Dean of the Gonzaga School of Business Ken Anderson talks with parents at “Appetizers with Academics.”

This weekend, Gonzaga faculty members and parents of incoming freshmen met at an event called “Appetizers with Academics.” Organizers of this event always say “parents love to meet faculty members.” Based on the crowd at McCarthey Athletic Center, the organizers are right.

WHY do parents “love to meet faculty members” and what do they want to know?

Based on a few years of attending this event, what parents want to know about are the real world academic experiences their students can have. Parents do not ask about core classes or teaching philosophies. They are not inquiring about faculty research or the latest developments in the field. They want to know about study abroad, honors programs, internships, and academic clubs. They want to learn how their students can get involved and experience all that Gonzaga has to offer.

In short, they are excited for their students to take their learning beyond the classroom. Gonzaga School of Business faculty share that passion for out-of-the-classroom experiences. Some opportunities to get involved include:

• The Projects Class (BUSN 489 Multidisciplinary Action Projects): In this class, students work with real-world clients on projects like branding strategies and compensation systems. Register on Zagweb.
• The Community Mapping Project Class (BUSN 489 Community Mapping): In this class, students are working in the local neighborhood to map resources.
• Consulting (BUSN 494 Small Business Consulting): In this class, students provide management assistance to organizations.  This class is offered in the Spring. Register on Zagweb.
• Marketing Promotions (MKTG 490 Promotions): In this class, students form a marketing agency and create a promotion for a real-world client. This class is offered in the Spring. Register on Zagweb.
• New Venture Lab: This student-run organization works with local entrepreneurs to develop products and business ventures.
• Internships: Students can receive credit for working at an approved internship. To learn more about receiving academic credit for an internship, click here. Students can also get internships that do not count toward academic credit, but still pursue learning goals. For more information, contact the Career Center.
• Clubs: There are several student clubs that connect classroom learning to real world experience.
• The Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program is an honors program that will be taking applications from freshmen soon.