This semester, students in the College of Business Administration will have a chance to meet any one of their COBA professors on a more personal level over a free lunch in the Bean or the Hilton Food Court. The Business Lunch program is a new initiative by COBA to strengthen relationships between students and faculty.

“Our professors have always been passionate about getting to know their students both inside and outside the classroom,” said Amanda Pittman, COBA marketing associate. “We wanted to offer a specific avenue by which students could open the door for further discussions about career selection, job readiness and the tough job of maintaining the right balance between work and family, among other things.”

Tyler Williams, junior accounting major from Austin, said if he were not so busy during the week, he would take advantage of the opportunity to meet a professor.

“I wouldn’t do it to get help in the class or even to get ahead in the class,” Williams said. “I would just like to know more about them.”

While some students see this as an opportunity to learn more about the faculty, Sylvia Tucker, senior accounting and finance major from Bellaire, is impressed the faculty wants to know so much about the students.

“This is just one more way that COBA sets itself apart from any other competitors. The relationships that students are able to have with their professors are beyond any I know of at other schools,” Tucker said. “It is great to know that your professors will remember more about you than just your name and grade in their class.  They’ll also know who I am – my talents, struggles and passions.”

Students can sign up for a Business Lunch in the Dean’s Suite in the Mabee Business Building, according to a recent press release. The program is also open to students in the School of Information Technology and those who are undecided on their major.