Capstone Course Engages Students in Real Life Construction Project
By Emily Sherry
This semester, construction manager Jason Toso participated in North Dakota State University’s Construction Capstone course, where seniors theoretically followed the West Fargo Ice Arena project from the very beginning design stages through turnover to the customer. The students engaged in hands-on activities throughout the semester, from assembling bid packages through the management of the construction schedule.
At the beginning of the semester, Jason brought the students up to speed by explaining the process that the Arena project had gone through up to that point; giving them examples of items that changed the project scope, yet kept the customers goals in mind. At the end of the semester in May the students will give a presentation, completing their Capstone course. It will include the total cost of the project, as well as any value engineering items that were incorporated.
The new, 70,000 square foot hockey arena will include two competition ice rinks, locker rooms, a lobby, and support spaces. In addition, the design incorporates a future expansion for a third ice rink for practice, as well as dryland training space. The facility was designed by JLG Architects with Stevens Engineering providing design, consultation, and construction administration services related to the ice systems. The facility will open in September 2017.
“I love seeing the excitement among the students and knowing they are excited about their futures in the construction industry” said construction manager, Jason Toso.