2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Seidman College of Business
Administration
Dean: Williams; Associate Dean: Reifel
Website: www.gvsu.edu/business
Mission
The Seidman College of Business provides a rigorous learning environment, with a student focus, a regional commitment, and a global perspective.
The Legacy of Seidman
The Seidman College of Business was named in honor of the late Frank Edward Seidman, who, for more than 50 years, was a distinguished member of the Grand Rapids business community and a partner in the national accounting firm of BDO/Seidman. He was nationally recognized as a business and civic leader, an economist, and a philanthropist. For many years he wrote a newspaper column on business and economics and contributed to numerous professional journals. He was also the co-author of three technical books, Legislative History of the Federal Income Tax Law, Financing the War, and Accounting Handbook.
Mr. Seidman worked for both his bachelor's and master's degrees in commercial science by attending night classes at New York University. He placed a high value on education and was devoted to improving educational opportunities for all persons from all backgrounds. He was especially dedicated to improving the level of competence in the business and public sectors, not only in his own firm, but also in all of the organizations it audited.
He was, in every sense, a creative businessman. His own competence and remarkable qualities of leadership were reected in the many honors bestowed upon him. He was chairman of the Citizens' Advisory Committee on the Michigan Tax Study and of the Michigan State Board of Accountancy. He was a director of the Grand Rapids Community Chest and the Community Services of Kent County for 25 years and was a long-time director of the Grand Rapids Foundation, the largest philanthropic organization of its kind in the area. As a trustee of the Thomas Erler Seidman Foundation, named for a deceased son, he was instrumental in providing youth-building and educational opportunities for thousands of young persons in the Grand Rapids area as well as funds for the Seidman House at Grand Valley.
In establishing the Seidman College, Grand Valley intended to embody the philosophy, ideas, and spirit of Mr. Seidman and to provide a place to gain an education in business and administration in West Michigan.
Just as quality was the hallmark of Mr. Seidman's efforts, so quality in education has been made the touchstone of Seidman College. Grand Valley's purpose has been to honor the man not merely by affixing his name to the college, but by perpetuating the high ideals to which he personally dedicated himself.
Program Information
The Seidman College of Business offers programs in business and economics leading to a Bachelor's of Business Administration (B.B.A.), a Master's of Business Administration (M.B.A.), a Master's of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.), and a Master's of Science in Taxation (M.S.T.). The Seidman College also offers dual M.B.A/J.D., M.S.A./J.D., and M.S.T./J.D. degrees in cooperation with Michigan State University College of Law. The Seidman College in partnership with Michigan State University College of Law also offers the opportunity to participate in a "3+3" Legal Education Admission Program leading to a B.B.A. and J.D. in approximately six years. For a description of the B.S. and B.A. economics program, see Economics.
Through these programs, the college helps students learn to gather the information upon which effective management is based, make rational decisions on the basis of that information, plan for the effective implementation of those decisions, and monitor their consequences. Students will develop an understanding of the functional areas of business, of the dynamics of competitive and cooperative group process, of formal and informal organizational behavior, and of the culture of business.
Students also will become better acquainted with the external environment of business, gaining a perspective on contemporary global business through historical and international comparisons. They will come to understand more fully the ways in which business and management are responding to current social, economic, political, international, and technological challenges.
Undergraduate students may major in accounting, business economics, finance, general business, international business, management, and marketing. Emphases in general management, human resources, manufacturing, operations, and organizational information systems are available in the management program. Emphases in general business economics and real estate business economics are available in the business economics program. Emphases in general marketing, distribution and logistics, and sales are available in the marketing program. There are also opportunities for students who do not wish to enter a degree program to take courses that apply to their professional interests.
In each case, the college makes every effort to accommodate the varying needs of its students. Persons employed full-time, for example, can enroll in many evening classes. Those who are not employed can gain valuable experience through internships with area businesses and government agencies.
Graduate students may pursue master's degrees in accounting, business administration, or taxation. For the Master in Business Administration degree, it is possible (but not required) for students to pursue an emphasis in finance, health or technology innovation management.
Academic Units
School of Accounting
Economics Department
Finance Department
Management Department
Marketing Department
Seidman Business Services
Center for Entrepreneurship
Center for Business Ethics
Family Owned Business Institute
Seidman Information Services
MI-Small Business Technology Development Center - Region 7
MI-Small Business Technology Development Center State Headquarters
U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center
Seidman Financial Planning Certificate Program
Van Andel Global Trade Center
Refer to the Community Resources section of this catalog for descriptions for the services above.
Secondary Admission for Undergraduates
The Seidman College admits a select few students directly into the Business College as freshmen each year. This honor is reserved for students who have a 26 or higher composite score on the ACT and a 3.5 or higher high school GPA. In order to continue early-admitted status, students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75. Students whose GPA falls below 2.75 will be reclassified as prebusiness students and will need to reapply to the Seidman College as juniors.
For students not admitted as freshmen, Seidman's admission criteria require a student to have at least 55 semester hours (junior status) with a 2.75 or higher overall GPA. Students who have earned fewer than 55 semester hours and have not been admitted as freshmen are accepted to the Seidman College of Business pre-business program. All business students must complete the university basic skills and general education requirements (see section on "General Education"). This program will develop a base of general education upon which business administration education will rest. Included is a broad spectrum of liberal arts, mathematics, and science courses. After earning 55 semester hours with a minimum 2.75 GPA, students are admitted to the upper-division programs.
During their junior and senior years, students will take a variety of business administration courses in different areas to give them a strong general business and administration background. Additionally, they will complete courses applicable to one of the specific majors offered. Non-business students must have earned 55 credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA to be eligible to enroll in upper-division business and economics courses.
Any student with guest student status (a degree-seeking student at another college or university who is taking classes at Grand Valley for one semester) must meet the criteria set for all Seidman College students. Accordingly, a guest student must be a student in good standing at his or her home institution in order to enroll in any 300- or 400-level courses at the Seidman College of Business. The guest student is advised to bring a transcript at the time of registration.
Graduate Admission
The graduate business programs are open to qualified individuals with bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges and universities. No particular undergraduate major is necessary, although candidates may be required to complete background coursework in business subjects before attempting advanced work. It is recommended that M.S.T. students have a background in accounting or law.
Candidates are admitted to the master's degree programs in business administration, accounting, or taxation based on criteria that have been shown to predict success in graduate business programs, including performance on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT); previous undergraduate and graduate academic performance; work experience; and, if the applicant's first language is not English, scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
In making admissions decisions, the Graduate Admissions Committee computes a scholastic index for applicants as follows: (GPA for last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework x 200) + GMAT score. For example, an applicant with a 3.0 GPA and 500 GMAT has an 1100 scholastic index. Using the scholastic index and other information, the committee implements the policies and practices described below.
An applicant with a scholastic index of 1100, including a GMAT score of at least 500, is generally admitted without further committee review.
Applications with scholastic indexes of 1100, including GMAT scores between 450 and 490 are examined by the committee for predictive indications of success with respect to quantitative and qualitative GMAT scores and grades earned in courses determined to be relevant to the graduate curriculum. The committee's analysis may result in the applicant being required to score higher on the GMAT or to upgrade his or her undergraduate record by completing background coursework with acceptable performance prior to the admission decision. Recognizing that both test scores and previous academic performance are important predictors of success in the graduate programs, acceptable or exceptional performance in background courses does not compensate for an unacceptable GMAT score.
Applicants with GMAT scores above 500 but scholastic indexes below 1100 may be advised by the committee to complete certain background coursework after which the committee would re-evaluate the application.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also score at least 80 on the TOEFL (IBT).
Applicants for the M.S.T. program are not required to submit a GMAT score if they have a J.D., M.B.A., or master's of accounting with at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants for the M.B.A. program may request a waiver of the GMAT if they have a doctoral degree. Such requests should be addressed to the committee and submitted to the graduate program director.
Candidates will be given an admission decision for any academic semester for which they would like to begin their studies provided their application, transcripts of prior college work, and GMAT results are in the Admissions office at least one month before the semester begins.
Individuals not yet admitted to the M.B.A. or M.S.A. program may enroll in 500-level background courses, but 600-level course enrollment is generally restricted to students admitted to the respective program who have also completed the appropriate prerequisite courses. The exception to this policy is undergraduate students with senior standing who have completed all prerequisites for the graduate program and have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a GMAT score of at least 500 on file with the Graduate Business Office. If their schedule allows, and with permission of the graduate programs director, such students may enroll for up to five 600-level business courses that will be applied toward their graduate degree.
Graduate Independent Study
Individualized study is available for candidates interested in pursuing relevant special interests in areas in which regular courses are not offered. These may consist of research projects, theses, problem-solving projects, or other appropriate endeavors related to the candidate's current job and intellectual or career interests.
No independent study or individualized courses will be allowed in areas in which courses exist and are taught at least once per year.
Only graduate degree-seeking candidates who have completed the core requirements or have special permission from the program director may take individualized graduate courses or do graduate-level independent projects.
All independent study topics and the amount of credit to be earned must be approved by the faculty member who agrees to supervise the project. A maximum of three hours of credit can be granted for independent study. The conditions, meeting times, workload, and subject matter concerned with the project are mutually agreed to by the initiating candidate and the assenting faculty member, consistent with standards of quality education. Request forms can be obtained from the program director's office.
Graduate Study Abroad
Seidman College of Business offers special topic business courses that generally include a two-week summer session abroad.
Washington Campus Program
Sixteen universities have recognized the importance of training private sector managers and leaders in the art of working with the federal government and have established the Washington Campus Program. These colleges and universities are Grand Valley State, Arizona State, the University of California at Berkley, the University of California at Los Angeles, Emory University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Indiana University, The Ohio State University, the University of New Mexico, the University of Michigan, Northeastern University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Purdue University, Texas A&M, and the University of Texas at Austin.
The Washington Campus Program offers a unique opportunity for current and future leaders in business and government to gain a basic understanding of how to deal with the problems inherent in business/government relationships by working with policy makers, politicians, regulatory agency personnel, and others who make up the teaching staff and resource persons for the programs.
Each year, selected graduate students spend a week in Washington, D.C., attending classes, special lectures, and hearings, and conducting research. The students stay in appropriate facilities in Washington. Participants earn three hours of credit and a Certificate of Completion from The Washington Campus Program. For additional information, graduate students can contact the Graduate Business office.
Student Services
Distinguished Executive Lecture Series
One evening each semester, the Seidman College of Business Dean invites an expert on a current and relevant topic to address graduate business students. The topic is selected specifically to enrich the curriculum. Following the presentation, students and faculty ask questions and engage the presenter in conversation.
Seidman Professional Development Series
The Seidman Professional Development Series is a series of events held on Thursday evening twice each semester during the academic year. These events, open to all business students, are designed to provide the opportunity for students to develop successful business skills beyond what is taught in the classroom. Seminar topics have included how to work a room, salary and money matters, giving presentations that beat the competition, business golf, and the etiquette dinner.
Mock Interviews
To assist students in preparing for career placement the Seidman College of Business collaborates with Career Services and the Seidman Dean's Advisory Board to offer mock interview opportunities for Seidman juniors and seniors who meet Seidman's minimum grade point average requirements. The primary purpose of mock interviews is to give students a chance to practice their interviewing skills and build self-confidence. Students are matched with companies so that they interview with and receive feedback from business professionals in their major areas of study.
Awards and Scholarships
Student Awards
Each year the Wall Street Journal makes an award to an undergraduate business student. The award is a silver medallion and a one-year subscription to the Wall Street Journal. The recipients are selected by Seidman College faculty on the basis of academic excellence, business leadership, contribution to the university, and promise of success.
Accounting Awards
The Beene, Garter & Co., Institute of Management Accountants, Ernst & Young Accounting Senior Excellence Award, and Clipper Belt Lacer accounting awards are presented at the annual spring accounting awards dinner. These awards honor outstanding academic and leadership excellence.
Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key
Each year the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi awards the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key to the graduating student with the highest academic average for the four years of study in business administration. All business students are eligible for this award.
Seidman Service Award
The Seidman Service Award was created to honor an undergraduate and graduate student each year for their outstanding service contribution to Seidman, the university, and the community.
Scholarships
Accounting Alumni Scholarship
American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Scholarship
Scott and Ruth P. Koeze Graduate Business Scholarship
The Barry Castro Business Ethics Scholarship
BOMA Scholarship
Business Study Abroad Scholarship
Newton D. Becker Scholarship Award
H. James and Carole Lynn Campbell Williams Scholarship in Business
Richard H. Giles Memorial Scholarships
Earl Harper Management Scholarship
The Hilda C. Holder Scholarship for Women in Business
J.C. Huizenga Scholarship
Jurries Family Scholarship
Global Forex Trading Scholarship
The Grubb & Ellis/Paramount Commerce Scholarship
Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter, P.C. Accounting Scholarship
The Don Klein Graduate Scholarship in Accounting
The Jack J. Korff Seidman College of Business Finance Scholarship
L.V. Eberhard Business Scholarship
L.V. Eberhard Graduate Research Assistantship
Marilyn and B.P. Sherwood III Scholarship
Mithilesch and Jitendra Mishra Foreign Student and Faculty Scholarship
Seidman Dean's Advisory Board Scholarship
The Steelcase Inc. Seidman College of Business Diversity Scholarship
Supply Chain Management Related Scholarships
TEI Accounting/Tax Scholarship
VanderZwaag Business Scholarship
The Richard E. Veazey Graduate Academic Scholarship in Accounting
The Kathleen B. Vogelsang Seidman College of Business Scholarship for Women
Robert H. and Barbara Wood Entrepreneurship Scholarship
Refer to the Seidman College of Business website at www.gvsu.edu/business for scholarship details.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistants work with Seidman College faculty and staff. Qualified full-time candidates are selected on the basis of aptitude, interest, and background.
Advisory Boards and Associations
Seidman College Advisory Board
The Seidman College Advisory Board, composed of the dean and three dozen leaders from local, national, and international companies, serves to create and sustain a partnership between the Seidman College and the business community. The board meets to advise the Seidman College of Business on goals, curriculum, and other matters that are of benefit to the continued enhancement of the student body, the college, and the business and public communities.
The Seidman College of Business Alumni Association
The Alumni Association consists of up to 30 graduates of the Seidman College who represent the alumni of the college. The board's purpose is to promote, assist, and perpetuate the aims and objectives of the college.
Accounting Alumni Advisory Board
The Accounting Alumni Advisory Board is composed of accountants and meets as needed to advise the college on all matters pertaining to the accounting curriculum and alumni events. Representatives of national, regional, and local accounting firms, presidents of the local accounting associations, and corporate accountants are members of this board.
M.S.T. Advisory Board
The M.S.T. Advisory Board is composed of attorneys and accountants from the professional community who actively support, teach in, and refer students to the MST program.
Seidman Undergraduate Advisory Board
The Seidman Undergraduate Advisory Board (SUAB) is comprised of students from across the Seidman majors, class statuses, and academic levels. The SUAB meets regularly with the Dean to discuss, investigate, and communicate concerns, problems, and recommendations that Seidman students may have in relation to the business college. The SUAB members also act as student ambassadors on behalf of the undergraduate business program.
Seidman Graduate Student Advisory Board
The Graduate Student Advisory Board consists of at least eight graduate business students. New members are elected by the current board each year. The purpose of the board is to support the mission and vision of the Seidman College. The board also promotes a closer relationship and enhances communications between students and the faculty, staff, and administration. Members serve as ambassadors for the Seidman graduate programs and provide input to the dean and the director of the graduate business programs.
Endowed Chairs
The L. William Seidman Accounting Chair
The L. William Seidman Chair in accounting was established to provide financial support to one distinguished accounting faculty member who would advance the accounting profession through teaching ,research, and professional outreach activities.
This endowed chair was established to recognize and honor L. William Seidman, who is the former Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). Mr. Seidman received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth, his law degree from Harvard Law School, and his MBA from the University of Michigan. He is also a C.P.A. and a noted author. He has served as dean of the College of Business at Arizona State University, as Vice Chairman of Phelps Dodge Corporation, and is an Assistant to the President of the United States for Economic Affairs.
The Esther Seidman Chair
The E. Seidman Chair was established to provide financial support to one distinguished faculty member who would advance the initiatives and goals of the Seidman College of Business. This endowed chair was established to recognize and honor the late Esther Seidman who, along with her husband Frank Edward Seidman, was a distinguished member of the Grand Rapids business and civic community.