INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD

INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARDS

Industry Advisory Boards (IABs) play a vital role in strengthening Construction Management education by connecting academic programs with the construction industry. Composed of leaders from across the construction sector—including contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and owners—these boards serve as a bridge between the classroom and the jobsite.

What They Do:

Provide guidance to ensure academic programs remain relevant to current industry practices and emerging trends.
Advise faculty on curriculum development, technology integration, and professional skill requirements.
Support students through mentorship, internships, scholarships, and networking opportunities.
Create connections that often lead directly to student employment upon graduation.
Advocate for the program within the industry and help build partnerships with employers.
Offer feedback during accreditation reviews and continuous improvement efforts.

Why They Matter:

For students, IAB involvement means access to real-world perspectives, professional mentorship, and a clearer pathway into the construction industry.
For industry partners, participation offers the opportunity to shape future talent, foster innovation, and ensure that graduates enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

ACCE and IABs in Accreditation:
As part of the accreditation process, the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) evaluates the effectiveness of a program’s Industry Advisory Board. Review teams assess the IABis structure, its level of engagement with faculty and students, and the impact of its input on curriculum and program improvement. Programs seeking or maintaining accreditation must demonstrate that their IAB provides meaningful guidance, supports student success, and fosters strong ties between the university and the construction industry.

By engaging in this process, ACCE ensures that IABs are not just advisory in name but play an active, measurable role in advancing Construction Management education.

Useful Information for Your IAB

This simple presentation provides a blueprint on how to organize and govern an IAB on your campus. For more information, please send us a note.

In January, 2024, the ACCE Marketing Committee performed a survey of academia and industry. The objective is to determine the percentage of ACCE accredited programs that have ENR Top 400 Contractors attend their career expo/fairs and/or recruiting events.