Chapman Orientation welcomes record enrollment from around the world.

With the largest enrollment in its history, the Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University (FIU) welcomed new students during a fall 2011 orientation event in the College of Business Complex on August 19th. More than 800 students have enrolled in the school’s 14 graduate programs.

The evening gathering—organized by the staff of the Office of Admissions and Recruitment—included dinner and welcomes from Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam; Lakshmi Reddi, dean of the university graduate school; and Stephen Barnett, executive faculty director for MBA programs.

Over 400 graduate students attended an information-packed evening orientation. This year’s incoming group numbers more than 800.

In breakout sessions for their particular program, students met faculty and staff members. FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg made a surprise visit to speak to students in the Master of International Business (MIB) session.

Throughout the evening, the 419 students in attendance got much-needed information.

“We learned what we can expect from the graduate program and what the graduate program expects from us,” Amelia Honores (BBA ’10) said. “It was a valuable evening. I attended sessions on financial aid and learned more about parking and other information regarding the new Brickell location in Miami where I’m taking classes.”

“There were no glitches, no hassles, no problems,” said Isabel E. Lopez Miranda (MIB ’06, BBA ’03), assistant director, finance and real estate graduate programs. “I felt great going to my breakout session and not worrying about anything but my students.”

“At the end of the evening, students had time to socialize and enjoy tasty desserts,” said organizer Priscilla Ferreira (MSHRM ’06, MBA ’00), senior manager, graduate recruitment. “The event usually ends around 9:00 p.m. but this year the last student left at 10:30.”

6120866392_29a39ef06c_b — In addition to welcomes from Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam, administrators, faculty and staff, Roary was on hand to mingle with the newest FIU Business graduate students.

Class comes from points around the globe.

Last year, the Chapman Graduate School admitted 169 international students; this year’s number is 353 from more than 25 countries, including more than 50 Chinese students.

“Our goals in the orientation were to welcome all students, make sure they received information they need, enable them to meet faculty and other students and have a good time,” Ferreira said.

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