Week of September 24

A quick reminder that I will be in Las Vegas next Monday (October 1), so there will be no class for CM 126 and no lab for CM 121 that week (remember, we're making it up the week of Thanksgiving).  I hope to get caught up with grading while I'm in Las Vegas (have no sadder words ever been typed).  But I do plan to use the time to get caught up.  I'm already behind in grading, which I'm not complaining about because it's my problem (see my blog post for the week).

Quote of the Week

"I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards" -- Abraham Lincoln

General News

Apple launched the iPhone 5 this week.  I just want to make sure anyone who may be living in a cave knows.

CM News and Events

Now: Reno applications are available (click here).  I don't recall when they're due, but fill them out quickly.  If you're in CM 10, we will be discussing the various teams this week, so if you want to wait until after the lecture, you should still be ok.

October 1: TMCS Golf Tournament.  Volunteers are needed.  Since our department is the beneficiary, make the effort to volunteer if you can.  It's also a great way to network with industry.  This is next week, so sign up to volunteer NOW!

October 6:  Sac State CM Sporting Clays Shoot.  This is a fundraiser for the Reno teams.  It's also a great place to network and enjoy the great outdoors.  Volunteer to help out.  Contact a CMSA Officer or e-mail the Reno Supreme Leader, Henry Meier for more details.  It's an all day event, but you will get fed.  You will likely get face time with your Reno coaches.

October 12:  The American Society for Professional Estimators is welcoming Dr. Jim Adrian of Bradley University back to Sacramento for a full day seminar in the University Union.  We have a total of 20 seats for students who will have their fee ($100!) covered by ASPE.  There are only five spots left!  It's a great investment for your employer.  If interested, send me and e-mail.

October 12-14:  CMSA Camping Trip.  After an awesome day of learning from Jim Adrian (see directly above), treat yourself to some fun with your fellow CM classmates.  Word on the street is that Mike will still be taking his boat up.

Job Leads

Career Fair:  There's a Career Fair on campus on Wednesday.  Turner, Kiewit, and SOuthland will be there.  If you're looking for a job at the fair, check Cici's webpage for more info.

Gilbane Building Company:  Gilbane will be on campus for an info session on October 16 and ill be conducting interview on October 17.  They are looking for interns.  Several Sac State CM students have interned for them and have great things to say.  Find out more info about their info session here and more about the company here.


What's Going On in Classes

CM 10:  We will be discussing the Reno Teams and some other important departmental items in class.  Remember to bring your final draft for the Heman Chand memo and a rough draft of your Tim Murchison memo to class.

CM 121:  We will be doing more Goodyear site construction estimating this week, focusing on water, sewer and storm water utilities.  In lecture we will be discussing material pricing on Tuesday and on Thursday we will discuss concrete estimating with an emphasis on Goodyear.  Also remember that Assignment #1 is due this week in addition to your lab work (check SacCT for more details).

CM 126:  Denny Wilson will be giving a toolbox on roadside safety on Monday, and on Wednesday we will have two toolboxes, with Trace McCown discussing traffic control and flagging (or was it flogging?) and Colin Hoyt discussing ladder safety.  And of course we will have the obligatory Tommy story of ladders gone bad.

In addition to the two Wednesday toolboxes, Lydia Cottrell and Anna Wilks will be presenting on constructability reviews, which are common in all types of construction.  

Monday's lecture will be about project documentation.  There's a million things we could discuss, but we'll focus on the major issues with documents.

Homework 3 is due this week and Homework 4 will be assigned.