Commerce students step up

An upcoming vote generated some interesting conversations around Goodes Hall in March, and it had nothing to do with the Clinton vs Obama Democratic primaries in the US. The buzz at QSB was all about a referendum – initiated entirely by the Commerce Society (ComSoc) – on levying a student fee in support of the Goodes Hall building expansion. The expansion is a critical part of the School’s plans. “Strategic growth is just one of the ways we will continue to be one of the most innovative and influential business schools in Canada,” explains Dean David Saunders.

It all started when QSB’s Director of Finance and Administration, Steve Millan, BCom’89, met with ComSoc VP External Eddie Ho, BCom’08, to discuss allocating office space for ComSoc in the new wing. Eddie was so impressed with the proposed plans that he broached the idea of Commerce students contributing to the fundraising campaign with ComSoc President Dave Waugh, BCom’08 and VP Internal Amy Bergenwall, BCom’08. Both were enthusiastic, as were other Commerce students, especially when they saw the impressive architectural drawings.

“We all agreed that the time we spent in Goodes Hall was a huge part of our Commerce experience. This tremendous facility makes so many of our initiatives possible, from the initial Frosh Week gatherings in first year to the final COMMitment Dinner in fourth year,” explains Eddie.

“Events like our conferences and case competitions really use this building to its maximum advantage,” adds Dave. “When we saw the drawings,we realized that the new wing could make another big difference to strengthen the Commerce program and overall student experience.”

A proposal initiated entirely by the Commerce Society.

With the Executive firmly committed, Eddie and fellow ComSoc reps Christopher Henry, Com’09, Chantal Giurlanda, Com’10, and Spenser Heard, Com’10, did their homework. They conducted research to see how other universities fared when charging fees, looked to the Queen’s experience in levying a fee in support of the Queen’s Centre, and solicited feedback from various committee leaders and students in the program. Getting approval from the Commerce Assembly – comprised of top leaders in ComSoc – was the next step. One of the first questions raised in the initial debate was whether the expansion was a good thing. Small class sizes – and the ensuing camaraderie – are vital to the Queen’s Commerce experience. Would an expanded building result in larger and impersonal classes, many Assembly members wondered.

Dean Saunders weighed in with assurances that strategic, controlled growth was the objective. Classrooms in the new wing would continue to have a maximum capacity of 80. “Over the next few years, our plan is to add a maximum of two sections of 75 undergraduate students maintaining the same rigorous standards used in selecting you and your peers,” he explained in a letter that was sent to all Commerce students in advance of the referendum.

After several lengthy debates, the Assembly passed the motion to stage a referendum asking students to support the levying of an optional fee of $97.50 per student per year that would raise $1.2 million over 10 years.

Commerce students on amission are a determined and highly organized group. Within a matter of days a communications plan was developed, class presentations and town-hall meetings were organized, a website was created, and architectural drawings of the proposed wing were prominently displayed on easels and a plasma screen in the Atrium. In addition to presenting a large volume of data, the message was clear: The Commerce Program has made a difference in our lives; it’s our turn to ensure that future generations get the most out of their Commerce experience.

The students were also aware that their example would be used to encourage alumni to follow their example of generosity.

In an online vote conducted on March 26 and 27, all Commerce students were encouraged to vote on the question of levying the $97.50 optional fee. The final tally showed that 71.5%of those who voted were in favour of the fee and resultant $1.2million pledge.

In his letter encouraging the students, Dean Saunders wrote, “Beyond your monetary contribution, a “yes” vote would send a strong message to our alumni that current students believe in our future and are proud to be part of Queen’s School of Business.”

“The ComSoc Executive and Commerce student body have shown tremendous support for the building expansion,” Dean Saunders says. “We hope alumni will be inspired by the students’ action to contribute significant funding for the new wing.”