The Mechanical-Electrical Academic Consortium (MEAC) marked another "win" with its 2006 Faculty Training Camp. The organization's second workshop dedicated to faculty who teach construction management and mechanical systems courses, but who need more in-depth information and resource identification for the subject matter, took place in Fort Collins, CO last week. The Mechanical Contracting Education and Research Foundation (MCERF) funded the "boot camp" under its Funding Educational Excellence initiative, and Prof. Daryl Orth of Northern Kentucky University planned and organized the event.

Twenty attendees from universities around the country reviewed the basics on mechanical properties and HVAC equipment; testing, balancing, commissioning and controls; estimating; and scheduling. The group also received useful tips on how to teach the material effectively. The "boot camp" faculty included John Mench of Southern Polytechnic State University, Doug Zentz of Ferris State University, Rick Blackledge of Waldinger Corporation - Omaha Division, Mike Knapp and Bob Smith of the Murphy Co. (Denver, CO), John Thomas of Trautman & Shreve (Denver, CO), Tim Wentz of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Tom Stone of the Braconier Co. (Denver, CO), and John Marlow of U.S. Engineering (Denver, CO). For more information about MEAC, please contact either Ann Mattheis at amattheis@mcaa.org or Daryl Orth at orthd1@nku.edu.