%) categorized it as MediumPriority, and 4 respondents (9%) categorized it as Low Priority.DiscussionObservation of the results suggested the following focus areas for our discussion: - the three skillsets that stand out to us are critical thinking skills, ethics, and a comprehensive understanding of the problem to be solved; - Mathematics and algorithms and Programming and coding had a relatively large number of responses that categorized them as Low Priority; - the three highest rated mindsets (ethics; lifelong learning, and adaptability/open mindedness) offer interesting insights.Skillset: Critical ThinkingCritical thinking is a cornerstone skill for both engineering as well as the integration of AIeffectively into our
from Northwestern University and with her MS and PhD in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on Environmental River Mechanics from Colorado State University. Her graduate work focused on exchange of surface water and groundwater, as well as nitrate uptake, in streams with varying degrees of rehabilitation. Dr. Mueller’s areas of interest include water quality, sustainable design, watershed hydrology, and river hydraulics. Current projects involve pedagogical studies for incorporating sustainability and ethical decision making in undergraduate engineering education, with an emphasis on touchpoints throughout the four-year curriculum.Dr. Namita Shrestha, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
when engineers appreciate and strive forfairness [4]. Understanding the educational context and the importance of integrating equityissues is crucial to help engineers develop an equity ethic. However, the rigid and technology-focused nature of engineering education, rooted in meritocracy and a lack of political awareness,often prevents engineering students from exploring the social aspects of their field. To promotesocially just engineering practices, we must change how engineering students are taught andequipped to address issues of inequality in the workplace. Like in many other professions,engineering culture and values may be imparted to students through belief systems that arediscussed in more subtle ways rather than just fundamental
. IntroductionGenerative AI (GenAI) is reshaping education, challenging educators to reconsider what theyteach, how they teach, and how they engage and assess student learning in the classroom. Asstudents are already using these tools in their academic work at a higher rate than we expect [1],taking a proactive and forward-thinking approach to integrating GenAI into engineeringeducation is becoming increasingly important. Such an approach will not only equip studentswith the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs but also encourage them to explore itslimitations and ethical and professional implications.In this case study, the authors explore the integration of two GenAI-based writing assignmentsinto a senior-level design course. The goals of this
, civil engineering students need both technical competencies andprofessional skills, such as the ability to communicate clearly, social aptitude,business acumen, ethical awareness, and an openness to others’ perspectives andideas. As courses focused on technical content leave little room to spare, muchdevelopment of such professional skills is outside the capacity of the traditionalcurriculum.A teaching technique to enhance student engagement and learning was attemptedin civil engineering courses at Mississippi State University periodically through aperiod of several years. The activity is called Ten Questions (10Q). In 10Q, studentsinterviewed professionals who work in a civil engineering field most relevant to thecourse subject. Students made
module that emphasizes engineeringethics, including the ASCE Code of Ethics. The first is the “Environmental Theory” of FlorenceNightingale, the founder of modern nursing, who explains that, “…the chief purpose of the[nurse or engineer] is to modify the environment to prevent illness and enhance healing.” As partof the same module, students are introduced to the “Nursing Need Theory” of VirginiaHenderson who noted that the, “unique function of the [nurse or engineer] is to assist theindividual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or itsrecovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength,will, or knowledge.” Thus, human health, and the health of the environment
expectations, supporting faculty intheir development, communicating effectively, behaving ethically, and managing the departmentin an organized and fair manner are valued for leading, developing, and supporting faculty.IntroductionEffective department head or chair leadership is an important part of both faculty and studentsuccess. The civil engineering community has invested significant effort into developingoutstanding faculty over the last 25 years through the American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE) Excellence in Civil Engineering Education (ExCEEd) Teaching Workshop [1, 2]. Whilethere is evidence that the ExCEEd Teaching Workshop also develops great leaders [3] andfosters an inclusive environment [4], there has not been much effort applied to
content (e.g. economics, ethics) and skills (e.g. writing, oral presentations) that are usefuland necessary for both personal and professional development. However, students can often seethese courses as not useful or unrelated to their future careers. In this study, a first semestercourse in Civil Engineering was designed and delivered to make deliberate and clear theconnections between the general education portion of the curriculum and students’ future careersas civil engineers. An existing instrument was adapted to measure student aptitudes towardsdifferent skills and knowledge typically presented in general education courses and given to thestudent pre and post instruction, revealing statistically meaningful increases in the
engineering problems 6. Professional/ an understanding of professional and Understanding f Ethical ethical responsibility (2) 7. Communication an ability to communicate effectively Ability (3) g 8. Engineering Impact the broad education necessary to Understanding h understand the impact of engineering (2) solutions in a global and societal context 9. Life-long Learning a recognition of the need for, and an Ability (3) i ability to engage in life-long learning 10. Contemporary a knowledge of contemporary issues Recognition (1) j Issues 11
responsibilities to provide “content that ensuresawareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion for professional success” [1] in light of the AmericanSociety of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Code of Ethics [5]. Among all engineering disciplines,awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion has particular relevance to civil engineers. The ASCECode of Ethics [5] establishes a clear hierarchy of stakeholder groups, in descending order ofpriority: Society, Natural and Built Environment, Profession, Clients and Employers, and Peers.Ethical responsibilities towards “Society”, the highest level of stakeholder identified in the ASCECode of Ethics, begin with: “first and foremost, protect the health, safety, and welfare of thepublic” (Provision 1a, [5]). Provisions 1f and
ABET 1 Complex problem-solving Using analytical skills for SC ABET 2 Engineering design Developing sustainable data-based approaches ABET 3 Communication Create proper reports and presentations ABET 4 Ethical and professional Considering social and environmental terms responsibilities ABET 5 Teamwork Developing collaborative skills ABET 6 Experimentation and data Using experimental tools for SC scenarios analysis ABET 7 Acquiring new knowledge Preparing students to comply with SC Technologies2- Module Development Process: A structured approach is used to
navigatetheoretical math content that could lead otherwise to alienation from STEM. The project has anEntrepreneurial Mindset Learning (EML) objective as well as an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion(EDI) application. Civil Engineering as a career is currently in high demand [1] to cater for our ailing infrastructureand design for a sustainable and innovative future for our planet. This profession has an extensiveimpact on society and the global environment [2]. It is primordial for us to train ethical and innovativebudding engineers to cater for the need of our communities and environments and design the cities ofthe future. It has been shown that students who are exposed to STEM before college have a greaterchance of selecting engineering as a major, and
beneficial? What types of technical skills are most beneficial? What knowledge and skills would you like to see from new graduates that you believe are missing? What do new graduates need to know to be an effective team member? What should students be able to do upon entering the workforce?Data Analysis: This exploratory study is a work in progress. The findings will help identify gaps incurrent student preparedness. This will ensure graduates are better prepared for the demands ofthe field. The data was in vivo coded to nine key areas. Communication; Teamwork; Professionalattitude (Attitude, Work Ethic; Growth & Development; Confidence; Willingness / Drive,Asking Questions); Internships
methods. Theframework used here may serve as a framework for other institutions examining incorporating orimplementing leadership in programs.Overall, USAFA works to instill outcomes for graduates to work towards including: (1) Critical Thinking (2) Application of Engineering Problem-Solving Methods (3) Scientific Reasoning and Principles of Science (4) The Human Condition, Cultures, and Societies (5) Leadership, Teamwork, and Organizational Management (6) Clear Communication (7) Ethics and Respect for Human Dignity (8) National Security of the American Republic (9) Warrior Ethos as Airmen and GuardiansThe fifth institutional outcome describes the leadership outcome, for students to exhibitleadership, teamwork
in studentengagement and learning outcomes. This paper outlines these findings, discusses implications forfuture practice, and highlights strategies for scaling AI integration across institutions to promoteequitable learning environments.This transformation not only benefits students by providing tailored educational experiences butalso empowers educators to focus on fostering critical thinking and creativity. As AI continues toevolve, its role as a catalyst in higher education will undoubtedly grow, offering unprecedentedopportunities for the advancement of teaching strategies and academic achievement. Despite thenumerous benefits, challenges such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and the digital dividemust be addressed to ensure
of the continuous improvement process andtook input from students, internal program assessments, and what other programs around thenation are doing. The two-course capstone experience for the USAFA civil engineering programwas first executed during the 2023-2024 academic year. CIVENGR 451 (Civil EngineeringCapstone Design I) occurs in the fall and CIVENGR 452 (Civil Engineering Capstone Design II)occurs in the spring. Each course is worth 3.0 credit hours, and has the following objectives: 1. Work effectively within a design team in a professional and ethical manner. 2. Apply the civil engineering design process and conduct iterative analysis and design of a solution to a challenging, ill-defined and open-ended problem. 3. Apply
Study)Introduction Colleges and universities need to educate engineering students who are technicallycompetent and ready to contribute to the needs of our increasingly diverse society. In addition toemphasizing graduates’ ability to analyze issues in professional ethics, ABET’s EngineeringAccreditation Commission (EAC) recently added applications of diversity, equity, and inclusionprinciples to the program criteria for civil and similarly named engineering programs [1]. Aftertwo years of optional pilot, EAC adopted the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion intogeneral Criteria 5 Curriculum and Criteria 6 Faculty in their 2025-2026 accreditation cycle [2].However, the ABET Board of Directors approved the removal of all references
practice” examples we share regularlyfeatures good professional attitudes. We also formally teach professional attitudes in teamworkand leadership lessons. This includes, for example • Ethics thread: Learning in our ethics thread across the curriculum includes lessons in integrity and honesty • Leadership thread: Our teamwork and leadership learning, also a thread across the curriculum, includes dependability, consideration of others, empathy and respect, and flexibility. • Civil engineering case studies: Most of our faculty include case study learning in at least some of their classes. Some have planned learning even in required classes, such as “Professional Issues Friday”Despite faculty-driven
, undergraduate engineering educationincreasingly emphasizes the development of self-regulated professional students equipped withthe skills and competencies necessary for the field. Civil engineers play a vital role in creating asafer, more sustainable, and ethically responsible society, necessitating a strong foundation inprofessionalism. This principle is a core component of the ASCE Body of Knowledge [1], whichhighlights the importance of ethical and responsible practice. Similarly, the National Society ofProfessional Engineers [2] mandates integrity, honesty, and impartiality to protect public welfare,and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) [3] reinforces ethicalresponsibility as a key learning outcome for engineering
of this paper.AI is already used extensively in health care, finance, manufacturing, retail, and transportation.The challenges include data availability and accuracy; ethical considerations such as privacy,bias and transparency; lack of people with technical skills and knowledge to run AI systems; andintegrating AI systems into currently used systems. In many cases, it takes a highly skilledindividual to prompt the AI system for a program and recognize how to efficiently an deffectively modify it. New AI programming languages and frameworks are released regularly, sothese individuals must stay current and keep pace with the latest industry trends. [4]As AI platforms have emerged over the past half-decade, the debate has raged in the
& IIThe two-course capstone experience for the USAFA civil engineering program was firstexecuted during the 2023-2024 academic year. CIVENGR 451 (Civil Engineering CapstoneDesign I) occurs in the fall and CIVENGR 452 (Civil Engineering Capstone Design II) occurs inthe spring. Each course is worth 3.0 credit hours, and has the following objectives: 1. Work effectively within a design team in a professional and ethical manner. 2. Apply the civil engineering design process and conduct iterative analysis and design of a solution to a challenging, ill-defined and open-ended problem. 3. Apply knowledge of math, science, and engineering to design a system, component, or process in more than one civil engineering context in
words diversity, equity, inclusion, andaccess from all accreditation criteria, the organization has stated that it remains committed tothese principles. Furthermore, regional accreditation bodies such as the Higher LearningCommission (HLC) require universities to demonstrate that their “processes and activitiesdemonstrate inclusive and equitable treatment of diverse populations” [19]. Previous studies alsoprovide examples of success in meeting new criteria and curriculum expectations [20] and [21].As one of the oldest and largest communities of infrastructure professionals, ASCE promotesDEI in both infrastructure and education policies. The ASCE Code of Ethics explicitly states thatengineers must “acknowledge the diverse historical, social, and
, including femaleengineers, can help students envision themselves in the field and increase a sense of belonging.In this study, we have also used AI-generated audio content to create realistic soundscapes andspoken narratives to transform passive learning into interactive experiences consistent with theresearch from Urmeneta and Romero [3]. Moreover, by converting text-based lessons andtechnical documentation into audio formats, AI can support students with disabilities, such asvisual impairments or dyslexia. We recognize that there are ethical considerations in the use ofAI-generated content–such as ensuring that it does not perpetuate biases or misinformation orinclude nonconsensual usage of faces and voices–that need to be carefully
] and improves professional and personal skills,including teamwork, communication, leadership and ethical awareness [7]. Service learning alsohelps students develop a sense of social responsibility [8] and reiterates the role of engineering asa service profession, especially for underrepresented students [6], [9]. As the edited volume byTseng [10] summarizes, there are a number of examples of service-learning design projects inengineering courses. The service-learning project in this study, however, emphasizes analysisrather than design as a way to increase student interest in the topic of computer programming andstay motivated to learn an important but threshold concept with the goal of increasing retentionin the discipline.An additional
mechanism that strengthens problem-solving capabilities.The findings depict the complex interactions between problem design, student self-reflection, andsubsequent student performance. While non-abstracted problems are crucial in preparing students forprofessional practice, instructors need to consider interventions that will strengthen students' confidencein facing these challenges. Future research will focus on refining the abstraction rating tool (based on the“PRO” portion of the PROCESS rubric) for better inter-rater reliability and analyzing individuallyanswered test or quiz items to remove the effect of group work. References [1] Aristotle, W. Ross, J. Ackrill, and J. Urmson. The Nicomachean Ethics. Page 3. Oxford University Press, 1998. [2
and experiences in writing; 3) We aim for you to become familiar with the types of infrastructure, design considerations, ethical considerations, and social, environmental, and cost constraints commonly encountered in CEE and learn how CEE engineers create value for society through their work; 4) We aim for you to develop the ability to think critically about CEE-style problems, drawing on experience you will gain by actively thinking through and observing challenges; 5) We sim got this class to build your curiosity for the profession, such that you will know where to go for more information and will have a better sense of the kinds of classes you might be interested in, the kinds of jobs you will be able
University AbuDhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Email: tarek.abdoun@nyu.eduAbstractUndergraduate engineering students often face challenges entering the workforce due to limitedpractical experience, particularly in applying engineering judgment—an essential skill foraddressing complex, interdisciplinary problems. The increasing complexity of today’senvironmental, social, and technical issues underscores the importance of fostering engineeringjudgment, aligning with ABET student outcomes, which emphasize ethical responsibilities andinformed decision-making in various contexts. However, traditional classroom settings rarelyprovide sufficient practice for this competency.To bridge this gap, the GeoExplorer game, a mixed-reality learning platform offering
” “How it will impact theSocial and Ethical community and how it willDevelopment last for years to come” Table 2 (continued) Topic Frequency Comment Question 7 “CAD, virtual reality, 3D Computer-Aided Design printing” “BIM, revit, cad, robots, ai, Data Management (BIM
to the civil engineering profession and their chosen major.This is accomplished through discussion topics, including the engineering design process,aspects of a profession, codes of ethics, sustainability, and technology. CE201 was added to thecivil engineering curriculum during the fall of 2018 and has subsequently been offered every fallsemester. As a required course in the civil engineering curriculum, it is commonly taken during astudent’s first semester in the program, but occasionally it is taken later by students who transferinto the program late. The course is typically team-taught by 2-3 instructors.There are multiple writing assignments within CE201. One reflective essay requires students towrite about their process of selecting
Elkington, Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st CenturyBusiness," Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 23, pp. 229–231, 2000, doi:10.1023/A:1006129603978.[4] A. El-Zein, D. Airey, P. Bowden, and H. Clarkeburn, "Sustainability in engineering education:Looking through the lens of social justice," International Journal of Sustainability in HigherEducation, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 87–98, 2008.[5] N. Gericke, J. Boeve-de Pauw, D. Olsson, and T. Berglund, “The sustainability consciousnessquestionnaire: The theoretical development and empirical validation of an evaluation instrumentfor stakeholders working with sustainable development,” Sustain. Dev., vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 35–49,2019.[6] M. Khalil and R. B. Choudhury, "The integration of