College of Business and Administration

• General Information
• Student Organizations
• Learning Outcomes
• General Academic Policies

Thomas Aicher, Dean
Dwire Hall, Room 310
Phone: (719) 255-3113
Fax: (719) 255-3494
www.uccs.edu\business

The College of Business and Administration and the Graduate School of Business Administration were established in 1965. The College serves the needs of the Pikes Peak Region and Southern Colorado by developing professional and responsible managers, for continued education of those already in such positions, and for advancing research in business. It also serves the need for business education throughout the world with its online education options.

The College works closely with the local business community in the professional development of its students.

Mission

The UCCS College of Business delivers a future-oriented business education to support workforce and economic development for southern Colorado, the state, nation, and world. We prioritize and empower learners at every stage of their educational journey, develop innovative research that contributes to scientific discovery and effective business practice, and serve as a hub for our community in productive discourse, practical learning, and social responsibility.

Vision

We are in the business of building successful futures.^TM 

Core Values

Learners First:

• Deliver a curriculum for lifelong learning to meet the challenges of a changing business environment.
• Leverage technology to deliver innovative and adaptable educational programs.
• Provide a supportive, challenging, collaborative, and experiential learning environment.

Build Community:

• Serve as a hub connecting students, alumni, local businesses and organizations, and the broader community.
• Engage with traditionally underrepresented groups and prioritize work that advances equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Cultivate a brand and culture that supports the success of all stakeholders.

Make a Difference:

• Produce high‐quality, impactful research.
• Pursue competitive and collaborative opportunities that further our mission.
• Emphasize principle‐based, ethical decision‐making and societal impact in our programs.

Accreditation

Both the undergraduate and the graduate business degree programs are fully accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Faculty

Dean: Thomas Aicher. Associate Dean: Magan Calhoun. Professors:  Andrew Czaplewski, Rebecca Duray, Jeffery Ferguson, Tracy Gonzalez-Padron, Spencer Harris, T. Martin Key, Dahui Li, Karen Markel, Brian McAllister, Eric Olson, Morgan Shepherd, and Donald Warrick. Associate Professors: Dustin Bluhm, Jill Bradley-Geist, Ying Fan, Carol Finnegan, Robert Hirschfeld, Jian (James) Ma, Matthew Metzger, Lawrence (Larry) Plummer, Sameer Prasad, James Van Scotter, and Yang Xu. Assistant Professors: Ryan Chacon, Dayna Herbert Walker, Wei Hsu, Mona Jabbari, David Kocsis, Zhe (Cliff) Li, Matthew Lyle, Shujia (Sue) Mei, Jin Peng, Assma Sawani, and Sandeep Suntwal. Senior Instructors: Gordon Stringer and Scott Van Ness. Instructors: Gregory Augspurger, Magan Calhoun, Robert Cook, Kirk Danielson, Todd Endres, Lauren Hallaron DeSutter, Carolayne Henry, Theresa (Terri) Johnson-Akse, Bradford Monson, Lauren Nelsen, Kimberly Swetz, Sarah Wilhelmi, and Paul Yankey. Emeritus Professors: Richard Discenza, Donald Gardner, Lexis Higgins, Charles Hinkle, Robert Keeley, Robert Knapp, Paul Miller, John Milliman, James Rothe, Kirk Wilcox, Robert Zawacki, and Thomas Zwirlein.

Business Academic Advising

Undergraduate Academic Advising
Main Hall, 2nd Floor
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-3260
1-800-990-UCCS ext 3260
email: advising@uccs.edu

Graduate Academic Advising
Graduate School of Business Administration
Dwire Hall 333
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-3408, 1-800-990-8227, ext. 3408
Fax: (719) 255-3100
email: gsba@uccs.edu

College of Business Initiatives

Ethical Principles

The College of Business participates in the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program that advances principle-based ethics. The Principles provide a framework for personal and organizational decision-making and leadership that College of Business students can utilize both in the classroom and in their future careers. 

Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Principles

Integrity - Act with honesty in all situations

Trust - Build trust in all stakeholder relationships

Accountability - Accept responsibility for all decisions

Transparency - Maintain open and truthful communications

Fairness - Engage in fair competition and create equitable and just relationships

Respect - Honor the rights, freedoms, views, and property of others

Rule of Law - Comply with the spirit and intent of laws and regulations

Viability - Create long-term value for all relevant stakeholders

© 2016 Daniels Fund. All rights reserved.

College of Business Career Development Center

Our mission is to support careers by bridging the gap between students and the business community through professional development, internships, and employment opportunities. The Career Development Center assists business students and alumni in all majors and at all levels (undergraduate and graduate).

The College of Business recognizes the need to produce graduates who are prepared, experienced, knowledgeable, and able to relate the skills they have learned in class to daily business operations. By utilizing the services and events offered through the Career Development Center, students will receive a rich, meaningful introduction to the professional business world.

Services offered through the Career Development Center include resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, networking events, internships for credit, career development workshops, and career fairs. These events allow you to improve your business skills while connecting with local employers and organizations. The Career Development Center also advertises job postings on our online job board and can assist students in navigating other resources for finding internships or employment opportunities.

We welcome your questions and look forward to helping you reach your career goals. Please schedule your appointment by phone at 719-255-3120 or by email at cobplace@uccs.edu. Our office is located in Dwire Hall, Room 333.

The College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship

The Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business is dedicated to providing leadership in scholarship and education in entrepreneurship for the College and the University.  The Center offers a minor in entrepreneurship that is open to every student on the UCCS campus.  It also spearheads the Garage@UCCS which is a unique student venture laboratory that provides space, mentoring, support, and other resources to student entrepreneurs. The Center hosts numerous on-campus entrepreneurial events and is the administrative home of the student Entrepreneurship Club. 

UCCS Economic Forum

Mission Statement:

The UCCS Economic Forum is a community resource for data and analysis to help citizens, businesses and civic leaders understand the economic and business conditions affecting the Pikes Peak Region and make better-informed decisions.

The UCCS Economic Forum:

• Provides and tracks key economic metrics to help gauge the economic health of the region.
• Applies economic and statistical principles to analyze trends in local and national data.
• Is a trusted source for informed interpretations of economic news and data.

The UCCS College of Business Alumni Association

The UCCS College of Business Alumni Association facilitates a valuable, lifelong connection for our alumni to the college.

Our nearly 10,000 members are involved in everything from mentoring current students and advising academic departments and programs, to offering the practitioner’s perspective in the classroom.

With leadership from the Alumni Leadership Team, our graduates stay connected to their alma mater through The Dwire Inquirer monthly e-newsletter, the COB Alumni Facebook Group and LinkedIn page, networking and social opportunities, intellectual offerings, and recognition of our outstanding alumni. The Dean’s Community Advisory Board engages our alumni and other business leaders in charting the direction of the College of Business.

The COB Alumni Association hosts an annual event, the Lifetime Entrepreneurship Award Ceremony, honoring the lifetime achievements of our city’s most outstanding entrepreneurs who are having a positive impact on the city’s business climate.

UCCS College of Business Executive Education

The UCCS College of Business Executive Education program offers non-degree professional development and training seminars. These programs offer professionals and alumni the opportunity to learn broad business concepts and skills in a relatively short timeframe. Programs are facilitated by UCCS professors, giving participants the opportunity to learn current business theory, research, and application within an interactive learning environment. Some programs require participants to immediately apply their new knowledge and skills within real-time capstone projects. Drawing on evidence-based strategies and faculty expertise, executive education programs provide unparalleled opportunities for growth and transformation. 

The College’s executive education programs are offered through two different channels: Open Enrollment (for individuals) and Custom (for organizations). Open enrollment programs are available for individuals to enhance their career path by gaining business skills and strategies with cross-industry participants. Custom Programs provide organizations the option of private, in-house, customized training for selected groups of employees. Custom Programs are collaboratively designed with an organization to meet specific business priorities and goals.

Student organizations, which provide opportunities for professional development and for recognition of scholastic achievement of students, are supported by the College of Business.  The following are student organizations in the College of Business:

Accounting Honor Society:  Honor society for College of Business accounting students. The Accounting Honor Society is an honorary and professional organization for students of accountancy. Its stated purpose includes recognition of outstanding academic achievements in the field of accounting, promotion of the study and practice of accounting, provision of opportunities for self-development and association among members, and encouragement of a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility. The organization seeks to develop its members’ professionalism through career-oriented, social, and community activities.

Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS): Membership in BGS is an honor, which must be earned through outstanding scholastic achievement.  Students are invited to apply for membership.  Such membership is one of the highest scholastic honors that a student in a business or management program can attain. To be eligible for Beta Gamma Sigma membership, undergraduate students must rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating class and graduate students must rank in the top 20 percent of their graduating class.  BGS chapters may be chartered only in those schools of business and management accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Delta Sigma Pi:  International fraternity for business students. Delta Sigma Pi is a professional, co-ed fraternity open to all business and economics students, of any standing or emphasis. Through this organization, members will meet others with similar interests, strengthen their networking skills, give back to the community, and prepare for the business world.

Finance Club: The mission of the Finance Club is to provide a resource for current students to successfully pursue careers in finance and finance-related fields.  The club seeks to fulfill its role to our members by developing not only technical skills needed in the field but also to develop our members socially and academically. 

Management Club: The Management Club’s goal is to provide further management education beyond what is seen in a traditional classroom setting.  We offer opportunities for career and management skill development.  Club members and the broader UCCS student community are welcome to our events. 

Marketing Club: UCCS AMA - The UCCS American Marketing Association is a growing campus club that is focused on fostering connections on and off campus through AMA and community events, learning relevant skills and job smarts from experienced professionals, and being involved in projects giving students direct experience in marketing. Anyone is welcome to attend events and meetings, and AMA membership is available to those who want to become more active members of this valuable network.

SHRM:  Student Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. SHRM provides its members with educational and informational services, conferences and seminars, government and media representation, and publications that equip human resource professionals for their roles as leaders and decision-makers within their organizations.

Student Center for Public Trust: The Student Center for the Public Trust (StudentCPT) is a national network of college students who demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership.

Business, BS - Bachelor of Science & BI - Bachelor of Innovation

As future business leaders, our graduates will:

• demonstrate knowledge and application of core business concepts.

• analyze information to make effective business recommendations.

• engage in productive discourse to generate socially responsible decisions.

• exhibit readiness to transition from college to career.

Business, MBA - Master of Business Administration

Our graduates are prepared to be:

• strategic leaders who meet the challenges of a global and dynamic business environment.

• business professionals who apply state-of-the-art business knowledge and technology.

• ethical decision makers who positively impact organizations and society.

• skilled team players who communicate effectively.

• lifelong learners willing to pursue continuous growth.

Business, MSA - Master of Science in Accounting

Our students will:

• apply professional knowledge in financial accounting, auditing, and taxation.

• analyze and interpret accounting information.

• engage in ethical decision-making.

• demonstrate professional communication.

Business, EDBA - Executive Doctor of Business Administration (Cyber)

The degree program is designed to equip students with the ability to:

• develop skills for cybersecurity scholarship and research competency.

• analyze issues impacting cybersecurity.

• demonstrate knowledge of information security research.

• apply current research to address complex problems of cybersecurity practice.

The college uses several methods to assess these learning outcomes, which may include a required end-of-program assessment in each degree program.

The following academic policies are applicable to all students enrolled in the College of Business and Administration or the Graduate School of Business Administration. All students are responsible for knowing and following the provisions set forth in this Catalog and in the Registration Handbook. Any questions concerning these provisions are to be directed to Academic Advising (undergraduate inquiries) or the Graduate School of Business Administration Advising Office (graduate inquiries). It is the responsibility of the student to know and observe program requirements and deadlines.

In an effort to incorporate new business techniques and paradigms into business programs, as well as to meet the needs of students on a timely basis, the College of Business periodically makes changes to curricula. The academic policies and regulations stated herein are in effect at the time this Catalog is published but may be subject to change; these changes may not be reflected in this Catalog. We therefore encourage students to visit our website. Any questions should be directed to the undergraduate or graduate Academic Advising Offices.

Academic Dishonesty

The College of Business follows and enforces the student conduct rules and policies that are set forth by the university and are listed in the Student Rights and Responsibilities  section of the Academic Catalog.

Students caught engaging in academic dishonesty may receive a zero on the assignment in question, an “F” in the class, or be suspended from the College of Business and/or university.

Academic Policies

Administrative Drop
Through the semester census date, individual faculty, program directors or the dean may initiate the process to drop students who do not have the proper course prerequisites and/or class standing for courses. Students who fail to meet written class attendance policies may be administratively dropped. Students who do not attend the first class without receiving prior permission from the instructor may also be dropped. 

Attendance Policy

Campus Courses: It is the expectation of the College of Business and Administration that students will attend all classes. However, classroom attendance policy is left to the discretion of the faculty member. Students are responsible for knowing the attendance policies of individual instructors. Business faculty may drop students who do not attend the first class (students who miss class without prior permission from the faculty). This policy allows the adding of waitlisted students who attend the first class. Students registering after the first class meeting must obtain approval from the instructor prior to enrolling and are responsible for all assignments, notes materials, etc. given during missed instructional time.

Online Courses: All online courses open on the first day of the semester. In some instances, certain instructors may open a course earlier. Starting with the first day of class, students enrolled in online courses are expected to maintain ongoing engagement. Students who fail to make prior arrangements with the instructor may be dropped at the end of the first week of class if they do not log into Canvas or if they do not engage with course content, course tools, course instructor and with other students. This policy allows the adding of waitlisted students into the course section. Students registering after the first week of the semester (prior to Census) must obtain approval from the instructor prior to enrolling and are responsible for all assignments, notes materials, etc. given during missed instructional time.

Students enrolled in the online program or online courses are required to meet and follow all College of Business rules and policies including academic misconduct enforcement, student code of conduct, and classroom behavior guidelines.  Business online courses are restricted to College of Business students.

Grading Policies

Audit/No Credit
The College will not approve business courses taken as audit or for no credit.

Failed Courses
Although failed courses may be repeated, the earned F will remain on the student’s transcript and will be included in their grade point average. As of fall 2021, undergraduate degree-seeking students are eligible to request grade forgiveness for a limited number of courses with grades of C- or below after repeating the same course at UCCS. Refer to Academic Policies, Course Registration, and Student Records - Grade Forgiveness  for policy details, process, and procedure.

Grade Appeals
Final grades as reported by faculty are to be considered permanent and final. While it is the sole prerogative of the faculty to award grades, it is also a student’s right to appeal a course grade that they feel was awarded in error or unfairly.

In any appeal, it is understood that the burden of proof justifying a change of grade is upon the student. Each step in the appeal process should be completed in a timely manner. The academic year consists of three semesters, summer, fall, and spring. A student should initiate a grade appeal no more than one semester after the initial grade was assigned. For each course, a student may appeal only once.  It is the student’s responsibility to produce all materials that have been returned to the class relevant to the determination of the grade. It is the faculty member’s responsibility to produce all materials relevant to the grade which have not been returned to the student. If group project materials were part of the student’s grade, it is the student’s responsibility to produce all those materials that were returned to the group that are relevant to the grade. At all stages of this process, the faculty of record shall be kept informed of the appeal and be provided with copies of all written records. Furthermore, the faculty shall be notified of any proposed grade change.

Step I: The student must first appeal directly to the course instructor. It is expected that most disagreements will be resolved at this level. In extraordinary circumstances (absence or death of the faculty member or in instances involving formal complaints of harassment or discrimination in the award of a grade) this step can be bypassed and the student can move on to Step II.

Step II: If a student cannot resolve the disagreement with the course instructor, then they may appeal to the team lead. If the course instructor is the team lead, the associate dean will act as the team lead. The team lead has the discretion to handle the issue verbally or to ask the student to put the complaint/issue into writing including why the grade was unfair or in error.  If the team lead asks for the issue in writing, the time limit will be two weeks for the student to do so. If the appeal is found to be justified, a recommendation will be made to the course faculty member to change the grade.

Step III: The student may appeal the team lead’s finding to the dean’s level of the College of Business. The dean may consult or refer appeal to the graduate or undergraduate team, whichever is appropriate. At the dean’s level, all appeals must be in writing. In cases where formal allegations of harassment or discrimination accompany the appeal, the dean will consult the director of affirmative action. The decision of the dean is final, and the dean has the authority to change the grade.

Incomplete Grades
In special circumstances, a student may be awarded an incomplete grade (I). Incomplete grades (I) are only appropriate for students who have completed a substantial portion of the semester but then become ill, or encounter other documentable extenuating circumstances beyond their control, preventing them from completing their coursework.

Instructors have the sole discretion to award an incomplete grade. The purpose of an incomplete grade is to allow students to make up missing work or exams. To resolve an incomplete grade, the student must meet with their instructor to develop a plan for completion and must submit the specified work by the deadline established. Students may not attend any part of the course a second time to complete a pending incomplete without re-enrolling. If a student elects to re-enroll before resolving the incomplete, the most recent grade, in addition to the (I), will remain on the student’s permanent academic record. In all cases where an incomplete is not remedied within one calendar year, the (I) grade will automatically convert to an F on the student’s permanent academic record. Students are responsible for ensuring that all incomplete grades are resolved at least four weeks prior to their scheduled graduation date.

Pass/Fail and Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Course Registration
With the exception of BUAD 3010, 3020, 3030, 3100, 3200, 3300, internships numbered 2960, 4960 and 6960, and certain experimental courses, students in the College of Business and Administration may not use non graded classes to satisfy required classes. Only open electives may be taken on a pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis and applied toward the undergraduate degree. No pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory courses may be taken and applied toward the graduate degree program. For students electing for pass/fail grading on a course, that determination must be made within the first two weeks of the semester and is irreversible.

Independent Study

Junior, senior and graduate business students desiring to explore business topics beyond regular business course coverage may take variable credit independent study courses (1-3 semester hours) under the direction of a full-time member of the faculty who approves the project. The student must also have the prior approval of the dean. Information and request forms are available in the College of Business graduate and undergraduate offices. To receive degree credit for independent study and experimental studies courses in non-business areas, students must obtain the approval of the College of Business and Administration Dean prior to registering for the course. The College of Business and Administration does not grant credit for work experience or cooperative education programs. Tutoring of lower division courses is considered a form of work experience and is not accepted for academic credit. A maximum of 6 hours of pre-approved independent study credit may be applied to undergraduate or graduate business degrees.

Internships

The College of Business and Administration offers the opportunity for business students, undergraduate and graduate, to obtain internships both for credit and not for credit. Information on business internships is available in the College of Business Career Development Center. A maximum of 6 credit hours of internship may be applied to an undergraduate business degree. A maximum of 3 credit hours of internship may be applied to a graduate business degree.

Listening In

The College of Business participates in the campus-wide Listening In program for lifelong learners aged 55 and older.  Participants may sit in on regular-session classes on a space-available basis with the permission of the course instructor and academic program director.  No academic credit is earned.  Participants do not submit assignments, complete exams, or engage in group projects.  Online classes are not available for Listening In. Program application and details are on the Online and Academic Outreach website.  

Petitions

A business student can request a modification or exception to the academic program requirements or policies that are in place for the College of Business. The process to request a modification or an exception is done via a College of Business Petition Form (available from an academic advisor). The forms must be typed and must be accompanied by documentation to warrant a modification or exception. Once a petition is received by the appropriate advisor, the petition is then reviewed by the appropriate college designee. Once a petition has been reviewed the student will be notified about the status of the petition. Students who wish to submit a subsequent petition may be required to meet with a member of Administration within the College of Business.

Transfer Credit

The College of Business and Administration reserves the right to disallow any credit it determines not to be appropriate. Only credit from regionally accredited institutions will be considered for transfer.

Technology Requirements

The College of Business follows the technical requirements approved by campus. Many College of Business courses require the use of a webcam. Additional hardware/software requirements, which may include accessing a VPN, may be required for specific courses and/or faculty. Students should check with their course faculty and the course syllabus during the first week of class to determine specific technology requirements for the specific course.