This program complements the Bachelor of Commerce curriculum and equips students with vital skills such as creative problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
The program provides a space for students to practice and reflect on what they learn, driven by their choices and interactions with peers. This approach ensures students graduate with the highly sought-after skills while also giving them the tools needed to become effective leaders.
GR0 has been a consistent part of my experience at DeGroote and reminded me to focus on developing my tactical and soft skills, helping to understand my strengths and weaknesses. It also introduced me to various DeGroote events as instructors and teaching assistants would always talk about clubs, networking opportunities, and workshops - many of which I looked into and participated in, making my McMaster experience not just about schoolwork.
Nicole Turner
Commerce, Level IV
The DUCA Impact Lab was pleased to collaborate with the DeGroote School of Business on our Fair banking strategy initiatives. The insights provided by McMaster Students are valuable and will help inform our approach as we build understanding of fair banking issues and opportunities in the Canadian market. We look forward to continuing this relationship and coming up with new and innovative ways to explore this topic further.
Keith Taylor
Executive Director, DUCA Impact Lab
By leveraging experiential learning strategies and maximizing the use of technology, GR0 courses provide students with opportunities to learn and grow, leading to enhanced engagement and academic success.
Each year of the program features a unique learning activity that is supported by career development opportunities, digital literacy training, and leadership skills development in an equitable and inclusive environment.
To ensure a successful transition to university and success in the Commerce program, first-year students are introduced to the various supports available to them during their time at DeGroote, as well as strategies for academic success.
The 24-Hour Case organizes students in groups to solve a specific business case within a 24-hour period. Students can work with business professionals and alumni, who assess their solutions and provide feedback on their presentations. This experience provides students with real-world insights and case-based learning.
Skill Development
| Critical Thinking | Information Literacy | Problem Solving |
| Collaboration | Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | Working in Groups | Leadership |
| Communication | Presentation Skills | Communicating in Writing |
| Self-Management | Your Guide to the DeGroote School of Business | Learning to Learn | Building Resilience | Leadership Assessment |
| Digital Literacy | PowerPoint | Excel | Avenue to Learn | TopHat | MS Teams | Zoom | McMaster LibGuide |
The Virtual Business Simulation requires students to organize into groups and take on the role of managers in a start-up company. The goal? Increase the company’s yearly profit.
By reflecting on the business reports and results of the year, students adjust their strategies for the following year and make another round of decisions. This immersive and interactive learning activity enables students to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills in a realistic and risk-free environment, preparing them for the challenges of the business world.
Skill Development
| Critical Thinking | Problem Solving Techniques | Creative Problem Solving | Smart thinking: Overcoming Complexity |
| Collaboration | Essentials of Team Collaboration | Business Roles |
| Communication | Communicating with Confidence | Communication within Teams | Communicating Across Cultures | Data Visualization | Tableau Essential Training |
| Self-Management | LinkedIn Learning | Leadership Assessment |
| Digital Literacy | Tableau | LinkedIn | Praxar Virtual Business Simulation | Avenue to Learn | MS Teams | Zoom | McMaster Linkedin Learning Path |
The Community Impact Project (CIP) provides students with an opportunity to work in groups and devise strategies to solve a real-life community problem. This experiential learning activity encourages students to reflect on social issues and engage with their community in a meaningful way.
After working collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to the community problem, students present their ideas to community partners, deepening their sense of community engagement and demonstrating the practical application of their skills and knowledge. This immersive experience provides students with a unique perspective on the role of business in addressing community challenges and equips them with the tools to effect positive change in their communities.
Skill Development
| Critical Thinking | Community Engaged Principles | Ways of Thinking | Diversity & Identities |
| Collaboration | Community Engaged Principles | Relationship Building | Reciprocity | Equity | Continuity | Openness to Learning | Commitment to Act | Empathetic Leadership |
| Communication | Understanding Community Partners | Ways of Thinking | Community Impact Project |
| Self-Management | Community Engaged Principles: Self-Study & Reflection | Leadership Assessment Reflection |
| Digital Literacy | Avenue to Learn | TopHat | Zoom | McMaster LibGuide | McMaster Pressbook |
The capstone course of the GR0 program provides students with an opportunity to work in groups and apply their skills and knowledge to a real-world business challenge for a real client, one of DeGroote’s educational partners. Students are responsible for managing client meetings, signing contracts, writing proposals and interim reports, and presenting their innovative solutions to clients.
This consulting project allows students to gain valuable experience working with real clients, build their professional network, and highlight their skills to potential employers. In addition to the project itself, students reflect on their learning, leadership development, and career development throughout their time at DeGroote, preparing them for successful careers after graduation.
Skill Development
| Critical Thinking | Consulting and Client Engagement |
| Collaboration | Project Deliverables: Group Contract, Client Proposal, Interim Report, Presentation to Client |
| Communication | Communicating with Clients | Career Workshop | Communicating Learning Experiences for Career Growth |
| Self-Management | Leadership Assessment Reflection |
| Digital Literacy | Avenue to Learn | TopHat | MS Teams | Zoom |
Do you have any questions about the GR0 courses or are you interested in getting involved? Submit the form below and a member of our team will respond.
