MISSION STATEMENT OF FAULKNER UNIVERSITY
Faulkner University is a multi-campus, private, coeducational, Christian University offering certificate, associate, and baccalaureate degree programs that are designed to prepare students for careers or advanced studies in the arts and sciences, business, professional or vocational education. Additionally, Faulkner University offers the graduate degrees of Juris doctor in Juris prudence through the Jones School of Law and the Master of Science in Management through the Harris College of Business.
When Faulkner University was first established in 1942 as Montgomery Bible School, the primary purpose was to prepare leadership for the churches of Christ. Through the years, the institution has maintained this purpose while broadening its scope to meet the educational needs of an expanding student body. This growth is evidenced by the name change to Alabama Christian College in 1953 and the more recent name change to Faulkner University in 1985.
The foundation principle of Faulkner University is predicated on the conviction that the Bible is the inspired word of God. This premise reflects the belief that man was created in the image of God with a mortal body and an eternal spirit. The purpose, therefore, of Faulkner University is to provide quality higher education that will promote both the spiritual and physical success of the individual. The scope of this quality education encompasses academic growth and spiritual maturity for all who are within the university's sphere of influence. The Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and students of this institution are dedicated to this pursuit of academic and spiritual excellence.
Faulkner University has a commitment to provide a Christian environment in a university setting which encourages the highest Christian ideals and spiritual maturity by preparing the student to understand the Bible and to apply the principles of Christianity to every aspect of life - personal, family, church, profession, community and nation.
Another distinction of Faulkner University is the commitment to inculcate Christian ethics, morality and concern for others through the curriculum content of all educational programs so that students may acquire academic knowledge which will qualify them to pursue their personal goals and vocations of choice and make meaningful contributions as productive Christians and citizens of a democratic society.
GOALS OF THE UNIVERSITY
The specific goals of the University include the following:
1. To develop an appreciation for the Christian heritage and for the Bible as the
inspired word of God, and a desire to become Christ-governed individuals.
2. To assist students in developing a strong Christian base of spiritual commitment and character.
3. To instill in students the basis for excellent moral, ethical and responsible social behavior.
4. To prepare students for employment in productive and satisfying careers.
5. To prepare students for leadership and service roles in the church and in civic and community affairs.
6. To equip students to accept responsibility for their own life-time learning experiences and to prepare them for advanced and graduate study.
7. To develop good communication skills.
8. To prepare students for responsible roles in a free society, to participate in representative government and to function in the American capitalistic free-enterprise economic system.
9. To give students the Biblical, moral and social bases and the necessary skills for building strong families.
10. To develop within students an appreciation for aesthetic literature, art, music, theater and nature.
11. To instill principles and skills for life-time mental and physical well-being.
12. To prepare students to adapt to a changing technological environment and to make use of technological advances to enhance the quality of their lives.
SCOPE
Faulkner University offers certificate, associate and baccalaureate programs, a graduate program through the Harris College of Business, and also the Juris doctor graduate degree program through the Jones School of Law. Enrollment consists of traditional dormitory and commuting students as well as non-traditional and evening students.
MAIN CAMPUS
The Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences provides a core curriculum of liberal arts for all degree programs as a foundation upon which subsequent learning is based. It also offers certificates, associate and baccalaureate degrees in certain liberal arts disciplines.
The Harris School of Business & Executive Education offers programs designed to prepare leaders for roles in the business community and the free enterprise system. It offers certificates, associate and baccalaureate degrees in various areas of business and executive education.
The Jones School of Law provides a law curriculum of afternoon and evening classes leading to the doctor of Juris prudence as a part of the Faulkner University system. It possesses a prestigious history as one of the oldest night law schools in the nation. It has been in existence for sixty years and has established a reputation for producing capable attorneys, judges, and leaders for the state of Alabama. The School of Law has been under the auspices of Faulkner University since August, 1983.
The V.P. Black School of Biblical Studies provides all Faulkner students instruction in the Bible. Bible majors are prepared for leadership roles in churches of Christ.
CENTERS
The centers in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile offer associate degrees. Their enrollment is composed of adult students such as working professionals who are seeking to enhance employability and job-related skills. Programs at these centers are offered both day and evening.
HISTORY
Faulkner University received its original charter June 5, 1942, as Montgomery Bible School under the leadership of founders, Dr. Leonard Johnson, Dr. Rex A. Turner, Sr. and Joe B. Greer. On September 14, 1942, the first class began with twenty-three students enrolled in grades nine through twelve and the first year of college. The physical plant consisted of a single two-story frame building located on a twenty-six acre campus on Ann Street in Montgomery, Alabama.
In 1948, the institution became a member of the Association of Alabama Colleges. By 1950, the physical plant had been increased to accommodate more than two hundred students. On April 13, 1953, the original charter was amended to change the name from Montgomery Bible School to Alabama Christian College.
In 1965, the college moved to its present 74 acre site on the Atlanta Highway in north-east Montgomery. On December 1, 1971, it was accredited at Level 1 by the Commission on Colleges of the Souther Association of Colleges and Schools. This accreditation was reaffirmed in 1975 and again in 1984.
In 1975, the first extension centers were begun in Mobile, Birmingham, and Huntsville. The Sheffield Center was opened in 1976 and later moved to Florence in 1981. In 1977, all the extension centers were determined by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to come under the accreditation of the Montgomery campus.
In 1978, the college applied to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for senior college status. The first junior class entered in September, 1981, and the first senior class in September, 1982. Within weeks of the graduation of its first baccalaureate class in June, 1983, the college was granted candidacy status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and its teacher education program was approved by the Alabama State Department of Education. Accreditation of Faulkner University at Level ll was received December 11, 1984. The university received level V, level B accreditation for Jones School of Law in 1990.
On April 19, 1985, the Board of Trustees changed the name of Alabama Christian College to Faulkner University in honor of Dr. James H. Faulkner, Sr., long-time Chairman of the Board and a major benefactor of the university.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES
Faulkner University's main campus is located on the Atlanta Highway near the intersection of Interstate 85 and Eastern Boulevard. It has a large campus convenient to shopping malls, theaters, restaurants, and churches.
The E.L. Cullom Rotunda with its unique spire, is a Montgomery landmark. It provides faculty and administrative offices, a large auditorium, classrooms, and mailroom.
The Gus Nichols Library contains the major collection of books, serials and audiovisuals in the university's holdings.
The Time W. Davis Gymnasium houses the Physical Education and Athletic Departments, including a gym, weight room, dressing areas, classrooms, offices and space for further development. Tennis courts and intramural fields are adjacent to the gym.
The Softball Complex is located near the gymnasium and is used for intercollegiate as well as intramural competition.
The Lamar Harrison Field baseball complex is located on the north side of the campus, adjacent to Hunnicutt Park.
The Pop Myers Fine Arts Center is an attractive building on the northeast side of the campus. In addition to offices for music and theater faculty, it provides an auditorium, stage, practice rooms, storage rooms, and choral rooms. It also serves as home for the Faulkner University's Dinner Theater.
The Linda Y. Brooks Hall provides spacious facilities for classes in science and other disciplines, as well as for faculty offices. The Instructional Support Lab, which offers tutorial services utilizing state of the art computers, is located here.
The J. L. Perry Cafeteria houses not only the food services of the university but also the office of the Dean of Students, the Health Center, and the university bookstore.
The Leonard Johnson Hall houses classrooms, academic computer lab, offices of the Harris School of Business & Executive Education staff/faculty.
The Jones School of Law Building houses the law school offices and the law library.
The Burton and Baldwin dormitories furnish housing for male students in a modern setting, making available individual phones and cable TV hook-up for each room. Rooms meeting ADA requirements are also available upon request.
The Davis Dormitory furnishes housing for female students in a modern setting, making available individual phones and cable TV hook-up for each room. Rooms meeting ADA requirements are also available upon request.
The Student Center houses recreational facilities, meeting rooms, and offices for the coordination of student activities and the Student Government Association.
The Harris-Parker Building houses classrooms, faculty offices and the Dean's office for the V. P. Black School of Biblical Studies.
The Harris College of Business houses the College of Business classrooms and offices, distance learning classroom, multimedia computer labs, the President's office and Boardroom, and other administrative offices.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CURRENT TUITION AND FEES
Financial information provided here is simply a guideline to assist the students for general information purposes. It is not designed for specific financial information, which should be obtained from the Business Office.
The cost of tuition, room, board, fees and other charges are printed in the FINANCIAL INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT. The program's materials outlines special financial policies and associated tuition and fees. The university reserves the right to adjust these rates at any time before charges are incurred by the student. Current tuition is $15,660.00. This does not include the cost of books. A separate application fee (non-refundable)of $25 is required. There is also a required down payment of $200 at time of registration.
PAYMENT POLICIES
Registration is not complete until finance office acceptance is granted.
Checks for tuition and fees should be made payable to Faulkner University and must identify the student for which payment is made. Faulkner University accepts MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. Books and supplies are available from Follett Bookstore on campus and must be purchased separately.
A fee is assessed for each returned check or other item. If a student has checks repeatedly returned, subsequent payments in cash or by cashier's check will be required.
Students may apply to defer a portion of their balance for each semester. The remaining balance after down payment and confirmed financial aid may be divided into equal installments. For certain adult programs, special deferred payment arrangements are outlined in the program brochure. In order to defer payment, students must do the following:
1. Make the required down payment due at registration.
2. Maintain a satisfactory credit record.
A deferment fee is assessed for those students permitted to defer payment.
A late payment fee is assessed for each late payment.
Students who are delinquent with payments any not be allowed to continue in classes, or register for future classes.
THIRD PARTY REIMBURSEMENT
Students whose accounts will be paid by a third-party sponsor, such as a company, church, the military or some other organization, must submit a written commitment to the university. The university may defer payment of the reimbursement amount until funds are received from the third party. Any amount not covered by the third party must be paid by the student. A deferment fee will be charged.
If the student’s bill remains unpaid contrary to terms of the third-party agreement, continued enrollment may be delayed until suitable arrangements are made. The student is ultimately responsible for the timely payment of the account.
Third party reimbursement must be received by the university no later than 60 days after completion of term. If funds are not received on time the student is responsible for remaining balance due.
FUNDS PAID DIRECTLY TO THE STUDENT
Students whose accounts will be paid directly to the student must follow the guidelines for deferred payments listed under PAYMENT POLICIES. A deferment fee is charged. The student must remain current in order to remain enrolled. The student remains responsible for all charges associated with attending Faulkner.
PAST DUE BALANCES
In the event a balance remains after the close of the term in which charges were incurred, a delinquency charge of 1.5% monthly will be added to the unpaid balance. This delinquency charge will continue monthly until the balance is paid in full.
WITHDRAWAL REFUND POLICY
Semester System
There are two possible refund policies that may apply to a student who totally withdraws from Faulkner University. Refer to the Faulkner University catalog if you are receiving Title IV funds. The following is an addendum for the institutional refund policy listed in the university catalog.
For further clarification or questions, please contact the Business and/or Financial Aid Office for specific policies pertaining to withdrawal/ refunds.
Drop/Withdrawal Refund Percentage
Within 1st week………………………………………………. 100$ less $110.00
Within 2nd week……………………………………………… 50%
After 3rd week……..…………………………………………. 0%
FINANCIAL AID
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT POLICIES
Financial Aid information provided here is simply a guideline to assist the students for general information purposes. It is not designed for specific financial information, which should be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.
Aid Yearly Maximum
Guaranteed Student Loans $20,500.00 (upon approval)
Eligibility
Students admitted UNCONDITIONALLY are eligible to apply for $20,500.00.
Students admitted CONDITIONALLY are eligible to apply for a specified amount, but will not receive disbursements for the second and third semesters until official GMAT scores have been received and accepted by the Graduate Enrollment Office. The remaining disbursements will be made available to apply for once CONDITIONAL admission has been removed.
Aid Yearly Maximum
ANGEAP $1,000.00
Eligibility
Alabama National Guardsman
How Do I Apply And What Forms Are Required?
Loans To process your loan application, WE MUST HAVE:
-
Financial Aid Transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities within the last 12 months.
-
Financial Aid Data Form.
-
Student Aid Report or Free Application from Federal Student Aid.
-
A copy of 1996 Federal Tax Forms. (If you are selected for verification we will also need a verification worksheet.)
-
Completed and Signed Loan Application.
-
Completed, Signed and Dated Entrance Interview.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THE LENDER WILL TAKE 4% FROM YOUR REQUESTED LOAN AMOUNT, TO COVER GUARANTEE AND ORIGINATION FEES.
Angeap Request your Angeap application from the National Guard Office at Faulkner @ (800) 879-9816 ext. 146 or (334) 260-6146, or you may request one from your Armory.
Air Guardsmen must request an application from your ESO.
For any other questions regarding Financial Aid contact:
Financial Aid Office
Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109
(800) 879-9816 ext. 195 or (334) 386-7195
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
FINANCIAL AID POLICY
Master of Science in Management
After completion of one semester, a student must have attained a graduate grade point average of 3.00 and must have successfully completed 80% of the academic hours attempted. If a student is below either the grade point average or completion percentage, then he/she will be placed on financial aid probation. The student will remain on probation until the end of the second semester at which time a review of his/her cumulative grade point average and completion rate will take place. If he/she has not attained a grade point average of 3.00 and successfully completed 80% of the academic hours attempted, then he/she will be suspended from receiving any federal financial aid.
1) Attempted hours will include all graduate hours appearing on the official academic transcript as attempted, including WP's.
2) Any student placed on probation will have one term of continued Federal Financial Aid in which to achieve the academic criteria appropriate for the hours attempted at the end of the term of probation. Failure to do so may result in Financial Aid Suspension.
3) Any extension of Financial Aid Probation beyond one term must be requested by the student in writing and must be approved by the Financial Aid Director, in consultation with the Graduate Academic Department.
LIBRARY SERVICES
The Nichols Main Library, located on the main campus is open several hours weekly for student research. The library, which holds over 51,000 volumes, offers computerized search capabilities, microformat viewing and printing, and copier services. The Nichols Main Library subscribes to over 280 serials and is equipped with a variety of formats such as video cassette, audio cassette, recordings and films which support the university's curriculum. A friendly staff and qualified professionals are available at all times to assist students.
Library resource rooms are available at Faulkner's extension centers throughout the state of Alabama. The resource rooms make available materials which are relevant to curricula at the centers. Resource room hours are posted. Additional materials may be requested through the Nichols Main Library.
The library at Faulkner University is an institutional member of both the American Library Association and the Association of College Research Libraries. Reciprocal borrowing arrangements with neighboring institutions of higher education are available for students, faculty and staff. For more information, ask a staff member at Nichols Library.
NUMBERING OF COURSES
The university uses a four-digit course numbering system. The first digit shows the level of the course, the second digit shows the semester hours of credit, and the last two digits identify specific courses.
The following chart illustrates the meaning of each digit:
6 3 0 5
l l l ----------------------- l
Graduate Level Semester Hours Course numbers as
of credit for the specifically designated
course
FAULKNER UNIVERSITY
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT
Faulkner University offers in an executive format a one year (three semesters) graduate business and management degree program for professionals who intend to expand their career horizons. The M.S.M. is designed to develop and enhance business, leadership and management skills.
Focus is placed on career development and enhancement with a curriculum that incorporates a managerial perspective with a futuristic approach to facilitate success in today's business world.
The University, in this program, seeks to preserve the relationship between an executive-oriented educational experience and the dynamics of Christian belief through the inclusion of business ethics in the curriculum.
The M.S.M. is a graduate business program primarily designed to establish, create, promote, and enhance careers that revolve around management, statistical and quantitative methodology for decision making, marketing, management human resource management and various general business areas.
The M.S.M. distinguishes itself with its innovative structuring, curriculum, and scheduling, enabling ad, current and potential executives, managers, supervisors and other professionals to earn an accredited Master's degree within one year.
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or in a related discipline. Those with Baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines will be considered for admission by the graduate academic department upon compliance with the prerequisite and recommended courses stated in the admissions criteria. All incoming students, irrespective of major or degree, must complete the prerequisite prior to enrolling in the M.S.M. program.
This program is geared to enhance the learning horizons of executives by offering a blend of courses vital for a business career.
PROGRAM DESIGN & STRUCTURE
* Completion within one calendar year.
* Classes meet for 3 semesters.
* Class timing for all semesters: Friday: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: Session 1: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Session 2: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The MSM Project meets from 5:00 - 5:50 p.m. on Fridays, one time in a semester and materials are to be submitted at 5:30 p.m. another time in that semester. There are a total of 6 meeting times in the program, three for discussion and three for material submission.
* Each semester has 3 courses of 3 semester credit hours each, with an additional M.S.M. project that also comprises of 3 semester hours.
* Students enter the program in the first semester only.
CAREER OBJECTIVES
1. To prepare one for employment and advancement in a wide range of positions requiring graduate business education.
2. To enhance one's knowledge and skills for management functions.
3. To develop understanding and appreciation for statistical and quantitative reasoning.
4. To enhance one's knowledge of current managerial practices and trends.
5. To augment one's skills in critical thinking and decision making for strategically positioning the institution or organization.
6. To strengthen one's capacity to be effective in human resource management through understanding of skills essential for executive decision making.
7. To prepare the manager for handling "crisis management" under varied circumstances.
8. To develop awareness of group dynamics and organizational behavior.
M.S. IN MANAGEMENT ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
1. At least four years of relevant work experience is required. The Academic department will determine "relevancy" based on professional expertise and experience gained relative to business and management.
2. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Official copies of transcripts should be received prior to admission. Official transcripts must be received within the stipulated time frame, that is, prior to the beginning of the second semester. Only conditional admission will be granted during the interim period to students who do not fulfill any of the stated requirements.
4. Students will be required to take the GMAT examination. Students who have not taken the GMAT may be granted conditional admission with the provision that the student will take the exam at the next scheduled date.
5. Students seeking admission to the M.S.M. program must have completed a course in Statistics, Quantitative Business Analysis, or Operations Research. It is strongly recommended that students enrolling in the program should have completed courses in Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, and Information Systems.
Any exceptions to the admissions criteria are considered by the MSM Academic Review Committee.
PLEASE NOTE: THE MSM ACADEMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF THE DIRECTOR, MSM DEPARTMENT OR A GRADUATE FACULTY MEMBER, THE ASSOCIATE DEAN, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, AND THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS.
M.S. IN MANAGEMENT
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
One year program
3 semesters of 16 weeks
Semester 1 Sem. hrs.
MSM 6300 Ethics for Business and Management 3
MSM 6302 Organizational Behavior 3
MSM 6303 Legal Dimensions in Business 3
MSM 6311 MSM Project I 3
Semester 2
MSM 6304 Marketing Management 3
MSM 6305 Quantitative Analysis 3
MSM 6306 Personnel/HR Management 3
MSM 6312 MSM Project II 3
Semester 3
MSM 6307 Employment Law for Management 3
MSM 6308 Business Policy and Strategy 3
MSM 6309 Financial Management 3
MSM 6313 MSM Project III 3
TOTAL 36 Semester Hrs.
Please note: Depending on program format, MSM 6301 Business and Administrative Communication, MSM 6314 Management Information Systems and MSM 6390 Managerial Accounting, may be substituted for an existing course as determined by the department.
Faulkner University Retains The Right to Change curriculum, or the order of course offerings.
transfer of credits earned at faulkner and/or entry into graduate and/or doctoral programs.
Faulkner University’s graduate program(s) in Business are offered in the format of executive education programs. Because of the diversity in post-graduate or doctoral programs (numerous programs across the nation and in various fields within the broad area of business, related to business, or outside of business) and the variety of entrance competencies for entry therein, it is not feasible for the University to undertake to advise students as to whether their programs of study at Faulkner will satisfy the pre-requisites of other studies at other universities. Thus, the student contemplating transfer or post-graduate or doctoral work at another institution bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that work done at Faulkner will satisfy the program requirements at a different university.
M.S. IN MANAGEMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MSM 6300 Ethics for Business and Management
A study of principles and concepts for building and enhancement of ethical and managerial paradigms for corporate operations. Focus on integrity in organizational cultures.
MSM 6302 Organizational Behavior
A study of human behavior in organizations in the context of organizational business systems. An overview of managerial challenges including the global environment and work force diversity. Focus on decision-making, group dynamics, and conflict resolution.
MSM 6303 Legal Dimensions of Business
This course is a review of the legal system, common law and its development, organizational structures, and the regulatory environment. Many concepts, including the federal and state court system, partnerships, corporations, torts, and contracts will be discussed in the context of managerial functions. Emphasis will be on the legal process as it affects and shapes the business environment.
MSM 6304 Marketing Management
Examining marketing management with emphasis on management of marketing units within business enterprises. The social environment within which marketing problems occur will also be discussed. Exposure to the developing perspectives of marketing as a function and a discipline.
MSM 6305 Quantitative Analysis
Quantitative methods of analysis. An overview of the concepts of operations research and statistical methods. Emphasis upon techniques most useful in their application to managerial problems. Critical evaluation of modeling techniques.
MSM 6306 Personnel/HR Management
Study of the personnel/human resource function in contemporary business organizations. This course is also a study of the role of managers and supervisors and how they effectively manage human resources as a key component in an organization's long-term strategic plan. Focus is placed on the identification, analysis and integration of human resource policies with strategic planning in relation to the environment, the organization and the individual.
MSM 6307 Employment Law for Management
A study of the legislation, case law, and administrative regulations intended to provide nondiscriminatory treatment of individuals in employment relationships. The course examines the various civil rights acts, safety laws, executive orders, and related legal cases at the Federal and State levels.
MSM 6308 Business Policy and Strategy
Designed to integrate and summarize MSM course work, this business strategy course provides students with interrelated issues for study and analysis. It provides a better understanding of the "integrated management function" within a business enterprise.
MSM 6309 Financial Management
This course provides managers and entrepreneurs with decision-making tools used in planning and problem solving in their organizations. Students will explore contemporary theories of finance as applied to the solution of management problems identified in selected cases. The focus of the applications activity is on policy formulations and decision-making under conditions of uncertainty.
MSM 6311 MSM Project I
A comprehensive analytical project undertaken through selected readings of articles and/or case analysis. It is designed to be progressive in nature as students assimilate knowledge of the subject matter in different functional areas of business. Emphasis is on general Business, Management and Administration.
MSM 6312 MSM Project II
A comprehensive analytical project undertaken through selected readings of articles and/or case analysis. It is designed to be progressive in nature as students assimilate knowledge of the subject matter in different functional areas of business. Emphasis on integrating general Management principles with Human Resource Development and/or Management.
MSM 6313 MSM Project III
A comprehensive analytical project undertaken through selected readings of articles and/or case analysis. It is designed to be progressive in nature as students assimilate knowledge of the subject matter in different functional areas of business. Emphasis on business information systems in modern day technological environments.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Successful completion of all coursework and the MSM project with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. A maximum of two grades of "C" can be made in the program; exceeding this limit will result in being withdrawn from the program.
GRADING POLICY
The following symbols (grades) are used to record the achievement and quality of the work of students in each course:
Grade Significance Quality Points/Hour
A Excellent or Outstanding 4
B Good or Superior 3
C Satisfactory or Average 2
D Low Passing 1
F Failure 0
The following symbols (grades) are not used in determining grade point averages:
Grade Significance
I Incomplete
WP Withdrawn Passing
WF Withdrawn Failing
NC No Credit
Grades of A-, B+, B-, C+ and C- may be given at instructor’s discretion.
INCOMPLETE GRADES
The grade of "I" indicates that some requirements of the course are not yet complete. It is only given for reasons which in the judgement of the instructor have been unavoidable and only given with the approval of the Dean of the School of Business.
It is the responsibility of the student to initiate steps to a permanent grade by the end of the semester following the semester in which the "I" was assigned. Failure by the student to complete the course requirement within the time allotted will automatically result in the grade of "F".
The department strongly discourages assigning of an incomplete grade.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
All students must pass a written comprehensive examination. Please refer to the student handbook for details.
GRADUATE BUSINESS FACULTY
David Ang Adjunct Associate Professor of Business
B.S., Ohio University
M.S., University of Alabama in Huntsville
Ph.D., University of Alabama in Huntsville
Randall Bailey Associate Professor of Religion
B.A., M.S., Southern Christian University
G.S.R.E., M.Th., Southern Christian University
M.Phil., Ph.D., Drew University
William Cheng Adjunct Associate Professor of Finance
Ph.D., State University of NY at Binghamton
David Johnson Professor of Finance
Ph.D., Finance, University of Cincinnati
MBA, Finance, Memphis State
CPA (inactive) state of Tennessee
Gerald Jones Professor of Business/Employment Law
B.A., Alabama Christian College (Faulkner University)
M.S., Troy State University
J.D., University of Alabama School of Law
Dave Khadanga Professor of Management & Dean, College of Business
B. Commerce, M. Commerce, Utkal University
LL.B., Utkal University, India
M.B.A., Alabama A&M University
Ph.D., Management, Utkal University
Rosie Khadanga Professor of Information Systems
M.S., Troy State University
M.B.A., Alabama A&M University
Ed.D., Auburn University
Laura Russell Associate Professor of Information Systems
M.A., University of Alabama in Huntsville
Ph.D., Auburn University
Ronald Stunda Adjunct Associate Professor of Business Administration
B.S., Pennsylvania State University
M.B.A., University of Alabama at Birmingham
Ph.D., Florida State University
Robert Thetford Adjunct Assistant Professor of Business/Legal Dimensions
B.A., University of Alabama
J.D., University of Alabama
M.S.M. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The following is an official statement of Faulkner University’s policies regarding MSM students. This information is designed to provide the student a working knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as well as areas of special interest to MSM students.
Faulkner University understands and appreciates the unique needs and circumstances of the graduate program student and is committed to service. It is our intent to treat our students with dignity, fairness, respect, and professionalism. We believe that adult professionals expect such treatment and will display these attitudes in all dealings with Faulkner University employees.
All requirements of the Master of Science in Management degree must be completed within eight (8) years of the initial enrollment to the program. Students who withdraw from the program, prior to re-entry/re-enrollment must satisfy the requirements based on the current curriculum/catalog including completion/satisfaction of any core requirement deficiencies.
We are pleased to have you here at our University, and we wish you much success in this educational endeavor.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Students should recognize that they have the primary responsibility in planning their own academic program, given the fact that this is a STRUCTURED degree completion program. All students entering the University’s MSM program will be given an official statement of admissions status. Any student lacking admissions, additional course work, GMAT scores, etc., will be expected to get in touch with the Admissions office until they have fulfilled all admissions criteria. The Graduate Enrollment Office will provide the student with detailed information and specific courses needed to satisfy prerequisites, both required and recommended. The Dean of the Business School may make recommendations, and has the authority on the assessment of all MSM admissions criteria.
The Dean of the College of Business and the Program Director stand ready to help with special problems.
PLEASE DIRECT ALL CALLS TO THE GRADUATE ACADEMIC SECRETARY OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN.
REGISTRATION
Registration is conducted for MSM students prior to admission into the programs. Registration must be complete before attending classes. Students with incomplete registration information will not be given academic credit for courses taken.
DIS-ENROLLMENT
Administrative withdrawal can be initiated by the Graduate Admissions office or the MSM Department or the Registrars office. Administrative withdrawal by the Graduate Admissions office is generally for reasons including, but not limited to, lack of official transcripts, low or unavailable GMAT scores, or any other reason that leads to an incomplete file or Financial Aid/Business Office issues.
Administrative and/or Academic withdrawal can be initiated by the MSM department and the College of Business as a consequence of a multitude of issues addressed in this handbook. Examples would be lack of academic performance, low GPA, academic performance that does not exhibit progress toward successful continuation of Graduate study, behavioral issues, etc. The list above is not exhaustive and only intended to illustrate certain scenarios.
RE-ENROLLMENT
Re-enrollment into the graduate program for whatever reason, including but not limited to, academic deficits pertaining to grade point average, withdrawal from the program, either voluntary or involuntary, poor academic performance with grades of C’s, D’s or F’s, or any other reason leading to an inability to complete the program with proper academic sequence, is strictly handled on a case by case basis by the Academic Review Committee in consultation with the Dean of the College of Business. The Academic Review Committee or the Dean fully reserve the right to deny re-enrollment.
The Academic Review Committee and the Dean of the College of Business, in addition to the factors mentioned above, might, at their discretion, look at factors including, but not limited to the following:
1. The academic standing of the student as reflected in their G.P.A. and overall performance.
2. The motivation of the student as determined by class presence (number of absences and pattern of absences), timely submission of assignments and class participation.
3. Maturity, attitude, disposition and demeanor exhibited with faculty and staff of the M.S.M. program.
FINANCIAL AID
Please refer to the Graduate catalog.
CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE
Regular class attendance is expected of all students and is essential for academic development. In all courses, class interaction and individual participation are such vital parts of the course objectives that appreciable absence from class negates the value of the course. An education, being more that the attainment of facts and skills, includes the development of attitudes, appreciations, and understandings which are experienced from the classroom.
The following policies and procedures are to be followed in regard to absences of students:
1. Students are expected to attend class and are responsible for assignments and work missed because of absence, but an instructor is not obligated to permit a student to make up work.
2. A student who misses more than one meeting of any class will receive an automatic “F” in the class unless prior permission is obtained from the MSM Director’s office and appropriate documentation is provided concerning personal illness, family illness, death of family member, work, etc. Regardless of the reason (personal illness, family illness, death of family member, work, vacation, etc.), a student who misses more than two meetings of any class will receive an automatic “F” in the class.
3. Students who are absent the class meeting of the final examination must have prior approval from the MSM Director and provide appropriate documentation. The rescheduling of a final exam must be done through individual graduate faculty.
4. Assignments submitted late or exams taken late may result in points being deducted from the late assignment or exam.
5. Leaving class early or multiple occasions of tardiness are unacceptable and will be treated as an absence at the discretion of the instructor after consultation with the Dean. While the department recognizes occasional situations beyond the control of the student may arise, appropriate documentation will be required in order to grant an excused absence. Students should recognize that Executive Programs by design are fast paced and even one absence may be detrimental to the academic progress of the student. As such, the student should seriously consider the program schedule and calendar prior to admission in order to ascertain if the program meets the students’ needs.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
This includes plagiarism, falsification on test and assignments, attempting to take credit for another’s work, and abuse or inappropriate behavior toward an instructor or administrator.
Faulkner University reserves the right to dis-enroll a student at any time for any academic or behavior-related cause as deemed necessary by the Academic Department or Administration of Faulkner University. Depending upon the circumstances, a tuition refund for that term may be granted.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Faulkner University selects for admission individuals displaying academic ability, professionalism, and maturity. In an attempt to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and consistent with our Christian principles, we have developed the following regulations governing behavior on all Faulkner University facilities. Penalties for violations of these regulations can range from verbal reprimand to dismissal from the program, depending on severity and other circumstances.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
Inappropriate behavior could be comprised of, but is not limited to the following:
Disrespect for the Instructor’s or Administrator’s authority.
Calling the administration (Academic Vice President or Dean of the Business School) at home with complaints.
Non-professional attitude during academic session, phone conversations, etc. Aggressive and/or offensive verbal communications with instructors, staff, or administrators.
Construed statements mis-quotes, or circumventing of the principal academic issue.
Examples: Taking statements made by an Instructor or Administrator made in a different context and applying them to another issue. Quoting statements supposedly made to third parties (hearsay). Combining, twisting, and molding statements to paint a scenario when the bottom line might be that a certain grade is questioned.
Note: The recommended way is to follow the grade appeal procedure. While sincere concerns or complaints that will improve or enhance our academic offerings and services are always welcome, it is our intent to discourage constant questioning of our instructors best judgement relative to grades.
Bringing children or other guests to class. Only those students registered for class may attend.
Use of cigarettes or any other tobacco product on the property of Faulkner University is strictly prohibited. Fines and/or other disciplinary action may be imposed for non-compliance.
The possession, consumption, or use of alcohol or non-prescription drugs on the property of Faulkner University is strictly prohibited. Fines and/or other disciplinary action may be imposed for non-compliance.
Disciplinary action for other forms of misconduct is at the discretion of the University administration and may include academic probation or a request to withdraw from school.
DRESS CODE
The following is considered appropriate dress for Faulkner University students:
Students are expected to dress and to groom themselves in a way that reflects neatness, moderation and appropriateness. Students should not dress to call attention to their body parts. Students failing to observe the personal appearance policies of the University should expect to be approached by faculty, staff, or administrative personnel regarding their appearance. If a student is uncertain about any dress regulation, he/she should ask the Dean of Students. All dress code questions are decided at the discretion of the Dean of Students.
Appropriate dress for women includes slacks, jeans, modest shorts, skirts, blouses, and dresses that are modest and neat. All females are required to wear a bra when in public. Women’s hair
must be neat.
Appropriate dress for men includes slacks, jeans, modest shorts, shirts, and suits that are neat in appearance. Men’s hair must be neat and not excessively long. Men are encouraged to remove headwear when they enter any building on Faulkner’s campus. The exception would be for medical conditions. Men students must remove headwear when entering chapel or a classroom.
Dress Code
Clothing must not expose skin in any of the following ways:
• Low cut or wide-open necklines or arm holes
• Short tops or low-cut/low-riding pants
• The midriff area must not show.
• Spaghetti straps are not allowed.
• Pants or jeans must not have holes or be ragged.
• No shorts, skirts or dresses must be more than 3” above the knee, when seated. This includes athletic attire.
• Extremely tight-fitting clothes, including Spandex-type clothing are not permitted.
• Dresses or blouses worn over leggings must meet the length requirement stated above
• Clothes with un-Christian words or pictures are not permitted.
CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM
Students are allowed to bring cell phones into the classroom and have them on hand in case of emergencies. However, certain requirements must be followed. If your cell phone has a vibrating option, please use it so the ringing will not interrupt the class. No casual conversations should be conducted while class is in session. Also, if your phone rings and it is an emergency call that must be taken, IMMEDIATELY excuse yourself from the classroom in order to take the call.
PLAGIARISM AND/OR COMPLICITY
Students participating in plagiarism will be given an “F” for the course. Students participating in “complicity” (example: two identical or substantially similar papers basically having similar content with the exception of manipulation of certain words or sentences via means of a word processor) may, at the recommendation of the Dean of the Business School to the MSM Academic Committee, have their transcripts stamped with the word “complicity” when transcripts are released.
PLEASE NOTE: THE MSM ACADEMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF THE DIRECTOR, MSM DEPARTMENT OR A GRADUATE FACULTY MEMBER, THE ASSOCIATE DEAN, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, AND THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS.
THE MSM ACADEMIC COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF THE DIRECTOR, MSM DEPARTMENT OR A GRADUATE FACULTY MEMBER, THE ASSOCIATE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, AND THE ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT. PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THIS COMMITTEE COMPRISES THE FINAL BODY OF ACADEMIC APPEAL FOR FAULKNER UNIVERSITY.
THE PRIMARY ROLE OF THE MSM ACADEMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE IS TO WORK WITH OPERATIONAL ISSUES LIKE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS, DISENROLLMENT, PROBATION, RE-ENROLLING, GRADES, CONDUCT, COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS AND SPECIAL SITUATIONS. THE MSM ACADEMIC COMMITTEE DEALS WITH PLAGIARISM AND/OR COMPLICITY THROUGH IT IS NOT LIMITED TO SUCH.
Students participating in “plagiarism” may, at the advice of the Academic Vice-President, have their transcripts stamped with the word “plagiarism” when transcripts are released. While the Dean of the College of Business serves on the Academic Committee, the final decision of transcripts being stamped with “plagiarism” rests with the Academic Vice-President.
Disciplinary action for other forms of misconduct is at the discretion of the University administration and may include academic probation or a request to withdraw from school.
M.S.M PROJECT, CASE STUDIES, PROBLEMS, ESSAY EXAMS & OTHER WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
The MSM and other writing assignments are an essential part of the MSM program. It is designed to challenge the student’s abilities of independent thought, creativity, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving.
In order to assist you in successfully participating in written projects, case studies, and other writing assignments, we are making the following recommendations:
1. Complete 2-3 chapters of the assignment each week (or as assigned in the syllabus) of the semester. The amount of work required will become overwhelming if allowed to accumulate for several weeks.
2. Plan to attend. You will be given your projects/assignments dates several months in advance. Upon exceptional circumstances for the university, adjustments in the calendar may be required by the MSM department. Keep these dates in mind when scheduling work or personal activities.
3. Please remember the MSM sessions are on Fridays and Saturdays. No “make-ups”, “repeats”, or other alternatives are offered on weekdays during working hours only. If you are unable to accommodate this schedule, you should examine whether this program best fits your specific needs.
4. Contact the Program Director or Dean of the College of Business if you have an academic question or problem regarding your assignment.
5. Have your paper/project/case, etc., neatly typed on a typewriter, word processor, or computer.
6. Properly staple or bind your project/case/assignment, etc.
7. Keep a copy of your work. The instructor, at his/her discretion may keep the original work submitted by the student for one month after the end of each semester.
8. Copying or taking credit for work done by other students is plagiarism and is unacceptable at Faulkner University. Be cautious in sharing your work with other students; work submitted must be yours and yours alone.
9. Please be reminded that, among others, the intent of projects, cases, problems and assignments are to provide an opportunity for adults to enhance their conceptual, analytical, and diagnostic skills. The syllabus provided is mostly self explanatory and has a “guideline” to help set the pace for assignments and study.
10. Once again, the very basis of written or problem solving assignments is to cultivate independent thinking and have students prepared for participation in class.
GENERAL EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR PROJECTS, CASES & ASSIGNMENTS
This is a general outline pertaining to evaluation criteria for assignments/papers/cases. It focuses on overall performance and content submitted for a specific course.
1. Factual representation: Answers should address the question at hand in a reasonable and adequate manner and should vividly describe such.
2. Depth: The answers to questions, case analysis, or exercise should be explanative and reflect a multitude of aspects expected of graduate students.
3. Applications: Answers should incorporate concepts and principles in the textbook or reference books and should be integrated with “real world” examples.
4. Research orientation: Answers should reflect various sources of relevant research and study undertaken by the student. While minimal research in most semesters is expected, adequate research often is a decisive factor in distinguishing between a good or superior “B” and excellent or outstanding “A”. Periodicals like Business Week, Forbes, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, Journal of Advertising, AMA journal, etc. are good sources in addition to general text and reference books.
5. Format, neatness, and clarity: Answers should be numbered and attempted in sequence. The overall assignment should be neatly presented. The “paper” may be typed on a typewriter or word processor. (Neat handwriting will be accepted. The department prefers that assignments be typed.) Appropriate use of paragraph numbering for clarity within each answer is recommended.
6. Style and professionalism: While all answers do not have to be eloquent, they should respect the executive orientation of the program and provide relevant examples. Answers are expected to reflect a certain amount of finesse in composition, grammar, punctuation, flow, and appropriate use of business vocabulary.
7. Synergy: Answers should provide a comprehensive view of the subject matter, and whenever appropriate, be synergistic. Example: A specific answer on airline ticket pricing regarding Northwest Airlines is better answered by presenting an overall scenario about the fare structure in the airline industry.
8. Defense: Answers can sometimes be very good or excellent by having a strong defense. Although there is no substitute for a right answer substantiated by a general body of knowledge, a strong defense is recommended. The defense may, among others, reflect conceptual, diagnostic, and technical skills as well as abilities of abstract thought.
9. Progressive absorption: The MSM program and its semesters are designed to build on each other. Professors could expect knowledge of material covered in prior courses.
10. Consistency: The Projects should reflect consistency, based on 1-9 mentioned above, from chapter to chapter. Peaks and valleys strong beginnings with gradual diminishing effort are discouraged.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
On the date of the last Friday session of semester III, a type-written comprehensive examination will have to be submitted. Satisfactory completion of this exam will be required prior to graduation. The results of this exam shall be reported on a Pass or Fail basis only.
The examination shall be comprised of questions and answers from articles, cases, or problem situations which focus the students’ energies on the progressive absorption features of the MSM program. The department will provide you with a comprehensive case for analysis.
PLEASE PLAN YOUR SCHEDULE ACCORDINGLY.
The examination is prepared by graduate faculty members of the College of Business.
Toward the end of the third semester, students will receive the comprehensive case study for the examination.
Graduate faculty will evaluate the examination and will assign either a “Pass” or “Fail” Grade. A Pass grade is the equivalent of a numerical grade of 70 or higher on each of the six questions. A Pass grade will result in a student being certified to the MSM Director as having successfully completed the comprehensive examination. A Fail grade is the equivalent to a numerical grade of 69 or below on any given section. A grade of Fail requires a retake of the examination. The Pass or Fail grade designation is not used in determining grade point averages.
A student who receives a grade of 69 or below will be allowed two retakes of the examination. The retake examinations may have different questions but from the same list of topics. A student who has repeatedly failed the comprehensive examination may apply in writing to the MSM Director to be allowed to retake the examination a fourth time. A final decision regarding such will be made by the MSM “Academic Committee”.
A student who does not pass the retakes of the comprehensive examination must appeal in writing to the MSM director for retaking the exam. If this petition is approved, the student must retake and successfully complete the comprehensive examination.
GRADING POLICY
The following symbols (grades) are used to record the achievement and quality of the work of students in each course:
Grade Significance Quality Points/Per Hour
A Excellent or outstanding 4
B Good or superior 3
C Satisfactory or average 2
D Low Passing 1
F Failure 0
The following symbols (grades) are not used in determining grade point averages:
Grade Significance
I Incomplete
WP Withdraw Passing
WF Withdrawn Failing
NC No Credit
Grading scale
90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D
59 & Below = F
Grades of A-, B+, B-, C+, and C- may be given at Instructor’s discretion.
Students making below a 3.0 GPA will be academically withdrawn from the MSM Program. In the interest of time, the MSM department would make its best effort to either email or communicate via telephone a decision of “academic withdrawal”. The Registrar’s office may, at their discretion, send a follow-up letter indicating the academic withdrawal. In either case, the communication should be considered binding.
Please note that Administrative and/or Academic withdrawal can be initiated by the MSM department and the College of Business as a consequence of a multitude of issues addressed in this handbook. Examples would be lack of academic performance, low GPA, academic performance that does not exhibit progress toward successful continuation of Graduate study, behavioral issues, etc. The list above is not exhaustive and only intended to illustrate certain scenarios.
Also, you may be dis-enrolled because of not having taken the first or second GMAT by the mandatory deadline.
INCOMPLETE GRADES
The grade of “I” indicates that some requirement of the course is not yet complete. It is only given for reasons which, in the judgment of the instructor, have been unavoidable and only given with the approval of the Dean of the College of Business. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate steps with the instructor to have an “I” changed. An “I” which has not been changed to a permanent grade by the end of one semester following the semester in which the “I” was assigned automatically becomes an “F”.
The department strongly discourages the assignment of an incomplete grade.
GRADING PROCEDURES
The University encourages instructors to give a brief exam at the end of certain class meetings and a final exam at the last class meeting. (NOTE: PROBLEM SOLVING COURSES LIKE QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT). Other examinations, homework, or outside assignments are left to the discretion of the individual instructors. The instructor may decide on their type, length, complexity, and percentage of final grade. Grading procedures are to be clearly defined in the syllabi and must be followed unless consent of the Program Director and Dean of the College of Business are obtained prior to said change.
Make-up Final Examinations – Make-up final examinations are discouraged because (1) Logistics: Instructor availability, monitoring, access to labs, etc. (2) the tendency to compromise academic integrity and, (3) the tendency of recurrence and implications of fairness or lack thereof. Any rescheduling of final examinations must be administered during normal faculty hours between 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
GRADE REPORTS
Grade reports are normally posted within 2 weeks (10 working days). M.S.M. Project grades are posted in 3 weeks, as is the M.S.M. comprehensive. University policy prohibits “faxing” grades or releasing them over the telephone. Please do not call the Registrar’s Office for grades as these inquiries cause a significant reduction in expeditious processing of grades for all students.
ACADEMIC APPEAL
If a student has reason to question the decision of an instructor with regard to course content or to a grade received, there is due process which a student should follow:
1. The appeal is first made to the instructor of the course.
2. If the student has further concerns, he/she may appeal to the Program Director or
Dean by contacting the M.S.M. Academic secretary.
The Director or Dean will investigate the student’s concerns and respond.
3. The Program Director or Dean will forward the appeal to the MSM Academic
committee and provide the student with a copy of the final decision.
PLEASE NOTE: THE MSM ACADEMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF THE DIRECTOR, MSM DEPARTMENT OR A GRADUATE FACULTY MEMBER, THE ASSOCIATE DEAN, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, AND THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS.
THE MSM ACADEMIC COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF THE DIRECTOR, MSM DEPARTMENT OR A GRADUATE FACULTY MEMBER, THE ASSOCIATE DEAN, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, AND THE ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT. PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THIS COMMITTEE COMPRISES THE FINAL BODY OF ACADEMIC APPEAL FOR FAULKNER UNIVERSITY.
THE PRIMARY ROLE OF THE MSM ACADEMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE IS TO WORK WITH OPERATIONAL ISSUES LIKE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS, DISENROLLMENT, PROBATION, RE-ENROLLING, GRADES, CONDUCT, COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS AND SPECIAL SITUATIONS. THE MSM ACADEMIC COMMITTEE DEALS WITH PLAGIARISM AND/OR COMPLICITY THROUGH IT IS NOT LIMITED TO SUCH.
If any of the individuals in the committee happens to be the instructor who has awarded the grade being appealed, he or she will be replaced in that committee by another credentialed faculty member while the appeal is being addressed.
*STUDENTS NOT FOLLOWING THE PROPER PROTOCOL OF DISCUSSING MATTERS WITH THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND, AS NECESSARY, THE ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT, WILL BE DEEMED AS NOT ABIDING BY THE GUIDELINES OF THEIR ACADEMIC PROGRAM AT FAULKNER UNIVERSITY. STUDENTS CONTACTING ANY OTHER EXTERNAL (OUTSIDE OF FAULKNER UNIVERSITY) PERSON, AGENCY, OR INSTITUTION WILL ALSO BE DEEMED TO BE IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES OF THEIR ACADEMIC PROGRAM AT FAULKNER UNIVERSITY. ACTION TAKEN MAY INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM, DISMISSAL, PROBATION, SUSPENSION, OR ANY OTHER ACTION AS DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF FAULKNER UNIVERSITY.
CONSULTATION WITH ADMINISTRATION
The Dean of the College of Business is the Chief Academic Officer of the College of Business. Faulkner University is striving to make your year in the MSM program productive, pleasant, and free from problems or frustrations. Occasionally, however, situations arise in which the student feels the need to have an individual consultation with the Program Director or the Dean of the College of Business. In these situations, we request that you call and schedule an appointment. An appointment insures that you will receive personal and uninterrupted attention. Please be assured these individuals are anxious to serve you and will meet with you at the earliest possible time. However, please do not call the Administration at home as such calls constitute inappropriate behavior.
Please be informed that the Dean of the College of Business is involved in administering or teaching during your weekend classes. Also, the Academic Vice President who serves on the MSM Academic Committee will also not be available on weekends. That is an academically intensive weekend and will not allow sufficient time for appointments that day. Additionally, short corridor discussions on these days are discouraged since they always require follow-up action.
GRADUATION
The graduate department strongly encourages participation in the ceremony.
To receive a diploma, students must have successfully completed the MSM program with a 3.0 grade point average, and have no more than 2 “C’s” (examples include; a “C” and a “D”, a “C” and an “F”, a “D” and an “D”, a “D” and an “F”, a “F” and an “F”) in the entire program of study and pass the comprehensive examination. All financial accounts must be cleared by the Business and/or Financial Aid offices.
Students who are eligible for graduation will receive a graduation application in the mail. This application must be completed and received by the Registrar’s Office by the deadline (approximately two months before graduation) to insure the ordering of the diploma. It is the student’s responsibility to verify receipt of the application.
Personalized graduation announcements/invitations may be ordered from Jostens in the Follett Bookstore located on the Montgomery campus. Orders must be received by the bookstore at least one month before graduation. Class rings may also be purchased through the bookstore. Students will be notified by mail regarding when and where the caps and gowns may be acquired.
Letter of Recommendation Procedures Please be informed that it is the M.S.M. Departmental policy to give the Professor, Director, or Dean an advanced notice when requesting a formal written recommendation. It is preferred and strongly recommended that the Professor, Director, or Dean have three weeks, 15 working days, to write and frame their recommendation in order to having time to reflect upon the abilities and potential of the student. The minimum prior notice that will be considered on an “emergency basis” is two weeks, or ten working days, subject to the availability of faculty or administrators. It is important to note, that during the summer semester the availability of faculty and administrators is greatly limited for various reasons. Due to the nine-month length in teaching contracts for faculty, summer vacations and leaves of absences for faculty and administrators, it is crucial for the student to appropriately plan in advance any requests for letters of recommendation. While it is desirable to have a three week advanced notice, a longer period of time may be necessary during the summer term.
Recommendations are in the best judgment and discretion of the Professor, Director, or Dean. Recommendations are at the sole discretion of the individual mentioned above; and no Professor, Director, or Dean is obligated to provide a recommendation that they are not comfortable with writing.
Professors, Directors, and Deans may, at their individual discretion, require the scheduling of an appointment with the student. These appointments are based upon the availability of the Professor, Director, or Dean; and the student retains the responsibility of complying with this schedule. If an appointment is requested by a Professor, Director, or Dean, please be informed that this appointment does not create any obligation, either expressed or implied, that the professor will write a recommendation. This is merely a potential step in the academic process of those contemplating as to whether they will or will not eventually write a letter of recommendation.
When a Professor, Director, or Dean agrees to write a letter of recommendation, they may look at issues including, but not limited to, the following:
§ Academic Performance
§ GPA
§ Attitude and Disposition
§ Demeanor
§ Interaction with Faculty, Administrators, and Staff
§ Adherence to Academic Protocol
§ Absenteeism and Make-Ups
§ Overall Professionalism
§ Lapse in Time or Program Attendance
For those seeking to further their education beyond the Master of Science in Management (MSM), the Graduate Faculty, Director, or Dean will be looking closely at the student’s GMAT scores. While a score of 500 or above is strongly preferred, a minimum of 450 would be necessary for a Professor, Director, or Dean to consider writing a letter of recommendation. Since GRE scores are not required by the MSM department, they are not taken into account. GMAT scores refer to only those that are on file with Faulkner University. The Dean, in conjunction with the MSM Director, reserves the right to alter, change, or modify this internal policy at any point for any reason.
MISCELLANEOUS
INFORMATION SOURCES
The staff of Faulkner University is committed to serving their executive students. When you need more information, you may contact these offices directly. Faulkner University’s general phone number is 1-800-879-9816 or 334-272-5820.
For questions regarding billing, tuition payment, refunds, fees, or company reimbursement arrangements, contact the Business Office (student accounts section). Contact person: Peggy Harris, ext. 7172.
For questions concerning student loans and loan checks, grants, VA, ANGAP, or other military tuition assistance, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Contact person: Helen Pollard, ext. 7197. Supervisor: Buddy Jackson, ext. 7293.
For questions concerning admissions, contact the Graduate Enrollment Office.
Contact person: Debbie Norris, ext. 7142. Supervisor: Mark Hunt, ext. 7144.
For questions concerning registration, contact the Registrar’s Office.
Contact person: Starla Pace, ext. 7245. Supervisor: Don Reynolds, ext. 7242.
If you have questions concerning academic issues, or if you are uncertain who to contact, please contact the Program Director/Office of the Dean of the College of Business. (Please note: Regarding academic appeals, please refer to the Academic Appeal process outlined in this handbook.) Also, note the role of the two committees, namely, the MSM Academic Committee, Chaired by the Academic Vice President and the MSM Academic Review Committee, Chaired by the Dean of the College of Business.
Contact person: Stephanie Harrell (MSM Academic Secretary), ext. 7902.
Justin Bond (MSM Program Director), ext. 7925.
Lana Amaya (Administrative Assistant to Dean), ext. 7112.
Dave Khadanga (Dean), ext. 7112.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are available at Follett Bookstore on the main campus in Montgomery. Charges for books, “buy-back” policies, return policies, and refunds are determined by Follett Bookstore and, while recommendations are made, pricing is not regulated by Faulkner University. No books will be mailed. Text edition changes and new book adoptions occur at various times during the academic year. Students should be prepared for such changes.
“Students with a documented learning disability or physical impairment may request reasonable and appropriate accommodations. This request must come from the student. The documentation and an interview provide the initial determination of reasonable accommodations. The request can be made in the counseling office or by talking with the instructor, who will refer the student to the appropriate counselor.”