Advisors

With Thanksgiving being one short week away, I am stunned once again at how quickly the semester has flown.  In addition to advising graduate students, I teach the tax research class in the undergraduate and graduate accounting programs.  We are in the middle of registration and admissions for the spring, processing applications for graduation in 2010, setting up for spring orientations, managing the office, trying to help my son manage to get his homework done (an unending struggle) and on and on and on...

So you know what?  It's time to take a breather!!  I give my exam on Saturday morning, and then we have a short week next week.  And about time, too!  The program office will close on Wednesday, November 25^th at 2pm and reopen on Monday, November 30^th at 7:30am.  For students, you are outta here on Tuesday night.  Be sure to use this time to take a breather for yourself!

We host the Thanksgiving meal at our house every year and it is something I really look forward to.  Everyone is so busy that this is the only time of year when we are all able to be together.  I hope that you will be able to spend time with your friends and family as well.  And if you are away from home, call some friends and make your own celebration for Thanksgiving.  But above all, take this time to rest and be ready for the final 3 weeks of the fall semester.  Remember, January is just around the corner...

Have you heard of GASB?

GASB is the acronym for the Graduate Accounting Student Board.  GASB is the student organization for the Master of Science in Accounting and the Master of Science in Taxation programs at Kelley.  If you want a chance to get in on the ground floor and have a hand in GASB's formation (actually, reformation), now is the time.

Jane Lambert and I met with GASB first in early October.  We had about 26 volunteers, which is way above the response we have had in previous years.  We met again last week with (whom I believe) will be the leadership of GASB.  And they have been busy.  They have a rough draft of the bylaws, how the organization will be structured (President, Vice President, etc.), and the subcommittees needed to fulfill their goals regarding networking both within the school and with the accounting community in Indianapolis.

Even if you don't want to assume a leadership role in GASB, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved.  Do you have a contact in the accounting community who would be a great speaker for the MSA luncheons?  Do you have an idea for a volunteer opportunity that would shine a spotlight on the graduate accounting programs?  Ultimately, do you want your voice to be heard?

GASB will have a pizza night on Wednesday, November 18th that will provide the opportunity for you to find out more about GASB.  Don't miss out on the chance to meet more of your classmates, make some connections and have free pizza!  And you are always welcome to come to a regular GASB meeting.  GASB meets the first Friday of each month.  Hope to see you there!

I know all of you have asked this question before..."Can you tell me an easy class to take?"  That is one of my favorite questions and since it's priority registration for spring 2010, advisors get that question a lot.  If you have ever met with me, I typically throw that question back to you..."What is easy for you?"  I do that because what each of us finds "easy" may not be "easy" for others.  Really what we all mean by easy is "what is fun and interesting to learn about?"  Well, for me, that was psychology and education.  Many students have taken these subjects and found them difficult.   I didn't because I truly enjoyed what I was learning.  I can tell you that many students find math to be a breeze and enjoy how logical it is.....not me!  I successfully completed my math requirements and went on my way.   Students probably wouldn't be too happy with me if all I recommended were Psychology classes.
 
In addition, last spring I stepped back in the classroom for the "Food and Wine Pairing" class through TCEM.  This is not an easy class by any means, it is a complicated subject that covers geography, terminology, the wine making process, and how to correctly taste wine & pair it with food.  I didn't know much about this subject but I had a great interest in wine so I did well in the class.  I found the readings and classes very intriguing so I was motivated each week to complete the requirements of the course.  It really helped me when I traveled to France in May!   Of course we had the opportunity to try different wines with a variety of food each week, which isn't so bad if you like wine.
 
What I'm trying to say is that all students have general education and electives to take.  Look at all of your options and think about what you enjoy.  Of course, make sure it meets Kelley requirements, too.  You'll probably be happy with your grade and possibly pursue a minor if you take classes that you like, opposed to just "getting them out of the way".

Oh yeah...don't forget to register for spring 2010 classes.  Meet with your Kelley advisor to make sure you've developed an academic plan for timely graduation!

Where did the time go?!? 

I was reading Shannon's blog about the super stretchy laptop cover (which is very cool, by the way) and I realized that it had been a while since I submitted a blog.  Been a while?  Try almost 8 months!!  The keepers of the blog are no doubt quite unhappy with me (I think I feel the evil eye even now), and I can't blame them.  But how in the world did over half a year pass under my very nose?  I'll tell you--WE'VE BEEN BUSY!!

Enrollments are up, so my usually placid summer of cleaning out files and catching up on emails was replaced with advising appointments and screening applicants for the MSA and MST programs.  And you know what?   I love it!  Admissions for the summer/fall 2009 terms were up 18% for the graduate accounting programs which means I get to do more of my favorite thing--meet with students.  It seems that more students are taking advantage of my calendar and scheduling their advising appointments early.

Graduate students will begin registering for spring classes the first week of November.  If you have never met with me, I send you a handy spreadsheet with your schedule plan via email right after your appointment.  We can even work out a long-term plan.  MBA Students:  do you want to see if you have what you need for your major?  I can help you with that.  Have you scheduled your advising appointment yet?  Well, what are you waiting for--time's a wastin'...

 

 

Would you like to study abroad? Have you always wanted to travel to France?  The Kelley School of Business is offering an opportunity for all students during summer session I of summer 2010.

 

Kelley's study abroad program consists of 4 weeks instruction at IUPUI and 10 days of instruction and experience in or near Strasbourg, France.  Students must enroll in both BUS D 301: International Business Environment and POLS Y 350: Politics of the European Union for a total of 6.0 credit hours.  Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am - 4:15pm during summer session I.  There will be an hour lunch in between classes.

 

Please visit the following link for the informational handout:

http://abroad.iupui.edu/programs/France_Business.pdf

 

IUPUI scholarships, grants and loans are applicable to program costs.

 

Possible company visits and cultural experiences:

Mercedes Benz                             Paris, France

Roche                                           Kronenbourg Brewery

SMART car                                  European Parliament

Polyplus Transfection                     Winery

 

Testimonials from summer 2009:

 

http://kelley.iupui.edu/undergrad/enews/bizbeat_france.pdf

http://bizblog.kelley.iupui.edu/blogs/undergraduate_students/2009/05/france-here-we-come.html

 

http://bizblog.kelley.iupui.edu/blogs/undergraduate_students/2009/05/bonsoir-from-france.html

 

http://bizblog.kelley.iupui.edu/blogs/kelley_advisors/2009/05/this-week-continues-to-fly.html

 

The deadline for applying is November 1, 2009. Please note that there is no fee to apply to the program however if selected to participate you will be asked to submit deposits.

 

Please visit the following link for application information:

http://abroad.iupui.edu/programs/apply_France_Business.pdf

 

If you would like additional details please email me at jcloughe@iupui.edu

 

Jaime Clougher

Academic Advisor

 

 As I was gathering all of the fun stuff for the IUPUI Study Abroad Fair, I realized that I never posted pictures from the Kelley trip to France!  Enjoy! 

If you are interested in learning more about our trip in Summer I 2010...stop by the Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, September 2nd from 11 am - 2 pm in the Taylor Courtyard or contact Jaime Clougher at jcloughe@iupui.edu.

 

 

The Cathedral!  We climbed to the top!

 

 

 

  

Artwork on the Cathedral.

 

Kelley students at the Council of Europe.

 

Inside the Council of Europe.

 

Delicious food!  Hosted by the University of Strasbourg.

 

 

Smart Car!

 

 

Outside of the European Parliament

 

On to Paris!!

 

Top of the Eiffel Tower!  It was windy! :)

 

Seine River

 

Pont Neuf

 

The Louvre

 

Final Dinner...til next time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week continues to fly by!  Yesterday jump-started with a trip to Germany visiting Mercedes Benz.  In my entire life until this past week I have been to only one other country...Canada...and now in just a few days I have tripled that! 

The Mercedes Benz plant was really interesting.  At this particular factory they make two models of cars - A Class and B Class.  I've been on a few plant tours and this was the most facinating of all of them as the entire manufacturing process is automated using robots.  While there are quite a few workers, I've never seen so many robots used in a factory.  It was clear that the quality is improved by the use of the robots which increases the value of these cars.  And because of that high quality and value, I will not be able to afford one! 

After a quick lunch back in Strasbourg at the Euro Cafe (quiche, salad, and Coca Cola light - otherwise known as Diet Coke - all so tasty!) we headed over to the Kronenbourg Brewery, which was founded in 1664.  The tour of the brewery was very entertaining as we had an excellent tour guide!  What I found to be the most interesting were the "galleries" that were used keep the beer cold before modern refrigeration was invented.  Deep below the brewery in the cellars there is a large room with many hallways connected to it.  They would bring ice from the nearby mountains and dump it in the large room.  The galleries would then fill with cold air to keep the beer fresh.  I'm convinced they could still be used as it was nice and chilly in the cellar! 

When we arrived back in the city, David, Nathan, and I headed straight for the Cathedral!  After finally finding the stairs, we climbed to the very top!  I'm so thankful that we did and it really didn't take more than 15-20 minutes with stopping to take pictures throughout the ascent.  The view from the top was breathtaking.  Despite a cloudy day, we could see for miles!  The church bells rang while we were up there and startled us...and the pigeons...which was pretty amusing if you can imagine me running away from them as they fluttered above my head.:)  The descent was followed by a delicious dinner of spaghetti...I admit that I needed a taste of home this evening.

I hope to post some pictures in the future!  Stay posted!

Au revoir!

  

 

What seemed like a trip that was so far off has finally arrived and we are already 2 days in! After a long flight from Indy, our group checked into our hotel in Strasbourg, France Sunday afternoon.  Strasbourg is about a 4 hour drive, east of Paris, in the Alsace region.  It borders Germany and you can definitely see both countries' influences in the architecture and food!  I hope to post some pictures soon.  

Since yesterday it has been a complete whirlwind of activity!  An hour after checking in, we went on a walking tour of the city seeing La Cathedrale, Gutenberg's monument, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous unique shops & restaurants.  La Cathedral took centuries to build and is beautiful!  It's one of the tallest buildings in the city and  the only way to reach the top is to climb the stairs.  David, Professor Bonser-Neal and I plan to embark on that adventure tomorrow as you can see for miles at the top of the highest tower!  After our walking tour we went on a relaxing boat ride that also provided a tour of the city and some interesting history along the way.  Afterward for dinner we tried some Alsatian cuisine...I had a "traditionale tarte" which is kind of like a flat bread pizza without the tomato sauce.  Delicious!

Today we hit the pavement and mass transit to the various European government organizations that are centered in Strasbourg.  Both the Council of Europe and European Parliament are positioned in this city.  The Kelley students attending the trip had a plethora of knowledge regarding these organizations because they are currently taking POLS Y350 - Politics of the European Union,  I'm pretty confident that the guides  and speakers were impressed with their questions!  As a newcomer to this, I definitely learned  so much about how the Council and Parliament interact and the role that each plays.  The Parliament focuses more on the European economy while the Council focuses on human rights.  Of course, there is MUCH more, but that's the basics.

While touring today, there was another group of business students from Boston College.  We noticed them because they were speaking American English.  It's funny how quickly you can distinguish your language when 99% of the people around you are not.  Makes me really appreciate our international students at IUPUI even more.  Being immersed in a culture where you know bits and pieces of a language can be a struggle.  Patience is key and I appreciate everyone here in France that has been patient with me as I try to communicate with them. :) 

Ok...after a fabulous dinner with our University of Strasbourg colleagues...it's time to turn in.  Another eventful day at Mercedes Benz and Kronenbourg Brewery awaits for tomorrow!  Oh yeah...and that hike up to the top of the Cathedral!

Au revoir! 

Hi Everyone!

This is my first blog, so feel free to give me a few pointers if you have a mind to.  Let me start by introducing myself.  My name is Jane McDonald, Assistant Director for Student Services in the IU Kelley School of Business.  On a personal note, I've been married just over a year and my husband and I have four furry children; two cats, Rocky and Looney and two dogs, Gracee and JG. It has been an interesting year or so watching them get adjusted to each other, to say the least.

OK, back to Kelley.  As the Assistant Director for Student Services, I do various things for the school.  Foremost, I am proud to serve as one of five academic advisors for the school.  While we each may see any student who "walks through our doors" interested in business, I specifically work with the honors students, student athletes and probation students.  Another responsibility I hold for the school is that I serve as the Kelley Ombudsman.   I'll save the description of this role for a future blog topic.  Another responsbility I have is working the the Director of the program, Jane Lambert with hiring and training/orienting our adjunct faculty.  The last responsibilities that I will mention here are that I work with setting up the schedule of classes for future semesters and enrollment management. 

A misconception I think some students have is that if they see an advisor without a student, then that advisor must be free to see them.  On the contrary, as you can see from my example above, advisors have many responsibilities.  While advising is the most important and we set aside a significant amount of time to see students, we do have other responsibilities to attend to around student appointments.  I must say, I work with some pretty awesome advisors and we believe that you, the student, deserve our direct attention on your situation and concerns.  That is why advising appointments are so important, so you have our undivided attention!

Speaking of advising appointments, Priority Registration is upon us for summer and fall registration.  Now would be the perfect time for you to schedule an appointment with the advisor of your choice.  Please call our front desk staff at 274-2147 to schedule your appointment to day.

Until next time,

Jane McDonald

 

 

 

I was just answering some interview questions regarding the Master of Science in Accounting program and the CPA exam.  The MSA program is one of many tools that will help you for the exam.  The MSA is a great way to get the extra hours you need to sit.  I mean, if you have to take more classes, you may as well take the ones that will benefit you for the exam and earn a Master's degree in the process!

After meeting the educational requirements, the other part of exam is the preparation.  There are several kinds of prep material--just Google "CPA Review Materials" and there are over 427,000 hits!  But there is one precious commodity that you will not find on the Internet--your course notes.  If you're like me, you have notebooks and folders and binders full of pages and pages of notes.  HANG ONTO THEM!!  Those notes are an invaluable resource for you as you prepare for the exam. 

In case someone hasn't told you, CPA exam prep is not for the faint at heart.  To really do well, you need to immerse yourself in the material and basically live it every day, right up until you take the exam.  Yes, it's hard work.  Yes, it's a sacrifice.  But when you find out that you have just passed the last section, there's nothing like it!

So for those of you who are graduating soon (or for those fortunate enough to be finished with classes,) remember:  Those notes are gold!! 

Oh, and by the way, did I mention that we will have a CPA prep course on campus this summer...