Featured Firms Series: Paychex

Beginning with our 28th Annual Meet the Firms Night this evening, we will continue to feature a number of attending organizations and their available jobs and internships in the coming weeks on this blog. Today, we are taking a look at Paychex, a Human Resources Solutions business headquartered in Rochester, NY and with offices in our local area.

Founded by B. Thomas Golisano in 1971, Paychex started with just $3,000 and a great idea — to make payroll outsourcing easy and affordable for small businesses. Golisano saw the huge untapped market of American businesses with fewer than 100 employees. He went to his employer at the time, a regional payroll processor for big businesses, with his plan. The company wasn't interested, so Golisano struck out on his own. He launched Paychex with just one employee. [Souce: Paychex]

Today, Paychex serves over 570,000 businesses in the United States providing a range of services including Payroll Services, Time and Labor Management, HR Administration & Compliance, 401(k) Employee Benefits, Group Health Insurance, and Paychex HR Solutions. And as Paychex has been listed seven times since 2002 as one of FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For," we are excited to have its representatives engage with our students regarding job and internship opportunities.

Interested in applying for an opportunity with Paychex? You could join the crowd of other applicants online, or you could take advantage of the fact that Paychex Recruiter Felicia Ortiz is a member of our growing School of Business group on Linkedin. Click here to join us, and start connecting with potential employers today.

Computer Lab Open for Business

We were pleased this week to reopen our School of Business computer lab this week to our students after several upgrades to the computers and other equipment. In addition to the work this summer improving wireless access in our building, these upgrades reflect our commitment to providing our students with up-to-date tools and technology during their experience here at La Sierra University.

We have also added ID card access to the lab for students, eliminating the need for a staff member or student worker to be present to allow them in. Special thanks to Eduardo Brugman, eLearning & Technology Coordinator in the School of Business (and soon-to-be father), his staff, and our campus Information Technology Department for their work on all of this over the summer.

Photo Credit Leif K-Brooks

Due to these improvements and changes, please observe the following guidelines and requirements when using our computer lab.  

• No food or drinks are allowed at anytime in the Lab as you will be held liable for any damage caused to the equipment.
• Check the Alarm Panel on the right before swiping your card. If the light is red don't open the door for the alarm will sound. 
• Please find Cheryl or Vernell before continuing to enter.
• Tap your ID on the sensor to the right of the Door to enter the lab. Pull the door open quickly and close the door behind you. 
• If your card does not open the door please take your card down to Student Life and ask for Fain and he will help reactivate your card.
• Do not let anyone else in with you as you will be held liable for any damage or missing equipment that they may cause.
• If you are unable to login to the computer(s) please go to MICOL in AMBS HALL for login troubleshooting. We CANNOT solve this problem in the School of Business.
• If the printer is jammed or out of paper, please see Cheryl or Vernell. DO NOT attempt to fix the problem yourself. 
• The lab will be available to you from Sunday thru Friday, there are no posted times, BUT please check to see if there is a class meeting in the lab before entering. 
• When security comes to lock the building down after 9PM, you will be requested to leave.
• Please save your work immediately and do not attempt to reenter the lab after the alarm has been set. 
• If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please come see Cheryl and she will direct you to the appropriate person.

Need a Tutor?

If you find yourselves struggling in any of the accounting/statistics classes, help has arrived! For the undergraduate accounting classes in financial accounting, intermediate, managerial statistics, or government and non-profit, the people listed below will be available to work with you to understand the concepts. Please take advantage of them right away. Don't let yourselves get behind! See the tutoring hours below:

 

1. Joseph Santos - Tuesdays 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Wednesdays, 9:00 AM - 12 Noon (financial accounting, intermediate accounting and government and non-profit). His contact information is jsan467@my.lasierra.edu.

 

2. Emily Johnson - Mondays and Wednesdays 5:00 - 8:00 PM (financial accounting). Her contact information is ejoh745@my.lasierra.edu.

 

3. Jonathan Pinedo Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 - 3:00 PM and 5:00 - 6:00 PM. These times are right before and right after the managerial statistics class.

 

Tutoring for statistics will take place in the computer lab in the SB, all other tutoring will take place at the table in the downstairs lobby, unless other arrangements are made individually.

Getting Back to Business...But First!

Having hundreds of students back in the School of Business this week is a cause for celebration! Join us this Friday from 11-2:00 for food, music, games, and yes, our 100-foot slip n' slide.

Our annual Welcome Back Bash is a great time to meet our faculty and staff, connect with other students, and end your first week of school with some fun. All students are welcome, so wake up your roommate (not now, on Friday) and come on over to the School of Business. 

For the latest updates and event information from the Business Club be sure to join us on OrgSync!

Summer Business Courses | Last Opportunity!

If you have not yet registered for a summer course with the School of Business, now is the time. Based on the summer course survey completed by students earlier this Spring, the School of Business is offering the following courses.

ACCT 211/507 - Financial Accounting

ACCT 212/508 - Managerial Accounting

ACCT 421/621 - Controllership

ACCT 446/646 - Auditing

ACCT 458/658 - Government & Non-Profit

ACCT 486/686 - CPA Review

ECON 255/254 - Micro/Macro Economics

ECON 241 - Managerial Statistics

FNCE 621 - Corporate Financial Strategy

FNCE 668 - Investments & Portfolio Analysis

MGMT 381/382 - Business Law I & II

MGMT 568 - Conflict Resolution

MGMT 644 - Employment Law

MGMT 654 - Issues in Employee and Labor Relations

MKTG 586 - Advertising Management

MKTG 631 - Marketing, Planning & Strategy

MKTG 656 - New Product Development

As a number of these courses begin next week and some campus departments are closed this Friday, please contact Cheryl Bauman (undergraduate courses) or Heather Miller (MBA courses) immediately if you plan to enroll. We want to ensure such courses aren't cancelled due to low enrollment.

A California Summer Activity You Haven't Tried

Summer is upon us here in sunny Southern California. Visiting the beach, surfing, tanning, camping, reading that stack of books, you'll do it all this summer.

But wait! This is California! You've already been doing those things all year!

It's time to try the one thing you've had to wait all year for. That's right, I'm talking about the chance to register for your Fall Quarter classes at La Sierra University!


So flip-flop your way on over to our Fall Quarter Welcome Page for more information on how new, transfer, and returning students can get all set up for this Fall. Avoid the end-of-summer bummer that comes with long lines, trying to remember what a FAFSA is, and late fees, don't forget about those terrible late fees...

Keep an eye on our blog this summer. There will be an event or two that you won't want to miss.

(Photo Credit: Shazwan)

2011-2012 Student Mentors | 3 Paid Positions

We are looking for three Junior or Senior students to serve as mentors to four students (each) from Fall to Spring of the 2011-2012 academic year. 

The Sophomore Mentoring Program is designed as a pilot test of a potential future program to increase the retention and level of engagement of our Sophomore students. The goals of the program include the following:

• Increase student identification, investment, and integration within the major department
• Engage sophomores academically and socially with department peers and faculty
• Increase opportunities for sophomores to engage in learning opportunities within the major
• Support the academic success of the students
• Solidify major through career exploration and evaluation of the fit between the chosen major and the student
• Provide job shadowing opportunities for sophomores
• Increase the persistence and retention of sophomore students
• Help sophomore students solidify an academic sense of purpose

As one of three mentors working in this program, you would play a primary role in how these goals are accomplished. Pay is $8.50-9.50 per hour for 25 hours of work per quarter. You can also choose to receive it in the form of a paycheck or a scholarship. And there may be some additional opportunities which arise out of this position based on some of the other special projects we're planning in the School of Business. 

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact John Razzouk in the School of Business. We are already beginning to hold interviews for these positions, so act quickly.

Job Opportunity | Communications & Marketing

Job Title: Communications & Marketing Manager Full-time, Non-Exempt $16.00 - 19.00/hour, Benefits Provided   Founded in 1900, the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce represents the interests of business in the greater Riverside area by providing members with networking opportunities, promoting the community, and engaging federal, state, and local officials in order to improve the economic prosperity of the Inland region. Visit our website at www.riverside-chamber.com. Purpose: To lead and organize the marketing efforts for the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce and to accomplish the goal of establishing a robust and cohesive brand for the Chamber. Reports to: President/CEO Essential Functions/Objectives: Publications: write, edit, and manage the production of the Chamber's monthly publication, Greater Riverside Business (GRB), and weekly e-newsletter, Chamber Communicator. Coordinate production of regular and special publications, including annual Membership Directory and Community Map. Website and Social Media: oversee the design and implementation of the Chamber's website and social network presence, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts. Develop monthly calendar and oversee staff efforts to distribute informational and promotional information via email distribution network. Media & Public Relations: coordinate development of press releases for special events and Chamber activities and ensure distribution to relevant news media. Establish and maintain professional relationships with local media contacts. Event Presentation: develop and implement audio/visual presentations for regular and special Chamber events and activities. Assists Special Events Manager with coordination of annual events, including the Mayor's State of the City Address, Inaugural, and Board of Directors Retreat. Corporate & Member Benefits: manage corporate and member benefits programs, of which duties include: reviewing potential programs, marketing program to membership, reviewing member participation, and collecting royalties. Business Seminars: organize, market, and execute monthly business seminars, of which duties include: organizing speakers, marketing seminars to membership, and facilitating each seminar. Committee Liaison: serve as staff coordinator and liaison for the Marketing and Business In Action committees of the Chamber. Lead the development of the Chamber's annual marketing plans in support of strategic planning objectives. Perform various office duties:  filing, answering phones, etc. Assume additional responsibilities and assignments as requested by the President/CEO. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Excellent oral and written communication and customer service skills. Ability to multi-task concurrent projects and operate in a fast-paced office environment. Ability to work as a member of a team or independently with limited supervision. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficiency with Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office and graphics/desktop publishing applications, social media networks, and audio/visual equipment. Qualifications and Requirements: Preferred bachelor's degree OR equivalent experience in a professional environment. Able to lift 25 lbs without difficulty. Must have reliable transportation. To Apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Communications and Marketing Manager Jesse Melgar at jmelgar@riverside-chamber.com.   No phone calls please.

13 Accounting Internship Opportunities

Thanks goes to Professor Kristine Webster for sharing this information. There are thirteen internship opportunities currently available at prestigious firms in multiple states across the U.S. Read more below and note that not only are many of these paid internships, but a number of them also lead to job offers after graduation. Act quickly!

All La Sierra Business Students | Win $100 For Your Thoughts

Students Engage in Research Emphasis Week

La Sierra University is home to incredible research opportunities for students and faculty, and our School of Business is no exception. The annual Research Emphasis Week at La Sierra provides an excellent opportunity to share the intense challenges and breakthroughs that come with engagement in research. Tonight, we were proud to have two groups of students share their work and insight.

Maria Andrea Mattheus speaks to an audience member
during her Colombia Project presentation

Representing two years of work by our SIFE team, developing a project for displaced families in Colombia, was Maria Andrea Mattheus. She spoke tonight on the intensive research needed to plan the implementation of the project, the assessment and feedback tools needed to continuously improve it, and the importance of strong partners and mentors such as renowned business author Linda Pinson.

(Left to Right) Lizzie Arouca, Vanisara Nicole Anthony
and Alexandre Schmidt discuss their marketing research work 

Last Fall, a team of four students, Lizzie Arouca, Alexandre Schmidt, Vanisara Nicole Anthony, and Courtney Yamanishi, were selected from a field of tough competition in our very first Dean's Challenge of the year. The team was awarded $2,500 for their development of an excellent marketing plan for Turner Development and their 100,000-square-foot center of stores, service establishments, a hotel and restaurants along Riverwalk Parkway. Tonight three members of the team were back to share their experiences and methodology in the in-depth research needed for such a task.

Dr. Gary Chartier

Research Emphasis Week is far from over at La Sierra University. For a complete schedule of events provided by the Office of Sponsored Research, click here.

And be sure to join us tomorrow evening, Wednesday June 1 at 7:00 P.M. in Cossentine Hall Room #106 for what is certain to be a thought-provoking Faculty Senate Distinguished Scholarship Award Lecture by our very own Dr. Gary Chartier: “Anarchy as a Research Program in Law.”

Annual Survey | Win $100

Each year, the School of Business conducts a survey of all our students. We are always looking for new ways to improve our programs and services, and many of our recent improvements have been heavily based upon student feedback. This year, we are trying something new, conducting this important annual survey online. Simply fill out the form below and save the code you are given upon submission. Once you have obtained the code, click here to enter for a chance to win $100. All submissions remain anonymous as your code will not be connected in any way to your submitted survey. Thank you for your valuable feedback!

Enter Survey Code | Win $100

Attention Students,

Have you completed our annual survey yet? Every submission is given a code to enter into the following form. Enter today for a chance to win $100. This contest is ongoing until otherwise posted on this blog.

Dean's Challenge | And the Winners Are...

In March, when we first posted our latest Dean's Challenge, Welcome to the Revolution, we had no idea how amazing of a student response we would obtain. Selecting just four winners was no simple task. All of the submissions demonstrated. incredible insight, creativity, and initiative.

Check back soon for the full story, but let's get right to the results.

• First Place winners, each receiving $1,000, are Jonathan Davidson and Jee (Koreman) Lee. 
• Second Place winner, receiving $500, is Nichole Bartlett. 
• Third Place winner, receiving $250 is Jawon Smith. 

Congratulations to all of our participants and winners. And be sure to keep an eye on our blog and social networks for our next Dean's Challenge.

Designed to challenge and cultivate creative solutions to real problems in the world around us, the Dean's Challenge is a highly rewarding (academically and financially) opportunity for individual and groups of students.

Want an Internship? | Have a Minute (Literally)?

The Riverside EDvantage Internship program will be hosting two speed interview sessions for interns at the 3rd Annual Small Business Resource Expo on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 (See flier below). If you are a student interested in interviewing for internship opportunities this summer, please contact Deisy Ruiz, Internship & Volunteer Coordinator to secure your spot. Admission is free, but space is limited!

Deisy Ruiz
Internship & Volunteer Coordinator
City of Riverside: Office of the Mayor
(951) 826-5372
druiz@riversideca.gov

Notice for Students | Gym Traffic Light

Campus Security is reminding students this week that the flashing red traffic light at the Gym/Alumni Pavillion crosswalk is to be observed as a stop sign. Drivers seen coasting through the light will be ticketed. As always, we strongly encourage students (and faculty/staff) to note and observe campus rules and guidelines to keep our shared learning environment a happy and safe one. Click here for the latest updates from the LSU Department of Security.

Photo by Michael Dorausch

Paid Internship | Rising Stars in Transit

We're always keeping an eye out for great internship opportunities, and we've got a great local one for you from the Riverside County Transportation Commission. This temporary position, described below, also pays up to $18.00 per hour!

Under supervision, the intern position would provide a number of support duties for the Multimodal Services Department. The position would involve assistance with specific transit data tracking and reporting functions, Metrolink and station performance tracking and reporting functions, passenger surveys, and the ongoing maintenance of information in the station activities database. The position may also assist with public meetings and special events related to transportation projects. Learn more at http://www.rctc.org/downloads/EO_Intern.pdf

Photo by Walid Hassanein

Join the REVOlution | May 15

REVO La Sierra Team 2010

There is nothing better for us than to see our very own students using their knowledge, skill, and abilities to make the world around them a better place. So we are pleased to announce that REVO is back! REVO, short for "revolution," was an amazing way last year for students, faculty and staff, and community members of La Sierra to utilize their talents to raise money for a great cause. Through an art show, concert, and fashion show, this student-led group was able to raise over $24,000 for an orphanage in Rwanda.

This year, REVO La Sierra has decided to pair with an International Justice Missions (IJM). IJM is a human rights agency that seeks to give justice, relief, and support to the victims of slavery, sexual exploitation, and violence. Not only does IJM seek to prosecute those who commit these heinous acts of exploitation, but it seeks to rehabilitate and support the victims of these crimes. Finally, IJM fights to make perpetrators accountable for their actions, as well as change the systems that allow trades like this to prosper in the hope of one day ending human trafficking. We will be focusing on the area of Southeast Asia, where human trafficking, especially the sex trade, is extremely prevalent.

Help REVO fight Human Trafficking

Warning: Content not suitable for young viewers. 

REVO will be hosting a fashion show on Sunday, May 15 at 6:30 PM with other events such as auctions and raffles. All proceeds will go to IJM. Can't make it? Donate to this cause online by clicking here. We are proud of School of Business student Jaylene Chung and her team for actively engaging in this global challenge.

Assistance Needed | Oakwood University

Last week, a series of deadly tornadoes tore through the Southern and Eastern United States, leaving a trail of destruction and taking more than 350 lives. Oakwood University, our sister institution in Huntsville, Alabama, was spared from a direct hit by this tornado outbreak, but power and food shortages have crippled operations on the campus as outlined in the following press release

April 28, 2011

*UPDATE*

Given the state of emergency declared by the Governor of Alabama, and due to the uncertainty of the return of power and utilities to the City of Huntsville and to the Oakwood University campus, for the safety and comfort of all concerned, students are released from the remainder of the Spring Semester 2011. They are free to return home, immediately. All pending final exams for the Spring semester have been cancelled, and the faculty will facilitate the calculation of grades. Once the campus returns to normal operations, the student body should contact their instructors concerning final grades.

In light of the fact that the VBC is cancelling currently scheduled events and due to the uncertainty of the restoration of power to the City of Huntsville and the widespread impact to employees and to the University, Oakwood administration has rescheduled Commencement exercises for Memorial Day weekend, May 27 and 28, 2011.

International students at Oakwood University have been particularly affected by this ongoing situation due to transportation challenges and food shortages. Please join us in assisting our friends by making a donation to the Oakwood University International Student Relief fund at http://goo.gl/17PHK.

For the latest update on the state of the campus at Oakwood University, please watch the video message below from Dr. Leslie Pollard, President.

LSU Students Vote in Municipal Election

Representing a voting population nearly 50,000 strong, college students in Riverside County have the potential to determine the outcome of nearly any vote on the ballot.

As May 23 is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming June 7 Municipal Election, it is time to join other La Sierra University students and students from all over Riverside in the voting process. While La Sierra University may not engage in endorsing any particular candidate and/or ballot measure, we in the School of Business certainly encourage all of our students to exercise their right to vote. To learn more about the process and/or to register to vote in Riverside, please visit http://goo.gl/OKcqe. And if you live on or around the campus of La Sierra University, be sure to vote on the City of Riverside Council Seat for our area, currently held by Councilman Steve Adams. A .pdf of candidate information is available at http://goo.gl/Tc0Ug.