January 30, 2012
In fall 2011, undergraduate Tobin students enrolled in the
Administrative and Organizational Behavior course (MGMT 2301)
participated in the department’s first academic service learning
project with partner New Ground, a Long Island-based non-profit
organization who assists at-risk families with educational
assistance and tools for financial independence.
Student teams coordinated by Dr. Niall Hegarty, assistant professor
of management, were charged with the task of identifying New
Ground’s current challenges, predicting future obstacles and
developing solutions to help the organization expand its operations
to serve more families and meet an increasing demand. Faced
with a limited budget and minimal staff, New Ground Chief Executive
Shannon Boyle hoped the student recommendations would offer ideas
to improve productivity while effectively using existing human
capital and resources.
“In-service learning provides hands-on industry consulting exposure
to our students while fulfilling our mission of social
responsibility,” highlights Management Department Chair Dr. John
Angelidis.
The top three group presentations included suggestions on updating
the New Ground Web site, implementing social networking to increase
awareness and acquire donations; and the creation of an alliance
with colleges to increase staff.
Due to last semester’s success, the management department has
expanded the spring project to include a second class, Strategic
Management (MGMT 4329), and a new organization, Moma’s House, a
transitional housing program for women recovering from domestic
violence.
New Ground identifies at-risk families and veterans through various
government agencies and provides long-term affordable housing for a
period of three-to-five years in an effort to help them become
self-sufficient. Founded in 1991, New Ground celebrated its 20th
year of breaking the cycle of homelessness by educating and
improving the financial literacy of its clients.
Photo Gallery
About Academic Service Learning at St. John’s
University
Academic Service-Learning at St. John’s is part of the Vincentian
Institute for Social Action (VITA). The classroom/experiential
site- based program involve students in some form of required
community service that benefits the common (public) good and uses
service as a means of understanding course concepts. The
service activity meets course objectives, and through reflection
students examine issues pertaining to social justice and
responsibility.
About the Peter J. Tobin College of Business
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business has provided a high-quality
business education for over eighty years, offering individuals from
throughout the world the opportunity to study in New York’s dynamic
business environment. The innovative curriculum emphasizes an
analytic and hands-on understanding of business practice that
prepares graduates to excel in today’s global marketplace.
For additional information about the Peter J. Tobin College of
Business, please contact Asia Hauter at (718) 990-6218, via e-mail
at hautera@stjohns.edu or
visit us at www.stjohns.edu/tobin.