Introduction to the A. B. Freeman School of Business
FREEMAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Overview History 1914 - Established as The College of Commerce and Business Administration at Tulane University. 1984 - Renamed after Alfred Bird Freeman – philanthropist and former chairman of the Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Alumni The Freeman School has more than 14,000 alumni worldwide.
Current Facts Approximately 1,400 Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) students.
Dean of the Business School Ira Solomon Phone: 504-865-5407 E-Mail: isolomon@tulane.edu
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 1
Overview Faculty The Freeman School has 62 full-time faculty members, including 14 full professors, 10 associate professors, 13 assistant professors and 25 clinical professors. Of these faculty positions, 11 are endowed chairs and 21 are endowed professorships.
AACSB Accreditation The Freeman School of Business was one of the 17 founding members of AACSB, the foremost accrediting body for business schools. AACSB sets professional accreditation standards for its members.
Facilities Originally located in Gibson Hall, the College of Commerce moved to its own dedicated building, Norman Mayer Memorial Hall, in 1942. Two years after being named after A. B. Freeman, the school moved into Goldring/Woldenberg Hall, an 83,000 square foot building located in the heart of Tulane’s uptown campus.
Goldring/Woldenberg Hall I
In November 2003, the Freeman School celebrated the completion of a new building, Goldring/ Woldenberg Hall II. Built at a cost of $25 million and featuring state-of-the-art classrooms and an electronic trading room, the building serves as the home of Freeman School graduate and professional programs.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 2
Goldring/Woldenberg Hall II
Majors/Minors Undergraduate Majors and Minors Accounting - Only available as Joint BSM – MACCT; see Academic Coordinator for additional information Finance Legal Studies in Business Management Marketing
Declaring a Major or Minor Students must select a major no later than the beginning of the fourth semester of college study. BSM students are limited to two business majors or to one business major and one business minor within the Freeman School. BSM students must earn a grade-point average of at least 2.000 in courses counting towards each major and minor. BSM students wishing to pursue a second major or minor outside of the Freeman School should consult with the Academic Advising Center and the Newcomb-Tulane College policy for information regarding a second major or minor.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 3
Requirements Requirements for all BSM students Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Management degree are required to complete a minimum of 122 credits of academic work and achieve a 2.00 cumulative grade point average overall and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in their business and major courses.
Credits The BSM degree consists of a minimum of 55 to 61 Freeman credit hours, depending on the major, and a minimum of 39 credit hours from the schools of architecture, liberal arts, public health and tropical medicine, science and engineering, or social work. The latter 39 credits satisfy the nonbusiness course requirements in the Newcomb-Tulane College Core and the required nonbusiness courses for BSM students. The remaining credits needed to reach the 122 credit minimum can be taken at the schools of architecture, business, liberal arts, public health and tropical medicine, science and engineering, or social work.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 4
Required Non-Business Classes (19-22 credits) Math 1150 or 1210 Calculus (3 or 4 credits) MATH 1140 Business Statistics (4 credits) ECON 1010 or 1030 Microeconomics (3 or 4 credits) ECON 1020 or 1040 Macroeconomics (3 or 4 credits) PSYC 1000 Introductory Psychology (3 credits) TIDB 1010 or 1020 Business TIDES (1.5 credits) TIDB 1110 Business TIDES (1.5 credits) BSM Core Classes (29.5 credits) ACCN 2010 Financial Accounting (3 credits) ACCN 3010 Managerial Accounting (3 credits) FINE 3010 Financial Management (3 credits) INFO 1010 Intro to Business Computing (1.5 credits) INFO 3010 Business Modeling (3 credits) LGST 3010 Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Environment of Business (3 credits) MCOM 3010 Management Communications (3 credits) MGMT 3010 Organizational Behavior (3 credits) MKTG 3010 Marketing Fundamentals (3 credits) MGMT 4010 Strategic Management (3 credit) MGMT 4900 Capstone (1 credit) CDMA 1010, 2010, 3010 and 4010
Requirements CDMA Sessions (Career Development and Management Sessions) All BSM students are required to complete one level of CDMA each year (CDMA 1010 freshman year, CDMA 2010 sophomore year, etc.). They must be taken in order. In these sessions, facilitated by the Freeman School Career Management Center, students will prepare for the ultimate goal of their college experience - the job search.
Business TIDES Business majors are required to take two TIDES courses (TIDB 1010 or TIDB 1020 in the fall and TIDB 1110 in the spring) for 1.5 credits each. If the business major decision is made after the first semester of the first year, but before the sophomore year, and the student has completed a nonbusiness TIDES, the student must complete TIDB1110 or either LGST 4100 or MGMT 4150.
Major Requirements Each business major has its own set of required classes (15-21 credits depending on the major). Please consult the 2011 – 2012 BSM Handbook and BSM Check sheets for major specific requirements by visiting the following link: http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/students/bsm/bsm-cat4.php All BSM students must also complete 3 business electives (9 credits).
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 5
Departments and Services Office of Undergraduate Education Suite 200, Goldring/Woldenberg Hall I Phone: (504) 862-8377 Hours: M-F 8:30am – 5pm The Office of Undergraduate Education provides student support services related to the Freeman School’s Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) program. The office manages BSM registration, student counseling and advising, student records, monitoring of academic performance, student organization advising, and certification for graduation. The office houses the following staff: Academic Coordinators of Undergraduate Education – responsible for advising students with their Freeman major degree requirements and work in conjunction with the academic advisors at the Newcomb-Tulane College Academic Advising Center to ensure that the students meet their graduation requirements. Megan Karbley advises students with last names beginning with A-G and transfer students. Phone: 504-862-8035; E-Mail: mkarbley@tulane.edu Jaime Clougher Guenard advises students with last names beginning with H-R and international students. Phone: 504-862-8013; Email: jcloughe@tulane.edu Tamar Starck advises students with last names beginning with S-Z. Phone: (504) 8628044; E-Mail: tstarck@tulane.edu Michael H. Hogg, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. . He is also on the faculty of the Freeman School, the area coordinator for Legal Studies in Business, and the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. In his capacity as Associate Dean, he monitors the quality of the Freeman undergraduate experience, oversees the Office of Undergraduate Education and reviews the student’s academic progress. Phone: 504-862-8495; E-Mail: mhogg@tulane.edu
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 6
Departments and Services Amy Macneill, Director of Undergraduate Education -- Oversees the daily operations of the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Management Communications Center. Responsible for BSM program advising for all undergraduate Freeman School students and works with the curriculum committee on BSM curriculum requirements. The Director coordinates services available to students and ensures that the students and faculty are informed about events, important dates, policies, and procedures. Phone: 504-314-2478; Email: amacneil@tulane.edu Addie Merrill Townley, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Education – Assists in overseeing the daily operations of the Office of Undergraduate Education. Serves as the advisor for all undergraduate Freeman School student organizations and advises business minors. Phone: 504-865-5457; Email: amerrill@tulane.edu Lisa O’Dwyer, Senior Executive Secretary -- Senior Executive Secretary for the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. Phone: (504) 314-2486 E-Mail: lodwyer@tulane.edu Julieanne (Julie) Gomez, BSM Executive Secretary – provides administrative support in addition to overseeing all classroom and break-out room reservations. Phone: (504) 865-5322 E-Mail: jgomez@tulane.edu Phylicia Richardson, Project Assistant -- provides administrative support in addition to overseeing Freeman School special accommodation testing. Phone: (504) 862-8377 E-Mail: prichar3@tulane.edu
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 7
Resources Management Communication Center (Writing Center) Suite 220 Goldring/Woldenberg Hall I Cynthia Fransen, Director of Management Communication Center Phone: 504-862-8036; Email: cfransen@tulane.edu Help Desk Phone: 504-862-8037 The Management Communication Center (MCC) helps Freeman students prepare oral and written communications. In one-on-one appointments, instructors work with students across the curriculum to enhance their communication skills and to provide assistance in editing papers and working with presentations. Cynthia Fransen is the director of the MCC.
Management Technology Centers MTC) Computing Labs are located in Goldring/Woldenberg Hall I, rooms 201 and 120. Student Workers are available for assistance with printing and email set up. You must have your Tulane ID card to enter the computing labs after 5:00pm on regular school days and on weekends and holidays. The Freeman School requires that incoming students own personal laptops/notebooks that meet the specifications (http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/lib-tech/ computing/specs.php) as outlined by the Freeman School’s Management Technology Center. Goldring/Woldenberg Hall and Goldring/Woldenberg Hall II are “virtual computer labs” with wireless connectivity throughout each building as well as traditional Ethernet connections. Students with notebook computers can easily access the Freeman Network as well as to Tulane’s online services and the Internet. A. B. Freeman School of Business | 8
Resources Career Management Center (CMC) The Career Management Center is dedicated to maximizing career opportunities for both Freeman students and alumni. The Center serves as a facilitator by providing career education programs and counseling that respond to the current market and help students develop and manage their careers. It serves as a liaison to the business community by developing employment and internship opportunities that align with students’ objectives and that foster long term relationships among students, alumni, faculty and recruiting organizations. To learn more about the CMC visit the following link: http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/cmc/students.php
Library The Lillian and Robert Turchin Library, located on the third oor of GWI, provides print and electronic resources to Freeman School students and faculty, as well as to the Tulane community. Many of these resources are remotely accessible through the library’s website. To learn more about the library visit the following link: http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/lib-tech/turchin/default.php.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 9
Resources Media Services The Office of Media Services provides a comprehensive array of digital and analog media equipment and support services to students, faculty and staff of the Freeman School. Located on the second floor of Goldring/Woldenberg Hall I, Media Services features a full broadcast-quality production studio and control room equipped with Sony D30 video cameras. To learn more about the Office of Media Services and its student policies please visit http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/lib-tech/media/default.php.
International Programs/Study Abroad Located in Goldring/Woldenberg Hall I, Suite 240. Undergraduate students may spend a semester abroad at affiliated institutions in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In addition, the Freeman School also offers undergraduate students the opportunity to study abroad during the summer between their junior and senior year at several locations in Europe. If you are interested in study abroad, contact Janice Hughes, Director for Freeman International Programs, at jlhughes@tulane.edu.
Graduate Admissions Located in Goldring/Woldenberg Hall I, Suite 410, handles admissions for full-time MBA, part-time MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Finance, and Special Students. Typically, undergraduate students who wish to pursue an MBA in the future are encouraged to gain a few years of work experience before applying. BSM students interested in the BSM/ Master of Accounting joint degree should meet with their Freeman Academic Coordinator. Seniors interested in applying for the Master of Finance can contact Graduate Admissions directly. For more information visit: http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/interests/masters/ A. B. Freeman School of Business | 10
Technology Freeman Website The Freeman School’s website houses all pertinent information that students and prospective students alike need to know. Check the Freeman website frequently for updated course schedules, to make an appointment with your BSM Academic Coordinator, to access the BSM Handbook, the list of student organizations in the Freeman School, and many additional resources. It is accessible at this link: http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/.
Freeman Account Every business student has an electronic account in the Freeman School which allows them access to the Freeman Directory as well as course information, assignments, and course tools. Logon instructions are provided upon entrance to the Freeman School or upon the beginning of INFO 1010.
Freeman Directory The Freeman directory is an online directory of students, faculty and staff. It is designed to allow the faculty an opportunity to know who their students are, and similarly a chance for students to get to know who the faculty are. All students should have an updated picture in the Freeman Directory. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Education if you would like to have your picture posted in the directory or if you’d like to submit an updated picture. The directory is accessible at this link: https://business.tulane.edu/directory/.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 11
Technology SARS To make an appointment with your BSM Academic Coordinator logon to SARS - the student appointment scheduling system. SARS is available on the Freeman School website for current BSM Students, and at this link: http://appointments.business.tulane.edu/.
Email Electronic mail is the preferred method of communication from the Freeman School to its students. Check your email frequently for updates and important information. Don’t miss out!
Calendar of Events The Freeman School aims to keep its students informed of events happening within the school as well as on the rest of the campus. Check the TV monitors on the 1st oor outside of the classrooms for the weekly calendar of events and other pertinent announcements.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 12
Academic Information Policies Class Standing
Class standing (or status) is determined by the total number of earned credit hours; credit hours for currently enrolled courses are not included. Credit for coursework taken at another institution is included only after the transfer credit approval process is complete. Freshman 0-24 earned credit hours Sophomore 25-56 earned credit hours Junior 57-86 earned credit hours Senior 87 or more earned credit hours
Course Load
The normal academic course load for all students is 15-19 credits per semester. The minimum course load is 12 academic credits per semester. Students must have registered for a minimum of 12 credits by the last day to add classes. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of registration. An exception to this regulation is made for seniors who, in their ďŹ nal semester, need fewer than 12 credits to graduate. In any given semester, when registration opens for the upcoming semester, students may register for as many as 19 credit hours. After the close of a semester, students who have earned a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.000 or better on 15 credits or more during that semester may register for as many as 22 credits in the following semester. After the close of a semester, students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better may register for as many as 25 credits.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students who complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 are considered by the university to be making satisfactory academic progress, or meeting the continuation requirements. Students who do not meet the continuation requirements by the end of the spring A. B. Freeman School of Business | 13
Academic Information semester each school year will be placed on academic probation by the university. Students on academic probation must attend one or more sessions of Tulane Summer School in order to correct their academic deficiencies. If a student does not enroll in Tulane Summer School or does and is unable to correct their academic deficiencies they will be placed on a probationary leave of absence for one semester. Consult the most current University Catalog available at the following link for additional information: http://tulane.edu/advising/catalogs.cfm/. *Important Note: In order to be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) Degree all Freeman Students are required to earn a minimum GPA of 2.000, equivalent to an average grade of C, in all courses (cumulative GPA), their Freeman GPA, as well as in their major.
Course Registration
Each semester, BSM students register for the classes they will take the following semester. All students are assured of space in the core (required) business classes, although not necessarily in their preferred sections or preferred semesters. Registration in all undergraduate business classes is managed through the university’s online registration system. In the event a class is fully subscribed, a student should consult with the Office of Undergraduate Education in Goldring/Woldenberg Hall 1, suite 200.
Dropping and Adding Courses
BSM students may use the university’s online registration system to add or drop a class until the last day to add in the semester. After that time, Drop/Add forms are available in the Office of Undergraduate Education and must be completed and signed by the student. All forms should be turned into the Office of Undergraduate Education for processing. After the last day to drop without record, the form must be signed by the instructor who will assign a grade of W or WF, in addition to the student. After the last day to drop with a W or WF, any course dropped is recorded as an unauthorized withdrawal (UW) and will be calculated in the student’s grade-point average as an F. A. B. Freeman School of Business | 14
Academic Information Grades/Grading Policies
Federal Law prohibits the release of grades or other confidential information to third parties, including parents and guardians, unless the student provides the NewcombTulane College dean’s office with written authorization for release of such information. Students may make this request at any time. A student’s progress toward graduation is measured not only by credit earned but also by the grade-point average (GPA). The grade-point average is determined by dividing the student’s total number of quality points by the total number of quality hours. QUALITY GR AD E Passing A AB+ B BC+ C CS D+ D DFailing F U UW WF Other I IP RI RX W
QUALITY POINTS 4.000 3.667 3.333 3.000 2.667 2.333 2.000 1.667 Satisfactory; not counted in grade-point average but is counted in earned hours 1.333 1.000 0.667 0.000 Unsatisfactory; not counted in grade-point average and is not counted in earned hours Unofficial withdrawal; counts in grade-point average as a failing grade and earns no quality points Withdrawn failing; counts in grade-point average as a failing grade and earns no quality points Incomplete; not counted in grade-point average In progress; not counted in grade-point average Indicates a repeated course; earns no quality points Indicates unauthorized repetition of a course Withdrawn; not counted in grade-point average
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 15
Academic Information Transfer Credit
In order for a Tulane BSM student to receive credit for courses taken outside of Tulane they must meet the following requirements: ● The institution must be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). ● Courses to transfer cannot be Freeman Core requirements: BSM students must take all business core courses at the Freeman School (ACCN 2010, ACCN 3010, FINE 3010, INFO 1010, INFO 3010, LGST 3010, MGMT 3010, MCOM 3010, MKTG 3010, MGMT 4010, MGMT 4900, CDMA 1010, CDMA 2010, CDMA 3010, and CDMA 4010). ● Students must obtain written approval for transfer prior to taking any course outside of Tulane for transfer credit. ● Students must earn a grade of C or better in order for the approved course to transfer. However, only the credit, not the grade, will transfer. For more detailed information on requesting transfer credit for coursework taken outside of Tulane please refer to the BSM Handbook: http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/students/bsm/pdf/BSM%20Handbook%202011-2012.pdf
Advising
Business undergraduate students are assigned an Academic Coordinator within the Freeman School and an Academic Advisor in Tulane’s central Advising Center. The Academic Coordinator assists students with their major degree requirements and progress toward graduation while providing additional support and resources as necessary. The Academic Coordinators are located in the Office of Undergraduate Education in Goldring/Woldenberg Hall 1, suite 200. Students can make appointments with their academic coordinator using the online student appointment reservation system (SARS) available at this link: http://appointments.business.tulane.edu/ or by calling 504-862-8377. The Academic Advisor can assist students with questions concerning majors outside the Freeman School and the Newcomb-Tulane College core curriculum requirements that all Tulane students, regardless of major, must complete. The Academic Advising Center is located on the 1st floor of Richardson Hall. Students should visit http://advising.tulane.edu/ or call 504-865-5798 to schedule appointments with their assigned academic advisor. A. B. Freeman School of Business | 16
Academic Information Study Abroad
The Freeman School offers the opportunity to study abroad to students who earned a 3.000 GPA the previous two semesters and who have incurred no major violations of the Tulane Code of Student Conduct. Students approved to study abroad can choose to do so during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The semester study abroad program is a direct exchange program with our partner institutions. Therefore, the coursework a student completes at the partner university is considered Freeman School coursework and, thus, is counted in the Tulane gradepoint average. Enrolled students pay Tulane University tuition and are subject to a Freeman School study abroad fee. Credit for study abroad is permitted only through the Freeman School Summer Study Abroad and the Freeman School Semester Study Abroad programs. For more information about studying abroad contact Janice Hughes, Director of Freeman International Programs at jlhughes@tulane.edu or visit the following link: http://www.goldringinstitute.com/programs_exchange.html
Testing Services
The Freeman School is happy to offer special accommodation testing services to BSM students who have an Office of Disability Services (ODS) approved extended time accommodation who has complied with all ODS procedures for taking an exam with such an accommodation. Students with approved exam accommodations should submit an Exam Request form to the Office of Undergraduate Education no less than four days before an exam and seven days in advance of a final exam. The forms can be obtained in the Office of Undergraduate Education in Goldring/Woldenberg Hall 1, suite 200. The office will schedule the exam for the student in the Freeman School. For Tulane University’s policies concerning disabilities, please consult ODS by telephone at 504862-8433 or in person during office hours on the 1st floor of the Mechanical Engineering building on campus.
Honors Program
The Honors Program offers exceptional students an enhanced environment to complement the educational opportunities available at Tulane University. Only students A. B. Freeman School of Business | 17
Extracurricular Programs who complete the requirements of the Honors Program are eligible to graduate from Tulane magna or summa cum laude. The Honors Program office is located in 105 Herbert Hall and their main office number is 504-865-5517. For more information on the university’s honors program please visit the following link: http://honors.tulane.edu/web/ Tamar Starck is the Academic Coordinator who advises business honors students. Phone: 504-862-8044; Email: tstarck@tulane.edu The Freeman School provides many services and extracurricular enhancements to supports its student body in its academic career at Tulane.
Student Organizations The Freeman School encourages active involvement in organizations to enhance students’ personal and professional development. The following are the undergraduate student organizations active in the Freeman School: Alpha Kappa Psi American Marketing Association (AMA) Beta Alpha Psi Beta Gamma Sigma Business and Law Society Freeman Investment Management Association (FIMA) Freeman Student Government (FSG) Retail & Luxury Goods Association Toastmasters International Tulane Entrepreneurs Association (TEA) Tulane Innovation Club Tulane International Business Society (TIBS) A. B. Freeman School of Business | 18
Extracurricular Programs Student Programs and Activities ● Thank Goodness It’s Thursday (TGIT) – Pizza and Beer social held by the Freeman Student Government ● Freeman TGIT Speaker Series – Business professionals and other distinguished guests speak to undergraduate students regarding hot topics in business. ● Take your Coordinator to lunch – Students will be selected to eat lunch with their BSM Academic Coordinator once a month at the 1834 club ● Cupcake Parties – Coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Education prior to registration ● Pasta with your Professors – Pasta dinner sponsored by Freeman Student Government and Office of Undergraduate Education where students and professors are able to network. ● Senior Crawfish Boil – Sponsored by the Dean’s Office and Office of Undergraduate Education
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 19
Survival Tips College courses require different and more advanced skills than most high school courses do, presenting new challenges for incoming freshman students. For this reason, the Office of Undergraduate Education has compiled a helpful guide of study tips on multiple topics. Because success in college is not always easy, we want to provide you with as much information as possible to help you achieve your fullest potential! Preparation is crucial and success can be effectively accomplished with the following hints in mind.
General Study Tips Organize and manage your time well. ● Utilize every opportunity you have to study for courses, review notes or your text books, prep for class, or do research for a paper or project. This will enable you to have more free time later. Select a specific place to study that has little to no distractions. ● This should be a place where you go to study or work on academics, not where you also sleep and live and preferably not your dorm room. ● Experiment with places to study until you find the one that is right for you, considering factors such as lighting and ventilation. Study deliberately. ● Study in chunks of time: 20-50 minute time periods that are followed by a break (5-10 minutes). ● Use daylight hours to study so that you are most alert and focused. ● Spend time studying and reviewing notes and the text book for your most challenging class every day and early in the day. ● Study actively: ask questions, review your notes regularly, and discuss key concepts with classmates and your professors.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 20
Survival Tips Read all assigned materials actively. ● Before you start reading your text books or articles, scan the titles, headings, pictures and chapter summaries for an overview of the topics covered. ● Ask yourself questions while you read. (Ex: what are the key topics in this section or chapter?) ● Take notes while you read, locating key concepts and facts, record. Reducing information to the margins is often helpful. ● Review the main concepts when you finish reading, reflect on key learnings, anticipate exam questions and review your notes. Take notes in class. ● Make your notes brief – write phrases rather than sentences. ● Rephrase notes in your own words (except for formulas, definitions, and specific facts.) ● Use an outline format or a numbering system – indentation allows you to distinguish major and minor points. ● If you miss a statement, write key words, skip a few spaces, and get the information later ● Date your notes for review.
Time Management Skills Managing your time well is very important. ● It eliminates procrastination. ● It prepares you for academic success ● It alleviates anxiety over your courses. ● It helps you become more familiar with the course material. ● It helps you maintain your motivation. ● You will have more free time if you complete your coursework in a timely manner. Time Management Tips ● Establish and prioritize your goals. ● Create a schedule that allows for some flexibility. A. B. Freeman School of Business | 21
Survival Tips ● Develop and regularly monitor a To Do list; make sure the items are attainable and actually accomplish something. ● Anticipate potential roadblocks and devise a system to defuse them. ● Use “empty time” to review notes or finish homework. ● Plan your day the night before. ● Tackle larger more difficult problems first then move on to smaller items. ● Set deadlines. ● Incorporate visual tools such as calendars and study guides.
Project-based Assignments Working in groups. ● Meet with your group immediately to get to know each other. Exchange contact information including phone numbers, email address, IM screen names, etc. Figure out the best times to meet based on class, work and study schedules. ● Appoint a group leader/facilitator if the instructor has not assigned one. ● Identify each team member’s strengths and assign tasks based on these at the first meeting to be productive right from the start. ● Come to group meetings prepared. Write an agenda for each meeting to stay on topic. ● Brainstorm ideas and discuss the pros and cons to avoid groupthink. ● Stay flexible, show respect, and be open to compromise. ● Do the work assigned to you. If someone is not doing their fair share of work, gently discuss it with them and involve others in the group if necessary. Involve the instructor only as a last resort.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 22
Survival Tips Writing Research Papers ● Select a subject you are interested in. ● Keep your topic narrow. One of the most common criticisms of research papers is that the topic is too broad. ● Formulate a question which will be answered by the material you collect. ● Get to the library well before the deadline to select your sources. Keep accurate notes on 3x5 cards, noting whether or not the source provided good information. ● Gather notes on 3x5 cards, noting the source on the back. Writing notes in your own words will help you understand the material and avoid unintentional plagiarism. ● Sort your notes into categories. This will help you organize your paper. ● Develop a detailed outline. ● Write a first draft as quickly and spontaneously as you can, using the outline you created as your guide. Once you have the first draft down on paper you can begin to edit your work and clarify your ideas. ● Final draft – unless the instructor says otherwise, double space on one side of the paper, leaving generous margins for comments. Hand your paper in on time.
Exam Preparation Tips Preparation is crucial in excelling on college examinations and can be effectively accomplished with these hints in mind: ● Calendar all exam dates on a monthly calendar. As you near the exam dates, develop a schedule for covering all tested material. If you have more than one exam in a short span of time, start your review earlier than normal and prioritize the most challenging material. ● Meet with your professor prior to an exam to discuss effective ways to prepare for the exam. As the person who wrote the exam, the professor has the most insight on the best ways to prepare. ● Do more than memorize the material. Study for patterns and for understanding of how the material fits together. A. B. Freeman School of Business | 23
Survival Tips ● Experiment with different methods for learning various types of material. Note-cards and mnemonics are helpful for some types of material while discussion groups and retyping notes are more helpful for other types. Figure out what methods work best for you. ● Early review is extremely important. The days prior to an exam should consist of only a final review of material you have already learned. ● If available, use practice questions to test whether you have completely mastered the tested material. ● Get plenty of sleep the night before an exam. If you have followed your study schedule in the weeks prior to an exam, there should be no need to cram. ● Walk into the exam confident, knowing that you have given your best effort in mastering the material.
A. B. Freeman School of Business | 24