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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