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November 09, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,
Now that we can register for J-term and spring classes, I think I may want to check in with my advisor about my elective plans. My job is really hectic right now. Do I have to come in to the office?
Xcited

Dear Xcited,
Your advisor is happy to talk to you over the phone about your course options! We do have a few suggestions to make the call more effective:

• Make an appointment in advance with specifics on what you want to cover.
• Be sure to give your advisor your ID number when you make the appointment. That will enable your advisor to be prepared for the call with your information in front of her.
• Have your computer open to the main St. Thomas webpage at www.stthomas.edu when you call. Your advisor may direct you to different sites. She can easily direct you from that page.
Your advisor is always happy to meet with you. In person, or over the phone, keeping connected with your advisor will make MBA program the best experience possible.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

October 02, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I hear registration is coming up for the next terms. What should I do to have the best chance at getting the courses and schedule I prefer?

Thanks,
Wade

Dear Wade,

Simple…plan ahead, and know when you register!

Registration for the J-term and spring semester opens Wednesday, November 4, 2009. All students are assigned a time by seniority, based on the number of credits they have remaining for their degree. We will email your registration time to your UST email account, or you can check your time-ticket at Murphy Online, under Student Services > Registration > Registration Status.

You should do your research in advance (check prerequisites!), select your preferred and alternate classes, and the have the CRN numbers for each course ready when you log-in at your assigned time.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I will complete my fifth core course this semester and I understand I can start taking electives. Where can I find out about electives?

Thanks a lot,
Beth

Dear Beth,

You can research elective courses in Blackboard, under Student Life > Courses/Curriculum. This area offers information about elective tracks, highlighted courses, two-year elective course schedule and a course catalog.

Another option is to attend the Happy Half Hour networking events in the Terrence Murphy Hall atrium, during your class break time on October 12 – 15 (Monday through Thursday). Program advisors will be on hand to answer questions, with printed elective information and fresh baked cookies!

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

September 09, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,
I heard that St. Thomas is celebrating its quasquicentenntial year. That’s a mouthful! Can you elaborate?
Thanks,
Allison

Dear Allison,
Yes indeed. On September 9, 1885, classes began, and now UST is celebrating 125 years. The “quasquicentennial kickoff is planned for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the upper quadrangle on the university’s St. Paul campus. A program will begin at 4:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served. The event is free and all are welcome.”

A little bit of UST history: “Coeducation came in 1977; within a few years undergraduate enrollment doubled. The MBA program began in 1974 with 76 students.” In 1987, MBA classes were offered in downtown Minneapolis in the old Powers department store building. In 1990, the College of St. Thomas changed its name to the University of St. Thomas and in October 2006, the College of Business was renamed the Opus College of Business.

For detailed history, go to: www.stthomas.edu/bulletin/2009/09/08/university-observes-its-125th-anniversary-with-quasquicentennial-programs-publications-and-commemorative-art/

You are part of the University of St. Thomas history—in the making.
Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
Fall semester begins the first week of September. Are there any fall events that I should know about? I am busy going to work and taking courses and want to plan my schedule.
Thank you.
Michael

Dear Michael,
Programs have been planned especially for Evening UST MBA students. The fall 2009 events include:
• Master’s Pub (speaker and refreshments)- Fridays, September 25 and November 13, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
• Master’s Business (seminar and continental breakfast) - Saturday, October 3, 9 am to noon
• E-Trax (Elective Track Information Sessions) October 12 – 15, before classes
• Happy Half Hour (networking break with beverages and snacks) - October 12- 15, 7-8 pm

Detailed information is on Blackboard, Student Life. You need to RSVP for the Master’s Pub and Master’s Business. We hope you are able to attend the fall events.
Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

August 07, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Ask the Advisor
Dear Dr. Helpful,
I have registered for fall semester and I would like to buy the course books. Where can I find out about the books and if they are available?
Thank you,
Ben

Dear Ben,
For course books and related materials, go to: www.stthomas.edu, select Tools, select Bookstore. If you are taking your courses in St. Paul, you need to purchase the books at the St. Paul campus bookstore. If you are taking your courses in Minneapolis and other locations, you should use the Minneapolis campus bookstore.

If you are a new student this fall, you will be able to purchase your books when you attend the New Student Orientation on Tuesday, September . The Minneapolis campus bookstore will be open until 6 p.m. The orientation begins at 4:30 p.m., so you would need to arrive early to buy books. Bookstore hours are also posted on the Bookstore Web site.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
I am interested in learning more about nonprofit elective courses. Can you give me the contact information?
Thank you,
Roz

Dear Roz,
The URL for the Center for Nonprofit Management is: www.stthomas.edu/business/centers/nonprofit. The University of St. Thomas Center for Nonprofit Management is “one of the first of its kind within a university. The Center for Nonprofit Management (CMN) strives to be a premier resource for innovative education, training and research to advance the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector.”

You may also contact Ann Johnson, Director of the Center for Nonprofit Management. Her e-mail address is: majohnsontom@stthomas.edu.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

July 23, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,
I completed my Evening UST MBA degree in spring semester 2009. When will I be receiving the diploma? I already have the frame and want to add my diploma! I also would like to know how my employer can verify that I have completed my degree.
Signed,
Jason

Dear Jason,
You should receive your diploma around July 20th. If you have not received your diploma by the end of July, please contact your program advisor. Your employer may contact the National Student Clearinghouse: www.studentclearinghouse.org
Congratulations on completing your UST MBA degree!

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
I am interested in taking a Study Abroad course this J-term 2010. Where can I find information about the course?
Thank you,
Katherine

Dear Katherine,
There are actually two Evening UST MBA Study Abroad elective courses being offered J-term 2010. They are: FINC 752 - Global Financial Services: Hong Kong and FINC 753 - Risk Leadership in Global Firms: London. Information and applications are on Blackboard, Student Life, Courses/Curriculum. Both have space available and both are excellent opportunities to learn, travel and network with your colleagues. You can also go to www.stthomas.edu/business/degrees/ustmba/studyabroad.html for information.
Bon Voyage,
Dr. Helpful

June 04, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,

When can I start taking electives? I see there are prerequisite requirements…

Signed,
Lucy

Dear Lucy,

I am pleased that you are checking the necessary prerequisite coursework – they are there to ensure you have the necessary base knowledge to be successful and find the most value in your elective courses.

To take an elective course for fall or spring semesters, you must have completed at least five of the ten “standard” core courses and topic-related prerequisites (such as FINC600 for a finance elective). To give students maximum flexibility with their program pace and schedule flexibility, the prerequisites are a bit looser for J-term and summer term elective courses - only two core courses and topic-related prerequisites are required.

Remember – you can always check with your program advisor if you have any questions about registration requirements.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I just finished classes and am wondering when my grades will be posted. I’m eager to see them.

Signed,
Diana

Dear Diana,

Faculty are supposed to provide grades within 10 days of the last class meeting. Grades are entered in the system and they post overnight.

You can always send your professor a reminder that you’re eagerly awaiting this information. Good luck!

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

May 14, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,
I would like to take a study abroad course. Where can I find the details about available courses?
Thanks a lot,
Alyssa

Dear Alyssa,
The UST MBA program is offering two J-term 2010 courses -- one to London and the other to Hong Kong. They are both Finance electives.

To apply for the course, you must have completed (or be enrolled fall 2009) the following prerequisites: DSCI 600, ACCT 601, GBEC 600, FINC 600 and at least one additional core course. For all the details, go to: www.stthomas.edu/business/degrees/ustmba/studyabroad.html.

There is much demand for these courses. For priority consideration, applications should be submitted by May 29. I recommend that you review the online materials. If you have questions about the courses, contact your program advisor or the contacts listed for each course.

Bon Voyage,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
Is there someone at UST who can help me with financial aid? I would like to investigate my options.
Sincerely,
Hayden

Dear Hayden,
For Financial Aid information, go to Blackboard ,STUDENT LIFE, EVENING UST MBA ,> TUITION/FIN. AID
Check on the two grants for Continuing UST MBA Students: Diversity Grant and the TAP Grants (Tuition Assistance Program). You should also contact the Graduate Financial Aid office: financialaid@stthomas.edu or visit their website at http://www.stthomas.edu/business/degrees/careerservices/default.html.

Life/Work Center-Student Affairs Suite
Terrence Murphy Hall, Suite 110
1000 LaSalle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: (651) 962-6550
Toll Free: (800) 328-6819, Ext. 2-6550

Chad R. Nosbusch
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Graduate and Law Programs
(651) 962-4051

Here’s to an improved economy!
Dr. Helpful

April 09, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I am graduating this spring semester, 2009 and will be attending the May commencement ceremony.

I am from France and my family is traveling here to see me graduate. I heard that students can carry their country’s flag into the graduation ceremony. Is this true? I would be proud to carry my country’s flag.

Regardez,
Stephan

Dear Stephan,

International students and citizens of other countries graduating in May who would like to carry their country's flag in the commencement procession should e-mail the Office of International Student Services no later than Friday, April 17.

Only one person per country and ceremony will be allowed to carry their country's flag. The first person to sign up from a country will be that country's flag bearer. For more information, contact OISS, (651) 962-6650, or stop by the office in Room 161, Murray-Herrick Campus Center.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I am trying to find out how much I owe on my tuition bill. Who can I call? Where can I check?

Thank you,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
You can call the UST Business office, 651.962.6600. They will need your UST ID number.

Or you can login to: Murphy Online Information System
Student Services
Student Account
Account Summary by Term and make a webCheck payment

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

March 17, 2009

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I took my last course during J-term 2009. When will my degree be posted?

From your latest and greatest Evening UST MBA alumna…
Kristin

Dear Kristin,

Your degree was posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 8:20 am. You can review your degree evaluation and an unofficial transcript at Murphy Online. For an official transcript, go to: http://www.stthomas.edu/registrar/transcript/default.html

If you wish to attend the May 2009 graduation ceremony, you must submit a graduation application. Go to: Blackboard, Student Life, How to Graduate or go to:
https://www.stthomas.edu/business/degrees/graduationapplication/

Congratulations on completing your degree!

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

My friend Kristen completed her coursework in January, but I am completing my coursework this spring 2009 semester. How do I apply to graduate?

I plan on attending the May ceremony and inviting my entire extended family! Will there be room for all of them?

Thank you!
Emily

Dear Emily,

You should submit your graduation application ASAP. Go to Blackboard or see the URL above.
Invite them all, no tickets are necessary!

Congratulations to you, too!

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

My UST MBA buddies (Kristen and Emily) are completing their coursework before I am! However, I am taking my last course this summer and want to know if I can attend the May 2009 graduation ceremony.

Please let me know that I can do this!
Sarah

Dear Sarah,

Yes, you can….attend the May 2009 graduation ceremony along with Kristen and Emily. Students taking six credits or less during the summer semester 2009 may participate in the May 2009 graduation. You use the same graduation application as posted above.

Congratulations to you, too!

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

Kristen, Sarah, Emily and all those planning to attend the May 2009 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 23, at 7 p.m.--- you must submit a graduation application. Graduation information is located on Blackboard, Student Life, How to Graduate. If you have questions about your coursework, contact your program advisor.

February 06, 2009

Ask the Advisor - Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

Is there some place to print my class papers?

Sincerely,
Tanisha

Dear Tanisha,

Every student at St. Thomas is given a quota (allotment) for "free" printing and will be charged a per-print fee over and above that allotment. The allotment will be $40 for fall, $40 for J-Term/spring and $40 for summer. Each semester is defined as follows:

August 19 - January 1
January 2 - May 19
May 20 - August 18

The $40 allotment is equal to 400 black and white (160 color) letter-size prints. Each page printed beyond $40 will be charged back to the student at a rate of 10¢ per black and white (25¢ color) standard print.

You can use the UST library computer labs and printers to print your coursework. The computer labs are located in Minneapolis, Keffer Library, Opus Hall, lower level and in St. Paul, O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library, first floor.

Regards,

Dr. Helpful

PS: Here are 10 helpful hints on printing: www.stthomas.edu/irt/support/printing/printingtips.html

January 16, 2009

Ask the Advisor - Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
It’s been snowy and cold. What if there’s a BLIZZARD? How do I know if classes are cancelled?

Signed,
Kristen

Dear Kristen,
To find out if you must bundle up and go to class or not, dial: (651) 962-SNOW.

Stay warm!
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
I know that spring 2009 starts Monday, February 2, 2009. I’m thinking about going on vacation.
Is there a Spring Break?

Signed,
Jason

Dear Jason,
Yes, the Evening UST MBA program has a Spring Break, beginning Monday, March 23. Classes resume on March 30.
If you are taking a Monday course, you will have off Monday, March 23, and Easter Monday, April 13.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

December 16, 2008

Ask the Advisor - Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
Is it too late to sign up for a 2009 J-term course? I would like to take an elective and speed-up the time it is taking me to complete my UST MBA degree.
Thank you,
Hayden

Dear Hayden,

There is room available in a few January (J-term) courses. You can take J-term courses if you have completed two core courses. Check Murphy online registration or the Class Finder: www.stthomas.edu/classes. (Please note that Murphy online information is provided in real-time and that the Class Finder information is static and updated at midnight.)

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
Are there any sustainability-related classes available?
Sam

Dear Sam,

Yes! Sustainability Development Strategies, ETLS677, was recently added to the Spring 2009 schedule. It’s listed under the School of Engineering, but the course is being offered in Minneapolis specifically for UST MBA students. The course meets on Tuesdays, from 6 – 9 pm.

You may take up to four non-College of Business classes. Contact your academic advisor before registering because you will need to provide documentation explaining why you want to take a non-OCB class.

Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,
During the next few months, my work travel-schedule has increased and I will not be able to attend class during the week. Can you suggest an alternative?
Thank you.
Gina

Dear Gina,
The Evening UST MBA program offers most courses Monday through Thursday evenings. However, courses are also available on different schedules and various locations.

You can take courses on:
Saturday mornings (14 weeks), Saturdays (7 weeks, 9 am - 4 pm), Four weekends (Friday evening, all day Saturday--mainly in Owatonna). Other options include the week-long Great Books course (BETH706), offered in January and August. Finally, there are Study Abroad courses in J-term (January) and late-May/early-June. For students who are not traveling during the week and do not work during the day, there may be the option of taking elective courses during the day. To enroll in the day courses, students must request enrollment through their academic advisor.

You can view the course schedules in Murphy online and on Class Finder (www.stthomas.edu/classes)

Sincerely,

Dr. Helpful

November 03, 2008

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I am interested in taking a waiver exam. Where can I find information about the schedule?

Thank you,
McKenna

Dear McKenna,

You can find waiver exam information on the Blackboard, STUDENT LIFE, EVENING UST MBA (STUDENT_LIFE_EVENING_UST_MBA) > COURSES/CURRICULUM > HOW TO TEST OUT OF COURSES (WAIVER EXAM INFORMATION)
And, if you haven’t already heard, we have exciting news regarding availability. Instead of a quarterly schedule, you may now take the waiver exams Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 12:00 Noon or 12:00 Noon to 4:00 pm. This new schedule is intended to make it easier for you to plan. However, please note, you must pre-register and there is no charge to take an exam. Study guides are also available on the site.

Good luck!
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I would like to take a study abroad course, but the J-term 2009 courses are filled. Are there are other study abroad courses?

Thank you,
Kendra

Dear Kendra,

Yes, there is another study abroad course available - May 25 – June 6, 2009. BLAW615 - Business, Law and Ethics in the European Union (Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany). Information is on Blackboard, STUDENT LIFE, EVENING UST MBA (STUDENT_LIFE_EVENING_UST_MBA) > COURSES/CURRICULUM > HIGHLIGHTED COURSES > SPRING 2009 Course Website: http://www.cebcglobal.org/Services/StudyAbroad2009.htm Also, it’s important for you to know that all study abroad courses require application. Usually, the applications and other pertinent information are released early spring – almost an entire calendar year before the course begins. Stay in touch with your advisor and read all the alerts they send your way so you don’t miss out. Study abroad courses are an excellent way to network with your colleagues, move through your degree and gain access and insight into international businesses. Do you have a passport?!

Bon voyage,
Dr. Helpful

October 06, 2008

Ask the Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,

Someone in my class said that registration begins in November. How do I know when to register?

Signed,
Mara

Dear Mara,

Registration for J-term and Spring 2009 begins November 4, 2008. You will receive notification by postcard and email with the day and time that you may begin to register. It’s called a “time-ticket.” You can also find this information on Murphy.

Logon to Murphy Online Registration (You will need your UST ID number and a six digit password.)
Click on Student Services
Click on Registration (Check your registration status; Look up Classes; Add or Drop classes; Display your Student Schedule.)
Check Registration Status Check your Academic Status and Student Status and you can view your Registration Dates and Time

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

What’s a J-term?

Signed,
Jena

Dear Jena,

J-term refers to the courses offered during the month of January. The course schedule is on Classfinder. For detailed course information, go to: www.stthomas.edu/classes. From the drop down menu, select J-Term 2009.

You can find additional information regarding J-term courses by logging into: Blackboard, STUDENT LIFE, EVENING UST MBA (STUDENT_LIFE_EVENING_UST_MBA) > COURSES/CURRICULUM

J-term 2009 class dates are January 05 -January 29. Classes do not meet on Monday, January 19, 2009 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday)

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

September 04, 2008

Dr. Helpful Answers Your Questions

Dear Dr. Helpful,

My academic advisor mentioned something about UST libraries. My course syllabus includes writing a research paper, which I have not done since I was an undergraduate. Can you help me?

Signed,
Matt

Dear Matt,

Professional reference service is available at all St. Thomas libraries. While walk-in service is typically available, students should make appointments with liaison librarians in their subject field for lengthy reference consultations or tutorials. Librarians are also available for phone and email consultations.

URL for UST graduate students to library resources and services: http://www.stthomas.edu/libraries/gradstudents/default.html

Library Locations and Hours: http://www.stthomas.edu/libraries/about/location/default.html

Charles J. Keffer Library, MOH 205, 1000 LaSalle Av., Minneapolis, MN 55403
UST Minneapolis campus Opus Hall, NE corner of 10th St. S and LaSalle Ave
651-962-4664
Fall Hours
M-Th: 8 am - 10 pm
F: 8 am - 5 pm
Sa: 8 am - 5 pm
Su: Noon - 5 pm

O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library, 2115 Summit Av, St. Paul, MN 55105
On UST St. Paul North Campus, NW corner of Summit and Cleveland Aves, between JRC and OEC. The main entrance is on the west side.
651-962-5001
Fall Hours
M-Th: 7:30am - 2am
F: 7:30 am - 8 pm
Sa: 10 am - 6 pm
Su: Noon - 2am

RefWorks is an online research management, writing and collaboration tool provided by the University of St. Thomas for use by its students, faculty and staff members. You can use RefWorks for the following:

- Format bibliographies and citations automatically
- Create and organize a personal research database online
- Access your sources online from any computer, anywhere
- Share your database online with anyone, anywhere

To get started, you need to create a RefWorks account at https://www.refworks.com/Refworks/login

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I am interested in having more time to network with other Evening UST MBA students but my time is limited now because I am enrolled in two courses this fall semester. I am looking for your suggestions.

Thanks,
Nathan

Dear Nathan,

This fall, October 7-9, the Evening UST MBA program is hosting a “Happy Half Hour” sponsored by Robert Half, Inc. Students, staff and representatives from Robert Half, Inc. will gather to network with one another in the Terrence Murphy Hall first-floor atrium. Students may spend their class break enjoying refreshments, good company and familiarizing themselves with Robert Half, Inc. and its staff.

Other Student Life sponsored programs offered in the fall include the Master’s Pub, MBA-Z academic seminars, and Elective Track Information Sessions. Plan to attend any or all of these for more networking and educational opportunities.

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

August 15, 2008

Dr. Helpful Answers Your Questions!

Dear Dr. Helpful,

What is the “Degree-in-Three” program that I’ve heard about? Is it true that I can complete my UST MBA in three years by following the “Degree-in-Three” plan?

Where can I find more information?

Signed,
Paul

Dear Paul,

The “Degree-in-Three” program was designed to enable Evening UST MBA students to get on the fast track to MBA completion. It allows motivated students to take elective courses earlier in their course sequence in order to complete their UST MBA in three years.

For more information, check the evening UST MBA Blackboard site for the “Degree-in-Three” curriculum sequence, or contact your academic advisor.

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

The Republican National Convention (RNC) is September 1 – 4 in St. Paul. Will this affect me?

Signed,
Abby

Dear Abby,

Fall semester begins Wednesday September 3. If you have a course that begins on Wednesday or Thursday in Minneapolis or St. Paul, plan on leaving arriving early so that you will find a place to park. Minneapolis does not plan to close any streets; however, St. Paul will be closing ramps and roads around the St. Paul Convention Center and providing buses for the public to get there via remote parking lots. UST lots should be just fine as well as the ramps. Obviously, there will be delays for a few days at certain times, especially at the start of the actual convention in St. Paul on September 1 -4, from 3 pm until 10 pm. There are numerous buses that will be transporting delegates from Minneapolis to St Paul.

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

July 09, 2008

Dr. Helpful Answers Your Questions!

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I am interested in selecting my elective courses. Can you help me with this?

Sincerely,
Jonathan

Dear Jonathan,

I am glad to see that you are checking on your future coursework. There are several resources for you...

1. Go to the Student Life site on Blackboard. STUDENT LIFE, EVENING UST MBA (STUDENT_LIFE_EVENING_UST_MBA) > COURSES/CURRICULUM > ELECTIVE TRACK INFORMATION

Under Courses/Curriculum you will find detailed information regarding elective courses.

One document describes how to select courses as well as elective tracks. You need to take six elective courses (18 credits) and can select from a wide variety of courses.

2. Twice a year, there are elective track information sessions held on the Minneapolis campus. You can meet with faculty members who will describe the specific courses and how they may fit into your career plans.

3. Contact the department chair or your academic advisor to discuss your coursework.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

P.S. The prerequisite requirements have changed. The changes are on the Blackboard, Student Life site and have been emailed to you. If you are interested in taking elective courses, you should contact your advisor after taking two core courses.

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I have another question.... How do I know who my advisor is? I met her when I first started the program and haven’t needed to contact her since then.

Thanks again,
Jonathan

Dear Jonathan,

You can call the front desk at 651-962-4200. You will need your UST ID number.

Or you can check on Murphy Online: Student Services, Student Records and Account Info., View Student Information.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful


June 06, 2008

Dr. Helpful Answers Your Questions

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I have a lot of group work in my courses. Do you know of any technology that will help with my group work?

Signed,
Daniel

Dear Daniel,

Check this out…almost free stuff. Go to www.FreeConferenceCall.com. You can arrange a conference call with up to 96 people, but you do have to pay regular long-distance charges.

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I should be ready to graduate fall 2008. How can I make sure that I will complete my coursework?

Is there anything else I need to do to graduate?

Signed,
William

Dear William,

You can check your degree evaluation in Murphy on-line to see if you meet the graduation requirements and also contact your academic advisor.

Whether or not you plan to attend the Friday, December 19 ceremony, you need to submit the online graduation application.

Go to Blackboard. STUDENT LIFE, EVENING UST MBA (STUDENT_LIFE_EVENING_UST_MBA) > HOW TO GRADUATE

Commencement information: http://www.stthomas.edu/business/events/commencement/

Signed,
Dr. Helpful

April 03, 2008

Dr. Helpful Answers Questions

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I am checking the course schedule. What do the letters “WG” stand for? Looks odd to me.

Signed,
Jacob

Dear Jacob,

WG stands for "West Group," which due to a merger changed to Thomson West. The address is 610 Opperman Dr. Eagan, MN 55123. To find additional site information, go to Blackboard: STUDENT LIFE, EVENING UST MBA (STUDENT_LIFE_EVENING_UST_MBA) > LOCATIONS

Let me share my mantra with you: “Go to Blackboard, Student Life”.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I would like to take a study aboard course next January, 2009. Where can I find the details?

Signed,
Marty

Dear Marty,

Expect detailed information by mid-May. Remember my mantra?

“Go to Blackboard, Student Life”. Then go to Highlighted Courses. In the meantime, if you do not have a passport, you will need to have one for the trip.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I want to register for an elective and it says that I need to take the “standard core prerequisite courses”. Do I need to take all ten core courses?

Sincerely,
Abby

Dear Abby,

Before taking elective courses, you need to take at least five core courses (not all ten). They are:

DSCI600: Statistical Methods for Decision Making
ACCT601: Financial Accounting
MGMT600: Management of Organizational Behavior
GBEC600: Economics of Organization and management
BETH601: Business Ethics

HOWEVER, for example, if you want to take a Finance elective, you would need to add a sixth course to the list—FINC600: Financial Management.

Remember the mantra? “Go to Blackboard, Student Life” Then select "Courses/Curriculum." You will find the course catalog (pdf format) that lists MBA and related course descriptions.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I registered for my MBA coursework but I also I want to register for ETLS (Engineering/Manufacturing) and SEIS (Software) courses.

I wasn’t able to register for ETLS or SEIS courses the week of April 1st. Is this some kind of April Fool’s joke?

Signed,
William

Dear William,

You can register for ETLS and SEIS Summer and Fall courses beginning April 21st.

If you need help with registration, contact your Academic Advisor.

Dr. Helpful

Have a question? E-mail cobptgradbiz@stthomas.edu

March 04, 2008

Dr. Helpful Answers Questions

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I tried to register for the summer semester, but I am having a problem. The Murphy registration system gives me an error message: "Need a Registration Time Ticket to register for Summer 2008." I want to make sure that I register on time!

Signed,
Ben

Dear Ben,

Registration for Summer and Fall 2008 begins April 1, 2008. No fooling! You will receive an email and postcard that states the day and time that you register.

You can also find your time ticket information on Murphy Online, under "Registration", then "Registration Status."

While I'm on the topic--students register according to how many credits they have completed. The closer you are to completing the program, the earlier you register.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

I am having a hard time choosing my six electives. There are so many choices and I am not sure what I want to do with my MBA degree.

Signed,
Amy

Dear Amy,

I recommend that you attend the Elective Track sessions. Department chairs will explain the courses and how they fit into your future career goals.

The Elective Track sessions will be offered March 3 -6 and March 10 -13, Mpls campus, Terrence Murphy Hall 5 -6 pm. The information sessions will be repeated again during Fall Semester 2008 and Spring Semester 2009.

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Dear Dr. Helpful,

My classmate attended a Friday happy-hour program and told me they heard a great speaker and also had pizza and beer. What am I missing?

Signed,
Brandon

Dear Brandon,

The UST MBA program hosts the Master’s Pub four times/year. The next event is scheduled for April 25th. Watch for emails and announcements in the newsletter.

Be there or be square!

Sincerely,
Dr. Helpful

Have questions? Email Dr. Helpful at cobptgradbiz@stthomas.edu

February 05, 2008

Ask the Academic Advisor

Dear Dr. Helpful,

Someone in my Financial Management class mentioned an “Aristotle Fund”. Sounds “Greek” to me.

Signed,
Sophie

Dear Sophie,

The Aristotle Fund is a student-managed investment fund, now valued at $3.5 million, and operates under the auspices of the University of St. Thomas.

Every year, a group of students selected from the graduate UST Opus College of Business program manage an ongoing portfolio of equity securities, selecting, analyzing, and incorporating new stocks and divesting others within the context of their policy mandate. In addition, the students are responsible for a variety of communications pertaining to the performance of the fund.

The fund is currently operated as a mid-cap equity blend and is overseen by a UST board of advisors. Each student is assigned a mentor -- professionals from the finance industry.

Contact : Dr. Mary Daugherty
Finance Department, Opus College of Business
University of St. Thomas MCH 316
St. Paul, MN 55105
MSDaugherty@stthomas.edu

Applications are due in March, 2008 followed by interviews in April. Student involvement begins upon acceptance to the program (as early as May and continues for a year).

The Aristotle Fund is a 6-credit MBA elective course.

Signed,
Dr. Helpful


Dear Dr. Helpful,

I am completing my coursework this spring semester. (There’s a light at the end of the tunnel!) What do I have to do to graduate?

Thanks,
Nathan

Dear Nate,

First, check your degree evaluation at Murphy registration.

The top line should look something like this:

Area :
PT Business Administration ( 51.000 credits ) - Met


This means that you have completed courses and registered for the necessary courses to complete your degree.

Secondly, submit the online graduation application. Go to: https://www.stthomas.edu/business/degrees/graduationapplication/

If you need help, contact your Academic Advisor.

Congratulations!

Signed,
Dr. Helpful