Business Student Advisory Board Strengthens Student Voice at UIC Business
UIC Business’s Student Advisory Board is shaping key initiatives, strengthening student support, and building connections across the college.
Business Student Advisory Board Strengthens Student Voice at UIC Business
I recently hosted members of our Business Student Advisory Board (BSAB) for dinner at Jarabe on April 8. These conversations are an important way for me to stay connected to the undergraduate student experience and to reflect on the impact our student leaders are making across the college.
From Insight to Impact
This year, I have been especially encouraged to see many of BSAB’s ideas from last year come to life. Their recommendation to create more opportunities for direct engagement between students and college leadership helped shape initiatives such as the Meet the Dean series and the Executive Exchange, both of which have strengthened connection and visibility across the college.
BSAB has also played a valuable role in providing feedback on new academic initiatives. In the fall semester, they partnered with Janya Golubeva to share input on the new course BA 111: Business Decision-Making, shaping the experience for first-year students as the course launched this semester.
Advancing the Student Experience and Support
More recently, I challenged the group to consider how we can enhance tutoring services at the Business Learning Center. Their recommendations focused on increasing awareness, accessibility, and ease of use.
Ideas included introducing the Business Learning Center in class early in the semester, simplifying how students access tutoring through direct QR codes; increasing visibility through social media and student success stories; and expanding support during peak periods such as midterms and final exams. These recommendations reflect a thoughtful understanding of how students seek help and where barriers currently exist.
Strengthening Student Leadership and Recognition
In addition to their advisory role, BSAB continues to serve as a voice for our business student organizations. They have supported student organization initiatives through funding and hosted Presidents’ Council meetings, creating space for collaboration and shared leadership across our student groups.
BSAB has also taken on an important role in recognizing excellence within our community. This year, members served as reviewers for several student awards, including Emerging Student Leader of the Year, Student Leader of the Year, and Student Organization Advisor of the Year. Their contributions will help shape the recognition of our students and advisors at the upcoming UIC Business Excellence Awards on April 22.
I left the evening encouraged by the leadership, pride, and sense of responsibility BSAB members bring to their roles. Their contributions continue to shape a more connected, responsive, and engaged undergraduate experience at UIC Business.
— Sandy Wayne, Dean of UIC Business