College of Business and Administration

General Information Student Organizations Learning Outcomes General Academic Policies

 

General Information

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Stephen Ferris, Dean
Dwire Hall, room 310
Phone: (719) 255-3113
Fax: (719) 255-3494
www.uccs.edu\business

The College of Business and Administration and the Graduate School of Business Administration were established in 1965. The College serves the needs of the Pikes Peak Region and Southern Colorado by developing professional and responsible managers, for continued education of those already in such positions, and for advancing research in business. It also serves the needs for business education throughout the world with its online education options.

The College works closely with the local business community in the professional development of its students. 

Mission

As a College of Business serving Southern Colorado and beyond we provide a vibrant, challenging, collaborative, and responsive learning environment. We offer comprehensive undergraduate degrees, select master’s degrees, and professional programs that emphasize principle-based ethical decision making. We support innovation and impact in our teaching, research, and service.

We realize our mission by:

• Offering small, engaging classes that promote faculty-student interaction

• Providing internship, mentorship, and career development opportunities

• Producing intellectual contributions that impact the theory, practice, and teaching of business

• Creating collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with our campus, alumni, business community, and international partners

Vision

We are in the business of building successful futures.^TM 

Core Values

Student Success: Paramount to everything we do and one of the keys to our uniqueness and success is our dedication to helping students succeed in our programs and in their careers.

Excellence, Integrity, and Professionalism: We believe that things worth doing are worth doing right with the highest ethical standards.

Innovation: We encourage innovative thinking, practices, and programs.

Building Relationships: We are committed to developing mutually beneficial relationships and teamwork with all of our stakeholders.

Accreditation

Both the undergraduate and the graduate business degree programs are fully accredited by AACSB International- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Faculty

Dean: Stephen Ferris. Associate Dean: Robert Block. Professors: Andrew Czaplewski, Rebecca Duray, Jeffery Ferguson, Donald Gardner, Tracy Gonzalez-Padron, Gary Klein, John Milliman, Eric Olson, Morgan Shepherd, Blaise Sonnier, Gregory Stock, and Donald Warrick Associate Professors: Margaret Beranek, Jill Bradley-Geist, Tom Duening, Ying Fan, Carol Finnegan, Monique French, Robert Hirschfeld, James Ma, Brian McAllister, George Woodward and Mingming Zhou.  Assistant Professors: Dustin Bluhm,  Kaitlyn DeGhetto, Spencer Harris, Wei Hsu, Martin Key, Matthew Metzger,  Assma Sawani, Kathleen Tomlin, James Van Scotter, and Yang Xu.  Senior Instructors:  William Ayen, David Leupp, Gordon Stringer, and Sheri Trumpfheller. Instructors:  Gregory Augspurger, Diane Belger,  Robert Cook,  Juan-Maria Gallego, Thomas O’Malley, and Scott Van Ness. Attendant Faculty: Tatiana Bailey and Robert Block Emeritus Professors: Richard Discenza, Lexis Higgins, Charles Hinkle, Robert Keeley, Robert Knapp, Paul Miller, James Rothe, Kirk Wilcox, Robert Zawacki, and Thomas Zwirlein.

Business Academic Advising

Undergraduate Academic Advising
Main Hall, 2nd Floor
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-3260
1-800-990-UCCS ext 3260
email: advising@uccs.edu
 

Graduate Academic Advising
Graduate School of Business Administration
Dwire Hall 333
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-3408, 1-800-990-8227, ext 3408
Fax: (719) 255-3100
email: cobgrad@uccs.edu

College of Business Initiatives

Ethical Principles

The College of Business participates in the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative that advances principle-based ethics. The Principles provide a framework for personal and organizational decision-making and leadership that College of Business students can utilize both in the classroom and in their future careers. 

Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Principles

Integrity - Act with honesty in all situations

Trust - Build trust in all stakeholder relationships

Accountability - Accept responsibility for all decisions

Transparency - Maintain open and truthful communications

Fairness - Engage in fair competition and create equitable and just relationships

Respect - Honor the rights, freedoms, views, and property of others

Rule of Law - Comply with the spirit and intent of laws and regulations

Viability - Create long-term value for all relevant stakeholders

College of Business Career Development Center

Our mission is to support careers by bridging the gap between students and the business community through professional development, internships, and employment opportunities. The Career Development Center assists business students and alumni in all majors and at all levels (undergraduate and graduate).

The College of Business recognizes the need to produce graduates who are prepared, experienced, knowledgeable, and able to relate the skills they have learned in class to daily business operations. By utilizing the services and events offered through the Career Development Center, students will receive a rich, meaningful introduction to the professional business world.

Services offered through the Career Development Center include resumes reviews, mock interviews, networking events, and career development workshops. These events allow you to improve your business etiquette skills while connecting with local employers. Students are also encouraged to schedule an individual appointment to discuss career pathways and to develop an individualized career plan. The Career Development Center also advertises job postings on our online job board, Business Connect, accessible through the Career Development Center website (https://www.uccs.edu/business/community-resources/career-development-center). 

We welcome your questions and look forward to helping you reach your career goals. Please contact us at 719-255-3120 or cobplace@uccs.edu  or stop by our office in Dwire Hall, Room 301.

The College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship

The Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business is dedicated to providing leadership in scholarship and education in entrepreneurship for the College and the University.  The Center offers a minor in entrepreneurship that is open to every student on the UCCS campus.  It also spearheads the Garage@UCCS which is a unique student venture laboratory that provides space, mentoring, support, and other resources to student entrepreneurs. The Center hosts numerous on-campus entrepreneurial events, and is the administrative home to the student Entrepreneurship Club. 

UCCS Economic Forum

Mission Statement:
The UCCS Economic Forum is the leading source of unbiased and rigorous information for the Pikes Peak region. Data is continuously updated and actively utilized in the community to inform and drive economic development and business decisions.

The UCCS Economic Forum:

• provides the local community with timely and accurate economic data to help inform business and government decision making,

• provides and tracks metrics to help gauge the economic “health” of the region,

• provides tailored analytical services to local organizations that focus on community and economic development, and

• provides local and state presentations to educate individuals about the business and economic climate in the region.

The UCCS College of Business Alumni Association

The UCCS College of Business Alumni Association, with nearly 10,000 members, provides mentorship for current students, networking opportunities for alumni, and a bridge between the college and the business community.

Significant programs and events include:

• C​areer Coaching Program - A structured eight-month long mentorship program for junior and senior business students.

• Lifetime E​ntrepreneurship Award Luncheon - Signature fundraising event honoring the achievements of one outstanding community member.

• BANG! (B​​usiness Alumni Networking Group) - Opportunity for alumni to connect, share ideas, and do business with one another.

The Office of Professional and Executive Development (OPED)

Student Organizations

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Student organizations, which provide opportunities for professional development and for recognition of scholastic achievement of students, are supported by the College of Business.  The following are student organizations in the College of Business:

Accounting Honor Society:  Honor society for College of Business accounting students.

Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS): Membership in BGS is an honor, which must be earned through outstanding scholastic achievement.  Students are invited to apply for membership.  Such membership is one of the highest scholastic honors that a student in a business or management program can attain. To be eligible for Beta Gamma Sigma membership, undergraduate students must rank in the top10 percent of their graduating class and graduate students must rank in the top 20 percent of their graduating class.  BGS chapters may be chartered only in those schools of business and management accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Delta Sigma Pi:  International fraternity for business students

Finance Club: The mission of the Finance Club is to provide a resource for current students to successfully pursue careers in finance and finance related fields.  The club seeks to fulfill its role to our members by developing not only technical skills needed in the field, but also to develop our members socially and academically. 

Management Club: The Management Club’s goal is to provide further management education beyond what is seen in a traditional classroom setting.  We offer opportunities for career and management skill development.  Club members and the broader UCCS student community are welcome to our events. 

Marketing Club: UCCS AMA - The UCCS American Marketing Association is a growing campus club that is focused on fostering connections on and off campus through AMA and community events, learning relevant skills and job smarts from experienced professionals, and being involved in projects giving students direct experience in marketing. Anyone is welcome to attend events and meetings, and AMA membership is available to those who want to become more active members in this valuable network.

SHRM:  Student Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Student Center for Public Trust: The Student Center for the Public Trust (StudentCPT) is a national network of college students who demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership. 

College of Business and Administration Learning Outcomes

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Business, BS–Bachelor of Science

As future business leaders, our graduates will demonstrate:

• knowledge and application of best practices in core business concepts.

• the ability to analyze and interpret information to reach conclusions and make effective business recommendations.

• principle based ethics to make socially responsible business decisions.

Business, MBA-Master of Business Administration

Our graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand and apply core business knowledge.

• Make principle-based ethical decisions.

• Function effectively in a team environment.

• Communicate professionally and effectively.

• Make effective managerial decisions.

Business, MSA - Master of Science in Accounting

Our graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Demonstrate technical competencies and professional knowledge in financial accounting, auditing, and taxation.

• Demonstrate critical thinking in accounting contexts.

• Demonstrate the ability to recognize ethical and professional obligations of accountants.

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

College of Business and Administration General Academic Policies

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The following academic policies are applicable to all students enrolled in the College of Business and Administration or the Graduate School of Business Administration. All students are responsible for knowing and following the provisions set forth in this Catalog and in the Registration Handbook. Any questions concerning these provisions are to be directed to Academic Advising (undergraduate inquiries) or the Graduate School of Business Administration Advising Office (graduate inquiries). It is the responsibility of the student to know and observe program requirements and deadlines.

In an effort to incorporate new business techniques and paradigms into business programs, as well as to meet the needs of students on a timely basis, the College of Business periodically makes changes to curricula. The academic policies and regulations stated herein are in effect at the time this Catalog is published but may be subject to change; these changes may not be reflected in this Catalog. We therefore encourage students to visit our website. Any questions should be directed to the Academic Advising Offices (undergraduate or graduate).

Academic Dishonesty

The College of Business follows and enforces the student conduct rules and policies that are set forth by the university and are listed in the Student Rights and Responsibilities  section of the Academic Catalog.

Students caught engaging in academic dishonesty may receive a zero on the assignment in question, an “F” in the class, or be suspended from the College of Business and/or university.

Academic Policies

Administrative Drop
Through the semester census date, individual faculty, program directors or the dean may initiate the process to drop students who do not have the proper course prerequisites and/or class standing for courses. Students who fail to meet written class attendance policies may be administratively dropped. Students who do not attend the first class without receiving prior permission from the instructor may also be dropped. 

Attendance Policy
It is the expectation of the College of Business and Administration that students will attend all classes.  However, classroom attendance policy is left to the discretion of the faculty member. Students are responsible for knowing the attendance policies of individual instructors. Business faculty may drop students who do not attend the first class (providing the student has made no prior arrangements with the instrucor for missing the first day of class). This policy allows the adding of wait-listed students who attend the first class. Students registering after the first class meeting should obtain approval from the instructor prior to enrolling and are responsible for all assignments, notes, materials, etc. given during missed instructional time.

Grading Policies

Audit/No Credit
The College will not approve business courses taken as audit or for no credit.

Failed Courses
Although failed courses may be repeated, the earned F will remain on the student’s transcript and will be included in his/her grade point average.

Grade Appeals
Final grades as reported by faculty are to be considered permanent and final. While it is the sole prerogative of the faculty to award grades, it is also a student’s right to appeal a course grade that he or she feels was awarded in error or unfairly.

In any appeal, it is understood that the burden of proof justifying a change of grade is upon the student. Each step in the appeal process should be completed in a timely manner. The academic year consists of three semesters, summer, fall and spring. A student should initiate a grade appeal no more than one semester after the initial grade was assigned.  For each course, a student may appeal only once.  It is the student’s responsibility to produce all materials that have been returned to the class relevant to the determination of the grade. It is the faculty member’s responsibility to produce all materials relevant to the grade which have not been returned to the student. In the event that group project materials were part of the student’s grade, it is the student’s responsibility to produce all those materials that were returned to the group that are relevant to the grade. At all stages of this process, the faculty of record shall be kept informed of the appeal and be provided with copies of all written records. Furthermore, the faculty shall be notified of any proposed grade change.

Step I The student must first appeal directly to the course instructor. It is expected that most disagreements will be resolved at this level. In extraordinary circumstances (absence or death of the faculty member or in instances involving formal complaints of harassment or discrimination in the award of a grade) this step can be bypassed and the student can move on to Step II.

Step II If a student cannot resolve the disagreement with the course instructor, then he or she may appeal to the team lead. In the event that the course instructor is the team lead, the associate dean will act as the team lead.  The team lead has the discretion to handle the issue verbally or to ask the student to put the complaint/issue into writing including why the grade was unfair or in error.  If the team lead asks for the issue in writing, the time limit will be two weeks for the student to do so. If the appeal is found to be justified, a recommendation will be made to the course faculty member to change the grade.

Step III The student may appeal the team lead’s finding to the dean’s level of the College of Business. The dean may consult or refer appeal to the graduate or undergraduate team, whichever is appropriate. At the dean’s level, all appeals must be in writing.  In cases where formal allegations of harassment or discrimination accompany the appeal, the dean will consult the director of affirmative action.  The decision of the dean is final, and the dean has the authority to change the grade. 

Incomplete Grades
In special circumstances, a student may be awarded an incomplete grade (I).  Incomplete grades (I) are only appropriate for students who have completed a substantial portion of the semester but then become ill, or encounter other documentable extenuating circumstances beyond their control, preventing them from completing their coursework.

Instructors have the sole discretion to award an incomplete grade. The purpose of an incomplete grade is to allow students to make up missing work or exams. To resolve an incomplete grade, the student must meet with their instructor to develop a plan for completion and must submit the specified work by the deadline established. Students may not attend any part of the course a second time in an effort to complete a pending incomplete without re-enrolling. If a student elects to re-enroll before resolving the incomplete, the most recent grade, in addition to the (I), will remain on the student’s permanent academic record. In all cases where an incomplete is not remedied within one calendar year, the (I) grade will automatically convert to an F on the student’s permanent academic record. Students are responsible for ensuring that all incomplete grades are resolved at least four weeks prior to their scheduled graduation date.

Pass/Fail Course Registration
With the exception of BUAD 3010, 3020, 3030, internships numbered 4960 and 6960, and certain experimental courses, students in the College of Business and Administration may not use courses taken on a pass/fail basis to satisfy required courses. Only open electives may be taken on a pass/fail basis and applied towards the undergraduate degree. No pass/fail courses may be taken and applied toward the Graduate degree program. Pass/fail determination must be made within the first two weeks of the semester and is irreversible.

Independent Study

Junior, senior and graduate business students desiring to explore business topics beyond regular business course coverage may take variable credit independent study courses (1-3 semester hours) under the direction of a full-time member of the faculty who approves the project. The student must also have the prior approval of the dean. Information and request forms are available in the College of Business graduate and undergraduate offices. To receive degree credit for independent study and experimental studies courses in non-business areas, students must obtain the approval of the College of Business and Administration Dean prior to registering for the course. The College of Business and Administration does not grant credit for work experience or cooperative education programs. Tutoring of lower division courses is considered a form of work experience, and is not accepted for academic credit. A maximum of 6 hours of pre-approved independent study credit may be applied to the undergraduate or graduate business degrees. 

Internships

The College of Business and Administration offers the opportunity for business students, undergraduate and graduate, to obtain internships both for credit and not for credit. Information on business internships is available in the College of Business Career Development Center.

Listening In

The College of Business participates in the campus-wide Listening In program for lifelong learners age 55 and older.  Participants may sit in on regular-session classes on a space-available basis with the permission of the course instructor and academic program director.  No academic credit is earned.  Participants do not submit assignments, complete exams, or engage in group projects.  Online classes are not available for Listening In.  Program application and details are on the Online and Academic Outreach website.  

Petitions

A business student can request a modification or exception to the academic program requirements or policies that are in place for the College of Business.  The process to request a modification or an exception is done via a College of Business Petition Form (available from an academic advisor).  The forms must be typed and must be accompanied by documentation to warrant a modification or exception.  Once a petition is received by the appropriate advisor, the petition is then reviewed by the appropriate college designee.  Once a petition has been reviewed the student will be notified about the status of the petition. 

Transfer Credit

The College of Business and Administration reserves the right to disallow any credit it determines not to be appropriate. Only credit from regionally accredited institutions will be considered for transfer to the undergraduate degree program, and from AACSB accredited graduate programs to the graduate degrees.

 

Programs

Bachelor of Innovation™

• •  Bachelor of Innovation™ (BI) Degree

Bachelor of Science

• •  Business, BS
• •  College of Business and Administration Undergraduate Programs

Certificate

• •  College of Business Graduate Certificates

Master of Business Administration

• •  Business Administration, MBA

Master of Science

• •  Accounting, MSA

Minor

• •  Accounting Minor (Business Students)
• •  Accounting Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  Entrepreneurship Minor (Business Students)
• •  Entrepreneurship Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  Finance Minor (Business Students)
• •  Finance Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  General Business Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  Human Resources Management Minor (Business Students)
• •  Human Resources Management Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  Information Systems Minor (Business Students)
• •  Information Systems Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  International Business Minor (Business Students)
• •  International Business Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  Management Minor (Business Students)
• •  Management Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  Marketing Minor (Business Students)
• •  Marketing Minor (Non-business Students)
• •  Service Management Minor (Business Students)

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