At a Glance: April 26

Apr 27, 2021
Online Programs Announcements
 
Consider Taking MBA 565 This Summer!
Are you starting to register for summer courses? Consider enrolling in MBA 565: Infonomics. This course, taught by Doug Laney, provides a non-technical perspective on and methods for monetizing, managing, and measuring information as if it were any other kind of corporate asset.
 
Live Session Times For Summer Courses Available Now
As you prepare for your summer courses, please review the live session times for your courses. Attendance at one of the weekly live sessions is strongly encouraged. If unable to participate, students are expected to watch the recording of the live session as soon as possible. Attendance requirements will vary by course, so be sure to check the syllabus. 
 
Update Your Grouping Preference Form
Please take a moment to go into the group profile form and update your preferences as well as your availability. Preferences must be updated one week before courses begin. Bookmark the link to the form as it stores your preferences and will be continually used, unless otherwise updated. You do not need to fill out the form if there are no changes from your initial preferences. Please update by May 14, for summer course groupings.
 
Drop Deadline Reminder
May 5, May 11 May 5 is the deadline to drop a second 8-week course that began on March 22. May 11 is the deadline to drop a second 8-week course than began on March 17. Please note, these dates are not based on the standard drop timeline, but are influenced by COVID-19. Refund dates still apply; please refer to the Refund Calendar.
 
Need Some Quick Help? Check out Express Advising!
Do you have a question and do not want to wait to book a full advising appointment? Express Advising is a great way to connect with a member of the Gies Online Programs Student & Academic Success team when you need some fast help. These are set up as first come, first serve, walk-ins where you can connect with a Specialist for up to 15 minutes and get your questions answered. No appointment needed. Check out our Advising and Planning page for more information and times
 
iMBA: Student Council Applications Open
Applications are now open for the iMBA Student Council! The student council consists of a group of iMBA student leaders who are selected by the program through an application process. The student council works in close contact with program administration to build a strong network and support initiatives that advance the program’s strategic priorities. Apply by Monday, May 3 for consideration.
 
New Specialization Coming Soon 
We are pleased to share the development of a new Mergers & Acquisitions focus area specialization which will be available to students beginning in March 2022. This new specialization comprised of three 8-week, 4-credit hour courses, focuses on the theory and practice of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The specialization will teach students how to use financial accounting and finance to express the economic realities of complex organizations, as well as the deal structures and transactions that shape the design of these organizations. Information on courses, including terms offered, instructors, and course objectives will be shared on July 1, 2021. We appreciate the enthusiasm that this announcement will generate and value your patience in further communication from Gies Online.
 
Announcing Virtual Global Immersion CAPSTONE – July 14-27, 2021 Japan
Please travel with us virtually to Japan for a 2-week capstone course starting July 14, 2021 to learn about how Japan now works to reinvent itself via focusing on their startup ecosystem, developing technological advancements, and venturing into new markets. Space is limited, so please apply ASAP. 

Please see the attached flyer for detailed course timing and syllabus. We look forward to seeing you in Japan!

Registration Details
To secure your spot, please register and submit a $100 non-refundable deposit by completing this form by Friday, May 14. You will be notified of your acceptance by Wednesday, May 19. If demand exceeds capacity, we will give priority based on seniority (credits earned) in the program. The total fee to participate is $500. Your $100 deposit will applied to this total and $400 will then be charged to your student account. If you are not selected, your deposit will be refunded.

Capstone Credit - iMBA
If successfully completed, the immersion can count for ONE of the two required specialization capstone courses. Students cannot use the immersion for the program capstone. 
 
iMBA: Elective Path Webinar
Gies Online recently announced the Elective Path, enabling students to satisfy one of the Focus Area degree requirements with 12 elective credits. If you missed the webinars we hosted, make sure to check out the recording.
 
Are You Finishing your iMBA this summer?
After you add your name to the degree list, please allow up to 48 hours before attempting to register for the Program Capstone (CRN 40569). The Program Capstone is a requirement to finish your iMBA. More information regarding steps to prepare for graduation and the Program Capstone will be shared with you within the next week.
 
Calendar
 
Webinar: The CMA Exam: Test-taking Tips & Strategies
Tuesday, April 27 | 11 am - 12 pm CT | Register Here 
Success on the CMA exam requires knowledge, time management skills, an understanding of how the exam is graded and insight into what to expect at the testing center. This webinar will focus on helping you prepare for your CMA testing experience including effective study approaches, time management strategies, exam grading guidelines and Prometric Testing Center experience. 
 
Data Science’s First-Mile and Last-Mile Problems: Drivers of Success for Data-Driven Decision-Making
Tuesday, May 4 | 12-1 pm CT | Register Here 
Many organizations have found the goal of a truly inclusive workplace difficult to realize. One reason is that we’ve lost sight of an important axis of diversity: diversity of perspectives—political, ideological, and otherwise. We often recognize that a climate with open communication and where a range of perspectives are welcomed is also one where cooperation, productivity, and innovation will thrive; however, getting there has remained elusive. This new climate doesn’t come from a toolkit or a checklist of to-do items: It comes from a new way of thinking. Join Associate Dean Brooke Elliott and associate professor of sociology, Illana Redstone as they talk about how to bring it to life.
 
Panel Discussion on Disruption and Innovation
Thursday, May 20 | 7:30-8:30 am CT | Register Here 
Panel Discussion on Disruption and Innovation What are disruption and innovation? What disruptions are coming, and how can we teach students to be ready? Join us for a one-hour discussion and Q&A on Thursday, May 20 at 7:30 am CT. The conversation will feature Tim Lee (Founder & CEO, QFPay), Frank Shi (Co-Founder & CEO, PhotonIC Technologies), Aakrit Vaish (Founder & CEO, Haptik), and Winnie Wu (student leader, Disruption Lab). The discussion will be moderated by Gies Associate Dean for Innovation and Chief Disruption Officer Robert Brunner.