Civil Engineering: Students and Activities

While the University of Portland offers a diverse array of student services, academic and extracurricular activities, many activities are specific to civil engineering. Check them out:

Student chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

The student chapter of the ASCE is a student-run club that focuses on activities associated with the profession.  At periodic meetings, guest speakers highlight different professional activities, talk about local projects and help student connect with job opportunities.  In addition, members attend the annual Pacific Northwest Regional Conference that is held on a rotating basis at one of 14 participating universities.

Student chapter of Engineers Without Borders

The purpose of the student chapter of EWB is to plan and carry out construction projects in developing countries.  Students are currently in the process of planning a series of trips to Agua Negra, Guatemala to install rainwater harvesting tanks for the local villagers.  In addition, the group actively coordinates with the local professional chapter to help facilitate projects in other developing countries.

Concrete canoe competition

As part of the Pacific Northwest Regional Conference, University of Portland students design, build and race a concrete canoe.  The project usually spans the spring semester culminating in the competition at the host university.

Steel bridge competition

Also part of the Pacific Northwest Regional Conference, the steel bridge competition requires students to design and construct a steel bridge.  The bridge must be composed of parts that can easily be transported to the conference site and assembled there in a limited amount of time using minimal personnel.  Typically the rules call for the bridge to be able to span a specified distance, sag less than a specified amount and be able to carry a specified load.