The Pavement Enterprise at Michigan Technological University

Abstract

A project-based student Enterprise program was established at Michigan Technological University as part of an effort, funded by the National Science Foundation, related to reform of engineering education. The Enterprise program represents a separate degree track available in all departments of the College of Engineering. The Pavement Design, Construction, and Materials (Pavement) Enterprise was established in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in conjunction with the Thompson Scholars program. The Thompson Scholars program is an asphalt-paving-industry-supported scholarship program. The Pavement Enterprise is composed of a team of students that work in a businesslike setting on projects related to the asphalt paving industry. In addition to their project activities, students are required to participate in paid summer internships in associated industries and organizations. An Advisory Board composed of industry and government leaders meets three times a year to provide advice, guidance, and feedback to the students and associated faculty. The team project activities of the Pavement Enterprise prepares graduates for careers in the pavement engineering field with knowledge and skills well beyond their peers in the traditional civil engineering curriculum. These team projects incorporate “active learning” techniques into the program. The performance of the Pavement Enterprise is demonstrated using student attrition as well as a peer review. Lessons learned in the operation of the program are presented for those institutions considering a similar program.