AGENDA ITEM NO: 8.2
UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
REQUEST FOR DECISION
PRESENTED BY:
Gordon Hill, Chair, Academic Programs Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
May 21, 2009
SUBJECT:
Edwards School of Business: Aboriginal Business
Administration Certificate (ABAC) and International Business
Administration Certificate (IBAC)
DECISION REQUESTED:
It is recommended:
That Council approve the Aboriginal Business Administration
Certificate and the International Business Administration
Certificate.
PURPOSE:
The Aboriginal Business Administration Certificate and the International Business
Administration Certificate are “Certificates of Proficiency” and as such are academic programs
at the University of Saskatchewan which require approval by University Council.
SUMMARY
These two Certificate programs are “pathway” programs for Aboriginal students and for
international students which will increase opportunities for access to and success in the Bachelor
of Commerce program.
The following new courses are associated with these programs:
COMM 112.0 University Life, is a co-curricular program in the International Business
Administration Certificate program that helps first year U of S students get more out of their
university experience. It is designed to provide students with the information and resources that
are crucial to success on campus – both academically and socially. Classes are facilitated by an
upper year student called a “coach”. Coaches assume the role of facilitator, mentor and friend.
COMM 115.0: Business Life 1 is a zero credit seminar course in both Certificate programs,
designed to build a set of skills required for success in the North American business
environment. C0MM 120.0: Business Life 2 is a zero credit seminar course designed to build
on these skill sets. These courses will be delivered by the staff and faculty of the Undergraduate
Programs Office at the School of Business.
ATTACHMENTS: Proposal documents
Aboriginal Business Administration Certificate Program (ABAC) Introduction: The University of Saskatchewan has embraced major themes in support of the second round of integrated planning. Two of these themes, namely “Aboriginal engagement,” and “retention” are relevant to this proposal. The Edwards School of Business (ESB) is cognizant of the role that it can play in developing academic programs that engage Aboriginal student strengths and meet their needs while assisting them in overcoming cultural, academic and personal obstacles to success and barriers to entry. Aboriginal Student Entry to the School of Business: Aboriginal students can currently enter the Bachelor of Commerce degree program in the ESB as direct entry students or transfer students. Both entry routes require the student meet a competitive cut‐off average. Aboriginal students may face several difficulties pursuing this educational route. First, the ESB has more applications for admission to the undergraduate degree program than seats available. These space restrictions have increased entering averages from high school to above 80% and transfer averages to above 70%. Further, to be eligible for admission a student must have successfully completed both Math B30 and Math C30 in high school. The high entering averages and the need for both MATH B and C 30 can prevent otherwise capable Aboriginal students in from securing admission to ESB. In addition, students transferring from other post‐secondary institutions or programs that have not required these pre‐requisites may also be at a disadvantage, even if their transfer average is otherwise acceptable. Therefore, ESB is exploring pathway programming that potentially increases aboriginal enrolments while supporting student success. The pathway programming will lead in several directions; it provides students with a solid foundation in marketable business skills allowing them to enter the workforce or to move into the undergraduate program with complete academic transferability. The pathway programming, an Aboriginal Business Administration Certificate, is further outlined below. The Aboriginal Business Certificate (ABAC) Program: The Aboriginal Business Administration Certificate (ABAC) is designed to provide pathway programming for those Aboriginal students who do not meet the admission criteria for direct admission or transfer admission to the undergraduate program and for those Aboriginal students who wish to obtain a certificate in business but do not want to study in a four year degree program. Features of the program include: • The program allows Aboriginal students to study business education at the ESB while concurrently mastering gaps in their high school preparation. • The program incorporates significant student success activities designed to assist students with their transition to studying business in a Canadian University setting. Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the ABAC program will earn an Aboriginal Business Administration Certificate of Proficiency from the ESB. • Upon successful completion, students may choose to apply to the Bachelor of Commerce degree program during the regular application period. Students in good standing who have met ABAC program standards will be automatically admitted to the Bachelor of Commerce degree program. Students demonstrating academic proficiency in advance of the completion of the ABAC may be considered for earlier transfer to the Bachelor of Commerce degree program. Courses and transfer credit are outlined in Table 1. • The ABAC Program may be used as a bridging program for those Aboriginal students who already possess an undergraduate degree, but are not fully academically qualified for graduate admission but who wish to pursue an MBA at ESB. Admission to ABAC Program: Admission to the ABAC Program can be on the basis of Regular Admission or Special Targeted Admission. Further, Aboriginal students who apply to the Bachelor of Commerce Undergraduate degree program who do not meet admission requirements will be directed to the ABAC program. This may also include transfer students. The ABAC Program is designed to provide a supporting environment to Aboriginal students as they transition to university level studies. In light of these program goals, transfer students will only be considered for the program if they have completed no more than 9 credit units of post secondary education that are directly transferable to the ABC program. Students with 18 credit units or more of transferable post‐secondary education are encouraged to apply directly to the undergraduate degree program at ESB. 1. Regular Admission For Regular Admission, applicants must meet the following criteria: • First Nations, Métis, or Inuit ancestry • Complete Grade Twelve standing preferably with evidence of successful completion of MATH B30 and MATH C30. • Minimum university entrance average (currently 70%) • No more than 9 transferable credit units of post secondary education The application process will be managed through Student and Enrolment Services Division at the University of Saskatchewan. 2. Special Targeted Admission Students who do not meet the criteria for Regular Admission may be considered for Special Targeted Admission. For Targeted Special Admission, students must be at least 19 years of age and have completed no more than 18 credit units of post secondary education. However, the ESB will only consider those students who have no more than 9 credit units of post secondary education that is transferable to the ABAC program. Admission to the ABAC Program under the special targeted admission category will be determined by the ESB undergraduate office. For Special Targeted Admission, applicants must meet the following criteria: • First Nations, Métis, or Inuit ancestry • Complete Grade Twelve standing with evidence of successful completion MATH A30, and preferably with evidence of successful completion of MATH B30 and MATH C30. Special Admission applicants must include: • A U of S application form • Proof of age • An official high school transcript • A written submission demonstrating capacity to undertake university‐level studies and a commitment to educational goals • Personal profile indicating the applicant’s interest in business and applicable experience Students may be required to attend an interview at the request of ESB. ABAC Plan of Study: The aim of the ABAC program is to provide students with programming in following areas: • Quantitative aspects of business decision making • Qualitative aspects of business decision making • Exposure to university level humanities and social sciences • Library and computer skills • Business life skills and transition support • Math B 30 (algebra) and Math C 30 (geometry trigonometry)as required • A capstone class Once students have completed the five terms of the ABAC program, they will have accumulated 48 of 120 credit unions toward the B. Comm program, and become eligible for the special transfer pool. If they have successfully completed the certificate requirements, they can apply to transfer into the ESB B. Comm program as a regular student. If they choose not to proceed, but have successfully completed the certificate requirements, they will be awarded the ABAC of accomplishment. Table 1: ABAC Program Plan Term One Term Two Term Three (fall) (winter) (spring/summer) 6 credit units humanities or social sciences (i) Math Skills Evaluation Econ 111.3, Price Econ 114.3, Money Theory and Resource and Income (i) Allocation (i) One of ENG COMM 105.3 111,112,113,114 (i) Introduction to Organizational Behavior (c) COMM 101.3 COMM 100.3, Introduction to Business Business (c) Communications (c) COMM 115.0 Business Life (c) COMM 110.0 Computer Skills (c) 12 credit units COMM 109.0 Library Research 1 (c) 12 credit units Term Four Term Five (fall) (winter) Math 121.3, Mathematical Analysis for Business and Economics (c) Equivalent of Math B30 COMM 347.3 (i) COMM 104.3 Business and C30 (if required) Aboriginal Business Statistics 1 (i) in Canada Or COMM 204.3, COMM 211.3 Human Introduction to Resource Management COMM 280.0, Business Marketing (i) (i) Co‐operative Education Program COMM 201.3, COMM 203.3 Introduction to Introduction to Finance Financial (c) Accounting (c) COMM 306.3 Decision Making II (i)
COMM 120.0 Business Life 2 (c)
0 credit units
12 credit units 12 credit units
(c) (i) Indicates a cohort class indicates an integrated class ABAC students will complete some of their studies as a cohort where feasible, and other parts of their studies in an integrated fashion. Students will be placed in a cohort when they face common challenges such as course content, integration, culture and language that require common solutions. Students will be integrated into the broad university life when they can readily benefit from interaction with other students. This is a balanced approach to their education. All 48 credit units of the ABAC program can be used for credit towards the Bachelor of Commerce program. Students who wish to accelerate their studies in the ABAC program may request taking an additional 3 credit unit elective after their successful completion of the first semester of the program. Alternatively, students requiring a slower pace of study to aid success may elect to take 9 credit units per semester. When feasible, courses to be pursued as a cohort are: • COMM 100.3, Business Communication 1 • COMM 101.3, Introduction to Business • COMM 105.3, Introduction to Organizational Behavior • COMM 109.0, Library Research 1 •
•
•
•
COMM 110.0, Computer Skills COMM 115.0, Business Life 1 COMM 120.0, Business Life 2 MATH 121.3, Mathematical Analysis for Business and Economics ABAC students will study the following courses in a fully integrated manner with other university students: • COMM 104.3, Business Statistics I • ECON 111.3, Price Theory and Resource Allocation • ECON 114.3, Money and Income • COMM 204.3 Introduction to Marketing • COMM 211.3, Introduction to Human Resource Management • COMM 306.3, Decision Making II • COMM 347.3, Aboriginal Business in Canada • (.6) 100 level humanities or social sciences • (.3) Eng. junior elective Once the class size warrants (i.e. up to 50 students), consideration will be given to making Comm 204.3 and Comm 306.3 cohort sections. Support and Design Features of the ABAC Program: 1. COMM 115.0: Business Life 1 Business Life 115.0 is a zero credit seminar course designed to build a set of skills required for success in the North American business environment. The course will be delivered by the staff and faculty of the Undergraduate Programs Office at the ESB. Four two hour seminars will cover the following topics: • Academic honesty and appropriate citation • Presentations and case writing • Study skills and exam writing skills • Managing multiple tasks ‐ time and stress management • Business tour 1 This is a pass/fail course based on successful activity completion. 2. C0MM 120.0: Business Life 2 COMM 120.0, Business Life 2, is a zero credit seminar course designed to build on the skill sets of COMM 115.0, Introduction to Business Life. This course will be delivered by the staff and faculty of the Undergraduate Programs Office at the School of Business. Students must complete the first three components and must complete one of component four or five. • Career counseling and job search techniques •
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•
•
Resume writing and interview skills Business etiquette Business networking event Business tour 2 This is a pass/fail course. Evaluation is based on activity completion. 1. RAWLCO Resource Room In addition to the support available to students through Business Life 1 (COMM 115.0) and Business Life 2 (COMM 120.0) students will have access to the support and services of the RAWLCO Resource Centre at ESB. The ESB has the only dedicated space for Aboriginal students in business schools across Canada. Located on the main floor office wing, students can use the centre for studying, meeting with groups on projects, research resources, reading a daily newspaper subscription, or using one of the dedicated computers. The centre is equipped with computers, resource material, telephone, fridge, a lounge area, and the offices of the Director of Aboriginal Initiatives and the Rawlco Aboriginal Business Student Services Assistants. The RAWLCO Resource Room provides the following dedicated services to Aboriginal students at ESB: •
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•
•
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Tutorial assistance Emergency financial assistance Professional Development Fund Elder services University mathematics pre‐requisite preparation Peer mentors 2. Mathematics Placement ABAC students will be required to undergo mathematics placement evaluation in the spring after their first year of study. Those students who need mathematics bridging will take that program in the spring/summer term after the first year of study. Students who do not require mathematics bridging may opt for a one semester placement with the ESB Business Co‐
operative Education Program. Alternately, they may opt to follow their own work/leisure activities. The ESB has been providing Aboriginal students at the U of S with opportunities to overcome high school math deficiencies in their pre‐requisites for some time. This program is a joint venture between the Saskatoon Catholic School Board and the ESB. The mathematics bridging program will cover the material from Math B and Math C 30 required to successfully complete MATH 121.3 This program is offered at no cost to students through the generous support of the Rawclo Resource Centre Trust Fund. 3. Aboriginal Business Student Society The Aboriginal Business Students Society engages students and the business community to build bridges to improve the economic contributions of Aboriginal people and provides social opportunities for students to gather with their peers. The student society has been active at ESB for a number of years and will provide additional support to the ABC students. Program Demand and Program Marketing: ESB plans to start the ABAC program in the fall of 2009 with a student intake of 20 to 25 students. The ABAC program will be marketed to the Aboriginal community through career fairs, youth events, the ESB web site, Rawlco Ambassors, ScotiaBank bridging initiatives, brochures, and high school and community visits. This marketing will leverage off existing activities designed to attract Aboriginal students to ESB. Academic Performance Standards: Academic performance standards for the ABAC program will conform to those standards applied to the undergraduate students in the B. Comm. program. The main standards are those of promotion and graduation, and the assignment of faculty actions. Students will be eligible for the Aboriginal Business Administration Certificate if they have passed the program courses prescribed by the school and have achieved a sufficiently high standing in those courses to meet each of the following averages: • Cumulative weighted Average of 60% on all courses required for Certificate completion. • Current year weighted average of 60% on fall, winter, spring and summer courses. If they choose to transfer to the B. Comm program, they must apply for transfer at that time (as they have to transfer out of the transfer pool of students). They will then continue their pursuit of the B. Comm degree in the regularized stream. Yearly requirements require students maintain a minimum yearly weighted average of at least 60%. This is the same standard applied to ESB students in the ESB Bachelor of Commerce program. Although ABAC students join the general transfer pool for admission to the ESB, the standard for transfer has been established at 60% as ABAC courses are a combination of commerce program courses and commerce elective credits. Students who do not fulfil this requirement will be assigned a faculty action as follows: • A first year student will be Required to Discontinue studies at ESB for one year; re‐apply for admission; and, if re‐admitted at a later date, repeat all courses with a grade of less than 60%. A first year student may attend spring and summer terms only in an attempt to raise their average and clear their faculty action. Students must repeat course(s) in which they earned a grade of less than 60% and raise their weighted average to 62%. For the purposes of average calculation, the grade(s) earned in the Spring/Summer Terms will be substituted for the original grade(s). •
•
An upper‐year student who has not had a previous faculty action from the University of Saskatchewan will be assigned a Repeat Year Action and will be required to repeat or substitute (with permission) all courses in which a grade of less than 60% was obtained. An upper year student may attend spring or summer terms in an attempt to raise their average and clear their faculty action. The student must repeat or substitute (with permission) the course(s) in which a grade of less than 60% was earned and raise their weighted average to 62%. An upper‐year student who has had a previous faculty action from any college at the University will be Required to Discontinue studies at the school for at least one year; re‐
apply for admission; and if re‐admitted to ESB will be required to repeat or substitute (with permission) all courses in which a grade of less than 60% was obtained in that year. Students are rarely re‐admitted after a second faculty action. Fees: Fees for ESB classes offered as part of the ABAC will be charged at the category four rate. The category four tuition rate is currently $600 per class. Classes covered by the category four tuition rates are COMM 100, COMM 101, COMM 104, COMM 105, COMM 201, COMM 203, COMM 204, and COMM 211, COMM 306, and COMM 347. COMM 109, 209, and COMM 110 are zero credit unit courses and do not carry tuition. Fees for Arts and Science classes (ECON 111, ECON 114, MATH 121, ENG 111, 112, 113, or 114 and 6 credit units of humanities or social sciences) will be paid in accordance with the university policy for undergraduate students. Student tuition fees will vary per year and will vary dependent on electives chosen. Tuition collected from this program will accrue to the ESB in accordance with the funding model established for the school. Budget and Resource Implications: The ESB is not requesting funding from the Academic Priority Fund for this initiative. ESB will assume the full financial responsibility for the ABAC program in line with the current school funding model. ESB does not draw on the University operating budget. Revenue for ESB operations, including full faculty, administration, and support costs must be covered by tuition revenue. Therefore, ESB has not included the detailed budget in this proposal. ESB is committed to absorb all operating and capital costs associated with the program. Courses for this program provided by the ESB will form part of our regular scheduled offerings in an integrated fashion until such a time student numbers warrant cohort offerings in COMM 204 and 306. [budget table available on request from the Office of the University Secretary] Student Counseling: Student planning and counseling will be handled by ESB undergraduate counselors. As the plans for the BAC suite of programs become implemented (including the International BAC, the BAC (Advanced) and bringing back the regular BAC program into the ESB) the human resource needs will be revisited given the enhanced demand for counseling. At present it is estimated that one additional program counselor will be required once all of these programs are on stream. Resources have been allocated in the budget for this position. Consultation: ESB struck an ad hoc working committee of interested faculty and administrators to oversee the early development of the ABC program. Committee membership included: • Alison Renny, Assistant Dean ESB • Leanne Bellegarde, Director of Aboriginal Initiatives, ESB • Wendy Wignes, Director of Undergraduate Student Services and Academic Advising , ESB Early consultation has also been held with: • Nola Buhr, Associate Dean, ESB • Leslee Harden, Director of MBA Program, ESB • Warren Weir, Assistant Professor, ESB • Joan Greyeyes, Special Advisor on Aboriginal Initiatives at the University of Saskatchewan (July 2, 2008) • Kelly McInnes, Registrar, SESD (July 4, 2008) • FSIN Post‐Secondary Coordinators Forum • Keith Martell, First Nations Bank of Canada Additional consultation and discussion will be/has been with: • ESB town hall with faculty and staff • First Nations and Metis Post Secondary Coordinators • Randall Morris at SIIT • Richard Missens at FNUC • Brenda Merasty, Assembly of First Nations, Policy Analyst, Education, Jurisdiction, & Governance • Aboriginal Advisors on campus • Academic Programs Committee of Council (notice of intent to APC Secretary) • Library (library requirements) • Facilities Management (physical resource requirements) • Department of Information Technology Services (technology requirements) • Budget Office (budget requirements) Approval Process includes: • ESB faculty approval • Vice‐President (Academic) Information only: • First Nations University of Canada • Saskatchewan Institute of Indian Technologies • FSIN Post Secondary Education Counselors Contact Information: Brooke Dobni, Associate Dean – Professional Programs, ESB dobni@edwards.usask.ca 966‐8442 Alison Renny, Associate Dean – Undergraduate Programs, ESB renny@edwards.usask.ca 966‐4785 Leanne M Bellegarde, Director, Aboriginal Initiatives, ESB Bellegarde@edwards.usask.ca 966‐1307 International Business Administration Certificate (IBAC) Introduction: The University of Saskatchewan has embraced major themes in support of the second round of integrated planning. Themes related to this initiative include engagement of students in international and global learning (including the internationalization of the student body and curriculum), having a diverse body of students, and retention. The Edwards School of Business (ESB) is cognizant of the role that it can play in contributing to these themes while concurrently resolving some of the enrolment challenges that currently face the university. International Student Entry to the School of Business: International students can currently enter the Bachelor of Commerce degree program in the ESB as direct entry students or transfer students. Both entry routes require the student meet a competitive cut‐off average and a minimum English language proficiency score (i.e. TEOFL 550 or greater). Invariably, many international students face several difficulties pursuing this educational route. First, they are subject to significant quota restrictions due to capacity constraints within the School of Business. Second, some students encounter academic difficulties associated with inadequate language preparation and or issues of transition. The first barrier to entry could be resolved by simply increasing the international quota of students. This can be accomplished in two ways; first by increasing the total enrolment of the school, or second, by increasing international student numbers at the expense of domestic student quotas. The latter option involves a tradeoff that we would like to avoid – that being turning away equally qualified domestic students. This trade‐off is especially problematic if the international student is admitted and subsequently struggles with transition and language issues. Increasing the enrolment overall is desirable as it will allow the ESB to conditionally accept students to the Bachelor of Commerce program upon successful completion of the IBAC program. Therefore, the ESB is exploring pathway programming that potentially increases international enrolments, supports student success and ensures that those students who are successful can move into the undergraduate program with complete academic transfer credit. The pathway programming, an International Business Administration Certificate, is further outlined below. The International Business Administration Certificate (IBAC): The International Business Administration certificate (IBAC) is designed to provide pathway programming for international students who are academically gifted, but who do not have demonstrated proficiency in English language skills or may face social/ transitionary issues. The IBAC program allows international students to study business education at the ESB while concurrently mastering English language skills all the while becoming socialized in a new environment. The program incorporates significant student success activities designed to assist students with their transition to studying business in a Canadian University setting. Students who are admitted into the IBAC will also be conditionally admitted to the ESB B. Comm program – effectively becoming part of the transfer pool. Once they successfully complete IBAC (successful pass completion of all IBAC courses – cumulative average of 60%, TOEFL of 550), conditions will be lifted and they will become regularized ESB students, with an accumulation of 45 credit units toward the B. Comm degree. IBAC students will be required to take a pre‐entry (to IBAC) TOEFL as well as a transfer TOEFL (as a condition of transfer into the ESB Bachelor of Commerce program). The transfer TOEFL will be taken at St. Peter’s prior to the end of the 3rd term. IBAC Partnership with St. Peter’s College: St. Peter’s College, located in Muenster, Saskatchewan has been providing arts and sciences courses for a number of years now. Students enrolled in St. Peter’s can take their first full two years of arts and sciences that are fully transferable to the University of Saskatchewan. Recently, the ESB has entered into a MOU with St. Peter’s College. Beginning in the fall of 2009, this MOU allows students’ attending St. Peter’s to complete their first year of the B. Comm program at St. Peter’s. Students completing this option will transfer to the ESB after 3 terms of study. St. Peter’s also now delivers the first two classes of the Business Administration Program (BAC) on site – allowing students from that area to attend courses in the BAC program. ESB plans to enter into an agreement with St. Peter’s to deliver the first 3 terms (12 months) of the IBAC program. The IBAC plan of study is outlined below. Effectively, the first 3 terms would be delivered at St. Peter’s in Muenster, after which students would transfer to the ESB. As indicated, during this time, the students would be required to write the TOEFL (and achieve a score of 550 or higher). A condition of continuation to the ESB will be the successful achievement of the TOEFL standard. IBAC Plan of Study: The aim of the IBAC program is to provide students with exposure in four general areas. These are the quantitative and qualitative skills that support business decision making, language skills, some limited exposure to the social sciences at a university level and university and business life skills including exposure the library and computer skills. Table 1 below outlines the IBAC program of study. Table 1: IBAC Program Plan Term One Term Two Term Three
(Fall) (Winter) (Spring/Summer) Conditionally admitted – Terms 1,2 and 3 at St. Peter’s College ESL (c) ESL (c) ESL (c)
COMM 112.0 ECON 111.3 (i) ECON 114.3 (i)
University MATH 121.3 (i) STATS 244.3 (i)
Life (c) COMM 115.0, COMM 101.3 (i)
Business Life 1 (c) TOEFL Exam 0 Credit Units 6 credit units 9 credit units
Term Four
Term Five
(Fall) (Winter) Terms 4 and 5 at ESB, U of S; conditions of admission lifted upon successful completion COMM 201.3 (i)
COMM 100.3 (i)
COMM 204.3 (i)
COMM 105.3 (i)
COMM 205.3 (i)
COMM 203.3 (i)
COMM 110.0, Computer Skills (i) One of English 111.3, COMM 306.3 (i)
112.3, 113.3, 114.3 (i) Junior elective from social Junior elective sciences (i) continued (i) COMM 120.0
Business Life 2 (c) COMM 109.0, Library COMM 209.0, Research 1 (c) Library Research 2 (c) 15 credit units
15 credit units
IBAC students will complete some of their studies as a cohort (c) (when feasible) and other parts of their studies in an integrated fashion (i). Students will be placed in a cohort when they face common challenges such as integration, culture and language that require common solutions or when the course is specific to the IBAC program. Students will be integrated into the broad university life when they can readily benefit from interaction with other students. Courses to be pursued as a cohort are: COMM 109.0, Library Research 1 COMM 112.0 University Life COMM 115.0, Business Life 1 COMM 120.0, Business Life 2 COMM 209.0, Library Research 2 IBAC students will study the following courses in a fully integrated manner with other university students: COMM 100.3, Business Communication I COMM 101.3, Intro to Business STATS 244.3, Intro to Business Statistics COMM 105.3, Introduction to Organizational Behavior COMM 110.0, Computer Skills ECON 111.3, Price Theory and Resource Allocation ECON 114.3, Money and Income MATH 121.3, Mathematical Analysis for Business and Economics COMM 201.3, Introduction to Financial Accounting COMM 203.3, Introduction to Finance COMM 204.3; Introduction to Marketing COMM 205.3, Introduction to Operations Management (.6) Free junior elective for the Social Sciences (.3) English junior elective COMM 306.3, Decision Making II Once the class size warrants (i.e. up to 50 students), consideration will be given to making Comm 204.3 and Comm 306.3 cohort sections. COMM 112.0 COMM 112, University Life, is a co‐curricular program that helps first year U of S students get more out of their university experience. It is designed to provide students with the information and resources that are crucial to success on campus – both academically and socially. Classes are facilitated by an upper year student called a “coach”. Coaches assume the role of facilitator, mentor and friend. A “modified” University Life 112.0 will be designed for students in the IBAC program. The modifications to University Life will ensure that the content meets international student needs. This course will be offered by the ESB through the Undergraduate Programs Office. Topics to be covered are: • Welcome and Orientation to St. Peter’s and the ESB (student support staff, Undergraduate Programs staff, and the ESB Deans, St. Peter’s staff) • Student expectations at St. Peter’s, the U of S and ESB • Academic standards for promotion • Getting involved in university clubs • Lifestyle management in Canada (living and studying in Canada) COMM 115.0: Business Life 1 Business Life 115.0 is a zero credit seminar course designed to build a set of skills required for success in the North American business environment. The course will be delivered by the staff and faculty of the Undergraduate Programs Office at the School of Business. The following topics will be covered: • Academic honesty and appropriate citation • Presentations and case writing • Study skills and exam writing skills • Managing multiple tasks ‐ time and stress management • Business tour 1 This is a pass/fail course based on successful activity completion. C0MM 120.0: Business Life 2 COMM 120.0, Business Life 2, is a zero credit seminar course designed to build on the skill sets of COMM 115.0, Introduction to Business Life. This course will be delivered by the staff and faculty of the Undergraduate Programs Office at the School of Business. Topics to be covered include: • Career counseling and job search techniques • Resume writing and interview skills • Business etiquette • Business networking event • Business tour 2 This is a pass/fail course. Evaluation is based on activity completion. ESL Component: The first three terms of this certificate has a focus on ESL training. ESL training will be provided by St. Peter’s and the Carlton Trail Community College in Humboldt. This training will be provided at the Muenster campus. The U of S Language Centre will play an integral role in providing ESL training for IBAC students as required once they come to the U of S campus. Admissions Criteria: International applicants may apply for direct admission to the ESB to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree based on their competitive academic average providing they have successfully completed the Level 50: Advanced ESL program or have evidence of English proficiency as demonstrated by a TOEFL score of 550. This option has not changed for those students seeking competitive‐based direct entry as ESB has seats set aside for International students. Additionally, fifty seats will be made available in the IBAC/B. Comm program for those international students wishing to elect the IBAC/B. Comm degree option at the ESB. These seats are in addition to those already available to international students in the ESB program. If the quota is not met in any one year, the residual capacity will not be transferred to the existing International student pool. Admission to the IBAC is an alternate pathway for academically qualified students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in business, but who do not possess the language skills necessary for direct admission to the undergraduate degree program. Admission to the IBAC program will be based on competitive academic average. Applicants must have the equivalent of Math B30 and Math C30. Applications will be taken once per year for a beginning of September intake. IBAC students will spend the first 12 months at St. Peter’s in Muenster, Saskatchewan, and then transfer to the ESB upon successful completion of the first 3 terms of the program. After they successfully complete terms four and five, they will be awarded the International Business Administration certificate. If they choose to transfer to the B. Comm program, they must apply for transfer at that time even though they have been conditionally admitted (as they have to transfer out of the transfer pool of students). They will then continue their pursuit of the B. Comm degree in the regularized stream. The advantage of pursuing the IBAC accrues from allowing students to combine their English language instruction with university level business education in a supported setting that deals with issues of transition and culture. After the first 3 terms, students who do not wish to continue their studies in the ESB or are unsuccessful in attaining the required average may apply to the College of Arts and Science to pursue an Arts and Science degree program. Once IBAC students have successfully completed the first five terms of the program, they will be awarded the IBAC certificate of achievement and will have achieved 45 of 120 credits required to complete the B. Comm program. Support and Design Features of the IBAC Program: The Hanlon Centre for International Business The Hanlon Centre is currently in development at the ESB, and it is anticipated that the IBAC/B. Comm program will be closely tied to the activities of this centre. ESL Program As indicated, English as a Second Language programs will be used extensively in the first 3 terms of the program. St. Peter’s College will be heavily involved in the provision of these services. Once students become full time at the U of S campus, they will have access to the ESL centre. Academic Performance Standards: Academic performance standards for the IBAC program will conform to those standards applied to the undergraduate students in the B. Comm. program. The main standards are those of promotion and graduation, and the assignment of faculty actions. Students will be eligible for the Aboriginal Business Administration Certificate if they have passed the program courses prescribed by the school and have achieved a sufficiently high standing in those courses to meet each of the following averages: Cumulative weighted Average of 60% on all courses required for Certificate completion. Current year weighted average of 60% on fall, winter, spring and summer courses. Since IBAC students are conditionally admitted to the ESB, they will face the same academic performance standards as ESB students. Yearly requirements require students maintain a minimum yearly weighted average of at least 60%. Students who do not fulfil this requirement will be assigned a faculty action as follows: A first year student will be Required to Discontinue studies at ESB for one year; re‐apply for admission; and, if re‐admitted at a later date, repeat all courses with a grade of less than 60%. A first year student may attend spring and summer terms only in an attempt to raise their average and clear their faculty action. Students must repeat course(s) in which they earned a grade of less than 60% and raise their weighted average to 62%. For the purposes of average calculation, the grade(s) earned in the Spring/Summer Terms will be substituted for the original grade(s). An upper‐year student who has not had a previous faculty action from the University of Saskatchewan will be assigned a Repeat Year Action and will be required to repeat or substitute (with permission) all courses in which a grade of less than 60% was obtained. An upper year student may attend spring or summer terms in an attempt to raise their average and clear their faculty action. The student must repeat or substitute (with permission) the course(s) in which a grade of less than 60% was earned and raise their weighted average to 62%. An upper‐year student who has had a previous faculty action from any college at the University will be Required to Discontinue studies at the school for at least one year; re‐apply for admission; and if re‐admitted to ESB will be required to repeat or substitute (with permission) all courses in which a grade of less than 60% was obtained in that year. Students are rarely re‐
admitted after a second faculty action. Fees: Students admitted will pay fees as follows: Fees for ESB classes will be at the university rate for international undergraduate students registered in Commerce classes. Those classes are COMM 100, COMM 101, COMM 104, COMM 105, COMM 201, COMM 203, COMM 204, COMM 205, and COMM 306. COMM 109, 209, and COMM 110 are zero credit unit courses and do not carry tuition. Fees for Arts and Science classes (ECON 111, ECON 114, MATH 121, ENG 111, 112, 113 or 114 and 6 credit units of humanities or social sciences) will be paid in accordance with the university policy for undergraduate international students. A student fee agreement to cover administration costs will be negotiated between ESB and St. Peter’s for the components of the certificate taken at St. Peter’s. The objective of this fee will be to cover fixed and administrative costs incurred by ESB while the students are not in attendance at the ESB. Budget: The ESB is not requesting funding from the Academic Priority Fund for this initiative. ESB will assume the full financial responsibility for the ABC program in line with the current school funding model. ESB does not draw on the University operating budget. Revenue for ESB operations, including full faculty and administration costs must be covered by tuition revenue. Therefore, ESB has not included the detailed budget in this proposal. ESB is committed to absorb all operating and capital costs associated with the program. Courses for this program provided by the ESB will form part of our regular scheduled offerings in an integrated fashion until such a time student numbers warrant cohort offerings in COMM 204 and 306. [budget table available on request from the Office of the University Secretary] Student Counseling: Student planning and counseling will be handled by ESB undergraduate counselors. As the plans for the BAC suite of programs become implemented (including the Aboriginal BAC, the BAC (Advanced) and bringing back the regular BAC program into the ESB) the human resource needs will be revisited given the enhanced demand for counseling. At present it is estimated that one additional program counselor will be required once all of these programs are on stream. Resources have been allocated in the budget for this position. Consultation: Additional consultation and discussion will be held with: Alison Renny, Assistant Dean ESB Wendy Wignes, Director of Undergraduate Student Services and Academic Advising, ESB Jill Salamon, Director of BAS St. Peter’s, Muenster, Saskatchewan (Rob Harasymchuk and Glen Kobussen) ESB town hall with faculty and staff Enrolment/Registrar services Academic Programs Committee of Council (notice of intent to APC Secretary) Library (library requirements) Facilities Management (physical resource requirements) Department of Information Technology Services (technology requirements) Budget Office (budget requirements) Approval Process includes: ESB faculty approval Vice‐President (Academic) Contact Information: Brooke Dobni, Associate Dean – Professional Programs, ESB dobni@edwards.usask.ca 966‐8442 Alison Renny, Associate Dean – Undergraduate Programs, ESB renny@edwards.usask.ca 966‐4785