Lynne Pearson, the new Dean of the College of Commerce, is "delighted to be here."
And it's a good thing as she has a calendar of activities full to the brim.
The new building program, a new undergraduate curriculum, a successful beginning to an indigenous business administration certificate program, and innovations to the College's graduate offerings, are all on the go.
April 8 is circled on Dean Pearson's calendar to mark the special day when the sod is being turned on the new building site. The generous donation by the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, made possible the additional 1200 m2 space. Currently, over 1700 students pursue their studies in space that was intended for 900. Development of the new space will occur on the north side of the current building.
Pearson's vision for the College of Commerce is from the position of a team player, "building on strength where a good foundation already lies." A stronger, more integrated undergraduate curriculum will have its first graduates in the year 2000. The new curriculum has an increased emphasis on management competencies such as critical thinking skills and increased familiarity with computers.
In another undergraduate program initiative, 87 students are enrolled in the Certificate in Indigenous Business Administration Program. In collaboration with the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, students can take the first two years of the B.Comm. program at the college before transferring to the College of Commerce.
The college's graduate studies programs are also under revision. The new programs will offer more choices and opportunities for students. Currently, the college is reviewing the need for MBA programs specializing in such areas as agribusiness, resource management and mining. First Nations MBA program electives are also being designed.
A program unique to the U of S will be the Masters of Professional Accounting Program. It is being developed in cooperation with Saskatchewan accounting professionals. The goal is for full cost recovery through tuition.
She also supports the activities of the College's Business Advisory Board. "We hope to ensure a net-revenue producing business advisory service that provides a real life experience for MBA and senior undergraduate students."
Dean Pearson is thankful for the continued support from the business community for helping with learning, for hiring, and for their financial support.
"No matter what the future of the University . . . the College will always play a core role." Pearson believes the College can assist to solve the university's financial problems by building on its strengths.
But there is the reality to deal with too. "We may need ... loaves and fishes - sometimes there are more people to feed than there are fishes and loaves!"
Challenges have never deterred Dean Pearson, and her delight in the College includes its challenges and the opportunity to "help students reach their individual potential."
The beginning of the next millennium looks to be in good shape; that is, if Doug Bicknell (B.Comm. '66, MBA '71) has anything to do with it. The Assistant Dean of Programs is one of the minds behind the new curriculum that has just been phased into the College. While the College's great reputation will be maintained, the flavor will change.
Ideas for a new curriculum came from surveyed alumni, current students, faculty and employers.
Integration is a key concept here; the bringing together of seemingly disjointed elements into a united four-year learning program.
In modernizing the curriculum, new course work has been added in library research and business English. Students will become more conversant with the current business computer software. The new curriculum also emphasizes the creative thinking processes as well as connections with the role of government. A new course in applied philosophy deals with ethics and values in business.
Students have added freedom in selecting electives as well.
Bicknell is quick to add that the new curriculum will not prevent committed part-time students from completing their degrees.
Doug Bicknell deflects focus on his own considerable success by referring to the amazing quality of the students, both past and present.
After earning his B.Comm degree he started teaching at the College in 1968. He earned his MBA degree three years later. As Assistant Dean for the past 13 years, Doug keeps an open door and offers a congenial
approach to student concerns.
The current first year students mark the beginning of the new program, and are scheduled to graduate in the year 2000. When Doug Bicknell is at that Convocation, he is sure to be as proud as any parent present.
Your classmates want to hear about you - and we want to share the news in Commerce. Contact us at:
Telephone: (306) 966-8709
Facsimile: (306) 966-5408
e-mail: info@edwards.usask.ca
Mark April 8 on your calendar as the official sod turning for the new Commerce addition funded by the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the lawn area north of the College.
Despite national trends in university registration, the demand for Commerce continues. We have almost 1600 B.Comm. students registered with over 300 expected to convocate in May.
Once again, Saskatchewan students achieved the highest pass rate (73%) in the National Entrance Examination for accountants. The national pass rate was 59%.
It is nice to see people helping people. This is very true of the 80 Commerce students who are assisting almost 900 seniors and special needs citizens in completing their income tax returns. Associate Dean Jack Vicq (B.Comm. '61, M.Sc. '69) says that 1997 is the 11th year of the program which he had started. Retired faculty Bill Wallace (B.Comm. '60), and Keith Rissling (B.Comm. '85, M.Sc. '91), also continue to support the program. The program receives help from several companies including Arthur Andersen, Calgary, as well as KPMG and Hergot Duval in Saskatoon. The students work at 30 different locations including the Saskatoon Housing Authority, the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Oliver Lodge, Sherbrooke Community Centre, Parkridge Centre, Cosmo Industries, and the Public Library.
Murray Lindsay (B.Comm. '82, M.Sc. Accounting '83) is the new head of the Accounting Department. Murray received his Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Lancaster. He has been a member of the Accounting faculty since 1989. In addition to his teaching and administrative roles, Murray consults with companies and organizations, and is dedicated to encouraging the implementation of quality principles in businesses and organizations.
George Tannous, a member of the Finance and Management Science Department since 1989, is now its head. George's interests are in financial markets, instruments, and risk management in both national and international markets. He has published widely and consults with business and institutions locally and internationally.
Ron Edmonds, a professor in the College since 1969, now heads the Department of Industrial Relations and Organizational Behavior. Ron continues to excel both in the classroom and in executive and management training programs. Last fall marked his 23rd session at the Banff School of Management.
G.W. "Scotty" Cameron, co-chair of the U of S First & Best National Campaign Steering Committee, received the 1996 Alumni Award of Achievement. The award recognizes alumni who have made an outstanding contribution to the U of S, to society, and with the welfare of others.
Scotty grew up at Mankota, in southern Saskatchewan. He graduated from the College with a B.Comm. in 1955. After serving eight years with the Saskatchewan government, he became a leader in the Alberta petroleum industry.
Besides being the recipient of several prestigious awards from his Calgary community, he was also named to the Order of Canada in 1995.
Scotty is active in his own company Scotcam Enterprises Inc.
Class of '37, '47, '57, and '72. A U of S Alumni Reunion weekend is planned for June 20 - 22, 1997 in Saskatoon. During this time, special All College Anniversary Reunions are planned by the Alumni Office for the Classes of '37, '47' '57 and '72. The activities will also celebrate the 90th year of the University.
Business Advisory Services, College of Commerce, continues to provide business clinics to the community. At the clinics, students and faculty meet with entrepreneurs and businesses seeking guidance with problems or issues. The clinics are well received and are a valuable learning experience for senior Commerce students.
The College is pleased to announce the appointment of three new department heads.
Professor Graham Links (Finance and Management Science Department) is in the business of providing an impact on his students' lives. For the past five years, he has overseen the placement of U of S MBA students with Japanese companies.
The Japan Exchange is viewed by students as an excellent opportunity to learn about business in another country. There is strong competition for the six positions, as more than 20 applications are considered annually.
The Japanese program has been going for six years. For the first three years, our students were hosted by Nanzun University at the seaport of Nagoya. For the past three years, four students have been placed for six weeks with Hitachi Works in the east coast city of Hitachi, and two students have spent two weeks at the Tohoku New Business Conference in Sendai.
In return, the College hosts one or two Hitachi employees annually.
"Our guests have participated in the College's Executive Programs where they get to exchange views with local business people and learn about Canadian business practices."
"The program has had excellent cooperation from local businesses such as the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Flexi-Coil Ltd., Cameco Corporation, and the local Hitachi Canada plant, in hosting our Japanese guests in their business for one or two weeks." In these settings, the Japanese workers gain new friends and experience a different work environment.
Benefits include providing local MBA students with the opportunity to meet the Japanese, visit their workplaces, and experience their culture. U of S students stay in company dormitories just like their Japanese cohorts. They also research and write about Japanese business practices.
The mention of the program on their resumes has enhanced program graduates' opportunities for finding work. A 1996 program participant, Jay Johnson (MBA '96), has been hired by Iris Ohyama, the Japanese equivalent of Rubbermaid. The company hired Jay because of his experience with Japanese culture and business while with Hitachi Work in Hitachi City and Iris
Ohyana in Sendai.
Professor Links is thankful to the local companies who have provided meaningful experiences for the program's Japanese guests and to the many students and faculty who have assisted with hosting and billeting.
He is interested in further developing another exchange in the city of Sendai, a city of one million people in north-eastern Japan. The local economy has been agricultural and resource based, and has similar regional politics to Saskatchewan. The host business group, Tohoku New Business, promotes economic development. Students' have spent time with member companies such as Iris Ohyama, studying their business strategy to take on the Rubbermaid company; or the likes of Maeda Construction - winners of the international Deming Quality Award.
Besides Links' commitment to international experience for students, he is also a Research Associate in a telecommunications research group at the U of S.
His innovative methods and efforts to assist students have earned him the honour of "MBA Professor of the Year" on five occasions since 1988!
An exciting program, a winning professor, and students gaining international experience and opportunities - does it get any better than this?
"
Chandra Schraefel (B.Comm. '87), and her husband, Clem, and their two children, have taken over her husband's family farm at Kerrobert, Sk.
Brent Teulon, (B.Comm. '80) has been named Vice-President, Retail Sales and Marketing with Medis Health and Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Kirkland, Quebec.
Tammy Slonowski (B.Comm. '87) is an accountant with Shell Canada in Calgary. Tammy shares her expertise and time with the arts community, the Big Brother/Sister program, while still finding the energy to be league chairperson for minor hockey!
The College looks to the business and professional community for help. The College has several outstanding business professionals from this community on our teaching staff. Several are graduates and they continue to give back! Here are highlights of four of them:
Brooke has taught in the Management and Marketing Department since 1988. He also serves as the Director of Business Consulting Services. As a Certified Management Consultant, he consults widely in the public and private sectors. In addition to being published in academic journals, he recently co-authored the Economic Strategy Report for the Saskatoon Economic Development Authority. Brooke is undertaking his doctorate in technology management in the United Kingdom.
Fred has taught in the Industrial Relations and Organizational Behavior Department since 1990. His current research interests include the changing role of human resource management, strategic planning, and conflict management. Besides offering training programs for several public and private sector groups in Western Canada, Fred has facilitated strategic planning and conflict resolution events for various organizations. Fred has delivered invited presentations to professional associations and businesses.
Prior to joining the College of Commerce, Alison worked in the health care industry. She has taught accounting in the undergraduate and graduate programs for the past six years and she also consults with the Business Advisory Services at the College. Within her professional organization, The Society of Certified Management Accountants, Alison has served as a trainer and moderator. In 1994, she was recognized as the "Most Effective Professor" for the College. Alison serves on the Board of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council and chairs the Finance and Audit Committees.
Frank has taught Finance and Marketing for 17 years both in degree and certificate programs. As a head office trainer for a large pharmaceutical firm, a financial analyst for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, and currently as a small business owner and a medical representative for a pharmaceutical company, he brings considerable experience to his teaching position.
Dan Beaulac and Wayne Washington (B.Comm. '92 graduates) are two of the three founding partners of the successful local company, Shuttle Craft International. Catch them on the Web at www.shuttlecraft.com.
Darlene (Hemauer) Davidovic (B.Comm. '85) has completed her M.A. in publishing and book production at the University of Plymouth, England. She has joined her husband in Japan where he is teaching.
Deena Denis (B.Comm. '91) began her career with Amoco Canada in Calgary in finances and later, as a Diversity facilitator. In 1994, she was transferred to Chicago to work as a project analyst for an international re-engineering project. To completely occupy her time, she began part-time MBA studies in January.
Carol Love (B.Comm. '88), and her husband are serving as missionaries with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Sayama City, Japan.
Contact '97 marked the 30th version of this very successful seminar presented by the Commerce Students' Society. The seminar's objective is to provide a forum for interaction between students and business people. It also gives students an opportunity to discuss career paths and employment opportunities with business leaders in a relaxed atmosphere.
The theme, Merging Minds, addressed issues such as the convergence of technology, diversification, globalization, and teamwork in the workplace.
Keynote speaker was Larry O'Brien, Chairman and CEO of Calian Technology from Kanata, Ontario. He is also the chairman of the Canadian Advanced Technology Association.
Business communication industry speakers included Graham Bradley (SaskTel), Gerald Fiske (Bus.Admin. '78) (ISM), Natalie McLean (Silicon Graphics), and Rick Wingate (Minolta Canada Ltd.).
Make sure your recruiting plans include looking at this year's excellent Commerce graduates. You will find dedicated, skilled young people who are looking for opportunities. Their programs have helped prepare them for your business.
For assistance and more information, contact us at:
Telephone: (306) 966-5097
Facsimile: (306) 966-5092
e-mail: Student.employ@usask.ca
Meet Dean Lynne Pearson, some faculty members and Calgary and area alumni.
Thursday, March 20, 1997, 5 - 7 pm
Petroleum Club (McMurray Room)
219 - 5th Avenue S.W.
Calgary
Come and celebrate Scotty Cameron's Alumni Award of Achievement!
Please RSVP before March 17 to Joni Shaw at Arthur Andersen: Telephone (403) 298-5914 Facsimile 298-5990.
Send us your news!
Maureen Somers, Editor
Commerce Newsletter
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
25 Campus Drive
Saskatoon SK S7N 5A7
Telephone: (306) 966-4796
Facsimile: (306) 966-5408
e-mail: info@edwards.usask.ca
Marc Mentzer from our Industrial Relations and Organizational Behavior Department had a memorable morning recently. "Starting at 6 am" about a dozen CBC radio stations "through the time zones, starting in Corner Brook and ending up in Inuvik and B.C." called him at home. What was all the excitement about? He was being interviewed about a study that appeared in the recent issue of the Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences. "Can you depend on downsizing to increase your profits? The answer is "no," according to his recent analysis of over 100 Canadian companies. He found that "downsized companies are no more likely to be profitable than companies that don't downsize."
For additional College information, visit our site
http://www.commerce.usask.ca