Colorado State University thrives with Roofing Alliance support

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

The collaboration between the Roofing Alliance and CSU is a testament to the power of combining industry expertise with academic rigor. 

The Roofing Alliance has long been a champion of advancing the roofing industry through education, innovation and collaboration. One of its most impactful initiatives is the construction management curriculum developed in conjunction with Clemson University through Roofing Alliance funding. The curriculum has found many homes in construction management programs across the country including a growing program at Colorado State University (CSU). The curriculum aims to equip future construction professionals with the roofing knowledge, skills and hands-on experience necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving field. 

The collaboration between the Roofing Alliance and CSU is a testament to the power of combining industry expertise with academic rigor. By partnering with a prestigious institution like CSU, the Roofing Alliance continues to increase the exposure of the program's curriculum. The courses continue to deliver the basics of roofing while also addressing the latest advancements and challenges in the industry. 

Nick Rubino, a senior instructor at CSU and one of the early collaborators with the Roofing Alliance, reflected on his journey, “Initially, my first involvement with the Roofing Alliance was as a coach for the Roofing Alliance Student Competition. It was a foundational experience that laid the groundwork for adopting the Roofing Alliance’s construction management roofing curriculum.” 

Developed through a funded program between the Roofing Alliance and Clemson University, the curriculum is designed to cover a broad spectrum of roofing-related topics, from basic principles to advanced applications. Nick worked to incorporate the course into the CSU construction management program. “We started to implement the course as an elective in the spring of 2024. The strength of the program is its great guest lectures. We reached out to several different contractors and we're able to put together a 16-week course that students took as an elective as part of the construction management program,” stated Nick. 

The inclusion of guest lecturers from the industry is a cornerstone of the program, bringing real-world insights and expertise directly to the students. Nick explained, “We work through the basics, starting with fundamentals and then we get into estimating components, some unique systems like fluid applied systems and newer technologies that are being utilized in the field.” This approach ensures that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also understand their practical applications. 

The Roofing Alliance's collaboration with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has been instrumental in shaping the program's content. “We've utilized the NRCA Roofing Manual and their safety manual as part of the student competition and adopted the curriculum put together with Clemson,” Nick explained. This integration of established industry resources provides students with a solid foundation and access to the best practices. 

The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Nick shared, “They're interested in learning about a new industry and different opportunities. It's good for them to understand that there are other avenues in the industry that are intriguing and lucrative.” This exposure to diverse career paths within the roofing industry broadens students' horizons and highlights the opportunities available. 

While the program has already achieved significant success, there are plans for continuous improvement and expansion. “Right now, we are tweaking the course to create a good fit for our program. Roofing is an important part of the building envelope to understand overall. It is also good for students to understand there are more opportunities than just the general contracting world,” Nick stated. “By exposing students to specialized fields like roofing, the program enriches their educational experience and prepares them for a wider range of career options.” 

For Nick, teaching the roofing courses has been a personally rewarding experience. “I really enjoy it. It is an excellent way to stay connected to the roofing industry. Specifically, roofing is just my type of people. It is just good to be able to talk shop about what's going on in the real world,” he shared. “This connection to the industry and the opportunity to mentor the next generation of roofing professionals has been deeply fulfilling.” 

The Roofing Alliance continues to promote the use of the Roofing Alliance Clemson Roofing Curriculum free of charge to universities and vocational schools interested in adding roofing to their construction management curriculum offerings. For more information on how to incorporate these courses contact Alison L. LaValley, CAE at alavalley@nrca.net.