Business Programs Advisory Council

Business Programs Advisory Council

Guiding Excellence. Shaping Tomorrow’s Business Leaders.

 
Overview

The Business Programs Advisory Council plays a vital role in ensuring that the College of Southern Maryland’s Business Department remains innovative, industry-aligned, and responsive to the evolving needs of employers and students.

The council supports CSM’s mission to prepare students for success in a dynamic, global economy, offering expert insight that connects academic learning with real-world application. Members represent diverse sectors across Southern Maryland and beyond, providing valuable guidance on curriculum development, technology integration, and workforce trends.

Formed in accordance with CSM Board of Trustees Policy EDU.511 – Program Advisory Councils, this group exemplifies the college’s commitment to collaboration between education, industry, and the community.

Our Mission

To strengthen the connection between classroom learning, workforce needs, and transfer opportunities, ensuring that every business student graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies valued by today’s employers.

Through collaboration, mentorship, and continuous dialogue, the council helps CSM business programs remain:

• Relevant: Regularly aligning curriculum with current business practices and emerging technologies.
• Innovative: Encouraging new courses, credentials, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for the modern workplace.
• Collaborative: Bridging education and industry through mentorship, internships, and applied learning.

Role and Impact

Advisory Council members contribute their expertise by:

• Reviewing curriculum and program outcomes to ensure alignment with industry standards and professional certifications.
• Identifying workforce trends and skills gaps in fields such as management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and supply chain operations.
• Recommending new learning opportunities, such as digital marketing analytics integration, business data tools, or project management software.
• Supporting student engagement through mentorship, internships, guest speaking, and experiential learning partnerships.
• Promoting seamless educational pathways by collaborating with K–12 schools and four-year university partners.

Together, these contributions ensure that CSM graduates are not only academically prepared but also career-ready, confident, and competitive in today’s business landscape.

Membership Composition

The council brings together a balanced mix of voices from across sectors to represent the business ecosystem of Southern Maryland and the broader region.

Typical membership includes:

• Business and industry executives
• Small business owners and entrepreneurs
• Representatives from financial, retail, and manufacturing sectors
• Leaders in marketing, logistics, and technology
• Faculty from K–12 and four-year academic institutions
• CSM business faculty and administrators

Each member serves as a vital link between CSM’s programs and the professional world, helping ensure that our students’ classroom experiences align with current industry expectations and emerging opportunities.