Plans to develop a new McMaster campus in Burlington now include a much larger presence for the DeGroote School of Business. The Business School's strategic plan calls for a significant expansion of programs and dean, Paul Bates says the Burlington campus is a golden opportunity to accelerate those plans.

“The DeGroote School of Business will begin planning a selection of expanded programs to be located at the new Burlington campus,” Bates said, during a speech to the Burlington Mayor's Economic Roundtable on Thursday. “Having a second site for the School provides the chance to develop some unique programs that will attract new students and faculty.”

The Business School has been involved with the Burlington project since it began with the development of a program in communications management. The three themes for the campus have always been sustainable communities, arts and technology and leadership. Other undergraduate programs are also under development and an integrated services group has been meeting with students and others across campus to develop a plan for how to deliver student services in Burlington.

The Business School has created a committee that will now focus on program development for the Burlington campus. A site in Burlington has not yet been selected but the preference has always been to locate the campus downtown.

Burlington Mayor, Rob MacIsaac was enthusiastic about the business school announcement. He says, “It's an important step in further defining the vision in our partnership with McMaster. Burlington can play a key role in kick-starting this initiative and City Council has directed staff to work with McMaster in developing an achievable capital plan to make the Burlington campus a reality.”