Member grade consolidation
The ASCE Board of Direction believes that simplifying our member grade structure would reduce business complexity and expense, make it easier for prospective members to join, and make the organization more welcoming to members of the civil engineering team and those allied with the profession. Please review the information and be prepared to cast your vote in May 2025.
What are the proposed changes?
- Combine current affiliate, associate, and member grades into a single revised member grade.
Why is the board considering these changes and why now?
- ASCE’s current member grades, including associate and affiliate membership, are complex and confusing to potential members. They can also confuse current members, many of whom do not always understand the distinctions.
- ASCE’s strategic plan (PDF) renews our commitment to inspire, connect, and serve our global membership to maximize their professional and personal growth and magnify their lifelong professional impact. This requires effectively managing our resources to provide exceptional value to our members.
- The strategic plan aims to improve pathways toward a more diverse and inclusive profession, attracting new members from the broader infrastructure community, and cultivating a global, cross-disciplinary community of infrastructure professionals.
Reasons for member grade consolidation
- Distinctions in member grades can cause unnecessary confusion. Currently, all member, associate, and affiliate grades already pay the same dues and have the same benefits and voting rights. Professional engineers use their P.E. credentials to designate their licensure status.
- The ASCE Board of Direction believes that simplifying our member grade structure would reduce business complexity and expense, make it easier for prospective members to join, and make the organization more welcoming to members of the civil engineering team and those allied with the profession. This will lead to enhanced member value and better programs for our members.
Next steps
The board approved the amendments to the Society’s Constitution (Article 2) (PDF) on the first reading and second reading to streamline member grades into one member grade. The amendment now goes before members for their vote in this May's election.
Dive deeper with these webinars
The plan outlines actions that will significantly impact these goals, including improving pathways toward a more diverse and inclusive, profession, attracting new members from the broader infrastructure community, and cultivating a global, cross-disciplinary community of infrastructure professionals. Hear Ken Mika, P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE, chair of the Board Strategic Advisory Committee, share what is being proposed and why it matters.
View webinarASCE’s new strategic plan positions members as key changemakers. A major tactic toward achieving these goals is the proposed simplification of ASCE member grades. In this free webinar, learn more about the member grades proposal and hear from a panel of practicing civil engineers on how they see the proposed changes affecting our industry.
View webinar