Roads Scholar | Advanced Roads Scholar | Master Roads Scholar
How do I become a Master Roads Scholar?
The third level of recognition is the Master Roads Scholar program. To become a Master Roads Scholar, one must complete the requirements of Advanced Roads Scholar and then complete 6 of the courses listed below and write a case study which focuses on a local transportation project. All training sessions offered by NC LTAP can be taken in any order, at any level, at any time, however, the requirements for Roads Scholar and Advanced Roads Scholar must be met first.
Master Roads Scholar Courses:
- Asset Management – This course focuses on the principles of strategic and cost-effective transportation asset management. Topics covered in this course include investment evaluation, program design and implementation, risk assessment, long-term financial planning, and data collection and assessment.
- Basic GIS – A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based set of tools that allows the user to create, manipulate, analyze, store, and display information based on its location. Students in this hands-on course will use ESRI ArcGIS software to learn about the layers that make up a GIS map and how to analyze the data behind the map. Students will also explore common sources of GIS data that will be used in practical applications.
- Bicycles and Pedestrians: Meeting the Needs of all Users – The class provides current information on the design, operation and maintenance of successful pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Emphasis is placed on the importance of maintaining accessibility and compliance with relevant guidelines while at the same time encouraging innovation.
- Communicating with the Public and Media – Effective communication with the public can prevent confusion and complications during transportation projects. This course covers strategies and guidelines for communicating important information with the public and media organizations, including strategic communication planning, message development, audience specification, press release development, social media, and interacting with news organizations.
- Effective Leadership Skills – Leadership involves effective communication with organizational members to build successful teams and achieve organizational goals. This course will include ideas for communicating clear goals, helping groups negotiate clear communication expectations, motivating employees, assessing team progress, and providing effective performance feedback. Furthermore, this course will provide an opportunity to prepare for a supervisory or leadership role by learning management concepts, tools, and techniques to build personal influence and succeed as a leader. Topics include ethics, organizational self-assessment, defining excellence, and team development.
- Emergency Management for Public Works – This course covers how to develop, practice, and maintain emergency management plans that reflect what must be done before, during, and after a disaster. Participants will receive an overview of FEMA guidelines.
- Ethics of Public Works – This course focuses on the importance of ethics in Public Works. Course content includes legal requirements and restrictions under North Carolina state law that apply to public officials and employees – conflicts of interest in public contracting, prohibitions on accepting gifts and favors from vendors and contractors, misuse of confidential information, and misuse of public resources (otherwise known as embezzlement).
- Introduction to Uncrewed Aircraft Systems – Drones or Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, as they are officially called, can be very useful tools for many applications including facilities inspections, construction management, and transportation planning. This workshop will cover how to stand up a drone program and to use them legally and safely in this application. We will also look at the various sensors that are commonly mounted on drones and how to process and manage that information to aid your mission.
- Fundamentals of Government –This course provides an overview of the American federal system with a focus on local government in North Carolina, particularly municipalities, including the organization and operation of municipal governments and their interactions with the community and in the intergovernmental system.
- Productive Team Building – This course examines group dynamics and how to create a functional group and a productive team. Topics include communicating well with others, discovering and harnessing personal strengths, stimulating collaboration, appreciating diversity, and unification of goals.
Master Roads Scholar Case Study
The required Case Study should document a transportation project recently completed (within the last three years) in your local area or region of the state. You must submit your project for approval by NCLTAP prior to preparing the case study.
The following outline can be used as a guide for the case study. Additionally, students are welcome to download this rubic. Master Road Scholar Case Study Rubric
- Introduction
a. Describe the background of the project. Why is it needed? What is wrong with the current system or condition?
b. Who is affected by the project, what are the challenges and what are the benefits of this project? - The Project/Methodology
a. Describe the magnitude of the project. This may include length, quantities, and costs.
b. What steps were taken to complete the project?
c. What challenges were encountered with the project? Do you consider this project a success and why? - Reflection/Lessons Learned
a. What did you learn from this project?
b. How can you use this knowledge in your career?
Upon completion of the Master Roads Scholar Program, participants receive the following:
- Certificate of Training
- Recognition at the APWA-NC Streets Division Annual Conference
- Recognition in LTAP’s Transportation Tracks newsletter
- Letter of Commendation, copied to supervisor and mayor
- Press release announcing achievement in local newspaper
- Master Roads Scholar portfolio
See a list of Master Road Scholar Graduates
For questions about the Master Roads Scholar program, contact:
Bill Woods, Program Coordinator
919-515-8033 | bill_woods@ncsu.edu