The Dean's Advisory Councils (DACs) play an integral role in identifying and driving priorities of strategic importance to the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. The DACs are non-governing boards and operate on a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model compirsed of a Waterloo- and Toronto-based core with regional councils in Ottawa, Calgary, New York, Silicon Valley and London, UK.

The Council’s role is threefold: to supply advice and guidance, to serve as an advocate for the Lazaridis School in their communities, and to work to support the achievements of the Lazaridis School’s strategic initiatives. Comprised of prominent alumni and industry leaders, these councils work to raise the visibility and awareness of the Lazaridis School. Members are invited and appointed by the dean to three-year terms. The councils meet twice yearly, once in the fall and once in the spring.

The Dean’s Advisory Council has three key roles and functions:

Advice

Provide advice and counsel to the Lazaridis School senior leadership team with respect to school strategy, programs, business trends, changing needs of the community and the development of future Lazaridis School initiatives.

Reputation and Advocacy

Serves as an advocate and brand ambassador for the Lazaridis School with businesses and other stakeholders, seeking to extend the influence, reputation, and resources of the school while raising its visibility and reputation within the business community.

Support

Identify areas for the business community and Lazaridis School to make contributions to each other; facilitate employment and co-op opportunities for students, refer candidates to degree programs in addition to our graduate and executive education programs; and, when available, participate in student mentoring, classroom presentations, and other speaking engagements, career opportunities, research projects, guest lecturers and mentoring.