Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need an advisor?
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! - How do I make an appointment with the advisor?
Students can schedule individual advising appointments by calling (815) 753-1124 or stopping by the Management Department, Barsema Hall 245. Bring your Degree Progress Report to your appointment. - What's a Degree Progress Report and how do I get one?
The Degree Progress 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 Degree Progress Report each semester and contact the advisor if there are discrepancies or you have questions. You can access your current report by going to www.niu.edu/myniu/.
Print and bring your Degree Progress Report with you whenever you meet with the advisor, Go to MyNIU to learn about how to read it. Understanding your Degree Progress 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. - What is the difference between Human Resources Management and Organizational Management?
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/mgmtBS/. - Do I need to declare my major? Where do I declare my major?
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 Degree Progress Report. - Why should I develop a course plan every semester?
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. - Are the same classes offered every semester?
No. It's important to check the Schedule of Classes at www.niu.edu/myniu/ each semester. The upper division management courses are very structured, so certain classes are only offered in the spring and some in the fall. - How can I make sure that I get all the information available about courses, internships, and job opportunities?
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/ so that you direct the announcements to your preferred email address. Also, check the Management Department website often. - Do I have to keep my contact information updated with my advisor?
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 753-6195 with the information. Remember to read your email! - What if I get a "D" in a class?
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. - Can I drop a class anytime during the semester?
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. - What is a transcript review?
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. - Why is my GPA important?
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. - Can I register for a class for which I don't meet the prerequisites?
My NIU 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 753-6195 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. - What happens if a class is closed?
If a class is closed, contact the Management Department immediately by calling 753-6195 or stopping by the office. Professors are not authorized to add students to sections. Only the academic advisor can do that. - What can I do to get a good job when I graduate?
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. - Are there scholarships available to management students?
There are a number of scholarships awarded to management majors. Please click here for more information. - Why Should I Get Involved in Student Organizations?
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. - When do I apply for graduation?
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/graduation/index.shtml.