker for students
to register for a particular course. Overrides can be given for a variety of reasons, but there are some
things to remember:

Overrides are —

• NOT a guarantee a guarantee that you will be able to register for a course
• NOT registration
  
• NOT the instructor’s responsibility
  
• NOT always an option
  

You may not automatically be eligible for an override for a particular course. If the course is offered
through the CM department, please see your advisor for information about whether or not an override
is an option for you. For any classes outside of the CM department please contact the department
offering the course for more information about whether or not an override is a possibility for the
course in question.

If CM courses are full the general process for getting into courses that are full is to first see your advisor. As soon as a particular course fills, a waiting list will be started in the Academic Advising office (222A Guggenheim Hall). A class waiting list is NOT A GUARANTEE that we will be able to accommodate additional students in a course, but it gives us an idea as to what the actual course need is for a given semester. Also, even if you are on a waiting list we may have to take students on a "who is most in need of the course" basis (i.e. even if you are chronologically first on a list, spots may
be given first to students who are graduating sooner).

How do I get an override?

Overrides can be obtained by first meeting with your advisor to determine if you are eligible for an override. At that point, you will be given an override sheet with instructions to take the sheet to an instructor for signature and return the form or to just fill it out and it will be processed at that time.

Overrides are generally processed within a day or two of being dropped off in the Advising office. Please note an override does not constitute registration! ONCE AN OVERRIDE IS PROCESSED IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASS VIA RAMWEB AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

What is an overload?

An overload is when a student opts to take more than 18 credits in a given semester.

How do I get an overload?
           
In order to obtain permission for a semester overload, you must see your advisor. They will discuss with you several important things to think about when seeking an overload.

• Why do you want to take an overload?
• Will you be working or involved in extra curricular activities at the same time?
• How have you done in previous semesters?
• Have you met all prerequisites for the courses you are intending to enroll in?

Just because you are requesting an overload does not mean that your advisor will sign off on the form for you. We look at things such as prior academic performance and will generally grant permission if you can demonstrate that you can take a higher number of credits and be successful in regards to your academic standing, emotional and healthful well being.

What GPA must I maintain?
In order to graduate from Colorado State University you must have a 2.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) at the time of graduation. You must also maintain at least a 2.0 GPA for your All University Core Curriculum courses as well.

Should your cumulative GPA fall below a 2.0 at any time throughout your academic career you will be put on academic probation, for which you have 2 semesters to bring your grade up before being academically dismissed. Please see the general catalog at www.catalog.colostate.edu or call the Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) at 491-7095 for more information about academic probation and dismissal.

Is it ok for me to have an "off" semester?
As a general rule, students vary in their performance depending on many issues such as class load, personal issues, time commitments, jobs etc. You must be aware however, that sometimes just one "off" semester can affect your performance throughout the rest of your academic career.

Please be sure to make the most of your time here at CSU, but remember why you are ultimately here…to receive a great education and set yourself up for future success in the Construction Management industry. Your education should be a major priority while you are here. Please stay balanced in your school and personal life so that you will not have to spend time later on trying to make up for that one "off" semester.

Can I take classes online or during the summer?
Many students choose to take summer or online courses to expedite their time through the program. Please be sure to check with an advisor to make sure that you are selecting appropriate summer or online courses.

Can I take classes at other institutions?
Many students choose to take courses at other institutions while they away for the summer or are on their internship. Please be sure to check on the Transfer Equivalency Source website (www.tes.colostate.edu) for information about which courses will transfer to CSU from other institutions. If you have any questions, please see your advisor BEFORE you enroll in another institution.

For any transfer courses taken at another institution, please remember that you must earn at least a C- or better in order for the course to transfer and you must have an official copy of your transcript sent to the Transfer Evaluation office as soon as you have completed the course.

You can send your transcript to:

Transfer Evaluation Office
Colorado State University
100 Administration Annex
FortCollins, CO 80523-1063

Are there any minors that go well with a degree in Construction Management?

Yes! In fact, if you have a particular area of interest and would like to pick up a minor, several departments on campus offer minor options. Many of our students choose to select minors in subjects such as Business Administration or Spanish.

If you are interested in picking up a minor, please contact the department in which the minor is offered. Feel free to meet with your CM advisor to determine whether or not the minor you are interested in will compliment your future academic and career goals.

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Freshman Questions:

How do I enter the CM program?
Effective summer 2008, freshman, transfer, and change of major students who meet general CSU admission requirements may be admitted under the Pre-Construction Management (Pre-CM) designation. As such they must meet the minimum requirements for eligibility to formally apply to the CM program. Approximately 100 students that meet the minimum requirements will be admitted to the CM program in May and December at the end of each semester based on their academic performance.

Visit www.cm.cahs.colostate.edu/Undergraduates/admission.stm for more information regarding CM admission requirements.

Do I have to meet with an advisor in order to register?
Yes! All Pre-CM students are required to meet with their advisor before classes start to obtain their advising code and to receive guidance regarding which courses they should take each semester.

What is an advising code?
An advising code is required for all Pre-CM students in order to register. The advising code is a 6 digit number that grants a student access to the registration page in the RAMweb system.

How do I register?
For information about how to register please see your advisor.

What courses should I take my freshman year?
Pre-CM students will take a variety of courses their first semester at CSU and must meet all minimum requirements to be eligible for admission to the CM program.

Visit www.cm.cahs.colostate.edu/Undergraduates/admission.stm for information regarding specific CM admission requirements.

For a complete list of all courses required for completion of the CM degree at CSU please refer to the CM course Checksheet at www.cm.cahs.colostate.edu/cm_checklist.stm .

Should I try to attend Freshman Orientation?
It is highly recommended that students plan to attend Preview Orientation offered mid-June through mid-July each summer. Preview is a two day event that offers a wide variety of resources and services for new students and by the end they will have received information and instructions for how to register for the fall semester. For information, please go to the orientation website at www.orientation.colostate.edu.

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Transfer Students / Change of Major Students:

How do I enter the CM program?
If you are a transfer student to CSU and you would like to enter the CM program your first semester here you simply must meet the CSU admission requirements (see www.admissions.colostate.edu  for requirements) and indicate CM as your choice on your admission application.

If you are a current Colorado State University student in another program on campus and would like to enter the CM program you must meet the following criteria:

• MINIMUM of 2.3 GPA
• Apply during departmental application periods (contact CM Advising Office at 970-491-7354 for specific application dates)

Steps for evaluating prior course work:

To have transfer course work evaluated please contact the Transfer Evaluation Office at (970) 491- 7147.

Once your advisor has received your transfer evaluation you can meet with them to discuss course applicability. If you have taken any courses that did not automatically show up on the transfer evaluation you may need to bring in a copy of the syllabus for reevaluation.

Please note that while the best efforts are made to work with local institutions to make the transition from community colleges to our program as smooth as possible, things are constantly changing on both sides and it is possible that something may change before you enter the program. Be sure to check with your current advisor as well as an advisor in the CM department to ensure a smooth transition.

Do I need to see my advisor in order to register?
Yes! All new students, both transfers and freshman students, are required to meet with their advisor before classes start to obtain their advising code and to receive guidance into which courses they should take their first semester.

Freshman students are required to meet their advisors until they have reached sophomore status at which time advising may no longer required but is highly recommended. Regardless of academic standing meeting with an advisor is ALWAYS recommended to ensure that you are on the right track towards graduation.

You can set up an appointment by calling 970-491-7354.

What is an advising code?
An advising code is required for all freshman and new transfer students in order to register. The advising code is a 6 digit number that grants a student access to the registration page in the RAMweb system.

Once a student is in the program and has reached at least the sophomore status, they may not be required to see an advisor prior to registration or obtain an advising code. It is always highly recommended, however, that students see their advisors as often as necessary to ensure that they are following an appropriate path toward graduation.

When can I register?
New students can register starting after current students have registered. The earlier you register, the more likely it is that there will be a higher number of available courses for you to take. Please contact your advisor for information about how to determine your specific registration date and time.

How do I register?
For information about how to register please see your advisor.

What classes should I take my first semester in CM?
The courses that you take your first semester will depend on several factors including what transfer credits you are bringing, whether or not you have completed CSU’s All University Core Curriculum and what prerequisites you have completed.

You will need to meet with your advisor to discuss where you are at in the program and what steps you need to take next. Before you leave your advising appointment your advisor should be able to make recommendations regarding which courses you should take your first semester. If they are unable to do this at that time, it is most likely because they need to have additional courses reevaluated.

Please see the CM course Checksheet for a list of all required courses for graduation from this program at www.cm.cahs.colostate.edu/cm_checklist.stm .

Are there support resources for "non-traditional students"?
The Off-Campus Student Services/Resources for Adult Learners Office is a resource for "non- traditional" students. For information about the programs and services offered contact them at (970) 491-2248 or visit their website at: www.ocssral.colostate. edu .

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Prospective Students:

What kind of career opportunities are there in the industry?

The construction industry has become a $750 billion per year industry marked by continuous and dramatic change. The demand for capable and highly trained construction management professionals who can adapt to change and become effective leaders in the field is greater than ever. Students may graduate to become Cost Control Engineers, Project Supervisors or Coordinators, Schedulers, Field Engineers, or Estimators, among other things.

What is CM?

How do I apply for admission to the CM program?

If you are a prospective CSU student please see the Office of Admission’s website at www.admissions.colostate.edu for information about requirements for admission into the university. For information about specific admission requirements for the Construction Management program please visit the following site: www.cm.cahs.colostate.edu/cm_admission.stm or feel free to call our advising office at 970-491-7354.

For more questions:

If you have additional questions please contact us:

Advising Office
CM Advising Office
Department of Construction Management
222A Guggenheim Hall
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970) 491-7354 phone
(970) 491-2473 fax
Nichole Hall nicholeh@cahs.colostate.edu
Kimberly Poore kimberly.poore@colostate.edu

CM Major Checksheet
CM Technical Elective Sheet