Union Adventist University’s Business and Computer Science Programs started an advisory board with the assistance of a dedicated alumnus in 2003. Since that time, the BCS Advisory Board has had a major impact on opportunities offered to business and computing students.

The mission of the BCS Advisory Board is to:

• Create an excellent Business and Computer Science programs
• Connect with the community, and
• Increase awareness of Union’s Business and Computer Science programs (including retention and recruiting)

Funding from the Advisory Board annually supports:

• Mentorship program for students, matching those who apply with a community mentor in the student’s area of interest
• Leaders Building Leaders Conference, bringing in experienced leaders and entrepreneurs in a professional-style conference for students to learn from and connect with professionals (also open to alumni and community)
• Connections newsletter
• Monthly Student Appreciation Days, where snacks are provided for students
• Pizza at Business Awareness Series meetings to attract more students
• Recruiting initiatives specific to the business and computer science programs
• A part-time employee who manages and mentors students who forward Advisory Board initiatives (e.g. handle event planning, department-specific recruiting, and writing for the Connections newsletters)
• GMAT/GRE study materials for students who wish to attend graduate school

Over the years, Advisory Board has funded:

• Updating of Business and Computer Science classrooms
• Providing cutting-edge technology for computer science labs (robots, raspberry pi’s, servers and other lab equipment)
• Comprehensive simulations and research data for analytics classes 
• Furnishings for a student lounge
• Furnishings for a business conference room
• Several team retreats for business and computer science professors
• Assistance for students on business field trips to Chicago or leadership seminars
• Feature wall highlighting various jobs, internships, graduate schools and mentorship relationships students and alumni have had/attended
• Updated office furniture for professor offices

For many years, a single alumnus provided significant funding for the BCS Advisory Board, but has stepped back in recent years. To put Advisory Board funding on a more predictable basis long-term, we are seeking to raise money for an endowment that funds Board initiatives, which currently are about $40,000 annually.