Beyond the Classroom - Christopher Newport University

Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business

Beyond the Classroom

Christopher Newport’s business programs integrate many experiential learning opportunities, and students can choose from a wide variety of clubs, community engagement initiatives and professional development experiences.

Students enjoy a slice of pizza while a guest speaker shares about their industry and career path at our weekly lunch & learn speaker series. At the monthly Virginia Peninsula Luter Student Chamber speaker event, students learn about the function of a Chamber of Commerce and gain insight into regional big-picture planning.

Students complete rigorous academic, service, and professional development requirements to earn a cord and distinction at graduation. Among the requirements are:
  • 25 hours of community service
  • Internship experience
  • Career Fair attendance

Our 3-month mentorship program helps juniors transition from an academic to a business professional environment. Students are paired with a mentor in their field of interest to gain exposure to workday life and confidence in their career path. Students learn about business operations, improve networking, communication, and interpersonal skills, gain insights about workplace readiness, and make contacts within the business community. Our extensive and enthusiastic alumni network comprises the majority of our mentors.

Luter Connect is a networking event followed by a formal dinner attended by seniors, faculty, staff, and over 50 business leaders. Seniors have three etiquette workshops before the dinner, where they learn dining etiquette, networking skills, and how to dress in appropriate business attire. Seniors practice these etiquette skills at Luter Connect, which is like a typical business dinner students will encounter in their careers.

We offer many engaging overseas opportunities for business majors, from trips led by Christopher Newport faculty to full terms of study at AACSB-accredited partner universities in Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and New Zealand. Approximately 25% of Luter students participate in Study Abroad programs before graduation.

From January to April, our business students prepare federal and state income tax returns for low-income taxpayers. Last year, over 130 tax returns were completed. Students gain real-world experience with taxation, learn how to interact with clients and work as a professional team.

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