The Wintergarden at the Ross School of Business. Courtesy photo
Walking into 701 Tappan Street, Ann Arbor on September 4th, one is hit with a wall of sound. There are students in suits with their resumés in hand, talking on phones, and working animatedly over open computers. The overall impression is that this is a place where important things are happening. Well, this impression isn’t entirely wrong. The start of a new semester at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business means everything is unfolding at once. For the students, clubs and organizations are starting their yearly activities, fall recruitment is kicking off, and it’s time to get adjusted to new classes and schedules. At the same time, the faculty and staff begin implementing new programs, initiatives, and classes.
The start of the new school year can be hectic and stress-inducing but with both new and old opportunities available, Ross students are finding a lot of things to be excited about.
Claire Haas. Courtesy photo
NEW CURRICULAR CHANGES, INCLUDING A BUSINESS SIMULATION
Ross BBA student and freshman Claire Haas says it is the educational opportunities that have her the most excited about the new school year. “I’m really excited to get into the swing of things with my new classes,” she says. “In high school we couldn’t really choose what we wanted to learn and I’m glad I finally get to.” Haas, who is interested in sustainability and the environment, is taking classes outside of the business school in environmental studies in order to supplement her introductory business courses. “Combined with BA 100, I’m hoping that my coursework this year will make me more sure of what I want to do after college,” she says.
BA 100, or Business Administration 100, is a freshman course at Ross that introduces first year students to fundamental business principles. This class also represents the some of the curriculum changes that Ross is implementing across several courses. An entirely new program structure implemented at the beginning of the Fall 2018 semester allows students to participate in a business simulation, learn essential skills, while also exploring what University of Michigan has to offer. Freshman Jonah Matthews says, “It’s a really cool class because things like going to a sporting event are built into the curriculum so it’s like they are kind of ‘forcing’ us to get out and have fun.” This, combined with other new initiatives makes the start of the school year something to look forward to.
Jonah Matthews. Courtesy photo
INNOVATIVE CLUBS IN FASHION, SPORTS, AND IMPACT INVESTING
A new school year also means opportunities to join the myriad clubs that Ross has to offer. Ranging from consulting and fashion to social impact and investing, it seems as if every room in the Ross building at the beginning of the semester is booked for an informational club meeting. This also means it’s time for newer organizations to start up or continue to develop. Clubs like The Michigan Fashion Media Summit, Arbor ESports, and Impact Investing are using this time to grow and bring in new members.
Students seem to be taking advantage of the first few weeks to get involved in these organizations. “I really want to get more involved in the clubs at Ross,” says sophomore Harriet Marshallsay. “There are a lot of clubs for advertising and marketing, which is what I’m interested in, so I’ll definitely be going to those mass meetings.”
Harriet Marshallsay. Courtesy photo
ENJOYING THE PERKS OF A LARGE PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
Despite all of the new clubs, some students are also using the beginning of the school year as a chance to acclimate to their new college environment. BBA ‘22 Adam Bazzi says, “I think I’m sticking to one club this semester. It’s really cool that their are so many to choose from, but I want to get settled in my academics before adding anything more on my plate. Either way, I’m excited about getting involved.” But whether they decide to explore many opportunities or stick to one option, Ross students are gearing up to get involved this fall.
With a mix of new classes, clubs, and more, the theme of the beginning of the school year is “hectic.” But while Ross students are busier than ever, they are still enjoying the fun that comes with the start of school. “While I am focusing on school and extracurriculars, I still want to enjoy everything that comes with being a Michigan student” says Marshallsay. “I’ve been loving going to football games and catching up with my friends I haven’t seen all summer. Getting to do all those fun things alongside my academics is one of my favorite things about UMich.”
Adam Bazzi. Courtesy photo
DON’T MISS: FINANCING YOUR UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS DEGREE or ROSS’S TOUGHEST CLASSES or HOW ROSS ADMISSIONS GETS TO KNOW APPLICANTS
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