O P I N I O N

• Rant of the Week: If You're Using a Grader, Tell Someone, by Harley Sitner, MBA1
• MSJ Question of the Week
• The Better Half: The Column for SOS-ers, by Jane Varner, SOS2
• Green Strategies for a Better Tomorrow

Rant Of The Week

If You're Using A Grader--Tell Someone

by Harley Sitner, MBA1

For this week's Rant, I've decided to forgo the big fish, and attempt my hand at something a little closer to home (home being the B-school). Since beginning classes last September, I must admit I've been pretty happy with the overall quality of the entire program. However, there is one policy that really disturbs me: the use of graders to score exams, and particularly courses that require essay style exams. I have nothing against the graders (I have even been approached to grade for a class next semester), I am sure they are competent. What kills me is the fact that I am paying $23,000 to have a second-year student grade, and in the case of some classes, provide the predominant criteria for my mark in the class.

What I find particularly irksome is when a professor neglects to tell you that a grader will be grading the exam. When I write an exam, I consciously write my exam for whomever I think will be reading it. Last week, I took an essay exam and attempted to write a creative, well-thought out, individual exam. I thought not only would my professor appreciate it, but he would also enjoy the break from the pile of nearly identical exams. Surely my professor would appreciate and recognize the value of that. Guess what? I got the lowest reported grade. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a grade whore. I don't want a re-grade. But, had I known that a grader was grading the paper, I would have diligently stuck to the simplistic model and merely regurgitated back some basic facts in a boring and dull fashion, and surely I could have squeaked out of the LP range!

Something is wrong when a student feels that he has to mute his voice because the person grading the exam does not have the authority to recognize thinking that might not be present on the grading sheet. While I think that the use of graders for MBA courses should stop, I recognize that this is probably not going to happen. So how about a compromise? If you use graders, let your students know about it beforehand.

And now, a bonus Rant for those of you who made it to the end of this column. What's with a Detroit Newspaper Agency MAP project? Are the MAP people aware that the DNA is involved in one of the ugliest strikes in recent American labor history? The Detroit Newspaper strike has ripped apart the metropolitan Detroit community, and regardless of which side you come down on, I think the B-school should, at least, stay neutral. Helping one side in this (especially management, talk about slimy!) dispute solidifies one part of the community's view of UMBS as elitist and living in an ivory tower.

Next week I return to the big picture when I report back from the big Welfare Discussion in Hale on Monday, February 17. Corporate Welfare mothers look out!

MSJ Question Of The Week

Do You Think Diversity Is Encouraged And Accepted As A Regular Part

Of The UMBS Curriculum, Cases, Orientation, And Social Life...?

....[Diversity] is definitely lacking in the case material discussed. Too often the protagonists are standard American white males. I have noticed that this seems to be improving, yet I would like to encourage professors to evaluate the diversity of the case protagonists in conjunction with the learning points of view the cases offer to ensure that diverse characters are represented.

In short, I think that diversity at the UMBS is encouraged and accepted in the curriculum, orientation, and social events. Still, the answer to this question is not the one that needs to be addressed. I think we, as future business leaders and a learning community, need to ask ourselves whether or not we truly seek out, appreciate, and embrace the invaluable diversity that exists at the UMBS.

Given the amazing diversity of the UMBS student body, it is quite surprising how US-centric our Corporate Strategy classes turned out to be. The program needs a greater emphasis on Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Far East.

I am an African-American student. I certainly do not think that diversity is discouraged but I do not believe it is actively encouraged as it should be. I believe the B-School does a pretty good job in selecting a diverse student body, but does little to encourage diversity when the students get here. Where the faculty is concerned, I believe the school has failed miserably if it is attempting to promote diversity. Finally, even though the student body is diverse it often times seems segregated. It is interesting to observe how self-selected groups are formed in most of my classes. The Caucasian students, particularly white males, seem to quickly form groups amongst themselves, leaving the minorities on their own.... I believe the administration and faculty could help effect the change in mindset by simply encouraging students in every class to form more diverse classroom groups for the benefit of all.

Diversity is only beneficial to the extent that these "diverse" individuals are able to share their diverse perspectives. To that end, I would suggest that all of our foreign students be capable of speaking English. Let's face it some can't--and have the personality type that is willing to speak up. On the extreme end I would point to the 10 or so Daewoo managers I had in OB last year. These guys were senior managers at a powerful company, however, they never said a word (one guy would struggle through a comment from time to time) in class so I didn't learn a thing about OB, Daewoo, or Korea from these guys. If there isn't acknowledged transfer between us "non-diverse" types and these "diverse "folks, I don't see the point.

I believe the school should consider diversifying the cases in the core courses, specifically by including some cases of companies from Latin America.

In 1993 the Harvard Business Review spoke of the failure of diversity at the business school level. At the time, I didn't understand what the article meant. Now I do. "Diversity" on paper means nothing. What does mean something is realistic dialogue between students and professors of different nationalities, ethnicity's, and sexes on issues pertinent to the changing business world. What I have seen at Michigan is what I saw at the undergraduate level and in the workplace: lip-service to a concept that many people are either uncomfortable or unwilling to truly address. There exists a sort of tacit institutionalized segregation both socially and academically within the B-school....

I believe that although diversity can be addressed through organizations such as the

B-school, it is our responsibility as young, intelligent, open-minded individuals to pursue diversity on our own as well. I personally believe that is the most effective way of creating and maintaining diversity. I don't care how many presentations, workshops, etc. are given on the topic; without the buy-in and support of us as individuals those efforts will have minimal impact. Part of my reason for coming to Michigan was consideration for the diversity I would encounter here. I am pleasantly surprised at the number of international students as well as the cross-section of cultures from the U.S. that are represented. I hope that we all, as future business leaders, are comfortable embracing diversity and can clearly see the benefits that we all gain from it.

--Patrick Makarewich, MBA1

The Better Half: The Column For SOSers

The MBA Partner's Guide To Dealing With 'Internship Search' Stress

by Jane Varner, SOS2

Students, the advice that follows may be useful to you directly. However, it is primarily intended for your SOS. In fact, you probably think these tips don't apply in your situation or to your partner. Please pass the information along to this person anyway, acknowledging that your perspective is a little "clouded" these days by the stresses of searching for the perfect internship.

It began in December. Your student moaned all through the holidays about the dreaded internship search and how many letters and resumes he or she should have sent to prospective employers. "I have a friend who sent 100 letters out before break even started, but you've kept me busy buying presents for your family members, going to your company holiday parties, shopping for groceries and running errands. How am I supposed to get anything important done?"

How does a supportive partner manage through this ugly phase in the life of the beloved MBA? Over the next couple months it will only get worse. But we all made it through last year, and we learned a lot along the way.

First, although it may be difficult considering this is similar to the situation you yourself were struggling with just six months ago, try to at least fake some sympathy. "Yes, honey, I remember how demoralizing and frustrating the job search can be." Keep away from the more natural responses such as:

· "Well at least you'll make a decent wage when you finally find a job!"

· "Good thing we have one steady income in this household"

· "How would you like it if I were to run off to orientation week, meet 400 new friends, join a bunch of clubs and get a cool new t-shirt right about now?"

Next, when you come home from work one evening, and your MBA is curled up in the fetal position on the floor, with all the shades drawn, and you think you may even hear a faint sob, don't worry! This is a stage they all go through. They never tell each other, but you can get on the horn with your SOS friends and confirm that it's true. Every MBA has the day when they're certain they made the wrong choice about coming to B-school, that somehow they were accidentally admitted to U-M but they really didn't deserve to be here, that they've blown 15K but if they quit now maybe UMBS won't charge for that last tuition bill and you can cut your losses. But take heart, this phase passes, as does the gray Ann Arbor winter sky, with time.

They may swing in and out of this funk. A swing into this funk is often caused by the feeling that everyone else has an offer (this is never the case; it just happens that people who have offers talk about it, whereas the majority of us trodding along with not even a flyback don't tend to tell each other this). Here again, I advise you to get on the phone with another SOS or two, and get the real story. If he or she tells you they have several offers and just can't decide which is best, recognize that this person is not your friend, and hang up immediately. Most people never get to the stage of having more than one offer to choose from, because as soon as they get an offer, they accept on the spot, either because they are required to by the company making the offer, or because they are in the down and out stage, and this was essentially someone telling them "You're terrific!"

Don't get too distressed about that dull interview suit. However, spending $1000+ is not part of the required dress code, no matter what your MBA or OCD tells you. The guidelines were set up to try to make everyone look the same, so as sharp as your student looks in that purple suede number (a loaner from a well intentioned relative, perhaps?), you are best off going with the dark blue one instead. (I think suede itself is not a problem, as long as you get the right shade of blue. As I recall, suede was not forbidden per last year's guidelines, but confirm with OCD before you purchase anything. I know for a fact that double-venting may cost you the offer, however, so learn what that term means and for heaven's sake, avoid it.)

Take your mind off these stressful times by hanging out with an international SOS, whose spouse has company sponsorship to study here for two years and will not be working over the summer. You'll discover that these friends are the most relaxed and enjoyable people to be around at this time, because they are planning extended travels through Europe and such for the break. You might even enjoy the distraction of assisting them in their vacation planning.

And speaking of vacations, don't plan on enjoying spring break. Many first years (and possibly yours) will still not have an internship by early March. Once again they will think they are the only ones in this predicament. True, the numbers are dwindling, but remember that this eases the competition for the internships that are left. Many companies recruit on a later schedule than seems comfortable for the U-M student, who finishes classes four to six weeks earlier than students at other top business schools. OCD will start having trouble filling interview slots in mid-March (honest!), and will be able to devote a lot of resources to assisting those students who are still looking.

When mid-April comes and still your student is without a fly-back, remember that some enterprising (desperate?) students find opportunities as a result of their MAP projects. Last year one MAP team considered forming a for-hire consulting team to help the company actually implement the proposal from their project. If nothing else, suggesting such ideas to your student will keep him or her thinking creatively and feeling hopeful.

Once your student finds the perfect summer job, you may realize you can't afford to leave your well-established career position here in Ann Arbor. If you are "abandoned" here for the summer, take heart. The Ann Arbor pace slows down to a peaceful loll come mid-May, when most of the students leave town, and those who stay are committed to enjoying themselves alongside year-long residents. The sun doesn't set til after 9, with twilight lingering til 10p.m. Sidewalks along Main Street are crammed with cafe tables; shops and galleries stay open late. Outdoor film festivals and art fairs abound. Every Saturday morning the Farmers' Market beckons locals with fresh flowers and produce. You can spend all afternoon biking from one garage sale to the next, collecting enough junk to hold your own sale just before your student returns in August. Your time apart will race by, and you'll be surprised a year from now, when it comes time for both of you to leave Ann Arbor, how attached you've become to this charming little town, and how far you've come since the dreaded days of searching for an internship.

Green Strategies For A Better Tomorrow

Photo courtesy of Dividend magazine

"The environmental revolution has been almost three decades in the making, and it has changed forever how companies do business." So says Stuart Hart in his Jan/Feb 1997 Harvard Business Review cover story, "Beyond Greening: Strategies for a Sustainable World."

Hart, a professor in corporate strategy at UMBS and the director of the Corporate Environmental Management Program, met Tuesday, February 4, with SRB members and interested students to discuss his article and its implications for the B-school

community. Hart spoke of the potential to promote "business as a solution" and pointed out in his article that "in the final analysis,

it makes good business sense to pursue

strategies for a sustainable world."