Connections

As the Dean of the Business School, it is my pleasure to introduce the 2009 edition of Connections online. This edition highlights some of the programs that help students prepare for their chosen careers. As you will see, Connections '09 celebrates student success.

So what is student success and why is it important? From my perspective as the Dean, student success is engagement while at college, both in and outside the classroom. Student success in the classroom begins with teaching excellence. I am proud of the outstanding professors in the Business School. In this issue, you will read about Pierre-Pascal Gendron and his unique approach to engaging students in his microeconomics classes. Pierre-Pascal is just one example of the faculty's passion and commitment to creating an open and dynamic learning environment. You'll also read about two of our professors - Christina Clements and Ray Chateau - who were recognized as among the very best university and college professors in Ontario. Their commitment to students outside of the classroom is indicative of how our faculty reach out to our students and help them succeed.

In the Business School, we acknowledge student success in the classroom. Each fall, our Awards Night celebrates the academic success of our students with a formal ceremony in which more than 100 scholarships and awards are granted. In the spring, our Honour Pin ceremonies recognize students who achieve an 80 percent average in at least one term in the previous year. Students, along with friends, family, faculty and advisory committee members, celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students to their academic success.

We also offer students a unique opportunity to use their academic success outside the classroom. This edition highlights the success of the Business School's team at the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition. Dedicated faculty worked with 22 students to showcase their business talent, teamwork and strategic thinking. As Christian Reilly states in the article, the competition was a great experience that resulted in a job offer.

The Business School conducts networking events that assist students in establishing a rapport with employers, alumni and professors. The Marketing Management program's Bridging Possibilities, Fashion Arts' Fashion Connection, Law's Legal Networking Breakfast, the Professional Golf Management Job Fair and Public Administration's Evening at Queen's Park are all examples of how the Business School reaches out to students. These events involve industry professionals and alumni speaking with our students about career opportunities and the keys to succeeding in their chosen profession. Students build confidence, improve their self-marketing skills and generate professional connections that are invaluable to success upon graduation.

Humber College offers many opportunities to become engaged in college life outside of the classroom. From varsity athletics to work study programs to more than 60 clubs, there is something for every Humber student. In this edition, you will also read about the Business School's Toastmasters chapter and the role of the Humber Student Federation, and the opportunities for students to gain experience through Humber's work study program.

To find out more about the many programs and opportunities that await you, call us today at (416) 675-6622, ext. 4391 (North Campus), ext. 3358 (Lakeshore Campus), or (519) 278-1079 (Orangeville Campus).

Alvina Cassiani, Dean