Cookies with the Dean Closes Out the Meet the Dean Series
Dean Sandy Wayne reflects on a year of conversations with students that have shaped programs, sparked new ideas, and deepened connections across UIC Business.
Cookies with the Dean Closes Out the Meet the Dean Series
As we close out this year’s Meet the Dean series with Cookies with the Dean, I am reminded how much I value the opportunity to connect with our students. Cookies with the Dean, held on Monday, March 30, in the Douglass Hall lobby, brought students together for informal, drop-in conversations. For me, these gatherings are always a highlight and among the most rewarding parts of my role as dean.
What I value most about these events is the opportunity to connect directly with students in a relaxed, approachable way. Students often stop by between classes, even for just a few minutes, and those moments lead to thoughtful questions, shared ideas, and candid conversations about their experiences. That kind of openness is incredibly valuable.
Over the course of the year, these interactions have led to tangible outcomes. In one case, a conversation turned into an opportunity for a student to work with me on special projects. In others, students shared feedback that helped us think more clearly about how we communicate new initiatives, including expanding awareness of AI-focused coursework. Most recently, members of the Business Student Advisory Board created a survey for students during the event to gather feedback that will help inform improvements to the Business Learning Center.
Beyond any single outcome, what stands out to me is the sense of connection these events create. They make it easier for students to engage with leadership in a way that feels approachable, and they give us a clearer understanding of what students need and value.
As we look ahead to next year, I’m excited to continue the Meet the Dean series and to find new ways to build on what we’ve learned. These conversations matter, and they will continue to shape how we support our students.
— Dean Sandy Wayne, UIC Business