Scholars Academy Handbook 2017-2018

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THE CBA SCHOLARS ACADEMY HANDBOOK WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL SCHOLAR

2017-2018

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CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

1

MISSION

3

HISTORY

WHAT MAKES A SCHOLAR

3

EXPECTATIONS

5

REQUIREMENTS

6

PRIVILEGES

9

4

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

10

2017 CONTRACT

14

SCHOLARS ACADEMY COURSES

12

COHORT REPRESENTATIVES

14

INSTAGRAM TAKEOVER

16

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DEAR SCHOLARS, Thank you for taking this exciting journey with me and with each other. As the College of Business Administration Scholars Academy continues to grow and thrive, I know this upcoming year will be our best yet! Together, we can make the Academy, the College, and the University better at the end of the year than it was at the beginning.

To those of you who are just starting your journey in the Scholars Academy, congratulations on your admission! We are excited to have you in this competitive program, where you will join other like-minded and high-achieving students to have a unique and challenging college experience. Less than 10 percent of incoming UNO business freshmen can claim this honor, and you should already be very proud of what you have accomplished.

Being director of this program has been one of the most satisfying accomplishments of my professional career. One of my favorite quotes is, “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do.” I hope that I have created a program that encourages all of you to do more—to try harder, to not give up when it’s tough, to look for more solutions than problems, and push yourself more today than you did yesterday.

The CBA Scholars Academy Handbook is provided as a resource for you to understand the requirements, expectations, and privileges of membership in of this elite program so we can reach these goals together. Please review this handbook and let me know if I can assist or clarify any expectations.

I look forward to being a part of this exciting time in your life.

Best regards,

Bethany Hughes, Director

The policies of this handbook may be changed at anytime by the Scholars Academy and/or College staff. It is the Scholars’ responsibility to keep abreast of any new policy changes. Scholars will be notified of any policy changes in writing.

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MISSION The CBA Scholars Academy invests in the present and future of high-achieving business students. We are equipping Scholars to make a positive impact in their communities by providing challenging coursework in the classroom, connections to businesses and thought-leaders in the field, and unique opportunities for growth in self-awareness.

WE MEET THESE GOALS BY PROVIDING: • an annual scholarship of at least $2,500 to each Scholar to help with tuition costs.

• space and support for student-led community service projects each year.

• a study abroad trip junior year, offset by a $2,000 stipend.

• annual retreats for each cohort to build community.

• eight courses, taught by awardwinning faculty, that the Scholars complete throughout their four years in the Academy.

• room for organic relationships and mentorship by matching Scholars to business professionals for a year-long mentorship program each year.

HISTORY An honors program specifically for business students was the long-time vision of Dean Louis Pol and CBA faculty. Following financial gifts from the Virginia Pettengill Estate, Carl Mammel, and Dennis and Ruth Duffy, that dream began to take shape in summer 2014 with the hiring of the first director.

After nearly a year of developing programming and recruiting high school seniors, the director and faculty committee selected the first cohort of 20 incoming freshmen in spring 2015.

Twenty incoming freshmen are added to the Scholars Academy every year, following an extensive application process that includes essays, letters of recommendation, and a day of interviews. The Scholars Academy will reach full capacity in fall 2018 with four cohorts.

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WHAT MAKES A SCHOLAR While Scholars come from diverse backgrounds and have diverse personalities, all Scholars are expected to exemplify the following traits: Commitment • CBA Scholars are committed to their educations and put forth their best work in the classroom, challenging themselves while expanding their knowledge.

• They are committed to their futures and make those investments now.

• CBA Scholars are committed to each other and participate enthusiastically in the program.

Passion • Passion is giving more than what it is required.

Different individuals carry their passion differently; sometimes it’s loud, sometimes it’s not. No matter the style, it means going the extra mile.

Character • Scholars want to make the world a better place, not just for themselves but for others as well.

Generosity • Because others believe in the program and make investments in it, CBA Scholars are given many perks—including scholarships, mentorship, and other unique opportunities. Scholars are expected to pay-it-forward by being generous with their time and their talents.

Initiative • CBA Scholars are go-getters. They don’t wait for others to make their dreams a reality.

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EXPECTATIONS Incoming freshmen are chosen for the Academy based on their potential to be leaders within the University and College communities. As Scholars, they are held to a high standard of character, academic rigor, and integrity and should adhere to the expectations outlined below.

CONDUCT

INVOLVEMENT IN SA COMMITTEE

Scholars hold a reputation within the College, and that reputation is determined by the Scholars. The actions of the individual Scholar affects the reputation of all Scholars; the actions of all Scholars affects the reputation of the individual Scholar.

The Scholars Academy has various committees to plan social and community service events, create legacy gifts, and recruit future cohorts. Scholars are expected to be active members of at least one committee, as these committees are vital to the success of the Academy.

GENERAL CONDUCT As ambassadors of the Scholars Academy, Scholars are expected to act professionally and respectfully. This includes interactions with faculty, staff, other Scholars, employer partners, guests to our campus, and other University students.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Like all students at the University, Scholars are expected to comply with the UNO Student Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may be grounds for consequences, including loss of program benefits and/or dismissal from the Scholars Academy. The code of conduct may be reviewed on UNO’s website.

ACADEMIC HONESTY Any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating or helping others cheat, will not be tolerated.

INTERVIEW DAY Interview Day is held late each February to interview candidates for the incoming cohort. Current Scholars should volunteer as table hosts, group leaders, tour guides, and other volunteer positions as needed.

RETREATS Each cohort gets one retreat each academic year.

Scholars are expected to attend the entirety of these retreats.

Any Scholar determined not to be upholding the positive reputation of the Scholars Academy, especially in the area of conduct, may be dismissed from the Academy and all benefits of the Academy revoked.

COMMUNICATION VIA CANVAS The primary means of digital communication between the Scholars and Scholars Academy is through the online learning management system, Canvas. All requirements are tracked through Canvas under Assignments. Scholars may subscribe to threads to follow announcements on various topics (committee updates, study abroad opportunities, general announcements, etc.). The calendar on Canvas is kept up-to-date with upcoming events. Scholars are responsible for all content communicated through Canvas.

To access Canvas, go to my.unomaha.edu and click on Canvas login.

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REQUIREMENTS As a member of the Academy, Scholars have a contract with the Scholars Academy to fulfill the requirements outlined in this section. Based on how many points a Scholar has at the end of the academic year determines his/her standing and the privileges awarded the following year. Requirements are tracked in Canvas under Assignments.

MEETINGS WITH COACH Scholars are responsible for setting up a time each month to meet with their Academy Coach, a professional from the business community. After the meeting, a Scholar must submit a reflection about each meeting on Canvas to receive points.

Requirement

Points

Requirement

Points

September Mentor Reflections

10

January Mentor Reflections

10

October Mentor Reflections

10

February Mentor Reflections

10

November Mentor Reflections

10

March Mentor Reflections

10

December Mentor Reflections

10

April Mentor Reflections

10

BUSINESS VISITS Scholars will have up to four opportunties each semester to visit companies through the Scholars Academy and are required to attend at least two each semester. The Scholars Academy staff will take attendance to award points.

Requirement

Points

Requirement

Points

Fall Business Visit 1

10

Spring Business Visit 1

10

Fall Business Visit 2

10

Spring Business Visit 2

10

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT To be a productive member of the larger UNO community, Scholars are required to be actively involved in a UNO organization (UNO Honors Program, sorority/fraternity, student organization, etc.) that is not connected to the College of Business Administration.

At the end of each semester, Scholars must submit three highlights about their participation in a non-CBA organization on Canvas.

Scholars’ active involvement in the organization may be independently verified by the director.

Requirement Fall Involvement in Non-CBA Organization

Points

Requirement

Points

20

Spring Involvement in Non-CBA Organization

20

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REQUIREMENTS (CONTINUED) ALL-SCHOLAR MEETINGS The Scholars Academy will have two to four all-Scholar meetings each semester. Dates will be sent in enough advance that Scholars are expected to attend unless the time conflicts with a class or another University-sponsored event. All absences must be excused ahead of time in writing. Scholars will not receive points even if an absence is excused.

Requirement

Requirement

Points

Points

Fall Meeting 1

10

Spring Meeting 1

10

Fall Meeting 2

10

Spring Meeting 2

10

ANNUAL ACCOUNTABILITY Each of the requirements below, which need to be completed once per year, are required for a Scholar to remain in acceptable or excellent standing.

Requirement

Points

Requirement

Points

Meeting with Director

50

Year in Review Survey

50

*Update of AW Application

50

**Support Leadership Project

50

GPA 3.2 or Above

50

***Attend Scholarship Reception

50

*Scholars in their final year of school are not required to update their AcademicWorks application. **Scholars not enrolled in MGMT 4230 are required to help with at least one Applied Leadership project, which may include donating to a cause, attending or volunteering at an event, or helping in some other way. ***Scholars may be excused from the scholarship reception for a University-sponsored event if approved in writing by the director prior to the reception.

End-of-Year Standing

Points

Excellent Standing: A Scholar with at least 480 points at the end of the academic year may apply for leadership roles, ask for letters of recommendation from Scholars Academy staff, and apply for conferences sponsored by the Scholars Academy. The Scholar’s scholarship is not in jeapordy.

480-500

Acceptable Standing: A Scholar with acceptable standing will still receive his/her scholarship the following year, but will not be considered for conferences or leadership roles and cannot ask for letters of recommendation from Scholars Academy staff.

460-479

Unacceptable Standing: A Scholar with fewer than 460 points has not met the requirements of the Scholars Academy. The Scholar will not receive his/her scholarship, will not be considered for conferences or leadership roles and cannot ask for letters of recommendation from Scholars Academy staff. In addition, the Scholar may be dismissed from the Academy.

0-459

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PRIVILEGES Scholars earn privileges based on their end-of-year standing, determined by points tallied after the spring semester.

SCHOLARSHIPS Each Scholar receives a minimum of $2500 each academic year, provided they meet the requirements of the Academy. Any Scholar who earns fewer than 460 points in an academic year, which is considered unacceptable standing, will lose their scholarship for the next school year. Assuming the Scholar has not been dismissed from the program, the Scholar may continue with all programming associated with the Academy. If the Scholar earns 460 or more points in the year without the scholarship, the scholarship may be reinstated the following year.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Scholars may hold leadership opportunities as cohort representatives or committee leadership positions. To be eligible for these roles, a Scholar must have earned excellent standing the previous academic year. Regardless of standing, all Scholars are expected to be a member of a Scholars Academy committee.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Each fall, two junior Scholars are selected to attend the Undergraduate Scholars Program Administrators Association (USPAA) Scholar Summit. To be considered for this opportunity, a junior must have earned at least 480 points sophomore year.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Scholars may need letters of recommendation throughout the year. If a Scholar earned at least 480 points the previous academic year, they may request a letter of recommendation from a Scholars Academy staff member. Scholars should be aware that meeting expectations as well as requirements will help staff write a better letter of recommendation.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Scholars must have completed or met all the requirements outlined below to graduate with Scholars Academy honors.

GPA

INTERNSHIP

COHORT COURSES

Scholars who complete an internship for academic credit must complete the internship class with a passing grade to fulfill the Scholars Academy requirement. Those who do not wish to complete their internship for academic credit will need to complete a reflection for the Scholars Academy.

Scholars are expected to maintain a 3.2 or higher GPA throughout their undergraduate career. They must have a cumulative 3.2 or higher University of Nebraska GPA at the time of graduation to officially graduate with Academy honors.

Scholars are required to enroll in and successfully complete the eight cohort courses. If a Scholar is transferring the course equivalent from dual enrollment credit, another course approved by the director may be substituted. Scholars may not enroll in non-cohort sections of these courses at UNO or transfer these courses from another institution if taken while in the Scholars Academy. Scholars must earn a passing grade (“C� or better) in each course to complete the course requirement.

STUDY ABROAD

In conjunction with the BSAD 4000 courses Scholars complete spring of junior year, Scholars will travel abroad for a two-week trip. This trip is a requirement of the Academy and must be completed for a Scholar to graduate with Academy honors.

Every Scholar must complete at least one internship while pursuing a BSBA. The internship does not have to be for academic credit (although it may) but does need to be approved by the Scholars Academy director.

POINT ACCUMULATION

By the end of their fourth year in the program, Scholars must have accumulated a total of 1700 points to graduate from the Scholars Academy. (The director will adjust calculations for Scholars who are graduating early.)

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8% SCHOLARS ACADEMY COURSES Course Title

Scholars Academy Seminar

Sustainability

Microeconomics

Principles of Accounting I

Applied Leadership

Course Code

BSAD 1010 1010

BSAD 2100

ECON 2200

ACCT 2010

MGMT 4230

Semester Taken

Course Description

Fall, Freshman Year

In the fall semester, freshmen in the CBA Scholars Academy enroll in a zero-credit hour seminar course, taught by the Scholars Academy director.

Reserved for new students in the Academy, this course will provide CBA Scholars Academy students the opportunity to learn about their Gallup Strengths, network with other CBA Scholars and staff, and create strategies for connecting with business professionals.

Fall, Freshman Year

One of the fastest growing influences on businesses and organizational decision-making is the concept of sustainability: meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

The primary objective of this course is to provide students with a firm understanding of sustainability and the framework of the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit. Students will hear from a variety of sustainability experts and read a wide range of current sources to learn how these issues affect business strategy and consumer decision-making.

Spring, Freshman Year

Microeconomics is an introduction to economic principles, decision-making and policies affecting product and resource markets. Particular emphasis is on price, output and input decisions by individuals and firms under various market conditions.

Fall, Sophomore Year

Accounting 2010 covers basic concepts and assumptions underlying financial accounting; basic structure of accounting; the accounting cycle; external financial statements of the enterprise with emphasis on the corporation; income determination; accounting for and reporting of assets, liabilities and owners’ equity; analysis and reporting of cash flows; and financial statement analysis.

Spring, Sophomore Year

The course provides an introduction to applied leadership concepts and practices by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to solve problems and make decisions as leaders. Studying, understanding, and improving leader problem-solving and decision-making is critical for leader effectiveness. The goal of this course is to help students develop effective leadership problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Ethics

BSAD 3600

Fall, Junior Year

Students learn about the factors, opportunities and pressures that lead to ethical dilemmas and develop their understanding of foundations and processes that encourage and reward ethical decision-making and behaviors.

Many examples from case studies and current events are provided.

Global Experience

BSAD 4000

Spring, Junior Year

Junior year, all Scholars enroll in a semester-long, three-credit Global Experience course, which includes a 10-day trip abroad.

Spring, Senior Year

This course is a comprehensive study of the analytical techniques and managerial tasks associated with developing, executing, and monitoring a strategic course of action for medium to large firms. The interrelationships between the functional business areas are stressed using a combination of contemporary readings, business cases, team projects, or computerized situations.

Corporate Business Strategies

MGMT 4480

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2017 Cohort Contract Agreement I, ____________________________, choose to participate in the College of Business Administration (CBA) Scholars Academy at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS OF THE CBA SCHOLARS ACADEMY (PLEASE INITIAL THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE AND SIGN THE BACK): 1. I am required to maintain a 3.20 cumulative GPA. If my GPA falls below 3.20, I will be subject to a review process, which could result in potential loss of scholarship and continuance in the program.

2. I am required to fulfill the following program components: »» Attend each annual CBA Scholars Academy retreat. »» Attend all required CBA Scholars Academy events, including but not limited to: monthly mentorship meetings, allScholar meetings, corporate visits, and volunteer events. »» Be a member of at least one Scholars Academy committee. »» Participate in Enrichment Activities, including a community engagement component, a global experience (i.e., study abroad) and a professional internship. »» Successful completion of all CBA Scholars Academy cohort courses. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the CBA Scholars Academy director.

3. I am required to submit the following mandatory reports: »» CBA Scholars Academy Acceptance Agreement »» An annual renewal application to the CBA Scholars Academy/CBA scholarships by February 1 of each year (an essay and references are not required for renewals). »» Signed agreement to adhere to the CBA Scholars Academy Handbook 4. I am required to attend a scheduled one-on-one meeting with the CBA Scholars Academy director at least once each year.

5. I am required to be an active member in the College of Business Administration and the UNO community.

6. I am required to send an annual thank you note to all appropriate donors.

7. I agree to the use of my name and image for purposes of describing and promoting the CBA Scholars Academy.

Scholar’s Initials:

1. Loss of scholarship: »» If for some reason I fail to maintain eligibility or decide for any reason to withdraw from the Academy, my scholarship and Academy benefits will be terminated. »» Membership in the Academy and its benefits, including scholarships, are awarded to students attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha, College of Business Administration. If I choose to withdraw from UNO and/or CBA, the acceptance agreement made between me and the Academy is null and void. »» The CBA Scholars Academy director and faculty committee may revoke my scholarship at any time for my failure to comply with this Agreement, or for acts or omissions which they determine to be inconsistent with: (1) exemplary standards of honesty, tolerance, integrity, honor and moral and ethical behavior; (2) the CBA Scholars Academy Handbook, as amended from time to time; and/or (3) the CBA Scholars Academy.

Contingent on adequate funding in the scholarship fund, the College of Business Administration will provide

the following assuming the Scholar has met the terms of the CBA Scholars Academy: »» An annual scholarship of at least $2,500 for four years or until a BSBA is earned or until a Scholar reaches 135 hours (whichever comes first) »» A one-time $2,000 stipend to study abroad

Scholar

Date

Parent/Guardian Signature (if Scholar is a minor)

Date

Bethany Hughes, Director, Scholars Academy

Date

Please return signed contract in the enclosed envelope.

The envelope must be postmarked by March 31, 2017. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of this offer.

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COHORT REPRESENTATIVES Each cohort selects two representatives, who speak on behalf of the group. They do not put forth their own, personal agendas. As representatives, they meet with the director monthly to discuss the upcoming months and semesters and how the Academy as a whole may benefit.

Freshman representatives will be selected in December of freshman year and serve until the end of sophomore year. Juniors and seniors will be selected in April of sophomore and junior years, respectively, and serve for one calendar year.

The selection process has three steps: 1. Interested Scholars can self-nominate by emailing the director a paragraph on why he/she would like to be a Scholar representative. This paragraph will be distributed to the cohort for the voting process.

2. All Scholars have an opportunity to vote on the individual he/she would like to be the representative. (The votes are not the final say, but inform the decision the Scholars Academy staff makes.) All votes, including totals, are kept confidential.

3. The final decision is up to the director and staff.

2017-2018 Scholars Academy Representatives

2015 Cohort Representative RJ Dechow | rdechow@unomaha.edu RJ is pursuing concentrations in Banking & Financial Markets, Business Finance, and Investment Science & Portfolio Management. He is a graduate of Gretna High School and plans to one day be a Certified Financial Planner.

RJ has served as a cohort representative since January 2016.

2015 Cohort Representative Emma Getzfrid | egetzfrid@unomaha.edu Emma, a graduate of Archbishop Bergan Catholic School, is pursuing a concentration in Accounting. After earning her BSBA in Accounting, Emma plans to pursue her Master’s in Accounting and become a Certified Public Accountant.

Emma was elected as a cohort representative in spring 2017.

2016 Cohort Representative Garrett Uecker | guecker@unomaha.edu Garrett graduated from Sandy Creek Junior-Senior High School and is pursuing a concentration in General Management. Someday he hopes to pursue a career as a park manager with the National Parks Service. Currently, he works at the Outdoor Venture Center at UNO. Garrett has served as a cohort representative since March 2017.

2016 Cohort Representative Chris Winchester | ccwinchester@unomaha.edu Chris graduated from Central High School in Omaha and is currently pursuing a concentrations in Entrepreneurship, Management, and Marketing. He is currently working as a wedding planner.

Chris has served as a cohort representative since March 2017.

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INSTAGRAM TAKEOVER To showcase many of the great things Scholars do

throughout the year, the Academy has an Instagram account, @cbascholarsacademy. Scholars may apply to “take over” the account for a day or a week. During the takeover, Scholars can give others a glimpse into their world of studying, traveling abroad, socializing with friends, volunteering, and much more.

GUIDELINES: Show us your world.

Introduce yourself. First, tell the followers your name, major, and your year at UNO and then add it to your future posts at the end. Always incorporate #unocbascholars tag in your posts so anyone following the hashtag will be able to see new pictures.

Think twice before posting.

Privacy does not exist on social media. Consider what could happen if a post becomes widely known and how that would reflect on both the poster, the university, and the Academy.

Be accurate.

Because you are posting on behalf of the University of Nebraska and the Scholars Academy, what you post affects these organizations. Review content for grammatical and spelling errors. It’s always better to be accurate and delayed in posting rather than do a retraction later.

Be respectful.

Content contributed to social media could encourage comments or discussions of opposing ideas. Responses should be considered carefully on how they would reflect on the university and the Academy.

Remember your audience.

Your audience is wide—prospective students, current students, other Scholars, and employers. Ensure that you do not post anything that would alienate, harm, or provoke any of these groups.

Be transparent.

Be honest about your identity. If you are authorized by your supervisor to represent NU on social media, say so and identify yourself appropriately.

WHAT TO INCLUDE 1. For your first post, introduce yourself.

Let us know who you are, what your business concentration(s) is, and any other tidbit that followers may find interesting.

2. Tell us a little about the photo—where you are and what you’re doing. If applicable, indicate if this photo is part of being a Scholar (such as meeting with a mentor) or part of another organization or just part of your day-to-day life. We want followers to get a sense of who the Scholars are, both within the Academy and outside of Scholar-related events.

SIGNING IN 1. To add another account to your own Instagram (rather than logging out of your own) click the “options” wheel in the upper righthand corner.

2. Scroll to the bottom of the options.

Here you should see “Add Account.”

Click this.

3. Username: cbascholarsacademy 4. Password: Will be provided by director.

5. To switch between accounts when logged into cbascholarsacademy from your main Instagram, choose the drop-down option next to your username.

6. When posting, be sure not to “share” the photo on any other social media platform, unless you want to share it your personal accounts. It will not link to the Scholars Academy accounts. *Thank you to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the UNO Education Abroad program for sharing their guidelines.

College of Business Administration Mammel Hall 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68182 402.554.3192 | cba.unomaha.edu/scholars The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. UCRPTTEMP1016