Table of Contents

Key

Academic Conduct Policy

All members of the academic community at Oakland University are expected to practice and uphold standards of academic integrity and honesty. Academic integrity means representing oneself and one’s work honestly. Misrepresentation is cheating since it means the student is claiming credit for ideas or work not actually his or hers and is thereby seeking a grade that is not actually earned. For examples of academic dishonestly, and a complete listing of instructor/student standards in the context of academic conduct, please refer to the Graduate Catalog.

If a student believes that practices by the instructor are conducive to cheating, he or she may convey this information to the instructor, to the chairperson of the department, or to any member of the student/faculty Academic Conduct Committee (either directly or through the Office of the Dean of Students).

If academic misconduct is determined by the Academic Conduct Committee, the committee assesses penalties ranging from academic disciplinary reprimand, to academic probation, to suspension or expulsion (dismissal) from the university. All conduct records are maintained in the Dean of Students Office.

Address Changes

Each student is responsible for maintaining a current mailing address with the university to which it can send official mailings. To change your address, complete an Oakland University Student Information form at the Registration Office, 100 O'Dowd Hall, indicating your new address. Informal notices filed with other offices do not necessarily result in an orderly change of address. Failure to receive mailings sent to non-current addresses shall not constitute a basis for exception to university policies. Please also notify the Office of Graduate Business Programs of all address/telephone number changes.

Application For Degree

Students are required to apply for graduation. The Schedule of Classes will give the appropriate deadline for filing the application. Be sure to check the deadline date the semester prior to your last semester.  An Application for Degree may be obtained at and submitted to the Academic Record’s Office, 102 O’Dowd Hall.

PMC students must also apply for graduation to receive their certificate and to have the certificate posted on their transcripts.

An Application for Degree is good for one term only. Any change in graduation plans requires filing a new application and paying an additional fee.

Bookstore

The Oakland University Bookcenter is the main source for textbooks. It is located in the lower level of the Oakland Center. Each course is listed along with the books required or recommended for that course. You may buy books before going to the first class. The bookstore will take cash, check, and Visa or Mastercard. Save your receipt, it will be required to return books for full refund if you change classes, or have purchased the wrong book. For hours of operation, please contact the Bookcenter at (248) 370-2404.

Students may also purchase books from Textbook Outlet, located across Walton Blvd. From the university.  Additional resources for textbooks include web sites such as http://www.amazon.com.

Catalog

A copy of the current undergraduate and/or graduate catalog may be obtained for no charge at the University Bookcenter.   The catalogs can also be found on the Oakland University web site.

Closed Classes

See Waitlist Procedures on page 11.

Commencement

Commencement ceremonies are held twice a year, in May and December. Details will be mailed to all degree candidates. For further information, please check the Oakland University website or call the Office of the University Marshal at (248) 370-2190.

Students are reminded that to become eligible to graduate, an Application for Degree form must be filed.  See "Application for Degree".

Concentrations

The MBA program offers students the opportunity to concentrate their elective work in a given discipline or inter-disciplinary area. Currently the MBA program at Oakland University has ten areas of concentration in Accounting, Business Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources Management, International Business, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Production/Operations Management and Supply Chain Management. Students may complete up to two concentrations.  In some cases, students with specified electives may need to complete additional electives to earn a concentration.

Course Waivers

Students may be exempted from core courses if the student has passed an equivalent undergraduate course with a grade of 2.0 (C) or better within the previous 10 years. Exemption from a core course reduces the total credit requirement for degree. Students exempted from some or all of the core classes will be required to take a minimum of 36 MBA credits, 30 MAcc credits, 33 MSITM credits or 15 PMC credits.

The Office of Graduate Business Programs determines exemptions from core courses after an evaluation of the student’s transcript. If you are not exempted from a course that you feel you should have been, you can complete a Course Equivalency Evaluation Request Form, available in the Office of Graduate Business Programs or on the web. A detailed course description and syllabus must accompany this form.

Degree Requirements

All new students receive a Transcript Evaluation/Plan of Work detailing the courses required to complete their graduate business program. Students are expected to follow their individualized plan of work. Questions regarding your plan of work should be directed to your adviser.

As part of the MBA program, students must take at least one graduate level course in each of the functional areas (i.e., at least one graduate course in ACC, FIN, MIS, MKT, ORG, & POM) either as one of the five MBA electives or in addition to these electives.

Each MBA student is required to complete a minimum of 36 credits for the degree. The actual number of credits required is outlined in each student’s plan of work and ranges from 36 to 48 credits. Every student must complete MGT 535, Policy, Strategy & Goals and a minimum of 15 credits of electives as outlined on his/her individual plan of work.

Each MAcc student is required to complete a minimum of 30 credits for degree. The required classes are outlined on each student’s plan of work.

Each MSITM student is required to complete a minimum of  33 credits for degree.  The actual number of credits required is outlined in each student’s plan of work and ranges from 33 to 51 credits.  Every student must complete MIS 650, IT Management and Strategy .

Each PMC student is required to complete a minimum of 15 credits for the certificate. The required classes are outlined on each student’s plan of work.

Please be aware that not all courses are offered every term. Prerequisites for all graduate business courses must be observed.

In accordance with the university requirements for graduate students, a grade point average of 3.00 is required for graduation*. Students, therefore, should maintain at least a 3.00 grade point average. No grade below 2.0 may be applied toward a graduate degree.

Students may be dismissed if they do not maintain a grade point average of 3.00 or make appropriate progress toward the degree as determined by the Office of Graduate Business Programs. Students who do not complete a course for 2 years must formally apply for readmission to the graduate program.

*PMC students must earn a 3.0 or better in each of the courses completed for the certificate.

Disability Support Services

Advocacy and support services are provided through the Office of Disability Support Services located in 106 North Foundation Hall. Services include but are not limited to priority registration, assistance in identifying volunteer notetakers, special testing arrangements, assistance with sign language interpreter services, assistance in identifying volunteer readers, assistive technology, referral services to outside agencies and assistance with general needs and/or concerns. Students with special needs are encouraged to utilize the services provided. Anyone requiring additional information may contact the office at (248) 370-3266 (voice) or (248) 370-3268 (TDD).

Email Access

OU E-mail is the official method of communication for students.  This includes notifications about:  grades availability, tuition and fee bills, financial aid, schedule of classes and graduation information.

The university will hold students accountable for the information sent via e-mail.  Therefore, students should check their Oakland e-mail account regularly – at least twice a week.

Oakland’s University Technology Services web site offers tips and information about activating, accessing and forwarding your OU e-mail.  You can find the web site by clicking the Info Tech button on OU’s home page or going there directly at http://www.oakland.edu/uts then clicking E-Mail Services. 

Extension Courses

The School of Business Administration offers course work at the Macomb Intermediate School District Building (44001 Garfield, Clinton Twp.) and at Seaholm High School (2436 W. Lincoln, Birmingham), for students seeking the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

For more information about the MBA program, please call the Office of Graduate Business Programs at (248) 370-3287, or the Oakland University Center - Birmingham at (248) 370-3287.

Grade Appeal

Students have one semester in which to file a written grade appeal to the appropriate department chair.

Grading

Oakland University has a 32-point grading system. The normal grades are from 1.0 to 4.0 by tenths. These grades translate to the letter grading system as follows: 

Graduate students must maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average to graduate and are expected to earn a 3.0 or better in each course. Any graduate course with a grade less than 2.0 must be repeated.

Graduate Research Assistantships

A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available to full-time MBA, MAcc and MSITM students during the Fall and Winter academic semesters. Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Graduate Assistants provide research support to School of Business Administration faculty for 20 hours per week. As compensation, the graduate student receives a semester stipend and reimbursement for nine (9) graduate credits of tuition and fees.

Assistantships provide students with valuable exposure to current business research. It is a unique opportunity to supplement course work with contemporary research activity. For an application and/or additional information, please contact the Office of Graduate Business Programs.

Identification Cards

The SpiritCard, Oakland's official university identification card, is available to all students. ID cards are required to access residence hall meal plans, the Recreation Center, and to check-out library materials. There is no charge for the first card. ID cards may be obtained at the ID Card Office, 112 Oakland Center, (248) 370-2291.  For hours of operation, please contact the ID Office.

Independent Study

An independent study is available to students in any departmental area. The independent study consists of individual research on a topic chosen by the student. Written approval must be obtained from a faculty member prior to the registration period. An Independent Study Contract form is available from the Office of Graduate Business Programs or the Oakland University Center - Birmingham. Students must complete this form and have it signed by their faculty adviser. The form should be returned to the Office of Graduate Business Programs prior to the start of the semester in which the independent study will be performed. The Office of Graduate Business Programs will then register the student for the Independent Study course. Independent studies are offered every term.

Students are responsible for securing faculty sponsorship of the independent study. The Office of Graduate Business Programs is not involved in the facilitation of this process.

Library

Most university library materials and services are housed in Kresge Library. The library’s automated catalog allows patrons to identify titles held, not only in Kresge Library, but also in the collections at Wayne State University, the University of Detroit - Mercy, Detroit Public Library and a number of other libraries in the area.

Reference librarians are available to help students find materials and use the library. Lectures and demonstrations for using the library are offered regularly. The phone number for Kresge Library is (248) 370-2471.

Office Hours

The Office of Graduate Business Programs phone number is (248) 370-3287. The office is located in Room 432 Elliott Hall of Business and Information Technology. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office is open at least one day a week for evening appointments.

Currently at both the Oakland University Center - Birmingham and the Macomb ISD there are no available office hours.  However, if you need assistance please call the Office of Graduate Business Programs at 248 370-3287.

The normal university office hours for most all other offices are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closed from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Please call ahead to determine exact hours for specific university offices.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

All tuition and fees are assessed based on the student’s class standing, residency and the number of credits enrolled.  Course fees and special program fees are applied to many classes.  The Schedule of Classes may be reviewed by logging into http://sail.oakland.edu.  Students are billed monthly by the Student Accounts Department.  All tuition and fees are payable in U.S. dollars according to the established due dates.  The Student Accounts department will send monthly billing notifications electronically to each student’s official Oakland University e-mail address.  Students may also access their billing information on the WEB via the SAIL system.  Questions about the bill may be addressed to the Office of Student Financial Services.  Failure to receive a bill does not excuse students from required payment on the specified due date.

Payment in full of the total balance due will avoid assessment of a 1½ % monthly late payment fee.  Student accounts must be paid in full by the established due dates in order for students to be eligible to register during the next registration period.  Transcripts, diplomas or other statements of record will be withheld and students will be ineligible to enroll and/or continue to be enrolled in future terms until the obligations have been fulfilled.  If an account is not paid in full by the end of the semester, it will be referred to an outside collection agency that will report it to the Credit Bureau.

Students will be removed from enrollment in all classes if checks and/or credit card payments are returned from the bank.  A $25.00 fee will be assessed for returned check or credit card payments.

NOTE:  STUDENTS WHO FIND IT NECESSARY TO DROP ALL COURSES FOR WHICH THEY ARE REGISTERED MUST FILE AN OFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL WITH THE REGISTRATION OFFICE.  PLEASE  REFER TO THE WITHDRAWAL SECTION.  TO CALCULATE THE POSSIBLE REDUCTION OF CHARGES SEE THE REFUND POLICY IN THE SCHEDULE OF CLASSES.  ONCE REGISTERED, $57.00 OF THE GENERAL SERVICE FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-CANCELABLE.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Payment can be made by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard or money order and must be in U.S. currency.

Corporate sponsored students should mail or bring to the Students Accounts department (located in the Office of Student Financial Services, 120 North Foundation Hall) an authorization to bill his/her corporation by the first bill due date to avoid late penalties.  PLEASE DO NOT MAIL VOUCHER TO THE DETROIT ADDRESS ON THE PAYMENT COUPON ATTACHED TO THE BILL.  Check the Schedule of Classes for voucher due dates.  If the credit does not appear on the next bill, the student should call 248 370-4928.  The student will be held responsible for any costs which the corporate sponsor fails to pay. 

Petition of Exception

Students may request waivers or modifications of specific academic requirements by filing a petition of exception form with their adviser. Please contact the Office of Graduate Business Programs  (248 370-3287) regarding the specifics of filing the petition.

Placement and Career Services

The Department of Placement and Career Services offers individual placement advising for students and alumni. Students and alumni may register for resume referrals and campus interviewing. The center also conducts specialized workshops to help students develop skill in such areas as interviewing, resume and cover letter preparation, salary negotiation and job-hunting techniques. Career-related job vacancy announcements are posted in the center. The office also maintains a Web Job Listing System located on the internet at http://wjl.resumeexpert.com/oakland/student.htm. In addition, the center participates in statewide and local job fairs, maintains a library containing material on individual employers and hosts a variety of employer information sessions on campus.

The Placement and Career Services Office is located in 275 Vandenberg Hall. Regular business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Wednesdays, when the office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Additional evening hours are available by appointment. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the Placement and Career Services web site at http://phoenix.placement.oakland.edu or by calling (248) 370-3250.

Plan-of-Work

See Degree Requirements on page 4. 

Probation and Dismissal Policies

Graduate students are expected to earn a grade of 3.0 or better in each graduate course and to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00. For students who do not meet these standards, the following Academic Standing Policy will be executed.

Warning:  A student will receive a written warning if he/she

1. Receives a grade below 3.0, or
2. Has a GPA of less than 3.00.

Probation:  A student will be placed on probation if he/she: 

1.     During the first 24 hours of course work receives:
   1. A second grade below 3.0, or
   2. Any grade below 2.5.
2. After completion of 24 credits, a student will be referred to the Graduate Admissions Committee with a recommendation for probation if he/she receives:
   1. A second grade below 3.0, or
   2. Any grade below 2.5
3. At any time in the Program has a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00 for two consecutive semesters (for purposes of this policy, the Spring/Summer sessions combined shall constitute a semester).

   The Graduate Admissions Committee may recommend that a student repeat any course in which a grade below 2.5 was received. The Committee may also impose other conditions on the student (i.e., completing a writing course, seeking tutoring services, etc.) to ensure future success of the student and to maintain program standards.

Removal From Probation: The Graduate Admissions Committee may remove a student from probation if he/she earns 18 consecutive credits without a further violation.

Dismissal: A student who has been placed on probation will be brought to the Graduate Admissions Committee with a recommendation for immediate dismissal if he/she: 

1. Has a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00, unless the terms of probation extend the period in which the GPA is to be raised to 3.00, or
2. Receives a grade below 3.0, or
3. Shows insufficient progress towards their degree, or
4. Is on probation for the second time, or
5. Otherwise fails to fulfill the conditions of his/her probation.

Registration

There are various registration periods at Oakland University, the dates and times are listed in the Schedule of Classes for each term or semester.  Students are strongly encouraged to register at the earliest possible date for which they are eligible using the SAIL Web registration system at http://www.oakland.edu.

Students who do not register early face the possibility of classes being closed to them.  Links to a closed class list and a waitlist are found at the School of Business Administration website, http://www.sba.oakland.edu.  See Waitlist Procedures section on page 11.

Registration for MGT 535, MIS 650 and Independent Study

Any student wishing to enroll in MGT 535, MIS 650 or an Independent Study must contact the Office of Graduate Business Programs (OGBP) at (248) 370-3287 for permission. Students enrolling in MGT 535 (MBA) or MIS 650 (MSITM) will have an audit completed to ensure that all prerequisites for the course have been met. Students wishing to enroll in an independent study must have and “Independent Study Contract” on file with the OGBP.

The registration procedure is as follows:

1. The student should contact the OGBP two weeks prior to registration to determine eligibility to enroll in MGT 535, MIS 650 or an independent study.

2. If MGT 535, MIS 650 or the independent study course is the only course the student is registering for during a given semester the OGBP will process the registration of eligible students.
3. If the student is registering for additional courses, the student must register using the SAIL phone or web system. At that time, the student will register for all courses he/she wishes to take with the exception of MGT 535, MIS 650 or the independent study. The OGBP will add the student into MGT 535, MIS 650 or the independent study.
4. The student is responsible for making payment of tuition and fees by the deadline posted in the Schedule of Classes.

SBA Computer Lab

The School of Business Administration operates a computer lab in 215 Elliott Hall. The hours of operation vary throughout the year, check the web site at http://www.sba.oakland.edu/labstaff or call (248) 370-3202.  The lab is equipped with terminals that each have the Microsoft Office Suite, access to the Internet and access to student accounts. Lab monitors are available to assist students.

Waitlist Procedures

Waitlists are strictly enforced.  If a course you want is closed, you should add your name to the waitlist.  Students on the waitlist will be notified as soon as there is an opening in the course or the instructor agrees to add new students.  We will contact you by email to verify that you still want the course.  You should respond to our request within 24 hours.  If you agree, we will add you to the course.  After classes begin, an instructor’s signature is needed to add a student to the class, but the OGBP is asking faculty to use the waitlists maintained at our office, so all students are treated fairly in the registration process.

Web Site

The School of Business Administration maintains a web site at http://www.sba.oakland.edu. This web site contains useful information about faculty and staff, program policies and procedures, and class schedules. The university also maintains a web site at http://www.oakland.edu. This web site contains links to many departments and schools in the university. Access to the internet is available in all of the computer labs on campus.

Withdrawals

Always refer to the appropriate term's Schedule of Classes for deadlines for official withdrawal "W". Not being aware of these important dates could result in a student receiving a 0.0 in a course when he/she actually intended to withdraw. It is the student's responsibility to officially withdraw from a course through the Office of the Registrar. Total withdrawal from all courses must be handled through the Registration Office.

In general, a student may withdraw from a course or all courses by filing an Official Withdrawal Form with the Registration Office, 100 O’Dowd Hall. Students may also withdraw by sending a letter of intent by certified mail to the Registration/Withdrawal Office, 100 O’Dowd Hall, Rochester, Michigan 48309-4490 or by faxing it to (248) 370-3461. Your signature, student ID number, and course/section numbers to be dropped must be included on any notice of withdrawal. Tuition reduction, if any, is determined by the postal cancellation or fax transmittal date. A postal cancellation of Saturday or Sunday will be accepted and processed as of the preceding Friday. Check the current Schedule of Classes for the last date to withdraw.

For the winter and fall semesters, courses dropped within the first two weeks of classes are not indicated on the student's transcript. After this time, until the end of the ninth week of classes a "W" will appear on the transcript. After the ninth week, either a 0.0 or Incomplete, "I", will result. (Consult the current Schedule of Classes for the exact dates.)

For the spring and summer sessions, courses dropped within the first week of classes are not indicated on the student's transcript. After this time, until the end of the fifth week of classes a "W" will appear on the transcript. After the fifth week, either a 0.0 or Incomplete, "I", will result. (Consult the current Schedule of Classes for the exact dates.)

Frequently Used Phone Numbers, Fax Numbers and E-Mail Addresses

The following list of phone numbers has been compiled for your information. Please save it for future reference. The area code for Oakland University is 248.

All information provided in this document represents policies, procedures and charges as of July 2005.  Oakland University reserves the right to revise all announcements contained in this publication at its discretion and to make reasonable changes in requirements to improve or upgrade academic and non-academic programs.