By Jolene Toves
For Variety
HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The University of Guam’s Board of Regents moved to expand their degree offerings on Friday, approving Resolution 26-06, which establishes the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree program that strengthens the pipeline of homegrown skilled professionals.
According to the university, the program was developed by the School of Engineering in response to “local and regional needs.” The resolution states that that the School of Engineering or SENG identified the critical need for professionally trained construction managers, noting “unprecedented” growth due to “federal investments” for the military buildup and infrastructure development on the island.
The resolution asserts that the absence of a construction management program has historically forced employers to rely on costly strategies to include hiring off-island professionals or untrained professionals to fill the gap, increasing project costs and limiting local workforce development.
The new BS in Construction Management establishes a local pipeline of qualified graduates “equipped” with “technical, administrative and communication skills essential for managing complex construction projects.”
According to officials, the program has the backing of local construction industry leaders, including Pacific Rim Construction Inc. and the SENG Advisory Council, which affirmed the program’s importance as a “cornerstone” for Guam’s “long-term resilience and economic development.”
“There has been guidance and recommendations from an advisory council which is comprised of individuals within the industry,” the UOG Student Affairs, Alumni Relations and Honorary Degree committee said.
“They anticipate hiring one faculty member and as soon as the program is launched and approved the school will apply for accreditation.”
University officials said they were assured by the committee that the program is “sustainable” based on student interest and industry needs. Officials also acknowledged that the new degree offering has broader implications for the region, noting that the Marianas and the Western Pacific will benefit from the program.
Regents unanimously voted in favor of the degree on Feb. 19 after a brief discussion acknowledged the “growing trend” in offering Construction Management degree programs versus certifications.
