2002 - 2003 Graduate Business Programs

Objectives | Graduate Policies

Master of Business Administration
Director: David M Spann
Graduate Coordinator: Phuong Presson

Master of Business Administration in Technology Management
Director: Kelvin Willoughby

Accelerated MBA Program for Westminster Undergraduate Students

Graduate Business Certificates:

Objectives

Graduate programs in the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business are designed to develop present and future managers who can deal creatively and effectively with organizational problems within an increasingly complex environment. Graduate students have an opportunity to broaden personal perspectives and sharpen management skills without interrupting their professional careers. Core requirements of programs are not directed at specialization in one area of business; instead, programs develop cross-functional frameworks that stress balance in using diagnostic, conceptual, human, and technical managerial skills to achieve effective leadership.

In support of the college mission statement to integrate liberal education within career and professional programs, graduate programs are designed in part to help managers develop:

• the capacity to think abstractly and creatively about organizations and their goals.
• the ability to interpret their environment pragmatically.
• the ability to develop analytical skills in the face of imperfect information.
• the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• the ability to develop strong interpersonal decision making and conflict resolution skills.
• the strength of character to recognize and take into account the ethical implications of their actions.
• an understanding of their global environment.
• the ability to incorporate effective team building and to project management skills.

Graduate programs in the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business are fully accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), an international business school accrediting organization, and the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

Graduate Policies

Fulfilling Program Requirements

Students must complete all required courses as determined by their program. On occasion, and only with the approval of the MBA Program Director, a student may take a higher-level course within a specific subject area based on professional experience and prior business education.
Electives should be used by students to gain experience in areas specific to the student's long-term career goals. MBA students may take electives in either the MBA program (courses designated as MBA), or in the technology management program (MBATM).

Academic Progress

Students are assigned the catalog year in which they are accepted into the program. Students can complete the requirements of the program at a self-determined pace; however, the program must be completed within six (6) years. Students who do not complete their program requirements within the six (6) year time frame, but continue to satisfactorily progress, are moved up to the next catalog year.

Students who do not take classes for two (2) consecutive semesters are deactivated. Students in this situation must apply for readmission and reenter the program under the current catalog year that they are readmitted.

Academic Probation and Suspension Policy

Students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students placed on academic probation must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.0 the next semester in which they enroll. Probationary students who fail to earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.0 that semester will be suspended from their program.

Probationary students whose semester grade point average is 3.0 or higher but whose cumulative grade point average still remains below 3.0 will continue on academic probation. Probationary students whose cumulative grade point average reaches 3.0 or higher will be returned to good academic standing. To qualify for graduation, students must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Probationary students are required to meet with the Program Director prior to enrolling for the upcoming semester.

Appeals for Readmission

Suspended students may petition the Graduate Admissions Review Committee for readmission at any time prior to the beginning of the semester in which they wish to enroll; however, unless extenuating circumstances exist, suspended students are required to remain out of the college for at least one semester before appealing for readmission. Students who feel extenuating circumstances contributed to their failure to meet minimum grade point requirements may choose to appeal for readmission immediately following the suspension.

To appeal for readmission, students must submit a letter to the Graduate Admissions Review Committee (Office of Admissions) giving evidence that supports the request for readmission. Petitioning students will be notified of the Review Committee meeting and will be given the opportunity to present their cases in person. Decisions of the Graduate Admissions Review Committee are final. Students readmitted through the appeals procedure are placed on continued probation and must meet the minimum 3.0 grade point average requirement that semester.

Students who have been out of the college for more than two semesters must also submit an application for readmission to the Admissions Office. Students readmitted after more than two semesters will be required to meet program requirements for the catalog in effect at the time of readmission.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates for graduation must apply to the Registrar's Office two regular semesters prior to planned completion of graduation requirements. Candidates are notified of remaining degree requirements within four weeks after applying for graduation.

To be eligible for a master's degree or graduate certificate, students must satisfy the following conditions:

• meet all credit hour and other course requirements;
• maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above;
• must be enrolled at Westminster College during the semester in which they wish to graduate;
• maintain good academic standing.
  

Note: A grade of C is the lowest passing grade for all graduate courses except for MBA 651, MBATM 628, MBATM 629 where a grade of B is the minimum acceptable grade. Failure to meet these standards will result in probation and/or suspension. Students must take all graduate course work, including survey courses, for letter grades.

The final responsibility for being informed about, and adhering to, graduation requirements rests with the individual.

Academic Standards

The faculty in the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business has developed the following academic standards to support its mission and goals. They are presented here to help the student understand his/her responsibilities as a student in the program.

1. Assignments are due at the date and time set by the instructor. Alternative arrangements for examinations and assignments are allowed only when arrangements have been made with the instructor prior to the scheduled date and time. Students facing unforeseen circumstances that may interfere with timely submission of assignments or taking of exams bear the full responsibility for contacting the instructor and making arrangements.
2. Attendance is crucial to the successful completion of a course. Missing scheduled class time may result in a reduction of the student's grade. ANY anticipated absence should be communicated to the instructor prior to the missed date. Students are responsible for making all arrangements to make up for missed classes.
3. Given the compacted nature of courses meeting in the weekend format, missing even one session greatly impairs the student's ability to successfully complete the course. Students should attempt to anticipate whether or not they are able to attend all weekend sessions before registering for a weekend course.
4. Students are expected to contribute to discussions and case studies in the classroom. To maximize contributions, students should always come to class prepared and ready to discuss relevant material.
5. The grade received in a course is based on the criteria set in the syllabus and the student's contributions in terms of course criteria. Students should always be familiar with course requirements and assignment/test due dates to avoid problems.
6. According to the Westminster College Academic Catalog, the grade of incomplete is a "temporary mark given for course work of acceptable quality which students, through no fault of their own, are unable to complete; it is not given for unacceptable work." Grades of incomplete are not given for any other reason.
7. According to the Westminster College Academic Catalog, grade changes "are only made in the case of instructor error." To avoid grade problems, students should be familiar with all assignment expectations.
8. Students should be careful in writing assignments to ensure originality. Writing and analysis must always be original for each course. If there are ever questions, the instructor should be consulted.
9. Students should always be respectful of instructors and classmates.
10. The program should most importantly be fun, intellectually challenging, and enjoyable. Students should push themselves, using every opportunity to participate and learn, and get the most from the Westminster experience.