News Briefs, Nov. 14

EMU construction management students place second in national construction competition

Six Eastern Michigan University construction management students placed second in a national pre-construction competition sponsored by the Associated Schools of Construction from Oct. 12 to Oct. 15 in Downers Grove, Illinois.

The competition tested construction management students in their knowledge of preconstruction services during an expansion and renovation project. The objective of the competition was to expose students to different preconstruction services such as team selection, logistics planning, conceptual estimating, risk analysis, constructability review, resource allocation and safety.

More than 350 students participated, representing 27 universities.

EMU construction management students created a proposal and presentation on a $20-$40 million hospital expansion and renovation. They also participated in an interview with judges on their proposals.

The Associated Schools of Construction conference held seven competitions; three were regional and four were national open competitions.

The Associated Schools of Construction is the professional association of construction educators and industry practitioners who work together for the development and advancement of construction education. The ASC is made up of eight regions; seven regions from the United States and Canada and one European region. There are currently 143 four-year construction management programs at member universities and nine two-year member schools.

EMU aviation students take to the skies in ninth annual Poker Run

A dozen EMU aviation students took part in the ninth annual EMU Venture Learning Poker Run this fall, flying from Willow Runs Airport to Cadillac, Traverse City and then to Woolsey Memorial, an airstrip in Leelanau Country.

A Poker Run is an organized event where participants visit several checkpoints and draw a playing card at each one. The objective is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. EMU student Jason Dickinson was the winner of the Poker Run.

At the end of the Poker Run the EMU aviation students participated in a landing competition at Woolsey Memorial; EMU student Joshua Bamburger was the winner of the landing contest.

The EMU aviation program runs the Venture Learning Program, which introduces students to flight scenarios and challenges. Several challenges include instrument weather conditions, cross-country flight planning, mountainous terrain and flying at night.

“Students have been participating in Venture Learning Poker Run flights for almost nine years,” said Tom Simon, Director of Marketing and Recruitment at Eagle Flight Centre, in an EMU news release. “It’s great flight experience for students.”

EMU Student Government votes to purchase bike fix-it station

In a vote of 20-0-0 the EMU Student Government passed a resolution on Tuesday, Nov. 1 to purchase a bike fix-it station that will be available to students on campus.

The fix-it station will include tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The bike fix-it station will be free to use for all students.

"I feel like this is really needed because there are a lot of biker students on campus and I'm trying to incorporate this campus to be more sustainable-friendly," said Leah VanLandingham, director of sustainability. "Giving this to students is a way to advocate for biking on campuses as opposed to driving from where they live. Now they know that if something goes wrong with their bike on campus they have a method of fixing their bike."

Funds for the fix-it station will come from Student Body President Tanasia Morton's discretionary fund in conjunction with the Residence Housing Association and Campus Life in the form of $1,104.

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor achieves Level One Trauma Center verification

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor achieved Level One Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons on Thursday, Nov. 10, demonstrating the highest level of quality trauma care.

There are five categories of verification, with level one requiring that facilities maintain a high level of research, education and injury prevention. These different levels refer to the kinds of resources available in a trauma center as well as the number of patients admitted yearly.

Several elements of Level One Trauma Centers include:

• 24-hour in-house coverage by general surgeons
• Prompt availability of care in specialties such as neurosurgery, radiology, internal medicine and other areas
• Leadership in prevention and public education to surrounding communities
• Continued education for trauma team members
• Comprehensive quality assessment program
• Program for substance abuse screening and patient intervention

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor treats more than 1,200 trauma patients annually. The hospital has a team of board-certified surgery and critical care surgeons as well as sub-specialists in the following areas:

• cardiothoracic surgery
• orthopedics
• plastic and reconstructive surgery
• neurology, urology
• interventional radiology

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor also offers a surgery critical care fellowship supporting its Surgical Intensive Care Unit.