Every year, the Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) club and the Office of Admissions jointly coordinate the Women and the MBA Symposia, an event that educates women on the value of the MBA, regardless of career choice. This program is designed to introduce prospective MBA and joint degree students to life at Smith by providing informal interactions with female Smith students, alumnae, faculty, and staff. The Fourth-Annual Symposia was held November 13, 2004. After a welcome speech from Jeanne Hill (MBA Candidate 2005, President of the Graduate Women in Business) and Jennifer Moughalian (MBA/MPP 2002), prospective students experienced a day in the life of a Smith student. They participated in a case discussion facilitated by the Consulting Club and had the opportunity to attend a mock lecture by Professor Kay Bartol, Professor Janet Wagner, or the Finance Association. Other activities included informative sessions with Admissions Officers, the Office of Career Management, and a panel of current students. The day concluded with a fun game of "Smith Squares" to test participants on their knowledge of the Smith community.

On December 4, 2004, the Robert H. Smith School of Business hosted Kaleidoscope: Advancing Diversity at Smith, an annual workshop designed to attract talented members of underrepresented groups (African American, Hispanic American, Native American and women) interested in management careers in business. Prospective MBA students from across the United States attended this annual event, co-sponsored by the Office of Admissions, Black MBA Association, Hispanic MBA Association, and Graduate Women in Business to gain an understanding of and appreciation for the role of diversity in the Smith community. The day-long workshop offered participants an overview of the Smith program, an introduction to the fundamental disciplines of graduate management education, and an in-depth exploration of the admissions process, MBA financing, and career opportunities post-MBA. Prospective students had the opportunity to interact with many current students, experience the case study method, learn about the admissions process, and speak with a member of the Office of Career Management. In addition, participants attended a class taught by either Sidney Williams (New Markets Growth Fund) or Professor Ian Williamson (Management and Organization).

With the Year of the Rooster beginning on February 9, the opening of the Week of Asia (WoA) could not have been better timed. Organized by the Asian MBA Association (AMBAA) and co-sponsored by the MBA Indian Club, the Week of Asia aimed to raise the profile of the Asian cultures at Smith as well as encourage greater interaction between students hailing from different parts of the world. Countries represented in this year’s WoA include China, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

According to Jennifer Wu, VP, Marketing for the AMBAA, "AMBAA has always worked towards bridging the cultural gap at Smith by introducing the beauty of Asian countries and the passion of Asian students for the rest of the Smith community. Last year, we started with a smaller event, and this year, with the ardent support of first-year members, we decided to provide a more comprehensive introduction of Asia. We not only extended Day of Asia to Week of Asia, but also covered nine countries so that the entire Smith community could experience the diversity of Asian culture even more." Not only did participants learn to say greetings in numerous languages, they were also treated to a delectable spread of Asian cuisine at no cost.

This year’s WoA was unique as it presented a fantastic opportunity for Smith students and faculty to help those who were the victims of the Tsunami disaster. A silent auction for unique Asian items was held for the UN Tsunami Relief Fund.

The vision of the Asian MBA Association is to provide support services to Asian MBA/MS students at the Smith School. The group strives to build skills that will facilitate more effective integration into mainstream corporate America and to provide a forum for exchanging cultural knowledge and experiences between its members and among all business school students. The Association regards social activities and career development as equal parts of the MBA/MS experience. For example, Asian and Asian-American entrepreneurs are invited to come to the Smith School and speak about their business experiences and provide advice to aspiring managers through the Asian MBAA’s Guest Speaker Series. Although the Association is primarily geared towards addressing the needs and concerns of Asian MBA students, it welcomes active participation and meaningful contribution from non-Asian MBA students as well.

The purpose of the Black MBA Association is to promote a healthy learning environment for Black students, both African American and those of African descent, at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The BMBAA strives to:

• Sponsor programs and activities to educate and inform the community about business issues from a Black perspective.
• Provide opportunities for its membership to support one another through mentoring, open forums, and social activities.
• Give back to the greater community through outreach activities such as food drives, tutoring programs and participation in volunteer efforts sponsored by other organizations.
• Promote a network of current and future Black business professionals for the purpose of sharing information, providing professional guidance, and creating fellowship with one another.

The Hispanic MBA Association was established to promote Hispanic residents, Latin international students, and those interested in Latin culture in the Smith MBA program. These activities include tutoring, peer advising and consultation, career development, networking, and interaction with the business community.

Membership in the Hispanic MBA Association provides students with the opportunity to network with current and Hispanic business leaders in professional, academic and social settings. The aim of the HMBAA is to provide contacts and resources that members need to further enhance their MBA experience. Examples of Hispanic MBAA activities include an annual welcome party for new students, a resume book, career workshops and career advising, and co-sponsored events with other student groups. Members of the Hispanic Association also attend the NSHMBA Conference and actively participate in the National Society of Hispanic MBAs-DC.

There’s always something happening at Van Munching. Whether it’s a speaker, a tailgate, or a job fair, there’s never a dull moment for a Smith MBA. Below are just a few of the events that made February the Best Month Ever!

Disney World full of spring breakers? Come and visit Smith! Part of the admissions process (aside from taking the GMAT, submitting transcripts, and writing essays) involves exploring the school’s resources and culture. Smith provides many opportunities for applicants and prospective students to experience the Smith community first hand.

Campus visits are great opportunities to:

• Meet current students and ask for their insights
• See the facilities and resources of Van Munching Hall
• Sit in on a class (reservations required)
• Talk with members of the admissions committee and other key staff
• Imagine yourself as part of the Smith community
• Enjoy Washington, DC in spring

If you would like to take advantage of a structured visitor program, consider participating in Beyond the Classroom or Visits with the VIBE:

Beyond the Classroom was developed to offer admitted students and applicants insight into life at Smith, but without a classroom visit. Events have included guest speakers, new product focus groups, and industry forums.

Visits with the VIBE@Smith. These half-day sessions provide participants with a tour of Van Munching Hall, overview of the program and lunch with current MBA students. VIBE Thursdays highlight an industry or function and include diverse industry seminars or workshops.

If you are unable to travel to College Park – please join us for an online chat, send an email to the VIBE@Smith and continue to read AboutSmith to keep up-to-date on our activities!

We look forward to meeting you!

The Smith Admissions Team

Attend the Quilters Heritage Celebration April 2, entitled “Weaving Our Lives, Stitching Our Stories.”

Try out your acting “chops” and do your best Marlon Brando impression “Stella! Stella!” or you could attend the lecture, Marlon Brando: The Greatest Actor of All Time, hosted by the Smithsonian.

Sample delicious dishes! One of the best things about Smith and the DC area is the diversity of cultures and people. Enjoy Thai, turkey and more! Tastes from the best embassy chefs.

Continue to celebrate Black History Month at the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Scholars offer a unique perspective into the lives of slaves and freedmen throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania.  Sites include schoolhouses, meeting places for runaway slaves, stops on the “underground railroad” and civil war battle grounds.