Special Programs

The Falcon Project was developed by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division to provide students with an applied-learning opportunity to investigate financial fraud. Through a partnership with Fairmont State and IRS Criminal Investigation unit, the project enables accounting and criminal justice majors to apply their classroom learning in solving hypothetical financial crimes. Through these cases, students employ and develop numerous competencies that those entering the accounting profession are expected to possess.

The interactive workshop organizes students into small working teams, with oversight and teaching points provided by an assigned "coach," who is a current or retired IRS CI special agent. There are 3 different scenarios running during project day, including a traffic stop and surveillance.  A firearms simulation machine is also used.

Students to get a taste of a career opportunity they may not know about--the IRS criminal investigator. Students also have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field and make important career contacts.

Business Etiquette Dinner

In today's highly competitive business world, business isn't just conducted within the confines of an office.  Proper etiquette skills are extremely important for business professionals who must know how to conduct themselves and represent their company at the dining table and other social settings, whether entertaining or being entertained.

Each year the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and Students in Human Resource Management (SHRM), in conjunction with the Fairmont State University School of Business and Career Services Center, co-sponsor a series of Professional Image Development seminars culminating with a Business Etiquette Dinner.

The Professional Image Development seminars cover topics such as interviewing skills, job search etiquette, and dressing for success.

The goal of the Business Etiquette Dinner is to help students feel more confident in a dinner setting. Confidence often increases as more knowledge is gained about what is appropriate or inappropriate etiquette in such a dining situation. An important point about etiquette is that there are subtle rules of behavior. If students learn these rules, then they can focus their attention more on getting to know their dinner companions and less on second-guessing their dining habits. The negative effects of inappropriate attire, improper conversation and poor social skills can cause students more than an embarrassment; it can cost them a potential job.

The Business Etiquette Dinner is open to all Fairmont State students who wish to improve their ability to present a positive impression during a formal business dinner. Participants will learn the acceptable etiquette for each particular course as it is served.

The Business Etiquette Dinner is hosted by Sally Fry. She is the Director of the Career Services Center at Fairmont State University and a Certified Etiquette Consultant. Business representatives from the region are be seated at each table to engage and interact with the students.