What is the Scholar's Program?
What is the Scholar's Program?
The Scholars program is offered through CIBRE Undergraduate programs and is open to all School of Business Administration students. The purpose of the SBA Scholars program is to provide SBA students with opportunities to develop as leaders and participate in special experiential and service learning projects.
The SBA 2009-2010 Scholars program offers four different tracks:
Each year the SBA solicits applications for the Scholars program and enrolls students based on pre-specified admissions criteria and their ability to successfully complete the program.
Scholars’ students work with Scholars Faculty and the CIBRE UG Education Coordinator to determine the direction and administration of the program. To the end, the Scholars Executive board will consist of one Scholar from each program area (e.g., Senior Leadership, Junior Leadership, Sophomore Leadership, Academic, Research and Global)and will (as a group):
- Serve as a liaison between the Dean of the SBA, and the other Scholar students
- Oversee the implementation of SBA-related service activities (e.g., Welcome Picnic, Bowling Night, etc)
- Serve as ambassadors for the SBA (in general) at different events
The Scholars Program is competitive and, in some cases accompanied by a scholarship opportunity.
Application and Selection Process for Sophomore Leadership Scholars
Students must apply to participate in the Scholars program each year. The application process will begin in May. Admission is selective and based on the following criteria:
- Completed application
- Cumulative GPA (Junior/Senior Scholars must have a minimum of a 3.0 OU GPA)
- Demonstrated campus and SBA involvement
- Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills
- Student’s major (consideration will be given to insure that each major is represented)
- Current Scholars who choose to re-apply must be in good standing with the Scholars program to be considered.
In addition, students interested in applying for the Senior or Junior Leadership Scholarships must submit a resume and letter of recommendation from an SBA faculty member.
Selection Process
Once all of the applications are received, the Scholarship Selection Committee (i.e., EC Faculty Rep, Teaching Excellence Recipient and the CIBRE Education Coordinator will make a recommendation for the Junior and Senior Leader Scholarship recipients.)
Once the Junior and Senior Lead Scholars are selected, the SBA Scholars Review Committee review all of the applications for the Scholars program, interview potential candidates and make a recommendation to CIBRE UG Education for Sophomore, Junior and Senior Scholars.
SBA Freshman Academic Scholars (up to 25 students)
Students must be invited to participate in the Freshman Scholars program. In order to be enrolled in the Freshman Scholars program, students must have:
- High School GPA of 3.5
- ACT math score of 24 or higher
- ACT composite score of 22 or higher
SBA Research Scholars
Oakland University and the SBA are committed to providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in faculty research projects. The SBA Research Scholars program is one way for students to become involved with faculty research and learn more about this pursuit. Students who are accepted into the Research Scholars program will:
- Work for faculty as Research Assistant up to 10 hours per week at $10/hour
- Write research proposal in 1-credit SBC 491, Research Scholars 1, in fall semester
- Write research paper in 2-credit SBC 492, Research Scholars 2, in winter semester
- Receive a $500 Research Scholar Award after completing SBC 492
- Attend monthly Research Scholars meetings
- Attend monthly Scholar Leadership Speaker Series
Students who are interested in applying for the SBA Research Scholar positions must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and be graduating no earlier than May.
Global Scholars
SBA undergraduate business majors will be offered a variety of SBA Global Project Scholar opportunities. Each of these opportunities involves a Global Team Project that is determined by the faculty member leading the Global Projects course.
Students interested in participating must have major standing in the SBA at the time the class is offered and have an OU GPA of at least 3.0. Students selected will be enrolled in that semester's 2-credit SBA Global Project Scholars course. The cost of the course is paid by the student. The Global Project Scholars course will not fulfill any SBA course requirements (i.e. it is not a part of the required SBA curriculum).
In addition, all Global Scholars are expected to attend monthly the Scholar Leadership Speaker Series.