WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg today took another significant step forward by announcing that it has established a new Faculty of Business & Economics. Today’s statement comes on the heels of the announcement that the University now offers graduate studies programs that are unique in Canada.
UWinnipeg’s Faculty of Business & Economics combines business and liberal arts in a student-focused, multidisciplinary learning environment. This approach allows students to become independently thinking, socially conscious business leaders, capable of generating new ideas, innovations and business practices. Along with this approach, students develop a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
“Our program reduces the barriers between traditional management disciplines and exposes our students to a wider range of study than is the norm in business schools,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor. “Our approach to business education aims to graduate lifelong learners capable of adapting to the ever-changing needs of the business world.”
The UWinnipeg business program is also unique in that it allows students to enter directly into the Faculty of Business & Economics in their first year of study. It is not necessary to complete a year of preliminary study in another faculty.
The faculty will work closely with the business community in order to create a program that is responsive to the needs of the community. To this end, the faculty will be establishing a Business Advisory Council to provide advice to the Dean and leadership in helping to develop the new faculty. Further, the faculty has been working closely with the Manitoba Business community to develop innovative programs that fill unmet needs for the local and national businesses.
The faculty is also in the process of discussions on the development of an Aboriginal Business program and a business program designed for individuals working in the non-profit sector. The faculty aims to begin a community consultation in the near future in order to develop an innovative multidisciplinary program.
The Faculty of Business & Economics will be led by Acting Dean Dr. Michael Benarroch, who says the UWinnipeg approach gives students the foundation in business education for future success.
“Today’s business leaders face complex situations that require knowledge of many different facets of an organization along with a ‘big picture’ perspective,” Dr. Benarroch said. “A degree from our program prepares students to succeed in business by challenging them both to develop a more comprehensive approach to decision-making and to work in an ethically and socially conscious manner.”
The Winnipeg business community sees the advantage of UWinnipeg’s new faculty.
“The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is pleased that The University of Winnipeg has made the decision to launch a business faculty,” said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dave Angus. “We are fully supportive of this new endeavor and are confident that with the strong leadership at The University of Winnipeg this will be a tremendous success.”
The early response from UWinnipeg students has been overwhelmingly positive.
“BASA and the Business Administration student body are extremely excited about the New Faculty of Business & Economics and the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree,” said Jeff Grantham, President of the Business Administration Students’ Association (BASA). “We look forward to working with the University as we continue to grow and develop as a faculty providing top-of-the-line education, producing very knowledgeable and well-rounded graduates ready to be leaders in the business world of today and the future.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Shawn Coates, Director of Marketing & Communications, University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7126, C: 204.230.0202, E: s.coates@uwinnipeg.ca
University of Winnipeg Faculty of Business and Economics Background Information
