A Message From the CSA President
Hello New-To-Asper Students!
Welcome to the Asper School of Business! Congratulations on your acceptance; you are now officially on your journey towards your future and towards creating your legacy. My name is Melani Fernando and on behalf of the Commerce Students’ Association, I wish the best on your journey of pursuing your B.Comm.
The CSA is a student-run organization that strives to enrich the undergraduate experience through unique events and professional development opportunities that foster meaningful relationships with the greater business community. We represent the 2000+ students at Asper and now that you have been admitted into the faculty, you are all now members of the CSA! You are welcome to attend any of our events and use our resources. The CSA is here to support you and all Asper students. Don’t hesitate to reach out for anything you may need. We welcome your emails, coffee chats, and office visits.
Asper offers so many opportunities and I hope you all take advantage of that fact. I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Join a student group, participate in a case competition, or attend our events; there is something for everyone, no matter what yo’re looking for. You will develop not just professionally but personally as well. Taking these steps to try new things helps you learn more about yourself and make connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. Embrace the challenges that next few years will bring and take the time to appreciate the little things along the way.
Good luck and have fun!
CSA First Year Representative Elections
First Year Representatives are elected by New-to-Asper School of Business Students in October. With the assistance of their First Year Committee (FYC), The First Year Representatives organize at least one social, and various charity and fundraising events. The First Year Representatives are the liaison between New-to-Asper students and the CSA.
If you love to lead and are passionate about advocacy, this is the perfect position for you! Once elected, First Year Representatives automatically become a part of the CSA General Council.
Get Involved with the First Year Committee
You will notice very quickly that a recurring message at Asper is that we highly recommend you get involved in different events, opportunities, and student groups within our school. If this is something you can picture yourself doing, the First Year Committee is the perfect place for you to start!
The First Year Committee is responsible for planning and executing various fundraisers for the First Year Committee, organizing and promoting various charity,
fundraising, and social events. The FYC will also act as a liaison between students in their first year in-faculty and the Commerce Students’ Association.
The council consists of 2 First Year Representatives elected in September by fellow classmates. These 2 students become members of the Commerce Students’ Association and are responsible for selecting and overseeing the council chair positions (Fundraising, Charity, Social, Marketing, International, and Finance) and the general committee.
First Year Committee will give students a chance to experience the various components of the CSA on a smaller scale, such as event planning, charity work and fundraising, marketing, and finance.
Want to learn more?
Fundraising Co-Chairs (2)
Fundraising Co-Chairs are responsible for planning and organizing various fundraisers to support the FYC’s charitable activities. They will also be responsible for investigating sponsorship opportunities for charity events and coordinating volunteers for fundraisers.
Charity Co-Chairs (2)
Charity Co-Chairs are responsible for planning and keeping track of logistics for the FYC Charity events, and they will work with the charities being supported.
Finance Chair (1)
Finance Chair is responsible for recording the FYC’s budget by setting goals and limitations to income and expenses. They will also be tasked to follow-up and collect receipts for reimbursements.
International Chair (1)
The international chair is responsible for acting as a liaison between the
FYC and first year international Asper students in order to increase
student engagement.
Event Co-Chairs (2)
Event Co-Chairs are responsible for planning and organizing at least one event, typically held in January. They will be responsible for the logistics and various resources needed for the event.
Marketing Co-Chairs (2)
Marketing Co-Chairs is responsible for coming up with a marketing strategy for FYC’s fundraising, charity, and social events. They will work with the CSA’s marketing team in designing posters and social media materials for the promotion of events, and manage the FYC’s social media pages.
General Council
Every first year student is automatically part of the FYC General Council. As part of the General Council, you will be able to share ideas and listen to updates from the CSA events as well as volunteer for any of the events of FYC. This is a great opportunity to meet people from first year!
First Year Case Competition
February 2024
The First Year Case Competition is a case competition exclusive to first year Asper students that provides an opportunity for teams of 3 to analyze and present a business case while competing for $1200 in prizes. The analytical and presentation skills you will gain are rarely developed in high school, yet imperative to academic and extracurricular success at Asper. No prior experience is necessary or expected.
Student Action Groups (STAGS)
Joining a STAG is a great way to meet new people and expand your network while learning more about careers that may suit you.
Keep your eyes open on Asper Orientation Day for the STAG booths where you will learn more about what joining each STAG entails, as well as the exciting opportunities they provide! Not to mention, grab some of the awesome STAG schwag they will be handing out!