Updated 2/18/2009

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is an individual membership technical society whose core purpose is to improve the process of creating and sustaining the built environment. The Institute provides technical information and products, continuing education, professional conferences, and product shows to enhance communication among all disciplines of nonresidential building design and construction and meet the industry’s need for a common system of organizing and presenting construction information. CSI’s more than 18,000 members include architects, engineers, constructors, specifiers of construction products, suppliers of construction products, building owners, and facilities managers. Founded in 1948, CSI is headquartered outside Washington in Alexandria, VA, and has 143 local chapters nationwide.

CSI Mission Statement

The Construction Specifications Institute advances the process of creating and sustaining the built environment for the benefit of the construction community by using the diversity of its members to exchange knowledge.

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The Maine Chapter

The Maine Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute is one of approximately 140 Chapters located in the United States, each serving a unique geographical area.  The Maine Chapter has approximately 100 members and serves the entire State of Maine.  The Chapter encourages non-members to participate in the monthly meetings.

The initial organizational meeting of the Maine Chapter was held on December 9, 1966 in Portland, Maine.  A committee was formed at that meeting, headed by Robert Armitage, to take the necessary steps to create a CSI Chapter in Maine.  The work of the committee culminated in the formal presentation of a Charter to the "Portland Maine Chapter of CSI" on March 31, 1967.  At the time of the chartering, the Chapter consisted of 50 members. Because the Chapter represented the entire State of Maine, the name of the Chapter was later changed to "Maine Chapter".

Membership Benefits

CSI is the only construction related professional organization open to all individuals associated with the construction industry,  This broad-based membership allows CSI to view every document it produces and every issue it addresses with the eyes of every potential party. 

For over 50 years, CSI has been a leader in attempting to bring uniformity in construction documents and in standardizing construction document procedures.  This has brought the industry defacto standards such  as the 16-division MasterFormat, the Uniform Drawing System, and UniFormat.  It has also resulted in the publication of the widely accepted Manual of Practice. More recently, it has taken the lead in cooperation with the Design Build Institute of America in producing the first master documentation system to be used for design/build projects.

As a member of CSI, you have an opportunity to network on a local,  regional, and national level with members of project teams representing all interests.  You also receive a  discount when you purchase any of the CSI produced technical documents.  Couple this with receiving an award-winning monthly publication, The Construction Specifier and the monthly newsletter, NewsDigest. In addition CSI holds an annual convention with outstanding technical seminars and a construction materials exhibit, the largest of its type in the country.

These are only a few of the many benefits of being a member of the Construction Specifications Institute.  More information on Membership can be obtained from any member of the Maine Chapter Board,  the Chapter Membership Chair, or the CSI Member/Customer Service Center at (800) 689-2900.

Scholarships 

In 1989, the Maine Chapter endowed a scholarship at the University of Maine System and in 1993 endowed a scholarship at Central Maine Community College. The Chapter elected this approach for their Chapter Scholarship activity as it assured scholarships would be distributed annually and that the endowment would be professionally managed.

The University System Scholarship is available to a student in a design/construction related program attending any of the campuses of the University System. In both cases the scholarship funds are administered by the respective institutions and awarded based on criteria established by the Chapter.  A Chapter member continues to serve on the committee that evaluates applications for this scholarship. Because of the University's investment practices, the fair market value of the original $20,000 donation to the University of Maine System has increased to approximately $28,022 as of January 31, 2003. This is down from a couple of years prior as the result of the Stock Market changes.

In addition to the scholarship award, all scholarship recipients receive a 1-year student membership in CSI.

The scholarship recipients  are as follows:

University of Maine System Scholarship (2008-2009)

The following  student  received $1,750 award and a one-year student membership in CSI:

Nicole Rubenstein, a Junior Construction Management Technology student at the University of Maine and is a Dean's List Student.

Central Maine Community College Scholarship (2008-2009)

For the 2008-2009 academic year, the following student received a scholarship worth $600 and received a one-year membership in CSI:

Levi Jackson, majoring in Architectural & Civil Engineering Technology
 

Scholarship Criteria

Advancement of Construction Technology Scholarship at the University of Maine System

Who is Eligible? College students with good academic standing after one year, with active involvement in a career or industry organization or association. Award goes to Maine Resident attending any University of Maine System campus pursuing a career in architectural or engineering technologies.
Scholarship Amount:  $1,000 minimum (depending upon proceeds from endowment)
How is scholarship awarded: Based upon above criteria and two written references.
Application process: At the Financial Aid Office of any campus of the University of Maine System.
When can I apply for the scholarship? On or after January 1st each year.
What is application deadline? Completed applications must be received by date established by Financial Aid Office.
Number of Scholarships Awarded: One or more based on income from endowment.

Advancement of Construction Technology Scholarship at Central Maine Community College

Who is Eligible? College students with good academic standing after one year, with active involvement in a career or industry organization or association. Award goes to Maine Resident attending Central Maine Community College pursuing a career in architectural/engineering technologies, building construction, or mechanical drafting.
Scholarship Amount:  $500
How is scholarship awarded: Based upon above criteria and two written references.
Application process: At the Financial Aid Office of Central Maine Community College.
When can I apply for the scholarship? On or after January 1st each year.
What is application deadline? Completed applications must be received by date established by Financial Aid Office.
Number of Scholarships Awarded: One or more based on income from endowment.

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