Two aspects of the support needed for a quality civil engineering education are examined: Services, including staff and operations; and facilities, particularly as related to equipment needs. At major research universities, facility needs for civil engineering are greater than those for electrical and mechanical engineering. Civil engineering's laboratories serve as this nation's applied technology laboratories, which is not the case for electrical and mechanical engineering. Only a dynamic “hands‐on” educational program produces graduates that are knowledgeable technically, responsive socially, and programmed for change in both areas. Such a program requires budgets per yer per faculty of at least $5,000 for operations and $10,000 for equipment. Typical university budgets are $3,000 for operations and $1,500 for equipment, and such budgets provide only an outdated “hands‐off” education.

The role of computers as instructional equipment is discussed. It is argued that general purpose software tools (e.g., spreadsheets, equation solvers) significantly and qualitatively change the way in which students (and professional engineers) can think about problems. For this reason, ability to use the personal computer is not merely an educational “end‐product,” it is a necessary step in further learning of engineering principles. Mere “computer literacy” is not enough; the student must be comfortable with the use of the machine as part of his everyday learning process. Ready access to such computers therefore becomes of major importance in engineering education.

The present and future role of engineers in very small developing countries (VSDC's) is reviewed. Technology is recognized as important in developing countries, but engineers and engineering employers are not doing enough in the VSDC to smooth the development path and make the best use of limited human resources. In many developing countries, engineers are under‐utilized because, although their technical expertise is appreciated, the different roles of engineers, scientists and engineering technicians are often not clear to the public or government. The value of resident engineers and visiting consultants is contrasted to types of duty and support technical staff. Recommendations are made which should improve engineering conditions, encourage engineer involvement in nontechnical areas, and lead to better use of engineering skills in VSDC's.

Civil engineering seems to be going through a crisis period in which it is captive of its illustrious past, its links with government activity, and its mid tech posture. Many are seeking to consolidate and enhance its prestigious position in society. Some topical issues are addressed with an eye to the past, present, and future.

The altering of man's surroundings has occurred since the dawn of civilization. Those assuming the responsibilities for executing such changes have invited the confidence and expectations of the public. This invitation has been nurtured by those furnishing the services by evolving an aura of professionalism, which has included the expectation of reliable results. In the last few years such expectations have often not been satisfactory to the society in which it operates. This has thus led to loss of confidence in the profession. Future professional practice will not be the same now unless results are improved, rapidly changing technological effects are recognized and addressed, young engineers are convinced of the role and importance of professionalism, and society is satisfied with the results.

Two viewpoints on infrastructure financing were expressed at a February 25, 1985 Congressional symposium. Congressman James J. Howard's Bill proposes the establishment of repayable grants to the states and territories based on population. According to this bill, states must establish an infrastructure revolving fund, and loan the funds to political subdivisions within the state. The funds could only be used for construction of water, wastewater and transportation facilities, including hard and soft construction costs. The states are prohibited from using these funds to match other federal funds or projects that would normally be carried out within 24 months of the date of the loan. Congressman William F. dinger, Jr. proposes the establishment of a National Public Works Corporation in which loans to states are financed by bonds issued with the credit of the Federal Government. The only information available on this program was provided by Congressman Clinger at the symposium. Supplying only 4% of the estimated infrastructure need, neither the Howard Bill nor the Clinger proposal will solve the infrastructure problem. However, the Howard Bill would provide a significant source of funding for projects not now fundable due to their inability to generate revenue. If subsidized by grant funds to lower interest rates in a time of crisis, the Clinger proposal could provide valuable insurance.

The rise in the number of lawsuits against engineers and architects has become a major concern to the design profession. Engineers and architects face lawsuits not only from their clients, but from contractors, construction workers and users of their designs. This article traces the evolution of this situation through a review of significant legal decisions. Until the 1950s designers were generally protected from lawsuits from third parties by the privity doctrine, and there was no need for professional liability insurance. Courts have since allowed greater latitude to the parties who can bring lawsuits against designers. The result has been a skyrocketing increase in the cost of professional liability insurance, making the coverage too costly for many small firms. Even more serious is the discouragement to creativity in design that this has caused. This is a serious problem that can only be solved by the active cooperation of the engineering, architecture and legal professions.