So, you’re looking to get involved in Asper? Well, you came to the right place! Throughout your degree, there will be a ton, and we mean A TON, of chances to get involved. From First Year Committee, to Student Action Groups, to Case Competitions, there are loads of opportunities to make the most of your time in Asper. 

The Commerce Students’ Association

The Commerce Students’ Association, more commonly referred to as the CSA, is a student-led organization that acts as a link between the students at the Asper School of Business and the greater Winnipeg business community. By being an Asper student, you are automatically a member of the CSA!

Each year, students elect a CSA President and Vice President Internal (VPI) during the winter semester. Alongside the President and VPI, an Executive Council is appointed, including:

  • Vice President Finance
  • Vice President Corporate Relations
  • Vice President Marketing and Communications
  • Vice President Professional Development
  • Vice President Academics
  • Vice President Community
  • Vice President Student Life

From there, General Council recruitment begins! General Council applications are open to all Asper students entering their 2nd year and up, with 50 positions available to be filled. General Council members perform a variety of tasks, from creating fire marketing materials, to organizing the CSA’s finances, to planning Asper’s biggest events. Although there are limited spots on General Council, every student is welcome to visit the CSA Office in Room 144 of Drake to eat lunch, study, or hang out with some cool people ;).

While the General Council is already put together for the upcoming academic year, the CSA is always excited to welcome New-To-Asper students through the First Year Committee.

 

The First Year Committee

The Asper First Year Committee (FYC) is a group of New-to-Asper students who work together to organize various social, charity, and fundraising events throughout the school year. The FYC is comprised of two elected First-Year Representatives, along with 10 committee members.

If you love to lead and are passionate about advocating for New-To-Asper students, consider running for First Year Representative! Any New-To- Asper student can run in the FYR election in September, and the winners will lead the First Year Committee and join the CSA’s General Council for the academic year. Pro tip: even if you lose the FYR election, you can still apply for the FYC!

If campaigning isn’t your cup of tea, the First Year Committee is also open to all New-To-Asper students! Once the First Year Representatives are elected, interviews for various committee roles will begin. Open positions include: 

  • Charity Co-Chairs
  • Fundraising Co-Chairs
  • Finance Chair
  • International Chair
  • Marketing Co-Chairs
  • Events Co-Chairs

So, after all this, why should you get involved with the FYC? First off, it’s a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends in your first year in the faculty! Through events, initiatives, and meetings throughout the year, you’ll have the chance to interact with countless Asper students, all the while bonding with fellow committee members. In addition, working with the FYC is a great way to hone your skills and build your resume: no matter your potential major, you’ll learn applicable skills that you can take with you to the real world.

Whether you want to run for First Year Rep, apply for the FYC, or attend FYC-organized events throughout the school year, be sure to check out the First Year Resource Hub and follow @AsperFYC on Instagram for up-to-date information on New-To-Asper news.

 

Student Action Groups (STAGs)

Asper is home to many Student Action Groups (STAGs), all of which are open to all commerce students! Many of the groups are focused on specific majors that Asper offers, allowing students to meet peers with similar interests and ambitions. Other groups are not major-specific, allowing students to get to know and collaborate with their peers from other areas of study than their own. The STAGs provide opportunities for their members to partake in social, academic, and professional activities, all while meeting like-minded individuals.

 

Case Competitions

Do you have a competitive spirit? Do you like to work with a team to find innovative solutions to unique problems? If so, case competitions might be up your alley! 

Throughout the year, Asper hosts a variety of case competitions, including IGCC (Investors Group Case Competition) and JDC West, a nation-wide competition who’s UManitoba team is organized through the JDC West STAG. As a New-To-Asper, be sure to keep an eye out for the First Year Case Competition (FYCC), which is open to all New-To-Asper students!

 

Staying Updated

An easy way to stay up-to-date about all things Asper is to follow @AsperCSA on social media! From Instagram, to LinkedIn, to TikTok, we’ve got you covered.

 

Some other useful accounts to follow:

  • @AsperSchool
  • @UManitoba
  • @AsperTCW
  • @AsperFYC
  • @ShineToba
  • @5DaysUM 
  • @CommerceCares_
  • @BusinessBanquet

For a monthly look at involvement opportunities in Asper, check out The Asper Scoop and consider subscribing to our newsletter: scroll to the bottom of this page to sign up!