THE CBA SCHOLARS ACADEMY HANDBOOK WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL SCHOLAR
2019-2020
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CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
1
MISSION
3
HISTORY WHAT MAKES A SCHOLAR
3
EXPECTATIONS
5
COMMUNICATION
6
REQUIREMENTS
7
4
PRIVILEGES
11
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
12
COHORT REPRESENTATIVES
13
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DEAR SCHOLARS, I can hardly believe the Scholars Academy is beginning its fifth year with students! One of the best aspects of having years behind us is all the ways we have been able to improve since the first cohort came in 2015. You will see these improvements as we embark on a new year together. Our mission and goals have not changed and Scholars are still expected to exemplify commitment, passion, character, generosity, and initiative. You will still have a mentor, attend business visits, and meet together regularly. However, I did hear your feedback. We will have more events for professional and student development -- and ways to earn points for getting the most out of these opportunities. We will also have fewer meetings, but the ones we do have will be longer and more robust. Please take the time to read through this handbook. As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Best regards,
Bethany Hughes Director, CBA Scholars Academy University of Nebraska at Omaha 6708 Pine Street Omaha, NE 68182
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 $5,000 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 and a generous stipend to offset travel costs. • retreats for cohorts to build community.
• seven courses 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 mentorship program each year. • exposure to the business community with company visits throughout the academic 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. Additional cohorts of 20 have been added every year, and the Academy has maintained a retention rate of more than 90 percent. The first Scholars graduated from the College of Business Administration in December 2018 with more following in May 2019.
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 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. 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. The CBA Scholars Academy director and/or faculty committee may revoke my membership and/or scholarship at any time for my failure to comply with the standards expected of a Scholar, 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; and/or (2) the CBA Scholars Academy Handbook. 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.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY Any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating or helping others cheat, will not be tolerated.
RSVPS Throughout the year, the Scholars attend events, including retreats and company visits. To accurately plan for these, the Academy gathers RSVPs prior to the events. It is imperative that Scholars attend any event for which they RSVP “yes”. No-shows will result in loss of points.
INTERVIEW DAY Interview Day is held each spring 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 Freshman and sophomore Scholars each have a retreat in the fall semester. Scholars are expected to attend the entirety of these retreats. Coming late or leaving early will result in point deductions for the 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.
The actions of the individual Scholar affects the reputation of all Scholars; the actions of all Scholars affects the reputation of the individual Scholar.
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COMMUNICATION Good communication is key to being a successful Scholar, whether in-person, over the phone, or through e-mail or text. Regardless of the method of communication, etiquette is mandatory. EMAIL Most digital communication will be through email. The director Bethany Hughes’ email is bjhughes@unomaha.edu, and she checks it regularly when in the office. Remember, email is NOT the same as a text message to a friend. A professional email has the following characterstics: • A proper greeting. When writing a new email string, your email should start with “Hi/Hello/Good Morning/Etc. Bethany” or just “Bethany.” Then, include a comma and start your email in a new paragraph. • End the email with a salutation (i.e. Thanks! or Best, or Have a good day!) • Finally, be sure to add your name after the salutation. The director will request that any email sent without all of the above elements be resent.
PHONE/TEXT You may call the Scholars Academy office at 402.554.3192 anytime during regular office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). Outside of office hours, please leave a message. Another option is to call or text Bethany’s cell number at 402.819.8078. This is NOT to be used for emergencies and is still only used primarily during regular office hours. If you have an on-campus emergency, call 402.554.2911.
OFFICE HOURS Every Scholar is required to meet with the director at least once each academic year. • Mondays, from 2 to 4 p.m. • Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to noon • Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to noon • Thursdays, from 2 to 4 p.m. Scholars may make an appointment with Bethany on Canvas, under Assignments, Meeting with Director.
COMMUNICATION VIA CANVAS All requirements are tracked through Canvas under Assignments. Scholars may subscribe to threads to follow announcements on various topics (e.g., study abroad opportunities, job and internship postings, general announcements). The calendar on Canvas is kept up-to-date with upcoming events. Scholars are responsible for all content communicated through Canvas.
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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. POINT SYSTEM Scholars’ progress in the Academy is tracked through a point system, similar to a point system within a college class. Scholars earn points throughout the year for completing requirements. The six sections are Leadership Development, Professional Development, Scholars Academy Meetings, Annual Accountability, Academics, Extracurricular Development. A Scholar who earns 600 points has met all requirements of the Academy, although a Scholar may earn more. Scholars must complete the minimum point threshold for each requirement AND each section to earn any points for that section. For example, a Scholar must meet with their mentor five times to meet the minimum point threshold for mentor meetings. If the Scholar only meets their mentor four times, then they will receive no points for the Professional Development section, including business visits. In addition, the Scholar must earn a minimum of 90 points under Professional Development Area to earn any points in that section. Just meeting the minimum point threshold for both the business visits and the mentor meetings will not meet the minimum point threshold for the area. Scholars cannot earn any points until passing the handbook quiz with 100% on Canvas.
FINAL EVALUATION At the end of the spring semester, all Scholars will be evaluated based on their points earned for the academic year. Just meeting the minimum point threshold for each section does not put a Scholar in excellent standing. Scholars should check Canvas regularly to track their progress.
End-of-Year Standing
Points
Excellent Standing: A Scholar with at least 545 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 jeopardy.
545 or more
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.
435-544
Unacceptable Standing: A Scholar with fewer than 434 points has not met the requirements of the Scholars Academy. The Scholar may receive a reduced scholarship or no 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.
0-434
REQUIREMENTS (CONTINUED) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINIMUM POINT THRESHOLD: 90 Scholars are expected to meet with their mentors a minimum of six times throughout the academic year, three times per semester. If a Scholar meets with their mentor fewer than five times, they will receive no points for mentor meetings. They are also expected to attend four business visits, two per semester. If a Scholar attends fewer than three business visits, they will receive no points for business visits. In addition, any Scholar who RSVPs “yes� for a business visit and does not attend or does not find a Scholar to replace their spot will have 10 points deducted from business visits. The points can be made up by attending an additional business visit.
Requirement
No. Required/ Year
No. Required/ Semester
Points Per Visit
Minimum Point Threshold
Maximum Points/ Year
Points Expected
Business Visit
4
2
10
30
150
40
Meeting with Mentor
6
3
10
50
NA
60
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MINIMUM POINT THRESHOLD: 100 Scholars must be growing as leaders, both in the college and the university. To meet this goal, Scholars are expected to be involved in at least one non-CBA organization per semester and attend the required retreat for their cohort. Scholars can also receive points for being involved in a CBA organization. Scholars who only partially attend a retreat will only receive partial points. Requirement
Points/ Year
Points/ Semester
Minimum Point Threshold
Maximum Points/ Year
Points Expected
Involvement in Non-CBA organization
40
40
40
160
80
Involvement in CBA organization
20
10
0
60
20
Cohort Retreat
40
NA
20
40
40
SCHOLARS ACADEMY MEETINGS MINIMUM POINT THRESHOLD: 85 The Scholars Academy has meetings from 8:15 to 8:50 a.m. on September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3, February 4, March 3, and April 7. Freshmen and sophomores are expected to attend all meetings and all Scholars meet in September, November, February, and April. Requirement
Points Per Year
Meetings Per Year
Points Per Meeting
Minimum Points Threshold
Maximum Points/ Year
Points Expected
Scholar Meetings (Fresh & Soph)
100
7
15
75
105
105
Scholar Meetings (Jrs & Srs)
100
4
25
75
100
100
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REQUIREMENTS (CONTINUED) ANNUAL ACCOUNTABILITY MINIMUM POINT THRESHOLD: 145 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 Per Year
Points Per Meeting
Minimum Points Threshold
Maximum Points/ Year
Points Expected
Meeting with Director
50
50
0
50
50
*Update of AW Application (Fresh thru Jrs)
50
NA
0
50
50
Annual Report Survey
50
NA
0
50
50
**Attend Scholarship Reception
50
NA
0
50
50
Senior Survey (Seniors only)
50
NA
0
50
50
Mentor Thank You Note
25
NA
0
25
25
*Scholars in their final year of school are not required to update their AcademicWorks application. **Scholars may be excused from the scholarship reception for a University-sponsored event or class if approved in writing by the director prior to the reception. Non-academic absences will not be excused.
ACADEMICS MINIMUM POINTS THRESHOLD: 70 Scholars are expected to maintain a 3.2 or higher GPA. Scholars will earn points each semester for their GPA, for both the cumulative and semester GPA. For example: if a Scholar has both a cumulative and a semester GPA of 3.2 or higher for the fall, they will earn 50 points semester. If the Scholar has a 3.2 or higher cumulative GPA but a 3.0 GPA for the spring, they will earn 45 points for the Points Possible
Fall Semester GPA
Spring Semester GPA
Cumulative GPA After Fall Semester
Cumulative GPA After Spring Semester
0
Below 3.0
Below 3.0
Below 3.0
Below 3.0
20
3.0-3.1999
3.0-3.1999
3.0-3.1999
3.0-3.1999
25
Above 3.2
Above 3.2
Above 3.2
Above 3.2
EXTRACURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT MINIMUM POINTS THRESHOLD: 0 Throughout the year, events will be added to the calendar for Scholars to earn additional points. These will include career fairs, etiquette dinners, volunteer opportunities, and more. Check Canvas for options.
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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 $5,000 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.
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 be in excellent standing.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Scholars may need letters of recommendation throughout the year. If a Scholar is in excellent standing, 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.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Scholars must have completed or met all the requirements outlined below to graduate with Scholars Academy honors. GPA
STUDY ABROAD
COHORT COURSES
INTERNSHIP
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 all cohort courses. The only automatic exception is if a Scholar is transferring the course equivalent from dual enrollment credit. 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.
In conjunction with the BSAD 4000 courses Scholars complete spring of junior year, Scholars will travel abroad for a 10-day 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. Scholars who complete an internship for academic credit must complete the internship class with a passing grade (“C” or better) 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.
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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.
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