BizBuzz, Spring, 2008. Volume 5, Number 1
BizBuzz Home | http://business.fiu.edu
Services aim to maximize your success.
 Sergio Chavarria and Anneli Hilpinen in Student Learning Center |
Achieving everything you’re capable of takes dedication, and sometimes, a little help. When you want individual, expert, and friendly attention so you can refine your skills and realize your potential, make use of the Student Learning Center and the Oral Presentation Lab. You’ll be delighted with the experience and the results.
Chance encounter with Student Learning Center turns into weekly commitment.
“I was wandering around the new building and happened to see the Student Learning Center,” said senior management major Sergio Chavarria. “Since then, I’ve gone there every week for two hours before my Application of Quantitative Methods in Business class, and it’s helped me a lot.”
Like other high-achieving students, Chavarria has used the services of the lab—including one-on-one tutoring—to improve his work.
“The more dedicated you are, the better you do, and going to the center can help.”
—Sergio Chavarria, senior management major
“Practice makes a master,” he said. “I do my homework, and then I go to the center and practice and re-practice.”
Located in CBC 106A, the center offers study support for all undergraduate core courses. Also, three tutors focus on specific undergraduate accounting courses, and the center offers workshops for Financial Management as well as Application of Quantitative Methods in Business twice a week. A number of special workshops—on time management and test taking, for example—are available, with more in the planning stage.
“We will have open door hours during finals,” said Anneli Hilpinen (BBA ’06), the center’s manager, who often answers questions one-on-one or facilitates small groups working together.
 Emmanuel Roman and Gus Amaya in Oral Presentation Lab |
“Take advantage of the free tutoring the college provides,” Chavarria urges all fully admitted students in the college. “The more dedicated you are, the better you do, and going to the center can help.”
To learn more, stop by the center and pick up a detailed schedule, call 305-348-1591, send email to cbaslc@business.fiu.edu , or visit http://business.fiu.edu/landon/student_learning_center.cfm.
Lab helps students sharpen all-important presentation skills.
When Emmanuel Roman, a senior finance major, had to visit the Oral Presentation Lab as part of the Financial Markets and Institutions course he was taking with Constantine “Gus” Kalogeras, professor, Department of Finance and Real Estate, he felt good about his presentation.
“I thought I had done it the right way, but when I delivered it to Gus Amaya, the lab director, he really helped me improve it . . . both the structure and the way I presented,” Roman said. “He helped me see how to simplify the beginning, how to control the way I was moving, and how to alter my tone of voice.”
“Having oral presentation skills is necessary in business because whether you are in management or working with clients, you will have to sell something.”
—Emmanuel Roman, senior finance major
According to Amaya, one of four experienced speech instructors who evaluate the presentations, “Sometimes people come for a session, have a critique, and then return after practicing what we’ve discussed.”
Roman understands well the long-term value of his experience at the lab.
“Having oral presentation skills is necessary in business because whether you are in management or working with clients, you will have to sell something,” he said. “Going to the lab helped me a lot, and I’m more confident about giving presentations now.”
Located in DM 445, and open Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., except briefly at lunchtime, the lab offers easy online registration at www.fiuspeechlab.timetrade.com. Students can schedule appointments for fifteen, thirty, or 45 minutes—which includes time for feedback—and can use the lab for up to two hours per week.