March 3, 2005

The mission of the Simmons School of Management is to educate women for power and leadership. Our management degree programs are designed to enhance the competence and confidence of women as they begin, further, or change their careers. Simmons students receive high quality management education in the functional, strategic, and behavioral aspects of business. Integral to our programs is the recognition of the role of gender in organizations.     

Schedule Changes & Course Information

Summer Registration Information

*Summer registration opens today, March 3 at 9am and will remain open until March 18 at 8pm.

*The MBA office has printed syllabi of all courses previously offered at the SOM. Students are welcome to look at these syllabi to better inform your elective choices. New syllabi are not due until April 1. WebCT is scheduled to go live on April 15th. We are also trying to move an electronic copy into the WebCT Student Resources pages to make it even easier for you, we will let you know if we are able to do it!!

*Strategic Decision Making (SDM)
Any students who are taking SDM this summer must register by the end of the registration period, March 18th. Professors Marlino and Wilson need the registration information to determine the groups. Prework will also be sent out on March 21st with a deadline shortly after.

*Contemporary Issues in Marketing will have NO Class on June 17th and WILL run on June 10th. This will eliminate the conflict with LGA.

*Analytical Decision Making will have class NO class on July 14th and class WILL run on July 7. This will eliminate the conflict with BGGE.

*Analytical Decision Making for Managers
A number of students have inquired about this class. After speaking with the professor, Neal Yanofsky, I would like to relay what I learned from the conversation. This will be a very lively and interesting class. The format will be a combination of case based discussions and experiential exercises. Deliverables will consist of exercises (reading a case and answering questions) and a final exam. While the class will follow a disciplined quantitative approach to decision-making, if you can balance your checkbook you will be fine so don't fret about the quantitative focus. You will look at real life business problems and learn how to solve them so you will not be bored with a lot of theoretical discussion; the focus will be on applying theory rather than just talking about it.

Since this course has no prerequisites, students may be in different stages of the program. Despite the different stages, there will still be somewhat of a level playing field since this course doesn't build on any other course and hasn't been addressed in any other course. It is also not focused on a discipline; it is focused on a tool which is decision-making. This tool is important to all managers regardless of the industry or discipline.

With 15 years of teaching experience and a ton of practical experience, you will find this class to be enjoyable, enriching, and the discussions managed well. Professor Yanofsky has offered to speak with anyone who has additional questions. Please contact him at neal.yanofsky@panerabread.com or 781.449.4862 x7364. Additionally, if you would like to see him in action, join us at the next Executive in the Classroom event on March 17th, 4:00pm.
To rsvp, click on this link http://www.simmons.edu/som/email/panera.html

SCHEDULE FOR NEXT WEEK
Evening Student track meeting, Wednesday, 5-5:45pm, CR2
Econ Review #3, Thursday, 5-5:45pm, CR2

Deliverables Rescheduled
Finance (class times have not changed)
Test #2, March 8
Assignment #2, March 15
Optional Review, March 31
Final Exam, April 8

Accounting (A) (class times have not changed)
Case #2 and class, March 30
Exam #2, April 4

Class Reschedule
IT Management has been extended one week to March 30th (last class)

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Financial Aid Information

Student Financial Services Updates

The second loan disbursement of spring 05 admits has arrived! The Student Accounts Representatives will process refund checks and mail them to students. Please check that your correct address is on file with the Registrar's Office. If you would like your check held for pick-up in the Office of Student Financial Services, please contact one of our account reps.

Student Accounts Representatives
Kevin Wolf x2011
Kevin Wright x2010
Nicole Torra x2009

In addition, it is time to re-apply for financial aid for the 2005-06 Academic Year. Please complete your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon as possible. You will also need to complete the Graduate Student Supplemental Information Form. This form is available on our website at: http://my.simmons.edu/services/sfs/resources/forms.shtml

Once the FAFSA is received, you will be notified in writing if additional documentation is required.

Haven't filed your taxes yet? That's OK! We will accept estimated tax information on the FAFSA, you can always correct the FAFSA after you file, or submit a copy to us and we'll do it for you. We encourage students to apply as early as possible, especially if you will enroll during the April term. If you have questions about the application process, please contact your assigned Financial Aid Officer. Your aid officer is assigned by the first letter of your last name.

A-E Amanda Cornwall x2033
F-L Sharon Lightfoot x2032
M-R Leslie Czwakiel x2885
S-Z Heather Patenaude x2142

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Meetings & Events

DEAN CANDIDATE OPEN PRESENTATION
Friday, March 4, 10:45-11:45. CR2. All students, staff, faculty, and alums are invited

INTERNAL EVENTS:

Networking Lunch Sessions
In response to students' request to network with their peers and learn about respective industries, we have scheduled four informal lunch sessions dedicated to specific industries/positions. Day students don't have any conflicting classes and evening students may be able to steal away on their lunch break. At each session we will be seeking students from the selected industry to share their work experiences and expertise with the group.

Date & Time                                                Industry
Friday, March 11, 12:15-1:15p               Finance/Accounting 
Friday, March 18, 12:15-1:15p               Non-Profit/Healthcare/Education
Friday, March 25, 12:15-1:15p               Marketing/PR
Friday, April 1, 12:15-1:15p                   IT

Sign-up sheets will be posted in the Mockler Lobby. Lunch will be provided so signing up is important, but you're still welcome to attend if you forget. This is a great opportunity to learn about the depth of resources available among your peers!!!

Upcoming Entrepreneurship Events:

Barry Moltz, Serial Entrepreneur
Monday, March 14, 2005
6:30-9:00 p.m.
451 Marlborough Street, Boston

As part of the Pathways to New Ventures class, the Entrepreneurship Club is pleased to welcome Barry Moltz on March 14th. Moltz is a Chicago-based serial entrepreneur who has started three separate businesses. His book, "You Need to Be A Little Crazy," is as straight and honest as it gets when talking about starting and growing your own business. For more information on Barry Moltz and his entrepreneurial philosophy, visit www.barrymoltz.com.

Leading Women Entrepreneur Series - "Forging New Ground: Opportunities and Challenges of Women of Color Entrepreneurs
Monday, March 21, 2005
6:00-8:30 p.m.
451 Marlborough Street, Boston

Join us for the 4th Leading Women Entrepreneur Series, "Forging New Ground: Opportunities and Challenges of Women of Color Entrepreneurs," held in conjunction with the Center for Gender in Organizations, the Citizens Bank Foundation, and the Simmons Diversity Council.

Panelists include:
Dr. Laquita C. Blockson, Assistant Professor of Strategic Management and Policy, University of Northern Iowa;
Dr. Sammie Robinson, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Illinois Wesleyan University;
Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations and Entrepreneurship and Innovation, NYU Stern School of Business;
Dr. Bonita L. Betters-Reed, Professor of Management, Simmons School of Management;
Dr. Lynda L. Moore, Associate Professor of Management, Simmons School of Management.
Discussion Framer: Dr. Patricia G. Greene, Dean, Undergraduate School and President's Endowed
Chair in Entrepreneurship, Babson College

Moderators are Dr. Jill Kickul, Elizabeth J. McCandless Professor of Entrepreneurship, and Stacy Blake-Beard, Associate Professor of Management, Simmons School of Management. Introductions will be made by Dr. Deborah Merrill-Sands, Acting Dean, Simmons School of Management.

To reserve your seat and RSVP (seats filling fast!), go to: http://www.simmons.edu/som/email/entrepreneur_cgo_v2.html

"Living" Case Study - Stacy Madison of Stacy's Pita Chips
Monday, March 28, 2005
6:30-9:00 p.m.
451 Marlborough Street, Boston

The third in a series of "Living" case studies features , Stacy Madison from Stacy's Pita Chips (recently profiled in Women's Boston Business). Just eight years ago, Stacy Madison were cutting pitas by hand and baking them in a small rotating oven. Today, she is presiding over a $30 million pita chip empire that is moving for a third time into bigger space--consequences of the national/international growth of her business! This case has many similar but contrasting start-up and growth issues and challenges as seen with our previous live cases (Allison Nevitt of Circles and Paige Arnof-Fenn of Mavens & Moguls).

REGISTER NOW - Executive in the Classroom sponsored by the SOM Class of 2004
On March 17, 2005, the SOM will host its second Executive in the Classroom event featuring Neal Yanofsky, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer of Panera Bread. The discussion will focus on how Panera Bread established a billion dollar business by breaking traditional marketing “rules”. Join us for a lively discussion and free Panera Bread samples. For more information and to rsvp, click on the link below. http://www.simmons.edu/som/email/panera.html

Simmons SOM Alumnae Association Champagne Reception and Annual Meeting
Friday, April 29, 2005, Seaport Hotel 6-9pm
Seaport Ballroom, Mezzanine Level
The Simmons SOM Alumnae Association (SOMAA) Board of Directors invites you to join them at this year's Champagne Reception and Annual Meeting. This is the best attended SOM alumnae event of the year, and alums from all over the US (and even overseas) will be there. Join alumnae, students, faculty, and friends at this terrific event which takes place annually on the eve of the SOM Leadership Conference. Delicious food, live music, and wonderful company await! This is a fantastic networking opportunity for current students. The SOMAA will highlight results of the "Face of the Alumnae" project, a joint collaboration between the Alumnae Association and the SOM.

Cost: Simmons SOM students - discounted rate: $30
Simmons SOM alumnae: $40 (for dues paying alumnae)
Friends and guests: $50 (and non-dues paying alumnae)

Please note that payment is nonrefundable.

Register online at: Sign up online at http://www.alumnet.simmons.edu/olc/pub/SNS/events/event_order.cgi?tmpl=events&event=1871022.0

Other ways to register:
phone: 617.521.3825
mail:
Send payment to (check made out to Simmons SOMAA)
Simmons SOMAA
409 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Questions?: email somaa@simmons.edu

Validated parking available. Directions: http://www.seaportboston.com/SeaBos/Home/RightPage.asp?PID=7154366

Leading Women Entrepreneurs (LWE) Events Series
On March 21, 2005, the SOM and CGO are hosting the fourth event in the Leading Women Entrepreneurs (LWE) events series. Titled "Forging New Ground: Opportunities and Challenges for Women of Color Entrepreneurs," there will be a panel of 6 national experts speaking about the latest research findings and case studies that highlight the internal and external opportunities, strategies, and challenges that are integral to the way women of color entrepreneurs design, operate, and grow their businesses for themselves and for their communities. For more information and to rsvp, click on the link below. http://www.simmons.edu/som/email/entrepreneur_cgo_v2.html

EXTERNAL EVENTS:

From the Career Services Office

NICE GIRLS DON'T GET THE CORNER OFFICE;
and OVERCOMING YOUR STRENGTHS:
Eight Reasons Why Successful People Derail
Lois Frankel
Career Track Event
"Quit bein' a girl [at the office]"
"All work is social."
"Ask for what you want." Lois Frankel

Why do some people move smoothly through their careers while others stagnate? When do your strengths become liabilities?

California-based Lois Frankel has spent the last 25 years as a coach, counselor, and consultant to everyone from corporate executives to politicians. She has appeared on the Today Show, CNBC, and CNN, and has written several books, two of which she will discuss with us: Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers, and Overcoming Your Strengths: Eight Reasons Why Successful People Derail and How to Remain on Track.

Sponsored by the Harvard Business School Association of Boston
Wednesday, March 16th
Charles Hotel
7:15am - 9:00 am
HBSAB members and guests - $20
Non Members - $30
Register/more information: http://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/HBS/events/event_order.cgi?tmpl=events
&event=1872369.0&olc_data=18

From the Career Services Office:

Social Enterprise Conference
HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
SPANGLER CENTER
SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2005
Featured speakers:
* CEO of the American Red Cross, Martha Evans
* Founder of Share Our Strength, Bill Shore
* CEO of Alcan, Travis Engen
* Founder of Ashoka, Bill Drayton
* CEO of Seventh Generation, Jeffrey Hollender
* 6 other CEOs or organization heads

For further information and to register, please refer to: http://www.socialenterpriseclub.org/conference/

From the Career Services Office:
Fifth Annual Jungle Business Plan Challenge
Deadline for registration: Friday, March 4, 2005
The Jungle Business Plan Challenge is the only truly international competition for all business schools. Every year, the challenge attracts the most talented and driven entrepreneurial talent from the world's business schools. Finalists will pitch against the best at Fenwick & West's Silicon Valley Headquarters on April 21-22, 2005. For more information check out the website: http://www.mbajungle.com/businessplan

Forum USA
For those interested in working internationally:
The Office for Science and Technology at the Embassy of France in the United States holds the yearly "Forum USA". This event provides an opportunity to bring together students and French companies. Over the years, this event has evolved into the most significant recruitment forum of its kind in North America.

The Forum lasts one week. In the course of Forum USA 2004, 1100 recent university graduates met with representatives from 40 French companies, associations and research institutes. Thanks to the Forum USA, recruiters issued more than 150 jobs and internship offers and selected more than 325 candidates for second-round interviews.

Forum USA is originally focused on students specialized in engineering and hard sciences - cf. the statistics regarding the candidates who attended Forum USA 2004. As we did last year we have widened our focus to include candidates having an MBA to better respond to recruiters' needs. Similarly, newly arrived non-French candidates will likely comprise 25-35% of forum attendants.

Forum USA 2005 will be held consecutively in Boston (April 2, 3 &4) and San Francisco (April 6 & 7). The Forum USA will make candidates' resumes available to the exhibitors and will schedule interviews for them.

Candidates can register for the event through our website at www.forumusa.org until February 15th 2005. Note that Forum USA offers a free night in the hotel the night before the event for the first 100 registrants for Boston and the first 60 registrants for San Francisco (candidates must live at least 60 miles from the Forum to be eligible).

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Student Clubs

Student Clubs at the SOM are run by and organized by SOM students. The MBA Office Staff assists with the transition from one year to the next by gathering names of interested students and by setting up each club in WebCT.

Announcement from the Social Club
We will be hosting an Ugly Sweater Party on March 10, from 4-6pm in the 419 Living Room. We will have a fashion show and prizes for the ugliest sweaters. If any of you would be interested in helping out in getting food or beverages, please contact Zuania Pomales at Pomales@simmons.edu or 617-953-6680.

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