Welcome to the Management Department Academic Advising Web Site! I serve as academic advisor for management majors in upper division (300/400 level) courses. My role is to help all management majors plan the sequence of courses that need to be taken to graduate on time. I also provide advice so that each student's academic career at NIU provides them with the background and experiences that will help them achieve their career goals. I also guide students to university resources that can assist them in achieving their highest potential here at NIU. Students can schedule individual advising appointments by calling (815) 753-1124 or stopping by the Management Department, Barsema Hall 245.
I highly recommend that students meet with me at least once a semester in order to review the degree plan, course schedule, and explore career choices and internship opportunities. In these meetings, I will review your progress towards meeting university, college, and department requirements for graduation. I provide information about resources for internships, on-campus support services and information about student organizations.
Make the most of your college years! Take courses related to your career interests, acquire experience and develop skills needed in the workplace. Your steps to success start now!
I have compiled a list of questions and answers listed below that are commonly asked by students.
The academic advisor can help you develop a plan to reach your educational goals and ensure that you understand the requirements of your chosen major. It's important to make well-informed decisions regarding your schedule, internships and career choices. Keeping in touch with me keeps you in touch with what's new in the Management Department as well as the College of Business. New majors, transfer students and students on scholastic probation can find policies and procedures to be overwhelming. I can help you sift through all the information and guide you in choosing the best option. It's always wise to get your information from the advisor and not take what you hear in the hallways as the truth!
Students can schedule individual advising appointments by calling (815) 753-1124 or stopping by the Management Department, Barsema Hall 245. Bring your DARS report to your appointment.
The Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) report tracks the progress you are making towards meeting the requirements for your degree. It shows the courses you've taken, credit hours and grades received, and the number and types of courses that will be necessary to graduate. It's a good idea to review your DARS each semester and contact the advisor if there are discrepancies or you have questions. You can access your current report by going to www.reg.niu.edu/regrec/connect.
Print and bring your DARS report with you whenever you meet with the advisor, Go to www.reg.niu.edu/regrec/DARS/dars.htm#READIT to learn about how to read it. Understanding your DARS report will help avoid last minute problems, so it's best to do this early in the semester and before registering for the next semester.
Human Resources Management involves screening, recruiting and training employees as well as administering employee-benefit programs. HR managers effectively manage and utilize people developing competencies that enhance individual and organizational performance. Coursework in the Human Resources Management emphasis include recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, and employment law.
Organizational Management emphasis involves coursework in leadership, decision-making and negotiation, international and strategic management. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to enter a management training program with various types of industries and companies, work as an assistant manager or supervisor. For more information regarding the management degree program, go to
www.cob.niu.edu/mgmt/degrees.asp.
Yes, by your junior year (60 hours) you should declare your major. If you need advice in helping you make the decision, see the advisor in the appropriate department. You can declare or change your major in the COB Undergraduate Studies office BH 201. Your major must be declared before you enroll in upper division management courses.
Where do I declare my minor?
Go to the individual college to declare your minor. It's important to meet with the advisor in your minor as well, in order to keep track of your progress. If you drop your minor, make sure you officially drop it to avoid showing up as a deficiency on your DARS report.
A course plan is a tool that outlines your semesters at NIU and the courses you intend to take in each semester. If you have a target date for graduation, you don't want any surprises! Not all courses are offered every semester, so it's important to have a plan to meet the major requirements so that you can complete your degree on time. Meeting with me at least once a semester to review your degree plan will allow you to see which courses are still needed and if all prerequisites are met. I can also suggest electives that will complement your major courses.
No. It's important to check the Schedule of Classes at www.reg.niu.edu each semester. The upper division management courses are very structured, so certain classes are only offered in the spring and some in the fall.
All important announcements are made via email and put on the department web-site. If you're not checking your NIU student email account, go to www.cob.niu.edu/mailinglists/index.asp so that you direct the announcements to your preferred email address. Also, check the Management Department Website at www.cob.niu.edu/mgmt often.
Yes. It's very important to keep in close contact with your advisor. There are many times the Management Department needs to reach you with important announcements. Please keep your mailing address, phone number and especially email addresses up-to-date. You can email me at calvarado@niu.edu or call 753-1124 with the information. Remember to read your email!
Successful completion of all management courses and their prerequisites with a "C" or better is required for graduation. You are allowed to retake the class once. Keep in mind, however, that upper division courses are not offered every semester. Getting a "D" or failing a course will delay your graduation date. It's highly recommended to seek help as soon as you feel you are in trouble, and attend all classes. Make an appointment to see me for a list of student support resources.
A set drop deadline is outlined in the catalog which is the fifth calendar day of the semester without the class appearing on your transcript. There is a second deadline published in the Schedule of Classes for withdrawals. If you withdraw from the class within the deadline, it will show on your transcript as a withdrawal without a grade. If you do not formally withdraw from the class, the grade will show as failed. It's the student's responsibility for withdrawing from the course.
Students who declare management as their major are required to go through a transcript review process to enroll in upper division courses. Students go through this process during the semester they are taking UBUS 310 and UBUS 311. Transcript reviews are processed every semester and announcements made mid-term. Check the Management website for the application and deadlines. Admission into the management program is competitive and admission into upper division courses will be based on the student's cumulative GPA.
Undergraduate students are required to have a minimum cumulative and major 2.0 GPA to graduate. Admission into the management program is competitive and continuing in the management program will be determined based on GPA. Many scholarships are awarded based on the GPA, and employers often consider the student's GPA when hiring. Graduate or professional schools also consider GPA as criteria for admission. See the advisor for an explanation of the impact the GPA can have on your educational and professional goals.
The TRACS system will not allow you to register for classes if you do not meet the pre-requisites. If you get an error message when registering, and you know you have completed the prerequisites, call the Management Department at 753-1124 and your record will be researched. If we find that you do meet the requirements and there are seats available in the class, we will enroll you.
If a class is closed, contact the Management Department immediately by calling 753-1124 or stopping by the office. Professors are not authorized to add students to sections. Only the academic advisor can do that.
Preparation for obtaining a good job upon graduation starts the day you enter the College of Business. Prospective employers look not only at the classes you complete, but your GPA, participation in student organizations, volunteerism, part-time work while in school and internships. Take time to research various industries and companies that hire people with your degree, network with professionals in your field of interest and professors, and talk to family and friends. They can give you helpful advice. Sometimes they are your best resource. Enroll in the Career Planning in Management class your junior year to fine tune your job search skills. For additional information regarding career planning, click here.
Employers oftentimes list internships opportunities for summer and academic year with the Management Department. Checkout the internship link (here) for listings and criteria for academic credit. Also visit www.niu.edu/careerservices for information regarding career opportunities.
Student organizations give you the opportunity to develop crucial leadership and communication skills. They also allow you to network with other business students and professionals in the field of your interest. Click here for additional information about the student organizations specific to management students.
Visit your advisor early in the semester you plan to graduate for a degree check. Students who have completed 90 or more semester hours will be notified by the Office of Registration and Records that they are eligible to apply for graduation. For graduation application and complete information click www.reg.niu.edu/regrec/forms/endorsement/grad_info.html.
