The Commerce Times

Showcasing a promising school year

Six years ago, the Ryerson Commerce Society (RCS) launched with the goal to enrich commerce students’ academic, social and professional abilities by hosting events and funding various student groups within the Ted Rogers School of Management.

The RCS team proved capable of keeping up with these responsibilities during their semi-annual meeting on Nov. 18, presenting reports with both accomplished goals and planned initiatives for the upcoming year. Even when faced with tricky questions from a few business management students, Ryerson’s largest course union proved to be acting in the best interest of the 7,000 students they represent.

“We are one of the only commerce societies in the nation that fund students up to 100 per cent to attend various competitions.”

The two-hour event was open to all TRS students, but was based on first-come-first-serve basis because of limited space. The room filled quickly as a result, showing that many students were willing to participate in amending and approving new policies.

President Naeem Hassen said that increasing student involvement was one of the RCS’s goals for 2009/2010, including increasing opportunities to participate in other TRSM groups, and introduce new positions from within the RCS itself.

“Secretary and media communications manager will be mandatory positions which will enhance the efficiencies of the RCS,” Hassen said.

One of the TRSM events and services outlined for the rest of the 2009/2010 year was the Internal Relations Committee’s plan to organize its first annual Ted Rogers Memorial Conference honouring Ted Rogers.

This event would take place during Frost Week and, according to VP of Internal Relations Jennifer Hileman, would include “commerce students from within Ryerson and business schools across the nation.” It is planned for March 4 – 6, 2010 with more details to be released in January.

Hileman also mentioned that “We are one of the only commerce societies in the nation that fund students up to 100 per cent to attend various competitions.”

Although some students questioned the budget for the 2009/2010 year, the RCS team satisfied their curiosity and agreed to further break it down. While a few amendments were made, the overall majority approved the executive and directors’ reports presented.

After the meeting, the School of Business Management director Osmad Hamid outlined two major fiscal changes made by the RCS since last academic year.

First, investment in student life within TRSM has more than doubled from $45,000 to over $100,000; most of the money allocated is toward student group sponsorship.

Second, there was a significant increase in conference budgets,helping students network with employees and learn from experts in the field.

“The semi-annual RCS meeting is a chance to participate for all TRS students… [an] opportunity to speak up,” said Hamid, in regards to the meeting’s purpose.

For those who want to see the complete report, or are interested in more information about RCS activities, you can view their new website at: www.rcsonline.ca.