Happy 2023 everyone! The new year brings many new beginnings, both optimistic and paralyzed feelings about going back to the realities of work and school. However, it’s also an exciting time for the student councils within the Asper School of Business. The CSA is looking forward to hosting its 2023-2024 week-long election period starting on Monday, January 23, as well as STAG elections later in the semester. 

However, before we can go full steam forward with the endless opportunities that 2023 has to offer, let’s relish in the milestones and achievements we accomplished in 2022, and how you can be involved in the upcoming school year. 

Nolan Ward, the current CSA Vice President of Finance (VPF), shares how he first got involved with student council through corresponding with the former Vice President Internal, and current CSA President, Kyla Dacanay about the Take A Student To Eat (TASTE) Program, which sets students up with corporate representatives in the Manitoba business community to learn more about their role. Without prior experience with the CSA General Council, Nolan saw applications to become a CSA Executive Member online and figured it was a great chance to help out other students, build his network and gain professional skills.

After a year within CSA, Nolan expresses how he wishes he knew how much work student leadership truly is. “It’s been one of the most fulfilling things, but it is a lot of time and energy that you have to put into it. Ultimately, at the end of the day, we don’t have a large staff compared to some big companies that do similar things. And so a lot of it falls on VPs or council members within their portfolio. I think a lot of what surprised me about it was just how many late nights or weekends that I would put into making sure that things were done perfectly. A lot of people on the CSA are like that. There’s a lot of dedication which I believe is the CSA’s strength, but it is also something that anyone applying to the CSA should be aware of. It’s a lot of time. 

I think students should consider what’s right for them. I’m not going to say that being an executive member is right for everyone because you’re going to deal with a lot of interpersonal things. It’s a pretty big commitment all around—there are plenty of events that CSA executives have to attend which you’re going to have to make some sacrifices in your personal and professional life, and it’s definitely something that not everyone has the capacity to.

People should think about what they want going into it, what they want to get out of it, and how much they want to work with other people. If you’re someone that loves interpersonal interactions and is great with dealing with other people, then being an executive member is definitely for you. 

However, if you’re someone who wants to focus on their own thing, you might want to look for a role on the General Council since it allows you to do a more specialized task.

In the end, it’s really worth it if you’re that type of person where you really want to get in the middle of it and create something fun. You have to be ready to work with people, but I think that if you’re willing to do that, it’s one of the best experiences you can gain in business school.”

We’re also joined by Chris Chin, the current Vice President of Community, about his perspective in the past student council year. As a student who has been involved with the CSA in previous years, he credits the people around him who have supported his interest with student leadership. 

“The CSA consists of so many amazing individuals that make it much easier to put in the work everyday. The people you work with may end up becoming some of your closest university friends, making for a unique working environment that’s honestly a ton of fun. 

I was told this before I started my role but truthfully I didn’t fully understand it until I experienced it later on the year. There will be stressful days along the way, but there is always a team behind you that will be there to lend a hand, no matter what. I’m super thankful for my executive team, portfolio, and committee members for their constant support this year, and that support is something that is present in every position at every level of the CSA.

So, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! There are so many opportunities available with varying levels of time commitment so there’s definitely something out there for you. If you’re on the fence about getting involved, I’d wholeheartedly encourage you to take the chance and submit your application. I’m confident you won’t regret it.”

After the last two years of university existing online, a consistent issue with student-led organizations has been replicating the engagement prior to lockdown and social distancing. However, the Commerce Student Association is unique in the sense that this never became an issue. From record-breaking ticketing sales for Commerce Socials to Professional Development events such as Business Banquet, the CSA consists of talented and hard-working individuals voluntarily working in the hopes of enhancing the student experience at the Asper School of Business. If you want to learn more about a particular role or the CSA in general, follow us on Instagram (@aspercsa) and/or drop by our office (Room 144 of the Drake Centre) to chat!

Student Appreciation Week

No matter how you enter this year, whether you’re running into a bright season, you’re limping across the finish line or crawling your way out of a tough calendar, you are enough. The holiday break can be filled with great joy and terrible sadness as we scramble to enjoy the last remaining days with no academic responsibilities before we’re hit with the terrible reality of alarm clocks, late public transits, and am I going to pass corporate finance this semester?

Olivia Velasco and Delphine Braganza, the Special Events Co-chairs, and their committee has set out to host an exciting student appreciation week for the beginning of the winter semester. From providing breakfast, lunch, special games and therapy dogs, the Special Events Committee had a successful week on helping students feel warm and lively in the harsh Winnipeg winter!

Olivia shares that “Student Appreciation Week was so much fun to host! I was excited to see a lot of familiar faces participating throughout the week as students returned from the winter break. It was especially fulfilling to be able to contribute to an event that benefited students in a variety of ways. As a student myself, I know how hard we all work, so this week was a perfect opportunity to show my support and appreciation for all of the effort we have been putting in. I wish everyone a successful winter term!” 

And Delphine adds that, “SAW was a memorable experience especially after the last two years. From the very first day to the last, we had a lot of fun and were amazed by the turnout. Our team had done a great job with the arrangements and we were amazed by the amount of in-kind donations we reached. Overall, SAW allowed us to not only learn from students but also spread the news about student leadership.”

Upcoming Events

With celebrating the achievements of student-ran events in the past year, let’s take a look at the wonderful opportunities coming up this winter semester!

First up is Tour De Commerce on Friday, February 10, 2023! Tour De Commerce is a full day event where students can choose which stream of guided tours they want to participate in. The event begins with breakfast at the Drake Centre, then tours of different company offices across Winnipeg, and ending the night with a Wine & Cheese event at the beautiful Richardson International Kelburn Farms. This event takes networking beyond its traditional methods. The intention of the event is for students to not only have meaningful conversations with professionals in local businesses, but to do so in the actual environment where the professionals work.

There will be 3 different streams that students can choose from: 

Ticket Price: $15

Dress Code: Business Professional

Note: Please make sure to dress for the weather on the day of the event. 

Transportation, lunch and refreshments will be provided. 

For any questions, please reach out to the CSA’s Vice President Corporate Relations, Amritveer Singh Kharbanda, [email protected].

The winter season brings forth many challenges, and the University of Manitoba’s 5 Days Committee is working hard to make a difference in Support of RaY. Five Days for the Homeless is a national charity campaign founded by students with a focus on hosting events and other fundraising initiatives.

Here’s a look at the upcoming events:

For further information about 5 Days for the Homeless, its events, and how to donate, follow their Instagram @5daysum!