"In my experience and over the years, the BBSA has successfully maximized walking the line that allows them to remain distinctive while simultaneously being an integral part of the overall fabric of the Ross community. I can't imagine Ross without BBSA." – Al Cotrone, Director of Career Development and Student Affairs
"My involvement with the BBSA "family" was a phenomenal experience. It taught me a great deal about leadership and I gained some very valuable friendships. It was also awesome that we were considered one of the most highly regarded organizations on campus, and many other groups reached out to leverage from our experience." -Erica Roberson,
RSB MBA '06
"BBSA has been an integral part of Michigan's success as it relates to diversity. The organization, and the people behind it, also help keep our community connected, from prospective students through to alumni. It is a special part of the Ross School." - Kris Nebel,
Former Director of Strategic Planning and Outreach (RSB), currently Corporate Recruiter for General Mills
The interest that BBSA members show in mentoring others and helping prospective students prepare to apply is amazing. We provide a variety of opportunities for interaction between current and prospective students throughout the school year, including UpClose Weekend and the BBSA Conference. We work hard to ensure that entering MBA1s feel like they're part of the Ross community and the BBSA before they even arrive on campus in the fall. -Erica Butler,
Vice President BBSA
Welcome to the Ross BBSA website! This page is designed to communicate to you what distinguishes the Ross MBA experience. We hope that by doing this, we assist you in what is probably your number 1 priority – selecting the right MBA program. Researching and visiting various schools is an ideal way to select the institution that best fits your academic, career, and lifestyle needs. With that in mind, we strongly encourage you to consider visiting Ross before submitting your application.
The Ross Learning Approach
The four core values (see triangle below) of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business form the foundation of the school’s learning approach. Michigan fosters a dynamic learning environment where faculty, students, alumni and corporate partners come together and co-create teaching and research opportunities that are both multidisciplinary and cross cultural. At the heart of the Ross MBA experience is the first year capstone experience, the Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP). MAP teams engage with a range of companies and industries around the world at a strategic level. Click here to read more about the MBA curriculum.
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Ross BBSA & the Consortium Family
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business is a member of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM), a 13-school alliance whose purpose is to bring African-American, Hispanic-American, and Native American managerial talent into MBA programs. Under-represented minorities and students that can demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the workplace are eligible for special fellowships, which fund the full tuition of the MBA program. The Admissions Committee awards several full-tuition Consortium Fellowships each year. As part of the Consortium fellowship application process, you are required to interview with either a Consortium alum or a school representative. The Ross BBSA works to create networking and social activities to bring together consortium members including meet-and-greets and an annual consortium picnic. Visit the CGSM online.
UpClose Weekend 2006
UpClose weekend is designed to attract talented African-American, Hispanic-American and Native-American applicants to the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. The weekend offers a variety of workshops, class sessions, social occasions and career development presentations to attendees. You will be able to meet and establish contacts with current students, faculty and fellow prospective students as well as learn more about obtaining an MBA degree at Michigan. It's a great opportunity to experience the culture of Ross first-hand - the excitement, the intense academic atmosphere and our commitment to diversity. Additional application details can be found here.
The Alfred L. Edwards Annual BBSA Conference
Every year, the BBSA sponsors its annual conference and alumni weekend. In 2006, the conference was re-branded after Dr. Alfred L. Edwards, in recognition of his contribution to the BBSA and to the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. The goal of the conference is to equip conference attendees with a variety of tools to help them become more proactive in the business community and encourage them to set higher standards of excellence for the future. This three-day symposium is an excellent opportunity for prospective students to network with some of the country's top executives, distinguished Michigan alumni, and current first and second-year MBA students. This year’s conference is scheduled for February 16-18th, 2007. Please make plans now to attend as we will be offering a special discounted registration fee for all prospective students. We look forward to seeing you there!
Professional Connections for Life – The BBSA – BBAA Network
The BBSA works to maintain strong relationships between members even after graduation. The Black Business Alumni Association (BBAA) serves the personal and professional needs of BBSA alumni as they enter post MBA careers. BBAA members are actively involved in both Ross and BBSA events including career panels, speaking engagements, conferences and seminars. Like the BBSA, BBAA members are dedicated to increasing minority enrollment at Ross and hosts Admitted Students receptions in various cities across the U.S. Click here to find out more about the BBAA.