IBM might stand for "International Business Machine" in the working world, but here at the University there's a good chance that the acronym might soon stand for "International Business Minor."
With course enrollment in full swing, students are mulling over the usual array of majors, minors and interdisciplinary studies. The Student Council Academic Affairs Committee is hoping that soon, though, students will have yet another choice.
But why an international business minor?
"The idea of the international business minor is to play on two emerging academic trends at U.Va.," committee chairwoman Lauren Purnell said. "One is interdisciplinary minors and two is study abroad opportunities."
The minor is unique in that a study abroad component would be mandatory. This international emphasis meshes well with President John T. Casteen's long-range strategic planning team, the 2020 Planning Commission. Although the committee is not a formal 2020 priority, increasing studying abroad is one of the 2020 commission's top goals.
Because a traditional minor consists of only 18-21 credits, the minor must cover many different business components and refrain from limiting study to just one field such as accounting or marketing.
"The idea of the IBM is the most appealing first step because it places the least tax on the resources of any one department," Purnell said. "We think that it is the most agreeable idea to all parties involved."
Although the minor requirements are not yet concrete, the committee has constructed a tentative sequence. Thus far, it includes Economics 201 and 202, Commerce 201 and 202, Commerce 374, and a marketing course all to be taken at the University. The semester abroad also would offer choices in classes such as business strategy, international business and management. A foreign language requirement also likely would be included. There have been no suggestions yet where the semester abroad will take place.
|
The mandatory abroad component has exceptions, including one for handicapped students who are not able to complete the abroad semester. A possible accommodation that has been suggested is taking one or two classes through Darden to fulfill these requirements. The committee also believes that a minor curriculum would allow students to pursue liberal arts in the College as well.
The committee hopes to have the IBM plan implemented by 2003, possibly 2002.
Some Commerce students, however, have their doubts.
"One of the big pluses [of being in the Commerce school] is the close relationships formed with the professors," third-year Commerce student Tara Powell said. "They all know you by name, you feel comfortable going to them, but the minor may have the consequence of spreading them thin-no longer allowing this kind of relationship."
Powell, however, sees the advantage of the minor for those students who are not accepted into the Commerce school, do not want to major in commerce, or do not wish to major in economics.
Because the minor is considered interdisciplinary, neither the economics department nor the Commerce School alone will support it wholly. "We would push to have the actual accreditation come from the Commerce School on the diploma, but that may not be possible," Purnell said.
Still, the IBM plan remains in the works, and the committee is welcome to any suggestions and comments from those interested.
"We are in the early stages, but I am looking for student support and faculty receptiveness," Purnell said.
Read More
Administrators and faculty paint conflicting pictures of May 4 encampment clearing
By Cecilia Mould | YesterdayThe details contested between the town halls included the clarity of the University’s tent policy and the presence of suspicious individuals at the encampment.
Faculty Senate calls for an external review of May 4 clearing of encampment
By Priya Kommu | YesterdaySenators had questions about the lack of direct communication between University administrators and the students and faculty present at the encampment.
University's last minute update to EHS tent regulations document creates confusion, frustration
By Arshiya Pant | YesterdayRyan said that he did not believe there was confusion among protesters about the permissibility of tents due to warnings from University officials on several occasions to remove tents.
