Piedmont Research and Education Center

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Piedmont Research and Education Center

April 26, 2026
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Standards South CarolinaFitch Rating of 2025 General Revenue Bonds: AA

The Sheep Farm supports research, teaching and extension missions required of Land Grant Universities.  It supports a flock on 25 acres of pasture, with a main barn for teaching and a hay barn for stored feed and equipment. Lambing occurs primarily in the late winter and early spring so that spring forages can be utilized for lactating ewes and growing lambs.

Student holding a baby sheep in a barn on clemson campus

 

 

 

The Permanent University Fund

April 26, 2026
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PUF Infographic. Click to open an enlarged image

The Permanent University Fund is Texas’s most powerful tool for higher education capitalization. Established by the Texas Constitution of 1876, the PUF dedicates 2.1 million acres of state land—primarily in West Texas—to support institutions in the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems. Its core purpose is to provide a stable, perpetual source of funding for academic excellence, research, faculty recruitment, student programs, and campus infrastructure without relying solely on taxpayer dollars.

Early land grants proved largely unproductive until the 1923 discovery of oil at the Santa Rita No. 1 well on university land in Reagan County. Mineral royalties were constitutionally protected as principal, allowing the fund to grow rapidly rather than being spent immediately. By the 1930s, the PUF generated significant income. A constitutional split allocated two-thirds of available funds to the UT System and one-third to the Texas A&M System. Over decades, prudent investment and resource revenues transformed the endowment into a major financial pillar for public higher education.

As of early 2026, the PUF’s invested assets exceed $42.5 billion, managed by UTIMCO. Mineral income from oil, gas, and other leases adds to the principal, while surface leases (grazing, wind) and investment returns flow into the Available University Fund (AUF). Annual distributions—typically around 5% and capped at 7% of market value—support bond debt service for construction and enrich academic programs across dozens of campuses serving hundreds of thousands of students. The PUF remains one of the largest public university endowments in the nation, safeguarding Texas’s competitive edge in higher education for generations to come.

Fidelity

Schwab

TIAA

Conroe Texas Post Office Mural c. 1937

Storm Shelters

April 26, 2026
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Current Code Development Cycle: 2024–2026

Happening Now: Groups A&B Public Comment Hearings


March 12, 2026

 

2024 GROUP A PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE I-CODES

Latest News and Documents

“Landscape between Storms” 1841 Auguste Renoir

 

When is it ever NOT storm season somewhere in the United States; with several hundred schools, colleges and universities in the path of them? Hurricanes also spawn tornadoes. This title sets the standard of care for safety, resilience and recovery when education community structures are used for shelter and recovery.  The most recently published edition of the joint work results of the International Code Council and the ASCE Structural Engineering Institute SEI-7 is linked below:

2020 ICC/NSSA 500 Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters.

Given the historic tornados in the American Midwest this weekend, its relevance is plain.  From the project prospectus:

The objective of this Standard is to provide technical design and performance criteria that will facilitate and promote the design, construction, and installation of safe, reliable, and economical storm shelters to protect the public. It is intended that this Standard be used by design professionals; storm shelter designers, manufacturers, and constructors; building officials; and emergency management personnel and government officials to ensure that storm shelters provide a consistently high level of protection to the sheltered public.

This project runs roughly in tandem with the ASCE Structural Engineering Institute SEI-17 which has recently updated its content management system and presented challenges to anyone who attempts to find the content where it used to be before the website overhaul.    In the intervening time, we direct stakeholders to the link to actual text (above) and remind education facility managers and their architectural/engineering consultants that the ICC Code Development process is open to everyone.

The ICC receives public response to proposed changes to titles in its catalog at the link below:

Standards Public Forms

2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

You are encouraged to communicate with Kimberly Paarlberg (kpaarlberg@iccsafe.org) for detailed, up to the moment information.  When the content is curated by ICC staff it is made available at the link below:

ICC cdpACCESS

We maintain this title on the agenda of our periodic Disaster colloquia which approach this title from the point of view of education community facility managers who collaborate with structual engineers, architects and emergency management functionaries..   See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting, open to everyone.

Readings:

FEMA: Highlights of ICC 500-2020

ICC 500-2020 Standard and Commentary: ICC/NSSA Design and Construction of Storm Shelters

IEEE: City Geospatial Dashboard: IoT and Big Data Analytics for Geospatial Solutions Provider in Disaster Management

 

Graduation, Dating, Engagements, Weddings, Births & Obituaries

April 26, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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Michigan State University

t5rtrtr

Weddings

 



Nine years later and first day as husband and wife they got to finally sneak a kiss in one of the first places they ever passed notes

Hun School Of Princeton

“…I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” –W.B. Yeats | ‘He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’

“Nature’s Masterpiece”

Several colleges and universities have “kissing benches” or similar traditions tied to romance on campus.

Michigan State University Beaumont Tower: Nick and Myra Kanillopoulos

Syracuse University. Kissing Bench: This bench on the Quad is steeped in tradition. Legend has it that if a couple kisses on the bench, they will eventually marry. Conversely, if a single person sits there alone, they risk staying single forever.

University of Idaho.  Hello Walk and Kissing Rock: While not a bench, this area on campus features a large rock where students have historically kissed. It’s a romantic tradition for couples at the university.

Florida State University Kissing Bench

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Clemson University Lover’s Lane

Illinois State University

University of Cambridge: St. John’s College Bridge of Sighs

University of Oxford: The Bridge of Sighs

University of Bath Somerset County: Sham Castle

Weddings

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

April 25, 2026
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University of Wyoming Net Position 2025: $1.554B $ Facilities Revenue Bonds

 

The University of Wyoming Extension service provides research and education to farmers and ranchers; funded by federal, state, and local sources:

  • Agricultural production and management: The Extension service provides information and resources on topics such as crop production, livestock management, and farm business management.
  • Soil and water management: The Extension service offers expertise on soil fertility, irrigation, water quality, and conservation practices.
  • Pest management: The Extension service provides resources and support for integrated pest management, including information on insect and disease control, weed management, and pesticide safety.
  • Youth education: The Extension service offers educational programs and activities for youth interested in agriculture, including 4-H clubs and competitions.
  • Community development: The Extension service works with local communities to support economic development, tourism, and natural resource conservation.

The Extension service also offers consultations, workshops, field days, and other events to help farmers and ranchers stay up-to-date on the latest research and technologies in agriculture.

Standards Wyoming

Morrill Land-Grant Act

Albert Bierstadt: Landscapes of the American West

Abiit sed non oblita | Rebecca Luker

April 25, 2026
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Rebecca graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1984 and enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished career as a virtuoso actress, concert soloist and recording artist.

To honor her memory following her passing in 2020 the University has named the stage of the Center for the Arts in her honor.

Standards Alabama

Penguin Ballet

April 25, 2026
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Steeplechase Water Jump

April 25, 2026
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The steeplechase event requires a combination of speed, endurance, and jumping ability, as athletes must clear the barriers while maintaining their pace and negotiating the water jump. The rules and specifications for the steeplechase event are set by the International Association of Athletics Federations the governing body for the sport of athletics (track and field) worldwide; with minor adaptations by the NCAA for intercollegiate competition.

Emma Coburn | University of Colorado Boulder

The steeplechase is a distance race with barriers and a water pit that athletes must clear during the race.  According to the NCAA Track and Field and Cross Country rulebook, the standards for the steeplechase water jump are as follows:

  1. Length: The water pit must be at least 3.66 meters (12 feet) long.
  2. Width: The water pit must be at least 3.66 meters (12 feet) wide.
  3. Depth: The water pit must have a minimum depth of 0.7 meters (2 feet 4 inches) and a maximum depth of 0.9 meters (2 feet 11 inches).
  4. Slope: The slope of the water pit must not exceed 1:5, meaning that for every 5 meters in length, the water pit can rise by no more than 1 meter in height.
  5. Barrier: The water pit must be preceded by a solid barrier that is 91.4 cm (3 feet) high. Athletes are required to clear this barrier before landing in the water pit.

These standards may be subject to change and may vary depending on the specific NCAA division (Division I, Division II, or Division III) and other factors such as venue requirements. Therefore, it’s always best to refer to the official NCAA rules and regulations for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the steeplechase water jump standards in NCAA competitions.

ASTM F 2157-09 (2018) Standard Specification for Synthetic Surfaced Running Tracks
This specification establishes the minimum performance requirements and classification when tested in accordance with the procedures outlined within this specification. All documents referencing this specification must include classification required.

ASTM F 2569-11 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Force Reduction Properties of Surfaces for Athletic Use
This test method covers the quantitative measurement and normalization of impact forces generated through a mechanical impact test on an athletic surface. The impact forces simulated in this test method are intended to represent those produced by lower extremities of an athlete during landing events on sport or athletic surfaces.

ASTM F 2949-12 Standard Specification for Pole Vault Box Collars
This specification covers minimum requirements of size, physical characteristics of materials, standard testing procedures, labeling and identification of pole vault box collars.

ASTM F 1162/F1162M-18 Standard Specification for Pole Vault Landing Systems
This specification covers minimum requirements of size, physical characteristics of materials, standard testing procedures, labeling and identification of pole vault landing systems.

ASTM F 2270-12 (2018) Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Warning Track Areas on Sports Fields
This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction and maintenance of warning track areas on sports fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection of materials, such as soil and sand for use in constructing or reconditioning warning track areas and for selection of management practices that will maintain a safe and functioning warning track.

ASTM F 2650-17e1 Standard Terminology Relating to Impact Testing of Sports Surfaces and Equipment
This terminology covers terms related to impact test methods and impact attenuation specifications of sports equipment and surfaces.

Sports Equipment & Surfaces

https://standardsmichigan.com/radio/

Radio 300

April 24, 2026
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“The wireless age has brought us closer together,

yet we must work to ensure that it does not divide us.”

— Guglielmo Marconi

“Mathematical Theory of Electrodynamic Phenomena, Uniquely Deduced from Experience.” 1820 André-Marie Ampère

 

When the electric grid and the internet are down and there is no cell service, radio can still work to help communities stabilize.   Starting 2024 we will break down our coverage of the radio frequency technology standards used in educational settlements into into two categories:

Radio 300: Security and maintenance radio.  These usually use a single radio channel and operate in a half-duplex mode: only one user on the channel can transmit at a time, so users in a user group must take turns talking. The radio is normally in receive mode so the user can hear all other transmissions on the channel. When the user wants to talk he presses a “push-to-talk” button, which turns off the receiver and turns on the transmitter; when he releases the button the receiver is activated again. Multiple channels are provided so separate user groups can communicate in the same area without interfering with each other.

Note that a core title in this domain — NFPA 1802 Standard on Two-Way, Portable RF Voice Communications Devices for Use by Emergency Services Personnel in the Hazard Zone — is part of an NFPA catalog reorganization.  Best practice content will be rolled into NFPA 1300 Standard on Fire and Emergency Service Use of Thermal Imagers, Two-Way Portable RF Voice Communication Devices, Ground Ladders, and Fire Hose, and Fire Hose Appliances.  

As of this posting APCO International has no public consultations on any titles in its public safety radio standards catalog.  (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Standards Catalog)

Shawnee Mission West High School

The IT Law Wiki: Spectrum Allocation

Radio 400: Student radio.  College radio stations are typically considered to be public radio radio stations in the way that they are funded by donation and grants.  The term “Public radio” generally refers to classical music, jazz, and news. A more accurate term is community radio, as most staff are volunteers, although many radio stations limit staff to current or recent students instead of anyone from the local community.  There has been a fair amount of drama over student-run radio station history; a topic we steer away from.

The Low Power FM radio service was created by the Commission in January 2000.  LPFM stations are authorized for noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less, with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet) antenna height above average terrain.  The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius).  LPFM stations are not protected from interference that may be received from other classes of FM stations.

We follow — but do not respond — to consultations on titles covering the use of radio frequencies for the Internet of Things.  At the moment, most of that evolution happens at the consumer product level; though it is wise to contemplate the use of the electromagnetic spectrum during widespread and extended loss of broadband services.

Maxwell equations: Four lines that provide a complete description of light, electricity and magnetism

We do not include policy specifics regarding the migration of National Public Radio beyond cultural content into political news; though we acknowledge that the growth of publicly financed radio domiciled in education communities is a consideration in the technology of content preparation informed by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.

Sacred Heart University / Campus Public Safety & National Public Radio Studios / SGA Architects

We drill into technical specifics of the following:

  • Radios used for campus public safety and campus maintenance
  • Student-run campus radio stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission as Low Power FM (LPFM)
  • Facilities for regional broadcast of National Public Radio operating from education communities
  • Off-campus transmission facilities such as broadcast towers.
  • Grounding, bonding, lightning protection of transmission and receiving equipment on buildings
  • Broadcast studio electrotechnologies

Radio technology is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission with no ANSI-accredited standards setting organizations involved in leading practice discovery and promulgation.  Again, we do not cover creative and content issues.  Join us today at 11 AM/ET using the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.


Relata

Comparison of Communication Systems for Campus Security

List of campus radio stations

International Telecommunications Union: News Magazine No.1 2022

International Electrotechnical Commission TC 103: Transmitting and receiving equipment for radiocommunications

International Special Committee on Radio Interference

NFPA 1802: Standard on Two-Way, Portable RF Voice Communications Devices for Use by Emergency Services Personnel in the Hazard Zone

Campus Safety Radio JVCKENWOOD CAMPUS SAFETY 5 TIPS TO LOWER COSTS

Discussion: College Town Drive Time Radio OR “A Half Truth is a Full Lie”

Radio Transmission Power & Frequency Allocation

Global Positioning System: A Generation of Service to the World

Open Commission Meeting

April 24, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com

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“The wireless age has brought us closer together,

yet we must work to ensure that it does not divide us.”

— Guglielmo Marconi







Maxwell equations: A complete description of electromagnetism and light


Net Neutrality & Education Settlements

Why Must the Electromagnetic Spectrum be Regulated?

 


Tentative Agenda

FCC Proposes to Modify Technical Rules for Digital FM Stations

Radio 400

Readings / Public Broadcasting Act

H.R. 3410 Prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio

H.R. 3392 Prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio

Broadband Access for Hospitals & Students

The FCC is the United States’ primary authority for communications laws, regulation and technological innovation. We provide a link to the August 3rd meeting during which time rules for Digital FM Radio and Non-Federal Spectrum Usage were discussed. Campus Security Radio, National Public Radio and Student Radio are central features of education community culture and safety and are typically available when the internet is not.

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