Liberal & Business Studies Program

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Liberal and Business Studies Program?
The Program in Liberal and Business Studies offered by Simon Fraser University is an multidisciplinary program leading to a Bachelor of General Studies degree. The program offers working adults a unique part-time opportunity to complete their undergraduate degrees in a timely fashion (three years). It differs significantly from a typical undergraduate program as it is designed specifically for mid-career adults who wish to complete their undergraduate degrees in a respectful and intellectually challenging environment. The program curriculum integrates the broad perspectives of a liberal arts education and substantive skills in business administration.

Who should apply?
All mid-career adults who, for one reason or another, did not have an opportunity to finish a university education are invited to consider SFU's Liberal and Business Studies Program. If you have some university education, or a certificate or diploma from a college or technical school combined with training and have at least 10 years of full-time experience in the workplace, this program was designed for you.

What can participants expect?
A successful experience in the program requires a personal commitment. The coursework is challenging, and you will need to reassess your priorities. In addition to attending classes, you should allot at least 20-25 hours per week for study time. It is important to discuss the time commitment of the program with everyone who has a major role in your life – partner, family members, and supervisor – before deciding to apply. Their ongoing support will be a necessity.

Because LBS students typically have extensive career and family demands, every effort is made to eliminate unnecessary administrative procedures and to generally be sensitive to the constraints placed upon part-time adult learners.

Classes in the LBS program have been especially designed for the program and are typically available only to LBS students. Classes encourage full participation and discussion, and learning is structured to be a cooperative process rather than a competitive one. Faculty members are chosen for their experience with and enthusiasm for teaching adults as well as for their disciplinary expertise.

What will being a student in the program do for my organization?
Organizations benefit from skilled leaders who can seize and capitalize on new opportunities by creating working environments which foster organizational learning, initiative and high performance.

Corporations and institutions have reported that Simon Fraser University's Liberal and Business Studies program encourages employee retention while developing stronger conceptual abilities, improved communication skills, increased leadership competence and a broader knowledge base. Employers are impressed by the participants' increased abilities to seek out opportunities in their changing environments, and to assume greater responsibility for their goals and actions. Productivity has been seen to increase as the participants gain in confidence and bring their learning back to the workplace.

How is the program structured?
The program is three years in duration. All participants take two courses per semester, three semesters per year. Classes meet all day Friday and Saturday six times each semester. There is a 4-6 week break between semesters. All participants join a cohort and progress through the program as a group.

How many courses are there?
There are 18 courses in the program.

How much does the program cost?
Fees are adjusted annually upon approval by the Board of Governors. See specific program fees by location.

How much do the texts cost for the program?
Allow approximately $250-300 per semester. Texts and readings are available through the SFU Vancouver Bookstore at Harbour Centre or SFU Surrey Bookstore and the ISP program assistants, usually well in advance of classes.

When is the application deadline?
Applications for Fall 2010 are due on March 1, 2010.

What letters of support are required?
Your immediate supervisor and a co-worker should, in addition to indicating support, attest to your performance in the context of your current or previous work. This letter can address such areas as leadership potential, career commitment, flexibility, communication and technical skills, etc.

When do I find out if I am accepted?
Once your application is complete, including all official transcripts, we will contact you for a 30 minute interview. Immediately following your interview, you will be asked to complete a problem-solving assessment test along with a math questionnaire (60-70 minutes in total). Upon completion of the applicant interviews, the Academic Steering Committee will meet to review all applications. You should be notified of your status by late March/early April.

How will the LBS program help me as a professional?
Our graduates tell us that, as a result of the learning in the program, they are able to think more strategically and tactically, and have a better understanding of the political nuances of the workplace. Their writing is clearer, they organize their thoughts better and communicate those thoughts more effectively. They have more confidence, more independent job responsibilities, and they are better at making decisions. They are more comfortable speaking in public, their abilities to problem solve and analyze situations have improved, and they are better prepared for conflict resolution/negotiation. They also have a better understanding of how businesses operate. With a degree, doors have opened that would otherwise not have opened.

What are some of the problems that students encounter in the program?
As with any three-year program, unexpected life, health, and career changes can sometimes adversely affect student performance in an academic program. Students are usually able to make adjustments to unforeseen difficulties by shifting priorities and managing their time more effectively.

What kind of support is there for students in the LBS program?
Admission, advising, registration, distribution of course materials, class meeting times—all are structured to meet your needs. In addition to the support from the members of their cohort, faculty and staff will be available to assist you throughout the program, whether it be with an administrative matter or a personal concern.

 

 

 

 



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