This is a post by Rudi O. Sherbansky P.E., PE’s in Construction Division, NYSSPE.
Political Advocacy and Lobbying Activities on Our Behalf:
- NSPE President Robert Green, P.E., F.NSPE, sent a letter in support of the SCRA Enhancement and Improvement Act of 2013 (S.1579), to Senator Sanders (I-VT) and Senator Rockefeller (D-WV). NSPE strongly supports Section 104 of the legislation, which states that if a professional license issued by a state or local licensing authority to a service member would otherwise lapse during a period in which such service member is involved in hostile fire or imminent danger, the state licensing authority shall delay the expiration of the license and continuing education requirements for at least 180 days.
- NSPE sent a letter urging the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to strengthen its qualification standards for filling federal professional engineering positions. NSPE strongly urged the OPM to revise the qualification standard for professional engineering positions to require a PE for professional engineering occupations.
- NSPE provided comments on December 19 to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Chairman Lamar Smith on the draft version of the Frontiers in Innovation, Research, Science, and Technology Act of 2013 (FIRST Act), as part of the Coalition for National Science Funding. NSPE’s comments called for increased science funding, expanded research opportunities, a streamlined regulatory process, and improved coordination of STEM education programs while ensuring stakeholder input.
- NSPE has compiled 39 PE magazine articles from 2013, covering the legislative and advocacy efforts on behalf of professional engineers into one document. It serves as a one-stop-shop for learning about initiatives both in federal and state governments. See the PDF of “2013 Taking Action” at www.nspe.org/toolbox.
- Executive Director Golden met with the ABET Executive Director Michael Milligan to discuss mutual interests in advancing the quality of engineering education and building the bench of qualified volunteers from the engineering community for those efforts. ABET is formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
- NSPE President-Elect Harve Hnatiuk, P.E., and NSPE Executive Director Mark Golden welcomed representatives of the Korean Professional Engineers Association (KPEA) to Society headquarters. They met the KPEA vice president and the manager of international affairs, videotaping a three-hour discussion that will be source material for KPEA’s 50th anniversary meeting this month in Seoul.
- On November 13, Manager of Government Relations Arielle Eiser attended a House Committee on Science, Space, Technology subcommittee hearing on the upcoming reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act, which authorizes investments in science and engineering research and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education from kindergarten to the postdoctoral level.
Education, Professional Conduct and Professional Development Assets:
- All current NSPE members have been invited to participate in the 2014 NSPE Milton F. Lunch Ethics Contest. Members participate through their NSPE state societies and local chapters (including student chapters) by submitting a 750-word response to a scenario presented by the NSPE Board of Ethical Review. The scenario this year involves change orders. Visit www.nspe.org for all the details.
- There are 15 NEW online courses available from NSPE, at no cost to members:
The following seminars have been prerecorded and will be available throughout 2014:
- Engineering Ethics: A Conversation About Conflicts of Interest Issues
- Engineering Ethics: A Conversation About Business, Employment and Licensure Issues
- Engineering Ethics: A Conversation About Expert Witness and Engineering Review Issues
- Contractual Indemnity and Other Poison Pills: A Webinar and an Antidote
- Communicating Clearly
- Cost Control
- Evolving Professional Risks: Construction Delivery Methodologies, Sustainable Design
- Focus on Shop Drawings: Vital Link Between Design and Construction
- Historical Cases & Engineering Ethics
- Integrated Design: The Reality of Implementation of Sustainable Design
- Leadership: What Matters Most
- Lean Construction
- Primer of Engineering Philosophical Ethics
- Professional Liability Risk Management Toolbox
- Requirements for Your Next Green Project: Successfully Building Green in a Poor Economy
- NSPE has compiled the Engineering Body of Knowledge, the first concerted effort to provide common ground for developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice as a professional engineer across engineering disciplines. The document presents 30 capabilities intrinsic to being a PE, from design and safety, to societal impact and sustainability. It was coordinated by Craig Musselman, P.E., F.NSPE, and Stuart Walesh, P.E., F.NSPE.
- NSPE President-Elect Harve Hnatiuk, P.E., F.NSPE, attended the first MATHCOUNTS Coordinator’s Convention held October 24–26 in Chicago. The convention honored the many NSPE members who volunteer their time and efforts as MATHCOUNTS coordinators at both the state and chapter level. NSPE remains deeply proud of its relationship with MATHCOUNTS and is forever grateful for the thousands of volunteer hours its members devote each year to ensuring its continued success.
- In November, the National Engineers Week Foundation rebranded itself DiscoverE. This year the organization celebrates its first EWeek under the new name with the guiding message: “Let’s Make a Difference.” EWeek will be held nationwide February 16–22. Visit www.discovere.org for materials and suggestions on how to host your own local event.
National Honors & Awards Program:
- This year’s NSPE’s biggest awards include the NSPE Award, the Young Engineer of the Year Award, the NSPE Distinguished Service Award, and the PEI Distinguished Service Award. To apply or submit a candidate, go to www.nspe.org/awards for more information.
- In the December issue of PE magazine, NSPE highlighted 19 winners of state society 2013 Young Engineer of the Year award. Check out the spread on pages 34–35 of the issue, and then submit someone you know who fits the bill for the 2014 award!
Volunteer Leadership & Tools:
- Need leadership tools? Visit www.nspe.org/toolbox NSPE volunteer leaders have a variety of online leadership resources to help them carry out their responsibilities. All of the following, plus other resources, can be accessed at www.nspe.org/toolbox (user name and password required):
a) Recruitment tips;
b) Presentation on engineers in elected office, plus quotes and instructions;
c) Minutes and agendas from Board of Directors and House of Delegates meetings;
d) State Society Web site template;
e) 10 Reasons to Be Licensed;
f) Young engineer flyer; and
g) Archived webinars.
Other Notable Activities and Undertakings:
- In late 2013, NSPE published an updated version of the “State-by-State Summary of Liability Laws Affecting the Practice of Engineering,” reflecting the latest changes in state regulations. It is available to Society members for $25. Visit “Shop NSPE” at www.nspe.org.
- The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee has released the 2014 edition of E-500, the Agreement Between Owner and Engineer for Professional Services. The revision was coordinated with last year’s edition of the construction documents, the C-series. Visit www.nspe.org/ejcdc for more information.
- NSPE and the National Academy of Forensic Engineers leadership have reached an agreement in which NSPE will provide executive director and association management services to NAFE. NSPE Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel Arthur Schwartz will serve as NAFE Executive Director, with support from other NSPE staff members. NAFE is an NSPE Chartered Affinity Group.
- NSPE has launched a new online Career Center designed to help engineers find job openings and help employers find the kinds of engineers they need. Job seekers can save and edit their resume, use that saved information to apply for jobs online, and store job listings for later review. Employers will also find new tools, including a searchable resume database, auto-notification about new applicants, and data on how many people have viewed listings. Learn more at http://careers.nspe.org.
- NSPE has announced its latest member benefit: the UPS Savings Program. Members can now save up to 35% off ground, air, and international shipping. To see more about the rates and the program in general, visit www.savewithups.com/nspe.
- NSPE’s 2014 Annual Meeting will be held over Independence Day weekend this year in Washington, D.C. Join your fellow engineers from July 1–6 for educational seminars, a tour of the Capitol, a Washington Nationals baseball game—and a fantastic Fourth in the nation’s capital! Registration opens on April 1, so keep an eye on the NSPE home page. See the preliminary schedule at www.nspe.org/annualmeeting.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies [NICET]
- NICET recently completed regular maintenance and updates for Fire Alarm Systems Level IV. Part of this update process included matching the test content to the newer versions of codes and standards. NICET hosted a review session for Levels II and III on October 16–18 and plans to have all levels completed by March 2014.
- Why is NICET certification of engineering technicians and engineering technologists important?
To licensed professional engineers:
NICET certification is the mark of quality in engineering technology and indicates that the holder subscribes to a professional code of ethics, similar to that of a licensed professional engineer. NICET certification is recognized (and even required) by many employers and government agencies throughout the U.S. and internationally as assurance that an individual has mastered the critical elements in a specific discipline of engineering technology. Certified engineering technicians and technologists, as part of the engineering team, can be relied on to efficiently and effectively provide quality engineering products and services, on time and within budget, which help protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
To NSPE members:
NICET is a wholly owned subsidiary of NSPE as defined by NSPE Operating Procedure 6.6. As such, NICET represents a source of nondues revenue to NSPE (currently 5% of the projected gross revenue for NICET annually) as well as a partner with NSPE in sharing administrative expenses. NICET operates as a separate fiscal entity within NSPE in accordance with NSPE OP 9.3 with its own funding sources, which means NSPE member dues do not support any NICET activity. As NICET prospers, so does NSPE. Conversely, if NICET falters, so does NSPE.
How can I learn more about NICET and its certification programs:
Check out the NICET Web site at www.nicet.org or contact a member of the NICET staff at 888-476-4238 to learn more about NICET, its organizational structure within NSPE, and its certification programs in 28 subdisciplines of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering technology. You can also get to NICET through the NSPE Web site or staff.
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