After its first year, Oakland University’s School of Business Administration’s Scholars Program is adding two new programs and trying to expand the level of student leadership.
“I want to see a lot more student mentoring,” said senior Chris Valmossi, who was the Rising Junior Scholar last academic year.
The program offers high achieving students the opportunity to take on different challenges in the School of Business Administration, said Tricia Westergaard, coordinator of undergraduate advising in the SBA. Sophomore, junior and senior students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be invited into the program. Incoming freshmen have different standards based on ACT scores and high school GPAs.
“Overall, it’s about a greater connection between students and faculty, staff and external people within SBA,” Westergaard said.
Beginning in the fall, the program will offer Sophomore Scholars and Theme Scholars. The sophomores will tutor freshmen students and help incoming freshmen with their transition to OU. The Theme Scholar program will allow for an in-depth look at a business related issue. This year, the scholars will focus on social and public policy.
Continuing programs are the Freshmen Scholars, high achieving high school students who are on the fast track to attain major standing; Junior Scholars, who will mentor sophomores and assist senior scholars; and the Senior Scholars who will work on community outreach, focusing on a project to give back to the community.
Finally, the Research Scholars are students who assist faculty with research and conduct their own research, under the supervision of faculty.
“That’s the kind of experience you don’t really get in the classroom and I think it’s a big help,” Valmossi said. “If you’re looking for a way to differentiate yourself from other students and really hone your leadership, this is a good opportunity.”
Applications for the Scholars Program are by invitation only. The program is still accepting applications. For information, visit the Scholars Program Web site.