When you are admitted to the department, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will remain with you until graduation.  Construction and engineering programs are very structured by nature, with each course building on previous ones.  Moreover, most of the courses in the last two years of the curriculum are offered only once a year.  Therefore, it is important that you plan your course of studies carefully. 

Your faculty advisor will not only help you decide which courses to take each semester but will also advise you regarding other issues related to success in your studies.  As you prepare to register for the next semester, typically in November and April, you must meet with your advisor and complete an advisement form.  Both you and your advisor will sign the form, after which the hold on your registration will be lifted.

You should make every effort to get to know your advisor and visit with him/her often during the semester.  You will find that this relationship will help you make the best decisions regarding your academic future, and an advisor can help you with references, leads for jobs, and many other steps that will help you in your career.  While it is critical to follow your advisor’s counsel, that will not substitute for taking personal responsibility for your own program.

In addition to the Faculty Advisors, the Coordinator of Program Advisement is available to all students for discussion and guidance regarding university and departmental policies, academic concerns, core curriculum, honors program, graduation requirements, career direction, and any issue which may be of importance to you.

Eligible students in the Department of Civil Engineering are urged to enroll in and apply for the Departmental Honors Program.  Requirements are an overall and degree gpa of at least 3.20 and successful completion of at least 6 credit hours in independent study, senior thesis, or special courses open only to candidates for graduation with honors in the department (CE 493 and CE 494). 

You must apply for this program and can see the Coordinator of Program Advisement for the application form and guidance.  You should communicate your intent to graduate with Departmental Honors to the Department Chairperson and to the Coordinator of Program Advisement early in your junior year.  Acceptance to this program cannot be granted later than the semester prior to graduation. 

The levels of Departmental Honors awarded are cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude.  This honor will appear in the commencement program, on your diploma, and on your transcript.  

The special courses which you will take will provide you with advanced knowledge in an area of interest to you and will help prepare you for graduate studies.