Biscontri appointed as Asper Associate Dean, Undergraduate and International Programs

The University of Manitoba and the I.H. Asper School of Business have announced the appointment of Dr. Robert Biscontri as the new Asper Associate Dean, Undergraduate and International Programs.  Biscontri assumes the role on November 1, 2022 and will be appointed to the term until December 31, 2025.

In this position, Biscontri will be responsible for the leading the Asper School of Business Undergraduate Program, International Exchange and the Career Development Centre.

Dr. Bruno Silvestre, Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business, CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership and CN Professor in Supply Chain Management will work closely with Biscontri to support Bachelor of Commerce program success, elevate the undergraduate student experience and continue to foster successful career outcomes for all graduates.

“I look forward to working closely with Robert over the next few years,” said Silvestre. “Robert has been a strong advocate and supporter of the undergraduate program and his numerous accomplishments in the areas of curriculum development, assessment of learning and AACSB re-accreditation make him well-suited to succeed in this role.”

Biscontri has been with the Asper School of Business since 2004 and has significant involvement with undergrad program advancement.  He worked closely with the Department of Accounting and Finance on curriculum that aligns with the strict entry requirements for the CPA program upon graduation. His involvement with the Assessment of Learning Committee over the years also helped the School with AACSB re-accreditation and supported the implementation of some of the fundamental methods used to assess learning. 

Biscontri was also a member of the Undergraduate Program Committee where he worked closely with Dr. Subbu Sivaramakrishnan, Associate Dean Undergraduate, along with the Undergraduate Program Manager, and Department Heads to support the Asper curriculum review process. Within this role, Biscontri assisted committee members to understand not only the program objective, but also its implementation and how it effects new and current students.  As part of his process, he authored and promoted the new curriculum transition plan.

As an Academic Integrity Adjudicator, Biscontri championed the importance of academic integrity and served on dozens of local disciplinary committees over the years.  This experience led to his current position as Vice-Chair of the University Disciplinary Committee.

Biscontri is also a member of many Senate level committees including Senate Executive, Senate Committee on Admissions, and Senate Committee on Appeals. These service assignments provide him an appreciation of how the Asper Undergraduate Program aligns with the University’s undergraduate offerings, including how programs are developed, approved, and implemented. 

Biscontri, who received a 2021 University of Manitoba Merit award for his service contributions to the University of Manitoba commented on his commitment to his new position:

“The Asper Undergraduate Program has been nurturing future business leaders for over 70 years.  As the Associate Dean Undergraduate, I look forward to continuing the legacy the program has created and rising to the challenges presented with an ever-changing business environment,” said Biscontri. “In the role I will advocate for students, so the program continues to prepare them for success and allow them to contribute to their communities.”

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With the appointment of Dr. Biscontri to the role of Associate Dean, Undergraduate and International Programs, Dr. Subbu Sivaramakrishnan who has held the position since May 1^st, 2018, will become the new Associate Dean of Strategic Partnerships and Administration. Sivaramakrishnan moves into the role with extensive experience and close to 10 years at the associate dean level. 

Dr. Lukas Neville, who served as Acting Associate Dean of Strategic Partnerships and Administration since October 2021, has decided to step away to prioritize his teaching and research at the Asper School of Business.

Asper Staff