ASCE Structural Engineering Institute Announces Joint Vision for the Future of Structural Engineering

Reston, Va. – The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), the Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) and the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations announced a collaboration within the structural engineering (SE) profession entitled Joint Vision for the Future of Structural Engineering.

The structural engineering (SE) profession is constantly changing with increasing complexity, more technology, and other trends that are changing the SE practice. These three organizations have collaborated on several shared issues and priorities, such as joint support for the Structural Engineering Licensure Coalition, the Structural Standards Coordination Council and STRUCTURE magazine. The SEI Vision for the Future of Structural Engineering (SE) in 2013 had its roots in this collaboration. In an updated MOU, entitled Joint Vision for the Future of SE, the organizations discuss strengths and advocacy for the profession and ensure there is a future for the structural engineering profession. The Joint Vision for the Future of SE states:

CASE, NCSEA, and SEI are united in envisioning a future where, as stewards of the built environment, structural engineers are widely recognized as making key contributions to the advancement of society on a national and global scale.

The profession is at a critical turning point. Increasing complexity, computer automation, onerous contractual requirements, and global interconnectivity are among the trends that are fundamentally changing the practice of structural engineering. The challenge is to foresee the impacts of these trends in a way that reinforces and expands the critical role of structural engineers in improving the safety and well-being of all. This vision is the basis for a long-term strategy to ensure a vibrant and dynamic future.

A unique, fully engaged profession with a strong identity will be realized when structural engineers:

• are viewed as an integrating factor in every project, rather than merely part of the supporting cast;
• routinely address policy, aesthetics, and finance as important aspects of their role;
• are renowned for their creativity and commitment to learning; and
• articulate their vision in a way that is understood, embraced, and admired by the public.

To achieve these long-term goals, CASE, NCSEA, and SEI are committed to cooperating on and investing in the following key initiatives:

1. Develop and position structural engineers as leaders and innovators on project teams and in society.
2. Reform structural engineering education.
3. Improve mentoring of young structural engineers.
4. Enhance the professional development of practicing structural engineers.
5. Advocate structural engineering licensure.
6. Implement performance-based codes and standards.
7. Encourage resilience in the built environment, including disaster response planning.
8. Promote diversity within the structural engineering profession.
9. Collaborate on common causes with related industry organizations.
10. Advance the structural engineering profession nationally and globally.

For more information, go to asce.org/SEI, structuremag.org, acec.org, and ncsea.com