Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Record 2015-2016 
    
Graduate Record 2015-2016 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Graduate School of Commerce: Information


About   Information Programs/Courses   Faculty  

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Academic Information

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Enrollment by non-Commerce students Enrollment in Commerce courses by students not enrolled in Graduate Commerce programs is rarely permitted.  Permission to enroll must be requested in writing to the Faculty Director of the respective Graduate Commerce program prior to the start of an academic term. Specific Graduate Commerce programs have certain limitations regarding this permission, which takes precedence over this general guidance.

Enrollment Requirements Individual graduate program policies vary as to the minimum semester credit requirements within each program – see specific program pages for further details.

Grade Appeals McIntire students who wish to appeal a grade must first attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor of the course. The appeal must be in writing and filed within thirty days of a grade being given. Absent a satisfactory outcome, the student should submit a written appeal to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, who reviews the matter and consults with the Graduate Program Committee. Appeals to the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs must be received within 14 days after the instructor appeal decision is communicated to the student.  The final level of appeal is to the Dean of the McIntire School of Commerce and must be submitted in writing 14 days after the appeal decision of the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs has been communicated to the student.

Grade Changes After it has been submitted to the Office of the University Registrar, no grade may be changed without the approval of the dean or their designee. The dean or designee is not authorized by the faculty to change a grade submitted to the Office of the University Registrar except when an instructor certifies that, because of errors in calculation or transcription, an incorrect grade has been submitted.

Incomplete Policy A grade of IN is recorded when reasons known to the professor are judged adequate to justify an extension of time to complete course requirements. An IN may not be used to allow a student to attempt to raise a grade at the end of the term. The time to change the IN to a grade is determined between the student and the instructor, but may not exceed one semester past the end of the course. Students must enter into a written agreement with the instructor specifying the remaining requirements and agreed-upon time line. If the agreed time for completion has passed and the student has not met the agreement, the grade automatically becomes an F unless changed by the instructor.

Language Requirements Students in the M.S. in Accounting and M.S. in Commerce Programs whose first language is not English are required to take the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam at the beginning of the semester. This is not a substitute for the TOEFL or IELTS examination required for admissions. Students whose examination results are lower than deemed necessary for success in graduate studies will be advised to enlist English language support services. More information about this examination can be obtained from the Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC).

Policy on Audio and Video Taping and Distribution of Class Materials  The general policy of the McIntire School is to prohibit audio and video recording of classroom lectures and discussions.  Audio and video recording are only allowed under special circumstances (e.g., students with documented disabilities) and only with the prior written permission of the instructor.  Any audio or video recording or all other class materials handed out in class or posted to websites such as Blackboard or UVACollab may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for compensation, or for any other purpose other than study by students enrolled in the class. Public distribution of such materials may constitute copyright infringement. Unauthorized use of class notes or recordings may subject an individual to University Honor, Judicial charges, and/or legal action. 

Program Attendance Given the intensive and cumulative nature of the programs, students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings. In addition, students are expected to clearly communicate program commitments to all relevant parties (i.e., both family and work relationships). In the event that a student cannot be present for any part of the program, or falls behind for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the appropriate faculty to make up the work as approved by the appropriate faculty member.  Policies on attendance may vary by individual graduate program or instructor. 

Refunds Please refer to the University’s policy on tuition and fees, located in the Graduate Record, for information on tuition refunds.

Student Email  Email is the official mechanism for communication within the University of Virginia and the McIntire School of Commerce. The University has the right to expect that such communications will be received and read in a timely fashion. Official University email accounts are available for all enrolled students. When students use non-Virginia.edu email accounts, it is their responsibility to make sure their UVa mail is forwarded to that account.

Transfer of Credit The Graduate School of Commerce requires students to complete at least 30 credits of graduate level work in-residence unless otherwise specified by individual graduate departmental policies. Transfer credit above the residency requirement may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Withdrawal and Reenrollment An official application to withdraw from the University must be submitted to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs of the McIntire School. The application must state the reason for withdrawal and must be approved in writing by the dean of the McIntire School or a designated representative. The application must also be endorsed by the Office of the Dean of Students.

Any student who wishes to reenroll after a withdrawal must submit a request to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs of the McIntire School no less than three months before the start of the semester or Module.  To be eligible for reenrollment, students must have been making satisfactory progress toward their degree at the time of withdrawal.  Additionally, they must be seeking to return in the academic year following the one in which they withdrew.  Finally, students who withdraw in the middle of a semester or Module must start that semester or Module from the beginning when they return.  The Associate Dean for Graduate Programs will consult with the Faculty Director and administrative staff of the program to make decisions regarding grants of reenrollment.  Reenrollment is not guaranteed.

Students who do not meet the criteria stated above must submit a new application to their program.  Readmission is not guaranteed.

A student who withdraws for reasons of ill health must also obtain medical clearance from the Department of Student Health and the Office of the Dean of Students prior to re-enrollment or readmission.

Admission and Financial Aid

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Admission

The Graduate School of Commerce seeks well-rounded individuals who bring exceptional intellectual capabilities along with a passion for their chosen field. The admissions process looks for evidence of competitive academic performance, work and life experiences, diversity of perspective, and qualities of character such as motivation, maturity, tenacity, integrity, ability to work with others, self-reliance, and leadership. Candidates who are non-native English speakers must demonstrate sufficient oral and written English language skills to be successful in an intensive and collaborative learning environment.

All applicants are considered without regard to age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Please see individual program descriptions or visit the McIntire website (www.commerce.virginia.edu) for information on specific admission and program requirements.

Financial Aid

The Graduate School of Commerce assists students in meeting the cost of education through a range of scholarships and work-study opportunities.  Additional financial assistance is available through the University, via Student Financial Services.

U.S. Citizens and permanent residents who are seeking any type of financial aid through the University must file (1) a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and (2) a University Graduate Financial Aid Form. The FAFSA and University Graduate Financial Aid forms can be obtained directly from the Office of Student Financial Services, P.O. Box 400204, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4204, (434) 982-6000, or via their website at www.virginia.edu/financialaid.  Additionally, students interested in applying for need- and merit-based scholarships offered by McIntire may obtain the necessary form from the Graduate School of Commerce website at www.commerce.virginia.edu.

Availability of departmental funds for international students is limited and varies by program.

Applicants will not be considered for financial assistance until they have been admitted to the Graduate School of Commerce and submitted the required documentation. Admissions decisions are made without regard to an applicant’s financial situation. Please visit www.commerce.virginia.edu and click on the specific degree program in which you are interested to access information on scholarships and departmental financial aid.

Veterans’ Benefits The Office of the University Registrar is the University liaison with the Veterans Administration in matters concerning educational benefits available to veterans and war orphans under the provisions of Chapters 34 and 35 of Title 38 USC (Cold War G.I. Bill). This office provides information and furnishes application forms on request. Please address inquiries regarding educational benefits available through the Veterans Administration to the Office of the University Registrar, Carruthers Hall, (434) 924-4122.

University Education Benefits Program The Graduate School of Commerce does participate in the University of Virginia Education Benefit program for University employees.   Interested applicants employed at the University of Virginia should contact the Human Resources office to determine eligibility.


Activities and Organizations

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Advertising and Marketing Association provides opportunities to learn about the advertising and marketing industries, as well as career paths in various areas of marketing through speakers, panels and other events throughout the year. Within AMA is the UVA chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF).

Alpha Kappa Psi, the first professional fraternity in commerce, has the following objectives: to foster scientific research in the fields of commerce, accounting, and finance; to educate the public to appreciate and demand higher ideals therein; and to promote and advance in institutions of collegiate rank courses leading to degrees in business administration. Members are selected on the basis of scholastic standing and promise of high attainment in business.

Alternative Investment Fund at McIntire trains highly talented UVA students to be qualified investment professionals in the asset management industry. AIF aims to provide market-neutral absolute returns by conducting thorough research, rigorous risk management, and efficient asset allocation. With such performance, AIF intends to place club members in top-notch funds within the asset management industry.

Beta Alpha Psi, a national professional honorary organization, recognizes the scholastic excellence of outstanding students in accounting, finance, and information technology. Invitations to membership are extended to master’s students and highly qualified third- and fourth-year bachelor’s students.

Beta Gamma Sigma is a national honorary society whose purpose is to encourage and reward scholarship and accomplishment among students of commerce and business administration. Third- and fourth-year Commerce students ranking in the highest 7 and 10 percent, respectively, of their class are eligible. M.S. students in the top 20% of their class are also eligible for membership.

Black Commerce Student Network at McIntire provides Black/African-American Pre-Commerce and Commerce students with the necessary support and resources to ensure their success at the McIntire School of Commerce.  

The Business Ethics Society promotes active and critical study, discussion, and analysis of applied business ethics and corporate social responsibility at the McIntire School of Commerce and the University of Virginia. *As a new organization, BES is a provisional-status group until fall 2012.

The Commerce Council is the undergraduate student government body within the McIntire School.  The Council’s primary functions are to provide student representation to the School administration and coordinate school-wide student activities including student/faculty events, community-building, mentoring, and networking socials.

The Consulting Group at McIntire educates students about various careers in consulting by working in real-life consulting situations and offering workshops to help students learn and refine case interview techniques. The Consulting Group co-hosts a consulting case competition annually in the spring semester.

The Entrepreneurship Group at McIntire aims to create an atmosphere allowing students to cultivate their entrepreneurial plans through interaction with like-minded peers, professors, and established entrepreneurs. Members are provided guidance into the entrepreneurial field through group facilitation, business plan presentations, and participation in entrepreneurial competitions.

The Global Markets Group (formerly the Sustainable Investments Group) is a student organization whose members and officers collaborate in an open discussion about international trade and investments. The GMG is a strong proponent of educating its members on the financial markets and provides many opportunities for its members to learn and experience for themselves how to research, analyze, and pitch various companies and industries. GMG also competes in various national competitions and hosts a spring stock pitch competition of its own.

The Graduate Commerce (GCOM) Council exists to enhance the experience of all students enrolled in the McIntire School’s master’s programs by sponsoring educational, social, community, and cultural activities. There are two branches of the GCOM Council: an M.S. in Accounting branch and an M.S. in Commerce branch.  The council builds a sense of community among McIntire graduate students and faculty/staff while also facilitating interactions with the Charlottesville community. Each program nominates and elects its respective officers on an annual basis.

The Latino Student Network at McIntire is an undergraduate organization with the purpose of building a network of Latino students interested in business.    

McIntire Investment Institute, one of the few student-run investment institutes in the nation, was started in 1994 with a $100,000 gift from John Griffin (McIntire ‘85).  Its purpose is to teach students about investing by using real money; students handle all investment decisions. Participation in the institute is open to any UVA student.

The Sales & Trading Group at McIntire explores sales and trading through extensive simulations, financial models, and mathematical analyses. It offers members the opportunity to attain an in-depth understanding of sales and trading models.

Student Entrepreneurs for Economic Development aims to help NGOs worldwide by providing consulting services that incorporate best practices to help them achieve a greater level of efficiency. In doing so, we aim to alleviate poverty in local communities and facilitate the efforts of budding social entrepreneurs.  

Students in Free Enterprise assists small and medium businesses in emerging markets by providing educational support to help them realize corporate social responsibility practices and better position themselves for development, SIFE aims to provide students at the University of Virginia with leadership experience and networking opportunities through our international organization.

The Women’s Business Forum at McIntire provides an open forum to discuss issues that are unique to gender and to explore the challenges faced in work and family relationships. The group is open to all interested students.


Facilities

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The School is located on the central Grounds of the University, in Rouss & Robertson Halls.

The 132,000-square-foot Robertson Hall adjoins historic Rouss Hall, creating a 156,000-square-foot academic complex on the Lawn. Besides making use of the latest technologies, Robertson & Rouss Halls were meticulously designed by Washington, D.C.-based Hartman-Cox Architects to be especially conducive to community, interdisciplinary learning, and faculty-student interaction. The complex has 15 group-study rooms for students, a reading facility, a variety of meeting spaces, multiple conference rooms, a suite for student clubs, and four technology centers. A number of the classrooms are specifically designated for interdisciplinary coursework.

Robertson Hall also features an attractive, environmentally friendly “green” roof, designed to allow the planting of sedum, a low-growing garden plant that needs little water and acts as a natural insulator.