360º View
The 2021-22 CBSM 360º View is a snapshot of the College of Business and Security Management from the perspective of students, faculty, donors, alumni, volunteers and the CBSM Advisory Council Chair.
The College of Business and Security Management has several advisory councils that are tasked with a crucial assignment: work with CBSM leadership to advance its mission, engage the campus with our community, and support CBSM’s commitment to academic excellence, access and diversity. The councils meet at least once each semester, receiving and analyzing updates on projects and activities, addressing the college’s strategic plan priorities and advising Dean Herrmann and the CBSM leadership team.
Mark Young, UAF CTC Associate Professor and Applied Business & Accounting Advisor, reflects upon his experience as CBSM Business Advisory Council Chair:
"Often when we think of a college, we think of a physical structure, or perhaps programs
and degrees. However, what immediately strikes me about CBSM is a profound sense of
pride and a welcoming culture. I have always felt welcomed by students, staff and
faculty. It is my firm belief that the positive and inclusive culture at CBSM is the
bedrock of its success, and enhances the overall student educational journey.
I am awestruck at the number of CBSM alumni with whom I have worked in our community. They work in many different sectors and contribute significantly, not only to the Interior, but to communities across the state and beyond. In addition to the significant positive impacts created by alumni, CBSM also hosts cornerstone events that build a sense of community. Annually, the Business Leader of the Year honors and recognizes leadership at a community event. Another eagerly anticipated event is the Arctic Innovation Competition, Alaska’s original idea contest, rewarding innovative ideas with cash awards to competitors of all ages.
There is no way for me to capture all of the many great opportunities afforded to students and the accomplishments of CBSM. I hope that my fellow council members and I have done some justice to advancing the mission of CBSM and its influence on students and our community."
Sense of Community
CBSM provides a powerful sense of community for students, faculty and alumni. The wide variety of events, clubs and opportunities make it easy for anyone to get involved. Through these immersive experiences, students are able to connect, not only with their classmates, but with leaders to find support and mentorship. There is a feeling of connectedness that comes from this high level of community involvement, even for our online students.
Read Jenifer's Quote
Quality Programs
Whether in the classroom or online, programs offered at CBSM are of the highest quality. CBSM is the only business school in the state with both business accreditation and specialized accounting accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, a highly sought after dual accreditation that has only been attained by approximately 1.5% of AACSB universities worldwide. Several classes are Quality Matters certified, meaning they are well designed, engaging online courses that have been reviewed and meet national standards. CBSM classes prepare students for the workforce through projects like developing actual business plans and through clear links between classroom concepts and their real-world applications.
Read Amanda's Quote
Opportunities Outside the Classroom
CBSM offers students a variety of hands-on learning opportunities from traveling to national conferences to student employment and internships. In spring of 2023, four members from the student organization, Great Alaskan Accounting People (GAAP) traveled to Seattle for a case competition hosted by Armanino LLP, a top 20 CPA and consulting firm.
The case competition took place at Seattle University with six other west coast colleges. Each team pieced together a presentation based on a business case from the real world. Through critical thinking, time-management and strong teamwork, the GAAP team took first place for the first time in their history.
Arctic Innovation Competition
The Arctic Innovation Competition rewards creativity and entrepreneurship. Alaska’s original idea contest, now having completed its 13th year, invites innovators of any age to propose new, feasible and potentially profitable ideas for solving real-life problems and challenges. Youth and adults presented their novel ideas and competed for over $40,000 in awards and prizes.
Keeping it fresh for AIC 2022, the Classroom of the Future award was established to incentivize K-12 teachers to teach creative and analytical thinking. Additionally, the Sustainability Kicker prize was revived, and a new Climate Adaptation Kicker prize was added to the Main Division prize line up. The spirit of innovation thrives as AIC continues to support competitors who apply great ideas to deliver solutions for our future.
“We have partnered with AIC for many years. What a great fit, because at Usibelli
Coal Mine, innovation is what we do. We solve everyday problems. The world is changing
every single day. We must adapt to the problems that challenge us and force us to
step out of our comfort zone. The youth competitors bring a fresh perspective to problem
solving. It is inspiring to watch these talented young people, who are going to be
the leaders of tomorrow, as they present their ideas and are so proud of what they
have done.”
Lisa Cassino
Vice President of Public Relations, Usibelli Coal Mine
Student Organizations
Many engaging CBSM Student Organizations are active on campus and in the local community. Click the links below to learn more about these opportunities for students to get involved and expand their educational experience outside the classroom!
ROTC is an athletic and outdoors-oriented group with a focus on leadership and character. ROTC is composed of individuals who strive to better themselves and face physically and mentally challenging situations. We aim to adapt and overcome the issues of today, tomorrow, and yesterday. As a Cadet Club, we want to teach our club members leadership skills, equip members with real-life experience to take to their future organizations, provide opportunities to volunteer in our community, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
The IAEM Student Chapter at the University of Alaska Fairbanks seeks student support to help promote the vision and mission of academic and research excellence within the fields of emergency management and homeland security. Through effective and efficient communication, teamwork, and networking, we can establish employment opportunities and professional development, advocate the issues most important to our members, and expand our growth and diversity.