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Welcome Day 1
This academic year is my first to welcome students into their new extended family at the E. Philip Saunders College of Business. I plan to write a monthly dean’s blog commenting on current events within the Saunders College of Business and the business environment.
Last week during orientation and this week it is exciting to see students back on campus. Adding to the excitement are the many changes at RIT and the E. Philip Saunders College of Business. In July RIT’s new President, Dr. William Destler took over the leadership of the Institute from President Al Simone. Dr. Destler is eager to develop RIT as an Innovation University. Happily, the recently endorsed vision and mission statement for the Saunders College supports that vision for the University. This year we are beginning to review our core curricula for graduates and undergraduates with a view to ensuring four learning goals:
- Every graduating student has been exposed to technological innovation
- Every graduating student has a higher level of global maturity
- Every graduating student has a robust ethical decision making framework
- Every graduating student has practical, hands-on experiences.
US News and World Report has again ranked the Saunders College among the top 5% of business schools in the US. This year for the first time we have also been rated by the Princeton Review as one of the top business schools in the country. Among the reasons are the many new initiatives we have under way, such as:
- Professors Manning and Lessard have created a unique opportunity for undergraduates – a one-of-a-kind degree resulting in a BS in Consumer Finance. Graduates can expect jobs such as financial advisers, credit analysts and retail bankers.
- Professors DeMartino, Rothenberg, Perotti, Ettlie and others have created a new program for graduate students that leverage the technology and design strengths of RIT – an MS in Innovation Management. A unique twist is the practical hands-on nature of the program.
- Our Executive MBA students will for the first time travel to China. During their week long trip they will work on a short project at a company in addition to visiting a large variety of industries.
- All incoming freshmen were asked to read “Ghost Map” over the summer. The book describes how scientists used data analysis to understand the root cause of a cholera epidemic. During the year the reading will anchor several events including a visit by the author.
- By their junior year our undergraduate students will have completed their core curriculum and will begin to take courses that define their business careers. To help them, the Saunders College has started a new program in conjunction with Business Week. All juniors will receive a free subscription to the magazine for the year
- This year Professors Scully and Perotti are experimenting with a new three-course sequence for freshmen. During the year students in two sections will work in teams to create a product concept and develop a business plan.
- Professor Hair will be experimenting with a marketing course using the 3-D virtual world software provided by Linden Labs – Second Life.
- The Saunders College has provided the Financial Management Association a fund of $100K to invest and grow under the guidance of Professor Wollan.
The professors whom our students will meet at the Saunders College enjoy interacting with students and engaging in the kind of research that resonates in the classroom and the business community. Last year we had added a number of conversation areas in the Lowenthal building and many students took advantage of those spaces. This year we are adding a new courtyard at the entrance to the building. We hope to see our students mingle there as they enjoy the warm fall sunshine and our fall picnic In addition to working hard we encourage our students to enjoy the many attractions Western New York and Rochester have to offer. So far in our brief stay here, my wife Janis and I have found this area to be a “hidden gem”. Rochester has an impressive variety of high quality museums, theaters and restaurants. Nearby in Seneca Falls is the National Women’s Hall of Fame. There are wonderful excursions along the Erie Canal, the shores of Lake Ontario, as well as to the “Wine Country” of the Finger Lakes.
And, fall is one of the most attractive seasons of the year.
I am delighted to welcome our students to our extended family!!
