The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's School of Business and Management (HKUST Business School) introduced today a new program for its business undergraduates - the Business Cohort Community, a non-academic, student-led program that aims to build unity and enhance personal development through fun and exciting social activities.
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Today's launch of the Business Cohort Community, the first of its kind in HKUST, was attended by the majority of the 700 aspiring business school freshmen. They are organized into ten "Cohorts", or tightly-connected student-network learning communities. Each Cohort is named after a Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences1 and is represented by a specific color.
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The Cohort community offers leadership opportunities for senior students to become Cohort Chiefs who serve as peer mentors for freshmen. Through mutual support and common goals, Members of a Cohort will work closely to compete in various games with other Cohorts in the hope of becoming a Cohort Cup Champion at the end of the school year.
Officiating the launch, Professor Leonard Cheng, Dean of the HKUST Business School, addressed the undergraduates: "Meaningful learning is stronger where there is a strong sense of belonging. The new Business Cohort Community idea aims to promote this strong sense of belonging to make your university life richer. Within your Cohort, you will find fun, friendship, character building and sense of social responsibility."
Professor Angela Ng, Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Programs of the HKUST Business School, said: "When we designed this new program, we wanted students to live a more balanced and meaningful university life. We are attempting to create a new culture - a fun and enjoyable one".
The program launch today featured a handprint ceremony by ten Cohort Chiefs, a colorful balloon launch at the HKUST entrance piazza, and the kick-off of the year-round Cohort Cup Championship. The kick-off included a mini game in which all attending students participated.
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1 The ten Cohorts are: Becker (blue), Friedman (yellow), Granger (violet), Krugman (red), Lucas (brown), Merton (black), Nash (gray), Ostrom (pink), Solow (orange), Tinbergen (green).