University of Michigan - Flint

The University of Michigan-Flint's MBA program has been ranked among the top 10 part-time MBA programs in the Midwest by BusinessWeek. The magazine's latest rankings released on November 5, 2009, also places UM-Flint 41st nationally among part-time MBA programs.

"The ranking of UM-Flint's MBA program provides external validation of our core business, which is quality business education," said School of Management Dean John Helmuth. "I appreciate the dedication and talent of our faculty, staff, and students in creating one of the premier MBA programs in the Midwest."

BusinessWeek uses a comprehensive methodology for its rankings. The magazine surveyed 4,222 students from 99 programs to measure student satisfaction and post-graduate outcomes. BusinessWeek also determines an academic quality score based on average GMAT score, average work experience, the percentage of all teachers in the part-time MBA program who are tenured faculty, average class size in core business classes, the number of business electives available to part-time MBA students, and the program's completion rate.

Students surveyed by BusinessWeek noted UM-Flint's excellent faculty, exceptional academic experiences, comprehensive programs, and high quality of students. UM-Flint earned an A+ ranking in "Caliber of Classmates" and an A in "Curriculum" in their student surveys.

Student responses from the survey include:

"Most professors had real-world experience and were knowledgeable in new business technologies, current business practices, and contemporary social issues."

"Professors had both real-world and academic experience. They were accomplished researchers and understood what would help us succeed in the workplace and in business in general. They challenged me, and the students did, too."

"Classes are small, and there is a lot of interaction between students and staff. I liked the intimate setting. Also, professors are excellent communicators and return e-mails and phone calls promptly."

"I was exposed to many different areas of the study of management. The program is well-rounded and comprehensive."

Recently, UM-Flint's School of Management also earned a spot among The Princeton Review's 301 Best Business Schools.

For complete details on BusinessWeek's Part-time MBA rankings, visit BusinessWeek.

To see UM-Flint's profile, visit BusinessWeek.

posted: November 9, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

The School of Management at the University of Michigan-Flint is an outstanding business school, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features the school in the new 2010 edition of its book, "The Best 301 Business Schools" (Random House / Princeton Review, on sale date Oct. 6, 2009, $22.99).

"We couldn't be more pleased with this recognition since it is really based upon what our students say about our programs," said School of Management Dean John Helmuth. "When your students describe your professors as 'very accomplished, published, and respected' and the MBA program is described as 'cutting-edge' and 'progressive' we take pride in keeping up this tradition of excellence."

"The Best 301 Business Schools: 2010 Edition" has two-page profiles of the schools with write-ups on their academics, student life and admissions, plus ratings for their academics, selectivity and career placement services. In the profile on UM-Flint, the Princeton Review editors describe the school as: "friendly, convenient and flexible;" and "A very progressive school, technology is well employed and remote course delivery is smooth." They quote from students attending UM-Flint who say UM-Flint's Traditional and Internet-based NetPlus! MBA programs offer a "great schedule to accommodate working people." Students reported the NetPlus! program to be "fast-paced" and cited its biggest advantage as attracting students from a wide geographic area. "Students are from top companies from across the nation. Some of the students come from as far as California on residency days." Students also praised the UM-Flint faculty noting, "The professors are all very responsive and knowledgeable."

In a "Survey Says . . . " sidebar in the profile, The Princeton Review lists topics that UM-Flint students it surveyed were in most agreement about. The list includes: "good peer network, cutting-edge classes with solid preparation in communication/interpersonal skills, presentation skills and quantitative skills." The Princeton Review's 80-question survey for the book asked students about themselves, their career plans, and their schools' academics, student body and campus life.

According to Robert Franek, Princeton Review Senior VP-Publishing, "We are pleased to recommend the University of Michigan-Flint to readers of our book and users of our site, www.PrincetonReview.com, as one of the best institutions they could attend to earn an MBA. We chose the 301 business schools in this book based on our opinion of their academic programs and offerings, as well as our review of institutional data we collect from the schools. We also strongly consider the candid opinions of students attending the schools who rate and report on their campus experiences at their schools on our survey for the book."



posted: October 5, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

University of Michigan-Flint representatives and Community One advocates celebrate their win following the awards ceremony. Dr. Sy Banerjee - Assistant Professor of Marketing, Dale Tuttle - Director of the Michigan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, Dean John Helmuth, Chancellor Ruth Person (holding award), Al Rennart - Richfield Industries, Don Hardy - Genesee Packaging & Tony Lander - Omni Warehousing.

The School of Management was honored as the winner of the Corporation of the Year - Education and Government Entities Award at the 26th Annual Awards dinner of the Michigan Minority Business Council (MMBDC) on September 29, 2009.

The award honored SOM's efforts in developing Community One, a think tank for the City of Flint and surrounding areas. This past year SOM has reached out to ten local businessesand engaged over thirty students and faculty in consulting projects that created value for the Flint community.

UM-Flint Chancellor, Dr. Ruth Person, accepted the award on behalf of UM-Flint. The event was held in the Max Fisher Theater in Detroit with as many as six hundred business people in attendance. Award winners in other categories included GM, Toyota, IBM, Kelly Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kellogg's, among others.

Community One is a project that is a collaboration between UM-Flint and regional members of the MMBDC who approached us with the idea of a think tank. Other cities, like Pittsburg and NYC, have such collaborations between universities and the business community.

Greg Snyder, UM-Flint Purchasing Officer, is the original champion of the project on our campus. Among the community business leaders that fostered the concept include James Franklin III, Preston Means, Tony Lander, Al Rennert, Don Hardy, Thomas Barrett, and Douglas Bacon.



Dean John Helmuth, JoAnne Shaw, CEO of the Coffee Beanery and SOM Advisory Board Memeber, Chancellor Ruth Person, and Dr. Sy Banerjee at the reception in the Fisher Theater prior to awards presentation.

For a brief indroduction of Community One view the video below:



More information on Community One .



posted: October 5, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

The School of Management honored representatives from area businesses at their annual Business Appreciation Dinner. The event was held at the Northbank Center in downtown Flint on September 24, 2009.

"In this tough economy some businesses have had to close their doors, while others have managed to thrive. We want to recognize those businesses that not only make a difference in their communities, but represent excellence in the state, and have developed a model that other businesses may want to emulate," said SOM Dean John Helmuth.

Dow Corning Corporation of Midland took home the evening's top honors, the Corporate Leadership Award. Dr. Stephanie Burns, Chairman, President and CEO accepted the award and also gave the evening's keynote address.

Other awards of the evening included the Regional Award presented to the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association, the Entrepreneurship Award presented to Two Men and a Truck, the Social Entrepreneurship Award presented to the Business Club at Powers Catholic High School, the Family Business Award presented to the Ryan family, the Dean's Award presented to Paul McCollom of Team Fisher House and '83 alum, and Outstanding Student Awards presented to Mark Harris and Remo Antoniolli.

Dean Helmuth and UM-Flint Interim Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Vahid Lotfi, presented each business or honoree with a trophy in a ceremony emceed by prominent UM-Flint alum, Michael J. Thorp.

For additional information call: 810-762-3253.

posted: October 5, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

While Michigan continues to struggle to pull itself out of the recession, regional businesses are being offered a unique opportunity to expand overseas.

The University of Michigan-Flint School of Management (SOM) is inviting regional businesses to join their Trade Mission to Russia from November 7-15, 2009.

SOM features international business as one of their areas of specialization, and is achieving recognition for their expertise. SOM is partnering with the accounting firm of Plante & Moran to jointly promote the trade mission. Plante & Moran is a prominent accounting firm in Michigan, Illinois, and the Mid-west.

Businesses get an up close look at the Russian marketplace and learn what they need to know to be part of it. The Trade Mission will provide opportunities for a number of key industries, including:

    • Industrial machinery and robotics
    • Precision instruments and measuring equipmentMedical devices and equipment
    • Environmental / pollution control technologies
    • IT and software applications

Recently, Fortune 500 and midsize firms have reported extraordinary sales and a trade climate in Russia that is vastly improved. The United States ranks as that country's sixth largest import partner.

While in Russia, the U.S. Commercial Service Office will put businesses directly in touch with potential buyers of their products and key players that will help to break into Russia's market. Participants will attend receptions hosted by the U.S Embassy in Moscow, and the U.S. Consulate in St. Petersburg where they will have the opportunity to meet with business experts and government officials to get unique insights into doing business in Russia.

The U.S. Department of Commerce will arrange tours of some of the world-class manufacturing facilities and industrial parks in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

"The School of Management constantly seeks way to help local and regional businesses grow and prosper, not just in these difficult economic times," said SOM Dean John Helmuth. "We have many outreach programs that work directly with businesses, and providing this overseas opportunity for them to expand their market, fits in with our goals to helping them succeed."

Cost to Participate is $8,500. Additional participant cost is $7,700. Included in the costs are airfare, hotels, transportation, meetings, receptions, tours and sightseeing. Applications must be received by September 25.

Download Trade Mission Brochure

For additional information call: 810-762-3253.

posted: September 8, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

The University of Michigan-Flint has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) Corporation of the Year-Education and Government Entities Award.

The recognition is for the establishment of new program called Community One, a "business think tank" for the community. Working in cooperation with MMBDC and the UM-Flint Purchasing Departmen, the School of Management (SOM) assisted a variety of businesses with the talents and expertise of faculty and students to provide information and research needed to make important business decisions. Thirty SOM students worked with 10 businesses and institutions in the area to get a better understanding of their needs and plans to expand into new product or new markets.

"We are pleased to be selected as a finalist for this award. The School of Management has the expertise to help move forward the economic development of the Flint area, and Community One is the perfect vehicle to launch that talent," said SOM Dean Jack Helmuth.

The accomplishments of Community One were showcased in a special video that highlighted the research of the students. The video can be viewed at YouTube.

UM-Flint's Purchasing Director Greg Snyder noted, "Community One provides the perfect opportunity for students to get experience in the real world that will help prepare them for a business career."

UM-Flint is one of many firms nominated for special recognition. The winner will be announced at the 26th Annual MMBDC Awards Dinner on September 29 in Detroit.

See story on mlive.

posted: September 8, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

The University of Michigan-Flint School of Management (SOM) has added another overseas university to its growing list of global academic partners. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently signed with the largest higher education institute, The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies (ASE or Academia de Studii Economice Bucuresti) in Romanian. The MOU will facilitate exchanges and cooperative initiatives with UM-Flint in areas of instruction, faculty and student exchange, applied research, and faculty development.

"Our School is expanding its partnerships with leading institutions in Eastern Europe, such as Croatia, Romania and Ukraine, offering our students the potential for study abroad in these emerging countries" said SOM Associate Dean Yener Kandogan. "Such experiences of students are invaluable and will benefit them in the job market and in their professional careers later." The ASE is one of the largest institutions in Eastern Europe, with over 46,000 students. The academy has positioned itself as a research institution with 13 centers covering various disciplines.

Dr. Seyed Mehdian of the University of Michigan-Flint, and Dr. Anamaria Ciobanu, both professors of Finance, collaborated in reaching the MOU. The agreement was signed by Vice-Rector of ASE, Dr. Viorel Lefter during Dr. Mehdian's recent visit to Romania.

In the past few years, the School of Management has formed partnerships with universities around the world, including: Dubai, Russia, Korea, China, and India.


posted: July 30, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

The School of Management sadly learned the news that one of our faculty, Doug Philpott, recently passed away. Mr. Philpott had been teaching business law in our programs since 1986 touching the lives of so many of our students. His students and colleagues at SOM will miss him dearly. Our deepest condolences to Doug's family and friends.




posted: June 15, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

The School of Management at the University of Michigan-Flint is a participating school in Michigan's No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program. The program offers free tuition to help Michigan workers continue their education and work toward a prosperous future.

NWLB is available to those who are pursuing a degree or occupational certificate in a high-demand occupation or emerging industry or in an entrepreneurship program. Participants will receive tuition of up to $5,000 for two years to cover all costs, including instructional costs, books, materials, fees and academic support services at any Michigan community college, university or approved training program. Additionally, participants will be able to take part in a skills assessment administered by the Michigan Works! Agency. UM-Flint's Bachelors and Masters of Business Administration (BBA) (MBA) are eligible programs through NWLB. Visit http://mba.umflint.edu or http://bba.umflint.edu or call 810-762-3160 for more information on UM-Flint's BBA and MBA programs.

Eligible participants of NWLB are:
    • Any person who is currently unemployed
    • Any person who has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment
    • Any person whose family income is $40,000 or less

Participants must also be at least 18 years old and must not have graduated from high school in the last two years. Additionally, 18-23 years olds must not be full-time college students. More information about NWLB is available at http://www.michigan.gov/nwlb.

To enroll, participants must sign up for the program by August 1, 2010 and must complete their program within four years of enrollment. It is a one-time offer that is available on a first come, first served basis.

If you are interested in pursuing a program at UM-Flint through NWLB, please contact your county representative at your local MI Works office to determine funding.

For information on UM-Flint's participation, please contact Krista Heiser in the Office of Extended Learning (OEL) at (810) 762-3201 or krheiser@umflint.edu for further information and assistance.

Other helpful web sites:
    • Student view: http://www.mycareereducation.org
    • Application view: http://www.datamdcd.org
    • Info & Help: http://www.publicpolicy.com/newcecr


posted: May 21, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

A newly signed articulation agreement could help further internationalize the University of Michigan-Flint campus. The School of Management (SOM) recently signed an agreement with the American College of Dubai (ACD) at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to facilitate transfer of credits from ACD to UM-Flint. Under this agreement, students can complete up to 33 credits in ACD, and transfer to UM-Flint's Bachelor of Business Administration program to complete the rest of their business studies.

The American College of Dubai (ACD) is a privately endowed educational institution established under the laws of the UAE. At the post-secondary level, ACD has as its objective to provide university level credits to students and to assist them in transferring these credits to degree granting institutions in the USA, UAE, Canada, Europe, India and elsewhere. The College also offers Associate Degrees in the Liberal Arts, Business and Information Technology that are designed to assist students who desire an earlier start to their working careers. The Associate Degree in Business is designed for students seeking immediate employment in business and for those that are currently in the workforce seeking advancement or for transfer ultimately to a business bachelor degree program.

"I think this is a great opportunity for students in both institutions, as each will have a great deal of experiences to learn from each other and plant the seeds of future global partnerships," said Yener Kandogan, SOM associate dean. "Kathryn Schellenberg, a UM-Flint professor of sociology, who does research on UAE and travelled to that country many times, was instrumental in making the connection and realizing this partnership."

posted: June 10, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

posted: June 3, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

Lisa Veneziano ('95 MBA) and Jay Owens ('95 MBA) traveled to Boston to compete in the 113th Boston Marathon on April 20. Both runners, residents of Fenton, were among the Flint-area's top finishers. Veneziano's time was 3:09:34. Owen's was 3:23:06.

Veneziano told Bill Khan of The Flint Journal, "It felt like I was standing still, but it was just exciting to be part of it. All the cameras were rolling and everything. It was really neat."

For more information on Veneziano's story, visit mlive.com. http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/runners/2009/04/042009-boston-veneziano.html

Do you know of a SOM Alum who is doing great things? E-mail Kristen at kahenige@umflint.edu

posted: May 11, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

On May 1, SOM hosted their annual Graduation Celebration. May and August graduates accompanied by their family and friends joined SOM faculty and staff in the Northbank Center Grand Ballroom for an enjoyable evening in honor of their outstanding academic achievements.

Guests mingled and celebrated at a reception featuring hors d'oeuvres and punch. In the following Recognition Presentation, students were presented a certificated of their accomplishments by SOM Dean Jack Helmuth and faculty members Mark Perry and Madhu Angur.

BBA graduates, Leesa Allison and Amber Beard, were recognized at the recipients of the Maize and Blue Award for Distinguished Scholarship. Other award winners include: Sarah Cook earning the American Marketing Association Award, Nathan Watson earning the Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Award, Kevin Grasel earning the Business Club Academic Achievement Award, Remo Antoniolli and Michelle Hill earning the Financial Executives Institutes Award, Steven Mao earning the Institure of Management Accountants Award, Scott Maxson earning the Merrill Lynch Academic Award, Paul Neumaier earning the Wall Street Journal Award and Darren Weist, along with Leesa Allison and Amber Beard all earning the Plante & Moran Accounting Achievement Award.

Nikki Taylor-Vargo, Director of BBA/MBA Programs, also recognized graduating members of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honorary fraternity.

The SOM Alumni Affiliate was on hand to induct the new graduates in the UM's Alumni Society and even raffled off a pair of tickets to UM's homecoming football game in Ann Arbor. Sylvia Gantous, a new MBA alum, was the lucky winner.

Students enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate with their family and friends and their extended SOM family prior to the Commencement Ceremony.

posted: May 7, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

The School of Management (SOM) is assisting a variety of local businesses with the talents and expertise of faculty and students. "Community One" is a new program that is offered in conjunction with a variety of classes to provide businesses with the information and research needed to make important decisions.

Community One's many accomplishments were showcased in a presentation on Thursday, April 16, 2009. Students from BUS 332 - Marketing Research (BBA) and MGT 537 - Internet Technology Market Applications (MBA) presented their research to community and University leaders.

"Community One is making available the expertise of the School of Management to help move forward the economic development of the Flint area," said SOM Dean Jack Helmuth. "Hopefully, our input will help create business expansion and new jobs."

Currently, 30 SOM students are spread among 10 businesses and institutions in the area. The program involves students and faculty working with the businesses to understand their needs and plans to expand into new product or new markets.

In just a short period of time, Community One has already produced some success stories. Mac Arthur Corporation is a local label manufacturer. A group of SOM students have been researching ways for the company to diversify into the medical industry. The students conducted interviews with procurement professionals at Hurley and McLaren and participated in an audit of label usage in their respective hospital facilities. The students are preparing a report of their findings. This project will help Mac Arthur understand the needs and usage of the hospital industry so it can create a new Marketing Plan.

"Besides helping the businesses, students get a real world experience that better prepares them for a business career," said UM-Flint Purchasing Director Greg Snyder. "It could also lead to internships and perhaps a full time job."

The program is working in cooperation with the Michigan Minority Business Development Council.



Community One partners include:
  • Waste Management
  • Richfield
  • Hurley
  • McLaren
  • MacArthur
  • Paragon
  • The Coffee Beanery
  • AccuShape
  • Epic Technology LLC
  • MMBDC
  • Google
  • Challenge




posted: April 20, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

University of Michigan-Flint welcomed visitors from the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) and the Michigan SHIGA Sister State Program on Tuesday, April 7. Saeko Miyamura, Visiting Official of the SHIGA program , and Kate Simon, Program Coordinator of JCMU, spoke with students faculty and staff about Japanese culture and dining manner. Attendees enjoyed exquisite cuisine, Japanese Bento. Miyamura and Simon also introduced the SHIGA program, JCMU and discussed the long history and friendship of SHIGA and Michigan universities. Thirty SOM students attended the event, many in preparation for a study abroad trip to Japan next month.

Asinda Gadazama , Global Studies Coordinator at UM-Flint's International Center presented gifts to Miyamura and Simon. SOM Professors, Jacob Peng and Seyed Mehdian, also presented gifts on behalf of Dean Helmuth.

The JCMU study abroad program was developed in 1989 from the strong sister-state relationship between the State of Michigan and Japan's Shiga Prefecture. Their programs are dedicated to building relationships between Japanese, Americans, and other nationalities through active learning and participation in language, culture, family life and society. More information can be found at http://www.isp.msu.edu/JCMU/ .



posted: April 9, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

Join SOM professors Dr. Jacob Peng and Dr. George White for a viewing of Taiwanese film, Cape No. 7 and a panel discussion on Taiwan.  The movie will shown on Tuesday, March 31 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in WSW 3159.  All are welcome for fun and FREE PIZZA.  Read about the movie plot here



posted: March 26, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

Dean Helmuth and the School of Management hosted a reception honoring Visiting Professor, Dr. William Sheng on March 25, 2009. Faculty, staff and students from across campus attended the event welcoming Dr. Sheng to UM-Flint. Dr.Sheng is a Professor in the department of Public Finance and Taxation at National Taichung Institute of Technology in Taichung, Taiwan. At UM-Flint, Dr. Sheng is teaching BUS 321 – Intermediate Accounting.

In the photo: Professor Tom Hemphill, Professor George White, Dean Jack Helmuth, Visiting Professor William Sheng, International Center Director Dan Adams, Professor Jacob Peng.

posted: March 25, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

Social networking has encouraged new ways to communicate and share information. It is now easier than ever to stay in contact with the School of Management. You can find SOM on facebook. SOM's fan page on the popular social networking site, can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flint-MI/UM-Flint-School-of-Management/51414103615 or by simply typing "UM-Flint School of Management" in facebook's search at www.facebook.com.

The page is a great networking tool allowing users to easily stay in contact with friends, classmates and faculty. Popular features of the fan site include upcoming events, a discussion board, photos and live-stream status updates. It is also a great resource for advising questions and business student organizations.

In addition, SOM invites followers on the popular microblogging site twitter. Look for regular updates at www.twitter.com/UMFlintSOM.

posted: March 3, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

School of Management recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the leading Romanian University, Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza (UAIC), to facilitate exchanges and cooperative initiatives with the University of Michigan-Flint in areas of instruction, faculty and student exchange, applied research and faculty development. The Alexandru Ioan Cuza University is the oldest higher education institution in Romania. With over 36,000 students and 900 academic staff, the University enjoys a high prestige at national and international level. For the second year in a row, the University is placed first in the national research ranking. Dr. Seyed Mehdian of the University of Michigan-Flint, and Dr.Ovidiu Stoica of UAIC collaborated in reaching to this agreement.

posted: Jan 13, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________

posted: Jan 6, 2009
____________________________________________________________________________