With the growth in the number of student-led clubs and organizations, School of Business students and undergraduate programs staff worked together to create the School of Business Student Leadership Council (SBLC)—a centralized council designed to encourage collaboration among business clubs and to provide funding to support a wide range of activities and events. The formation of the SBLC reflects the increasing importance of student leadership, cross-club partnerships, and opportunities for students to gain professional development through shared resources.
"We don't host events, we support events," says former President Pengchi Xiao ’22. "We want to encourage student organizations and students themselves to propose ideas which can be beneficial to all the students at UCR." The council’s emphasis on support rather than direct programming ensures that its focus remains on empowering students, encouraging creativity, and making space for different organizations to thrive.
"All the clubs we preside over have something unique to offer: resume workshops, LinkedIn seminars, hosting prominent guest speakers in the business field," says Vice President Kelvin Wang ’24. "SBLC will serve as the mediator between each organization willing to host these events." By creating connections across multiple clubs, the SBLC helps reduce overlap and ensures students benefit from the broadest range of opportunities possible.
The Student Business Leadership Council meets regularly with members of the various business organizations on campus to maximize funding allocations and coordinate schedules. This structure ensures that resources are used strategically and that student experiences are enhanced through well-organized events. The collaboration also encourages undergraduate and graduate students alike to connect with alumni and employers, reinforcing UCR’s commitment to experiential learning and professional growth.
"The Accounting Society decided to host its annual end-of-the-year banquet in collaboration with SBLC," says Joanne Fu ’22. "There were over 70 people in attendance including graduate and undergraduate students and alumni. We had representatives from the Big 4 firms, mid-tier accounting firms, and companies from different industries. Because we worked with SBLC, we had the confidence to initiate such an ambitious event." Stories like this illustrate how the SBLC helps turn ambitious ideas into successful, large-scale events that benefit the entire community.
This year, the SBLC will expand further by welcoming graduate students to the executive board. This decision reflects the reality that many student organizations already include members from both undergraduate and graduate programs, and having leadership representation from both groups will ensure a stronger voice for the entire business student community.
"We are a fellowship of students who come together to collaborate where it makes sense," says John Healy ’23, the incoming president. "We have set up communication channels and are developing our vision to increase branding across School of Business clubs for all of our students." This long-term vision emphasizes unity, communication, and growth, with the ultimate goal of elevating the visibility and effectiveness of every business-related organization at UCR.
Through its structure and mission, the SBLC represents the importance of collaboration, resource sharing, and leadership development at the School of Business. Students interested in being part of this effort, or in learning how the council can support their organization’s ideas, are encouraged to connect directly with the SBLC.
For more information on joining the Student Business Leadership Council, email sblcucr@gmail.com.
____________
Header image: The new Student Business Leadership Council encourages collaboration among the business school’s various student clubs