University of Minnesota Construction Management Program
Academic Quality Plan Assessment – 2024–25
Mission Statement
Preparing future construction leaders to sustainably manage the built environment.
Program Goals
The goals of our construction management program are as follows:
- Graduate well-qualified major/minor/certificate students
- Partner with the University of Minnesota College of Design (CDES), the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), Sustainability Studies Management (SSM), and the Housing Studies program to serve the construction industry
- Collaborate with other regional construction management programs to serve industry
- Develop industry relationships to support student contact with industry mentors, internships, and employment
- Contribute to the growth and improvement of the construction industry
Annual Plan
Our Construction Management Annual Plan (Appendix C) lists objectives for meeting each of the goals listed above.
Student Learning Outcomes and Metrics
Student Learning Outcomes are assessed continuously as part of our Construction Management Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) (Appendix A). We have developed eight Program Outcomes (POs) informed by 48 Program Level Competencies (PLCs) that support the first goal of graduating well-qualified major, minor, and certificate students. As a major step in fully implementing the outcomes-based standards required by our accreditation organization, ABET, course outcomes and competencies have been mapped across the curriculum, including the method of assessment. This is facilitated by analysis of assessment data gathered in the Canvas course management system.
Program Outcome 1: Recognize, understand and effectively interact with stakeholder interests
PLC 1.1
Measure of Success: Students can demonstrate written, oral, aural, and graphic communication skills through repetitive assessment and evaluation of industry-appropriate genre.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in eight core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 17 assessment points in 7 courses; 87% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 1.2
Measure of Success: Students can lead, manage and participate in teams including those of diverse composition.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum. Assessment may include a peer review component at the discretion of faculty to determine participation effectiveness.
Results: 3 assessment points in 3 courses: 89% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 1.3
Measure of Success: Students can identify the roles of individuals, companies, and agencies involved in the project process.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 6 assessment points in 5 courses; 87% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 1.4
Measure of Success: Using factors around health, safety, welfare, comfort, safety, and security within the organization, the student can practice applications of human resource management.
How Achieved: At least two assessments in CMGT 4861 Capstone will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 2 assessment points in 1 course; 100% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 1.5
Measure of Success: Students can recognize the contribution of the design disciplines’ processes.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in three core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 2 assessment point in 2 courses; 84% rated exemplary or proficient
Program Outcome 2: Demonstrate ethical behavior and decision-making
PLC 2.1
Measure of Success: The student can analyze professional decisions based upon ethical principles.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 6 assessment points in 4 courses; 99% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC. 2.2
Discontinued
PLC 2.3
Measure of Success: The student can identify the skills needed to strategically lead process, organization, stakeholders and technologies in an ethically responsible way.
How Achieved: At least four discrete assessments in CMGT 486 Capstone will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 4 assessment points in 1 course: 100% rated exemplary or proficient
Program Outcome 3: Safely manage and control the project process
PLC 3.1
Measure of Success: Students can demonstrate fundamental principles of safety, industrial hygiene, environmental science, fire and life safety, hazardous materials, emergency management, ergonomics and/or human factors.
How Achieved: Not assessed
Results: No data
PLC 3.2
Measure of Success: Students can identify construction project control processes.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 2 assessment points in 2 courses; 85% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 3.3
Measure of Success: Students can compare construction quality assurance and control.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 2 assessment points in 2 courses; 82% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 3.4
Measure of Success: Students can apply appropriate state-of-the-art, electronic-based technology to manage the project process.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Program will make available an academic Bluebeam license to all students enrolled in core coursework.
Results: 6 assessment points in 4 courses; 95% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 3.5
Measure of Success: Students will implement project safety strategies and jobsite procedures.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in three core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
At least 80% of enrolled students in CMGT 4031 will earn their OSHA 30-hour safety card.
Results: 2 assessment points in 2 courses; 97% rated exemplary or proficient
35/41 (85%) completed OSHA 30 in CMGT 4031
PLC 3.6
Measure of Success: Students can create a construction project safety plan.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in CMGT 4031 Safety and Loss Control, CO6 Injury Report, will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating.
Results: 3 assessment points in 1 course; 100% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 3.7
Measure of Success: Students can assemble construction estimates using various techniques assessing quantities, productivity and costs.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in CMGT 4022 Estimating will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 10 assessment point in 2 courses; 87% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 3.8
Measure of Success: Apply scheduling techniques to project planning activities.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in CMGT 3001 Intro, and at least two assessments in CMGT 4021 Planning and Scheduling will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 2 assessment point in 2 courses; 64% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 3.9
Measure of Success: Calculate necessary resource requirements throughout a project.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in CMGT 4021 Planning and Scheduling will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 7 assessment point in 1 course; 100% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 3.10
Measure of Success: Formulate hazard control designs, methods, procedures and programs
How Achieved: Not assessed
Results: No data
Program Outcome 4: Understand the built environment
PLC 4.1
Measure of Success: Students can analyze construction documents for planning and management of construction processes.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 7 assessment points in 4 courses; 94% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 4.2
Measure of Success: Students can assess the condition of the facility including its systems, structure, interiors, exteriors, and grounds to establish a long-term facility plan for the organization.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 2 assessment points in 2 courses; 76% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 4.3
Measure of Success: Analyze methods, materials, and equipment used to construct projects.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in three core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 6 assessment points in 5 courses; 86% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 4.4
Measure of Success: Understand the basic principles of structural behavior.
How Achieved: At least six assessments in CMGT 4544 and 4545, the Structures sequence, will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the courses.
Results: 1 assessment points in 1 course; 100% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 4.5
Measure of Success: Describe the basic principles of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
How Achieved: At least four assessments in CMGT 4542 Building Energy Systems will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the courses.
Results: No data
PLC 4.6
Measure of Success: As a foundation for operations, maintenance, and energy management, the student can recognize the systems, services and functions thereof, and the software applications that support them.
How Achieved: All assessments in this course come from CMGT 4542 Building Energy Systems.
Results: 1 assessment points in 1 course; 100% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 4.7
Measure of Success: Apply basic surveying techniques for construction layout and control.
How Achieved: At least 90% of the students enrolled in CEGE 3202 Surveying pass this course with a grade of “C” or better.
Results: No data
PLC 4.8
Measure of Success: Demonstrate awareness of environmental stewardship and sustainable principles applied to the project and the organization.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in three core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 3 assessment points in 2 courses; 96% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 4.9
Measure of Success: Analyze and interpret data necessary to resolve health and safety related issues
How Achieved: Not assessed
Results: No data
Program Outcome 5: Manage the business processes
PLC 5.1
Measure of Success: Students can demonstrate an understanding of business and management fundamentals as they relate to construction and facility activities.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in five core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
All students will participate in an internship (except those with experience that meet this requirement by Directed Study). An aggregate retention/rehire rate of 50% can be demonstrated for the program as a whole.
Results: 12 assessment points in 5 courses; 89% rated exemplary or proficient
Internship retention rate: For 23–24, 1/3 students 33% completing the evaluation received job offer
PLC 5.2
Measure of Success: Students can explain the history, international practices, corporate organization and roles of the Built Environment profession.
How Achieved: Assigned readings in the course textbook within CMGT 3024W Facility Programming and Design will cover this competency.
Results: No data
PLC 5.3
Measure of Success: Using principles of acquisition, installation, operations, maintenance, outsourcing, renovation, and disposition of building systems, structure, interiors, exterior, and grounds, the student can demonstrate the phases of project management from design/acquisition to final disposition.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: No data
PLC 5.4
Measure of Success: Recognize the legal implications of contract, common, and regulatory law to manage a project.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 4 assessment points in 3 courses; 95% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 5.5
Measure of Success: Evaluate disputes based on case facts and contract content.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in four core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 10 assessment points in 5 courses; 96% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 5.6
Measure of Success: Apply analysis, budgeting, accounting, risk management, and reporting to demonstrate applications of construction and facility financial management.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in either CMGT 4201 Const. Accounting or CMGT 4211 FM Accounting, plus one assessment on Pay Applications in CMGT 4011, will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: 4 assessment points in 3 courses; 69% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 5.7
Measure of Success: Demonstrate applications of corporate real estate finance, management, and transactional execution.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in two core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: No data
PLC 5.8
Measure of Success: Demonstrates the ability to understand and apply computer applications for project management.
How Achieved: Not assessed
Results: No data
Program Outcome 6: Manage building systems, facility operations, occupant services and maintenance operations
PLC 6.1
Measure of Success: The student can demonstrate a method to plan, measure, and evaluate the facility’s operational performance.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in two core courses will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the curriculum.
Results: No data
PLC 6.2
Measure of Success: The student can interpret, apply, and recommend quality improvement programs.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: No data
PLC 6.3
Discontinued
PLC 6.4
Measure of Success: Comprehend and prepare emergency preparedness and business continuity strategies.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: No data
Program Outcome 7: Understanding Bias
PLC 7.1
Measure of Success: The student can describe the identities, values, attitudes, and beliefs that motivate them when interacting with others.
How Achieved: Not assessed
Results: No data
PLC 7.2
Measure of Success: The student can respectfully inquire, initiate, validate, develop, and reflect on interactions when interacting with others whose identities are different than their own
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 1 assessment points in 1 course; 100% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 7.3
Measure of Success: The student can describe how different viewpoints, communication styles, cultures, and experiences enhance organizational life and can identify shared goals and values to sustain mutual investment in personal and organizational objectives.
How Achieved: Not assessed
Results: No data
PLC 7.4
Measure of Success: The student can describe the role of empathy and ethical principles in equitable and inclusive decision-making, evaluate decisions and their effects on stakeholders, and probe and respond to moral dilemmas.
How Achieved: Not assessed
Results: No data
PLC 7.5
Measure of Success: The student can evaluate, participate, and apply strategies in organizational settings that promote inclusion and equity as needed for self, peers, or vulnerable or marginalized stakeholders.
How Achieved: Not assessed
Results: No data
Program Outcome 8: Demonstrate Writing Abilities
PLC 8.1
Measure of Success: The student can articulate problems, proposals, procedures, and policies using concrete, unambiguous language.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 3 assessment points in 3 courses; 83% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 8.2
Measure of Success: The student can habitually maintain and comprehensively recall, recite, and apply documents, records, notes, data, and independent research in support of critical thinking.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 1 assessment points in 1 courses; 68% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 8.3
Measure of Success: The student can objectively analyze, recite, assess, evaluate, interpret, and communicate issues, problems, conflicts, and their solutions.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 4 assessment points in 4 courses; 97% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 8.4
Measure of Success: The student can inspire confidence using language, tone, authentic voice, and technical detail appropriate to the stakeholder perspective and ability to comprehend.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 2 assessment points in 2 courses; 93% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 8.5
Measure of Success: Correctly use industry-standard documents: The student can read, create, modify, and interpret drawings, forms, and other industry-standard documents.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 3 assessment points in 2 courses; 94% rated exemplary or proficient
PLC 8.6
Measure of Success: The student demonstrates mastery and proper application of technical terminology, tools, jargon, and software.
How Achieved: At least one assessment in one core course will measure this competency, with at least 80% of the students receiving a “proficient” rating per the assessment rubric measured across the course.
Results: 1 assessment points in 1 course; 100% rated exemplary or proficient
Program Goal Metrics
Graduate well-qualified students
Metrics: % of students passing the CMIT exam as part of the CMGT 4861 – Capstone course.
Results: No students took the exam in spring 2025, though they remain eligible.
Goal: Increase the number of students who take the CMIT test. Demonstrate a 70% passing rate.
Metrics: % of CMGT Interns offered permanent jobs after their internship, as a proxy for employer satisfaction.
Results: Overall 70% of interns have reported job offers, via the internship evaluation survey. Survey response has been declining.
Survey response rate:
- 2024–25: N/A - Survey issues
- 2023–24: 33% (1/3) 11% response
- 2022–23: 75% (3/4) 14% response
- 2021–22: 78% (7/9) 26% response
Goals: Increase the number of internship opportunities for students. Increase percentage of completed internship surveys to 70%.
Metrics: % of students are hired into construction management jobs.
Results: Career and Internship Graduate survey
Six months after graduation.
Employment moderately/extremely related to major
- 2023–24: 100% employed, 95% related
- 2022–23: 95% employed, 87% related
- 2021–22: 100% employed, 85% related
Goal: Continue to track and show a high rate of students working in the construction field. Begin monitoring data, and demonstrate positive trends moving forward.
Metrics: Student written work meets industry standards for quality, clarity, format, and completeness
Results: Independent industry raters evaluate student work in CMGT 4041W, giving scores for a variety of criteria. The work is rated on a scale of 0−2. Both objective and subjective assessments are obtained and recorded for program analysis. Last evaluated 2014.
Goal: Rating of upper-division writing metrics show improvement each year.
Partner with other University of Minnesota colleges to serve industry
Metrics: Number of students from other colleges enrolled in CMGT courses
Results: CMGT registrations from students in other colleges, by Academic Year (fall−summer)
- AY 2024–25: 270 (31%)
- AY 2023–24: 268 (38%)
- AY 2022–23: 256 (33%)
Goal: Increase the number of students from other colleges enrolled in courses.
Metrics: Students complete the CMGT minor
Results: CMGT minor completion data is given below by Academic Year (fall−summer)
- AY 2024–25: 8
- AY 2023–24: 11
- AY 2022–23: 11
Goal: Participate in the University-wide Minors Fair every fall.
Metrics: Students complete the CMGT certificate
Results: CMGT certificate completion data is given below by Academic Year (fall-summer)
- AY 2024–25: 3
- AY 2023–24: 3
- AY 2022–23: 6
Goal: Last metric: Target the number of certificate applications to 8.
Metrics: Our college cosponsors events and outreach activities with other colleges
Results: The CMGT program collaborates with UMN Colleges of Science and Engineering, and College of Design, and regional Colleges that teach construction management to offer an intercollegiate career fair and an annual Quiz Bowl, each October since 2012. We assist with and participate in the Spring Pentathlon event, an intercollegiate Construct*ium event, annually in April.
Goal: Hold two intercollege events per year: Quiz Bowl/Career Fair in October; Pursuit Competition event in April
Metrics: Advisory board members include representatives from other colleges
Results: The CMGT Advisory Board includes a representative from UMN College of Science and Engineering, Ann Johnson; and from Dakota County Technical College, Scott Holm. Advisory Board Company List
Goal: Continue as is.
Collaborate with regional CMGT programs to serve industry
Metrics: Sponsor joint events with regional CMGT programs through Construct*ium
Results: CMGT attends the monthly meeting, held for the last two years, that includes representatives from all regional CMGT programs.
CMGT staff and students have participated in three MCA golf scholarship fundraisers with representatives from other regional CMGT programs.
Annual Quiz Bowl held each October including teams from four to six regional colleges.
Annual Intercollegiate Career Fair held each October, with invited students from nine regional schools.
Annual Pentathlon Soft Skills Competition, with invited students from nine regional schools (every two years)
In 2014 the CMGT program, in collaboration with midwest construction management programs, organized the Upper Midwest Collegiate Construction League (Construct*ium).
Goal: Continue participation and leadership in Construct*ium activities.
Metrics: UMN staff participate on regional CMGT boards
Results: Peter Hilger serves on the Advisory Board for Dakota Technical Community College, a two-year feeder program.
Goal: Continue membership on Dakota Tech Advisory Board.
Develop industry relationships to support students
Metrics: CMGT program maintains a database of 800+ employer contacts.
Results: Database continued to be increased, updated, and revised.
Goal: Maintain database, augment with new contacts annually.
Metrics: CMGT program maintains an active advisory board made up of representatives from all industry segments and potential employers
Results: Our Advisory Board has 50 voting members. Membership is drawn from general contractors, heavy engineering, subcontractors, owner reps, nonprofits, associations, and consultancies.
Goal: Maintain membership of 45 active members.
Metrics: CMGT program requires an internship by all students. CMGT program assists students in obtaining internship positions by facilitating a “virtual job fair”
Results: CMGT program emails all internship candidate resumes to our database of potential employers every spring (Virtual Career Fair).
Goal: Continue, but increase the number of potential employers by 5% per year.
Contribute to growth and improvement of the construction industry
Metrics: CMGT program sponsors outreach and informational activities aimed at industry professionals.
Results: CMGT program sponsored a white paper discussion on Best Value in 2009, attended by over 50 industry professionals.
Faculty Jain and Hilger presented weeklong technical seminars on project management themes each of 2017 and 2018 for the NOAA Kansas City Office.
Hilger is an editorial contributor for Construction Business Owner magazine.
Hilger has published a white paper, "Communication, the Bedrock of Construction," for Construction Business Owner magazine.
Hilger has been selected by Taylor Routledge Publishing to write a textbook on communication, along with former Research Assistant Heidi Wagner, due to be published 2021.
Goal: Identify one white paper opportunity.
Metrics: CMGT program offers a stormwater training program to construction professionals in need of certification
Results: CMGT 4081 – Managing Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites
Registration:
- Spring 2025: 25
- Spring 2024: 6
- Spring 2023: 3
Goal: Increase number of enrolled students in CMGT 4081.