EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MEMO FROM THE CHAIR

Dear AASCU Business School Deans,

I am pleased to mention that the AASCU Business School (AASCUBS) Deans affinity group was officially launched at the International Conference and Annual Meeting (ICAM) on April 22, 2007 in Tampa.  If you were one of the twenty three members that participated at the meeting I need not emphasize the value your interaction added to our existing knowledge base.  Thanks to Denise Smart (Texas State San Marcos) and Dave Christy (Cal Poly San Luis Obipso) for sharing their stories on naming gifts for their Schools. Those of you who could not participate, Scott Johnson (Minnesota State University--Mankato) has summarized our session nicely in this issue.

With a limited participation in the survey of the session, one theme emerged that the session met the goals of the group.  On a metric of 1 through 4, 4 being excellent, the summative scores were the following:  (1) Workshop objectives clearly stated: 3.75 (2) Facilitation style conducive to learning: 3.5, (3) Usefulness of handout(s): 3.25, (4) Topic/Content of Interest: 3.75, (5) Facilitators encouraged participation: 3.75 (6) Comfortable learning environment: 3.0, (7) Overall workshop: 3.75.  The written comments on the survey were complimentary of our programs.

Let me assure you that the AASCUBS steering committee recognizes the importance of setting higher goals to meet your needs in the spirit of continuous improvement.  At ICAM, the steering committee also met to discuss the frequency and venues of our presentation on a regular basis.  It was unanimously decided that we will present sessions at the Deans conference and ICAM.      

As we prepare for the upcoming Deans conference in February 6-8 in San Antonio, TX, please contact one of us www.aacsb.edu/members/communities/affinitygroups/AASCU.asp with the ideas you would like to see covered.  Better yet, let us know the areas of discussion you can lead or facilitate or you know someone that can do a fabulous job in the interfacing areas of AACSB International and AASCU.  In summary, we need your participation to meet the expectations placed on AACSB affiliated business schools operating under the umbrella of AASCU.  Further, don't hesitate to send important and exciting news items to Karen Bowerman for our upcoming newsletters.

Niranjan Pati, Dean
Indiana University Kokomo

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF W CONNECTICUT STATE UNIV SHARED BY DEAN

In discussion at ICAM, it was suggested that all business deans in state colleges and universities should be completely aware of the economic impact that our colleges generate.  The Dean of Western Connecticut State University volunteered to make available to all his recent publication on economic impact that is linked here.  Thank you, Dean Allen Morton of the Ancell School of Business.

SUMMARY OF THE AASCU/AACSB AFFINITY GROUP MEETING IN TAMPA 

Notes taken at ICAM by Dean Scott Johnson, April 22, 2007

Niranjan Pati (Indiana University, Kokomo)

·         welcomed all in attendance and began the session

·         the group is looking for input and involvement

·         there are approximately 20 charter members

 Keith Womer (University of Missouri, St. Louis)

·         results of a survey of charter member deans profiled interests and issues

·         fundraising, international programs, and enhancing visibility were important issues

·         AACSB can also help identify key issues

·         topics of interest can be mined from existing data

·         open discussion centered on a) state funding changes b) states asking for evidence of learning c) Spellings Commission d) coordination of SACS and HLC w/ AACSB e) the interest group should likely focus on 3-4 issues that would help define the interest group

Jessica Bailey (Winston-Salem State University)

·         faculty involvement in relationship building can be helpful; open discussion centered on a) business incubators to facilitate faculty and student involvement and outreach to the community b) linking the faculty to the advisory council c) students can lead the way in building relationships via service learning and other applied projects d) course release culture for service can be problematic, e) managing relationships is a challenge which typically falls to the dean f) creation of recognition systems can be valuable g) creating a relationship manager or point person can be helpful h) involvement by faculty in Kiwanas, Sertoma, and other clubs can be helpful, h) students can be involved with increasing voter registration/turnout

Scott Johnson (Minnesota State University, Mankato)

·         Promotion of the value and awareness of AASCU within AACSB

·         Value of the AASCU/AACSB affinity group centers on networking opportunities to compare strategies, linking mission with strategy, and visualizing the larger perspective of how AASCU schools form an identifiable group within AACSB accredited institutions

·         Awareness of the new affinity group can be enhanced through: offering sessions at AACSB meetings related to AASCU topics, meeting with AACSB leaders to enhance understanding of unique challenges and opportunities facing AASCU business schools, creating an identity of the affinity group within AACSB, and articulating the value of the affinity group

Karen Bowerman (California State University, San Bernardino)

·         appeal for increased membership in the affinity group, given that Biz Beat is to be sent only to members at AACSB's request

·         participation will strengthen the affinity group, enabling us to play an important role within AACSB

Denise Smart (Texas State University, San Marcos)

·         received a $20M gift

·         allow significant time for negotiation and legal involvement

·         both building and the college were named Emmett & Miriam McCoy

·         endowment was less than $1M prior to the $20M gift

·         campaign was named “building for tomorrow”

·         handout revealed many details of the campaign including: naming opportunities, matching opportunities, recognition areas, and the multiple benefits emanating from the gift

David Christy (Cal Poly, San Luis Obisbo)

·         Paul Orfalea $15M gift

·         understand how the benefactor prefers to interact with students, faculty, and Administrators (e.g. face to face, small groups…etc.)

·         linking the new image of the endowed school to the wider university identity is an important task

Dixie Mills (Illinois State University)

·         wrap-up and thank you for attendance at this session

·         the next meeting will occur at the AACSB Deans’ Conference

JOINING AASCUBS PROVIDES VALUE

• Network and discuss issues that we have in common in both formal and informal settings
• Enjoy professional and personal support networks for member deans
• Attend informative programs at the Annual AACSB International Conference and at least one additional AACSB workshop or seminar every year
• Participate in the sharing of best practices and information exchange concerning program enhancement and resource development
• Receive periodic newsletter to which you may contribute
• Establish more effective channels of communication between AACSB International and academic and professional staff of AASCU/AACSB member institutions

HOW DO I JOIN AASCUBS? 

• Go to the website and register for membership in the affinity group - FREE. 

• Individuals holding Dean or equivalent status at institutions that are concurrent members of the AASCU and AACSB International are automatically eligible for  membership in the AASCU affinity group.  AASCU member institutions are listed here.