School News

By Jane Burns

Photos by Paul L. Newby II

Binnu Palta Hill, assistant dean for diversity and inclusion at WSB, leads a panel discussion called “Cancel Culture: Do Our Mistakes Define Us?” during a Diversity Lunch & Learn at Grainger Hall on March 2. The monthly series is a popular learning opportunity for students, faculty, and staff.

COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts Spring Semester

The 2019-20 academic year at UW–Madison took a dramatic, unexpected shift as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened worldwide.

All instruction shifted to alternative delivery on March 23, with WSB pivoting 183 courses in one week’s time. Although in-person instruction ended, learning and connection continued as dedicated faculty, staff, and students moved from the classroom to remote locations.

In addition, the university shifted all summer-term courses online. WSB already offered many of its summer courses online, and now additional options will be available.

The university found creative and innovative ways to honor graduates, despite the postponement of commencement, which had been scheduled for May 8-9.

At WSB, each program hosted a virtual commencement event, while a special projection cast each graduate’s name on the exterior of Grainger Hall the evening of May 9.

Alumni also got involved by sending congratulatory video messages that were shared with students.

Resources for Alumni During the Pandemic

WSB Career Resources are available to alumni as they navigate a changing professional landscape.

Webinars cover a range of topics relevant to today’s workplace.

WSB Alumni website is a place to get involved, read school news, and hear perspectives from fellow alumni in the “Ask an Alum” series.

Badger Bridge Reach out to fellow alumni.

WSB Students have a new Business Certificate option in the form of a Supply Chain Major

Supply Chain Major, Business Certificate Added

Two new programs for undergraduates will tap into WSB strengths and provide further opportunities for students.

The School will offer a new undergraduate major in supply chain management for the 2020-21 academic year. The new offering enhances WSB’s existing portfolio of supply chain management programs, which includes a one-year master’s degree and a full-time MBA specialization.

WSB has been a leader in supply chain management education since 1991 when it established the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management and began developing some of the nation’s first educational programs in this discipline. Through the Grainger Center, WSB has offered an undergraduate certificate program in supply chain management for more than 25 years.

WSB will also launch a Summer Certificate in Business Fundamentals for nonbusiness undergraduate students. The program, which was designed from the start to be completed fully online, offers the chance for students who are off campus or pursuing internships to receive a credential for taking business coursework. It begins in Summer 2020.

Redesigned MBA Creates Greater Flexibility

A proposed redesign of the evening MBA program will offer more flexibility and accessibility to better serve today’s students.

The reimagined program, called the Professional MBA, will feature a blended delivery format, with 50% online, 50% in person. This structure offers the flexibility that working professionals seek through online delivery while retaining the strong cohort and relationship building that is unique to face-to-face delivery. Built as a platform that enables innovation, the program will introduce a curriculum designed around a system of digital badges that will allow students to customize their program based on their career interests. It can be completed in as little as two years or as many as five.

The Professional MBA is anticipated to launch in Fall 2021 after moving through the university’s shared governance approval process. It will run congruent with WSB’s full-time and executive MBA programs, which are not affected by this redesign.

Professor Joan Schmit Earns Mentoring Honor

Joan Schmit, American Family Insurance Distinguished Chair of Risk Management at the Wisconsin School of Business, received a university award for her work mentoring female faculty.

Schmit’s nomination for the Slesinger Award for Excellence in Mentoring came from the entirety of women faculty at WSB. The award celebrates the often hidden work of individuals who help women faculty achieve their goals and reach their highest potential at UW–Madison.

Schmit has served on the WSB faculty since 1988, holding several key leadership positions throughout her tenure.