BBA Student Handbook

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For academic advising and assistance:

Academic advisors at the Shidler College of Business Office of Student Academic Services (OSAS) can assist students with program planning and course selection, transfer credits, study abroad, graduation procedures, and other educational opportunities, resources, and options. More information can be found here.

Phone:

(808) 956-8215

Email:

business@hawaii.edu

In Person:

BusAd B-101, 2404 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822

Office Hours:

Monday–Friday, 9:00am–3:00pm HST

Closed:

Weekends and Holidays

Student Conduct Code, Academic Honesty, & Student Expectations

Students are expected to be responsible in relations with other members of the UH Mānoa community, respect the interests of the institution, and follow the student code of conduct while at the University. Violations of this code include matters of alleged academic dishonesty, such as cheating and plagiarism. More information on the Student Conduct Code can be found here.

  • Students on average spend 4-8 hours each week preparing for each course
  • Students arrive at class prepared to participate as the instructor expects
  • Students participate actively in group projects
  • Students know concepts from prerequisite courses and can use them in the advanced and capstone courses without the necessity of extensive in-class review
  • Students react to prompt, meaningful, individualized feedback for work done by asking faculty for help, and improving their performance
  • Students adhere to university policies regarding ethical conduct of work, that is, not plagiarizing, copying, or otherwise seeking good grades for work that they did not do
  • Students are motivated to think critically as well as creatively

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree Requirements

Please visit Degree Requirements for more information on your BBA degree requirements.

Course Prerequisites and Descriptions

Please note that prerequisites and sequencing of courses are strictly enforced. For detailed course descriptions and prerequisites, please refer to the University Catalog.

BBA Majors

Accounting

The undergraduate accounting program provides students with an educational foundation for entry into a wide range of accounting careers and enables students to pursue graduate or advanced professional education.

4-Semester Sequence of Courses example (after admission to Shidler):

  • Semester 1: BUS 310, BUS 311, ACC 321, ACC 401
  • Semester 2: BUS 314, BUS 315, ACC 323, ACC 409
  • Semester 3: BUS 312, BUS 313, ACC 418 (WI), IB Elective/Upper-Division Elective
  • Semester 4: BUS 345 (ETH & OC), ACC 465B&C (WI), Upper-Division Elective, Upper-Division Elective

Entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurship major is designed to prepare future entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses.

4-Semester Sequence of Courses example (after admission to Shidler):

  • Semester 1: BUS 310, BUS 311, BUS 312, BUS 315
  • Semester 2: BUS 314, MKT 372, MGT 320 (IB Elective), Writing Intensive
  • Semester 3: BUS 313, FIN 341, ENTR Elective, Upper-Division Elective
  • Semester 4: BUS 345 (ETH & OC), ENTR Elective, Upper-Division Elective (WI if needed), Upper-Division Elective

Finance

The major in Finance is designed to develop analytical skills in the planning, management and control of financial resources to achieve the financial goals of an organization.

4-Semester Sequence of Courses example (after admission to Shidler):

  • Semester 1: BUS 310, BUS 311, BUS 314, BUS 315
  • Semester 2: BUS 312, FIN 311, FIN Elective, Writing Intensive
  • Semester 3: BUS 313, FIN Elective, FIN Elective, IB Elective/Upper-Division Elective
  • Semester 4: BUS 345 (ETH & OC), FIN Elective, Upper-Division Elective (WI if needed), Upper-Division Elective

Human Resource Management

The major in Human Resource Management will assist business students in becoming more effective in their performance by helping them recognize the potential of individuals in the workplace, and structure a positive, supportive, and constructive work environment, allowing the organization to fulfill long-term goals and objectives.

4-Semester Sequence of Courses example (after admission to Shidler):

  • Semester 1: BUS 310, BUS 311, BUS 315, HRM 351
  • Semester 2: BUS 312, BUS 314, HRM Elective, Writing Intensive
  • Semester 3: BUS 313, HRM Elective, HRM Elective, IB Elective/Upper-Division Elective
  • Semester 4: BUS 345 (ETH & OC), HRM Elective, Upper-Division Elective (WI if needed), Upper-Division Elective

Management

Today's managers work in complex organizational structures. They are concerned not only with employees and customers, but with the social, economic, political, and technological aspects of their environment.

4-Semester Sequence of Courses example (after admission to Shidler):

  • Semester 1: BUS 310, BUS 311, BUS 315, HRM 351
  • Semester 2: BUS 312, BUS 314, MGT 320 (IB Elective), Writing Intensive
  • Semester 3: BUS 313, MGT 341, MGT Elective, Upper-Division Elective
  • Semester 4: BUS 345 (ETH & OC), MGT Elective, Upper-Division Elective (WI if needed), Upper-Division Elective

Management Information Systems

The MIS major prepares students to actively participate in this information revolution in business.

4-Semester Sequence of Courses example (after admission to Shidler):

  • Semester 1: BUS 310, BUS 311, BUS 315, ITM 352
  • Semester 2: BUS 312, BUS 314, ITM 353, ITM 431
  • Semester 3: BUS 313, ITM 354, IB Elective/Upper-Division Elective, Writing Intensive
  • Semester 4: BUS 345 (ETH & OC), MIS Technical Elective, Upper-Division Elective (WI if needed), Upper-Division Elective

Marketing

The field of Marketing discovers the needs and wants of people and creates products and services to satisfy those needs and wants.

4-Semester Sequence of Courses example (after admission to Shidler):

  • Semester 1: BUS 310, BUS 311, BUS 312, BUS 314
  • Semester 2: BUS 315, MKT 311, MKT 321, Writing Intensive
  • Semester 3: BUS 313, MKT Elective, MKT Elective, IB Elective/Upper-Division Elective
  • Semester 4: BUS 345 (ETH & OC), MKT 391 (WI), Upper-Division Elective, Upper-Division Elective

International Business (double major only)

Through the study of International Business, one develops an understanding of the global environment and how businesses must adapt to that environment if they are to succeed. The Shidler College of Business International Business program has been consistently ranked in the Top 20 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

Additional courses for the IB Major:

  • FIN 321 (prerequisite: BUS 314)
  • MKT 381 (prerequisite: BUS 312)
  • MGT 342 or MGT 343 (prerequisite: BUS 315 for both courses)
  • Six credits of 300+ Electives (see here for approved list)
  • Integrative, International Experience (IIE): students must complete one of four options:
    • An International Internship (BUS 395I)
    • A directed reading/research (399) with a focus on international business
    • Participate in an approved study abroad program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer
    • Complete third year language proficiency (301 or 302 or 311 or 312)

More information on double, triple, etc. majoring can be found in the next section.

BBA Double/Triple/Quad Major Options, Process, & Requirements

After students have been admitted to the Shidler College of Business, to qualify for a double major, students (at the time of declaration) must simultaneously have:

  • A minimum UHM cumulative grade-point average of 3.0; AND
  • Have completed at least one required course within each major at Shidler and have a minimum of 3.0 within each major.
  • Please complete the MAJOR DECLARATION form and email the completed form to business@hawaii.edu for processing.

Students can only double count ONE course between two business majors.

Examples of double counting courses between two majors (this list does not include every combination):

ACC & FIN: ACC 321FIN & IB: FIN 321
ACC & MIS: ACC 409HRM & IB: MGT 341, HRM 353, or HRM 361
ENTR & FIN: FIN 341MIS & MGT: ITM 321
ENTR & HRM: HRM 351MGT & IB: MGT 342, MGT 343, or MGT 320
ENTR & IB: MGT 320MGT & MKT: MKT 321
ENTR & MIS: ITM 321 or ITM 385MKT & IB: MKT 381 or MKT 361 (w/ IB Focus)
ENTR & MGT: MGT 320MKT & MIS: MKT 362, MKT 363, or MKT 410
ENTR & MKT: MKT 372

Concurrent Majors (BA, BS, etc.) & Minors (non-Business)

Students interested in pursuing a multiple degree with other Mānoa colleges/schools must meet the admission requirements of both schools. To qualify for a concurrent major, students must complete the following:

  • Have a minimum UH Mānoa Cumulative GPA of 3.25
  • Student shows strong promise of success in both degree programs as evidenced by successful completion of prerequisites for the multiple degree (ex. – student who wants a multiple major in BA/POLS should have successfully completed POLS courses, and have successfully completed all of the pre-business admission requirements for the BBA degree).
  • Application must be accompanied by a typewritten one page, double-spaced essay, explaining what the student wants to do and why, as well as demonstration that the student has clarity about the reasons for pursuing multiple degrees. For example, it may describe the educational value of pursuing two degrees, including an explanation of how the degrees relate to their academic and professional goals.
  • Student must formulate an academic plan, showing courses they intend to complete each semester towards graduation for both degrees. Student must complete both degrees in the same semester/year. In alignment with UH Mānoa policy, student may not double count (double dip) major coursework between multiple college(s).
  • Complete the student portion of the UHM-3 form
  • All materials (essay, graduation pathway, and UHM-3 form) can be emailed to business@hawaii.edu

Students interested in pursuing a minor or certificate, can view the Campus Catalog for more information on the available minor programs. Students should consult with the respective minor department for more information.

Course Program of Study (CPoS) Financial Aid

Financial aid is based on the assumption that students will enroll in eligible coursework during fall, spring, and summer semesters. The Course Program of Study is a process to stay in compliance with federal regulations on financial aid. Financial aid funds can only be awarded for courses that are required for your degree program.

More information can be found on the Financial Aid Services website.

If you receive federal financial aid it is important that you ensure you are enrolling for courses that fulfill degree requirements. If you are uncertain whether a course fulfills your degree requirements, we encourage you to meet with your academic advisor. 

This is especially crucial if you are planning to double/triple major as students must take a required course for the future major, before declaring, meaning the future major courses are considered "NOT IN PLAN" and not eligible for financial aid. Major courses being used to declare additional business majors should be added as a fifth course, with 12 credits in plan.

Applying for Graduation

Congratulations! You are getting ready for your final semester at Shidler! Listed below is more information on the process for graduation.

BUS 345, the capstone course completed during a student's graduating semester, is available by approval only. This means that students need to petition for a seat in BUS 345, the semester prior to graduating. More information can be found on our Pre-Graduation Check Application website.

Please be sure to note the Priority Deadline and Final Deadline dates. Notification of the availability of the application is sent to all admitted Shidler students on the first day that it is available, and is also included in the Shidler monthly newsletter, as well as via email to your @hawaii.edu account.

  • Priority Deadline: applications will be reviewed prior to the start of registration-notification for an override for BUS 345 to be provided prior to the start of registration.
  • Final deadline: applications may not be reviewed prior to the start of registration-notification for an override for BUS 345 may be provided after the start of registration.

Once approved and reviewed, students will have a "Graduation Degree Check" Advisor Note posted to their STAR Advisor Notes, located in your Academic Essentials tab in STAR. This confirms the students remaining requirements for their final semester.

If you happen to miss the final deadline, please refer to the Pre-Graduation Check Application website for instructions on submitting a late application. Once approved, your BUS 345 override will be provided after the registration period, but before the start of the following semester.

Additional information will be emailed, as it becomes available. For example:

  • More information on Graduation & Commencement can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website. This also includes information on diplomas and ordering transcripts.
  • Although the first step on the graduation petition indicates to meet with an advisor, if you already have a completed graduation degree check note posted in STAR, you are not required to meet with an advisor, prior to submitting the online form.
  • Students must register separately to participate in commencement; once you have petitioned to graduate, please visit the Commencement website for additional important information.
  • There is no Summer Commencement Ceremony; Summer graduates can choose to participate in the Spring Commencement Ceremony (and then take your final classes in Summer) or in the following Fall Commencement Ceremony (without having to take any classes in the Fall).

Shidler Policies: Requesting Course Overrides, Credit Overload (more than 19 credits in one semester), Repeat Policy, CR/NC

Requesting Overrides for Courses that are Full

Shidler is not allowed to exceed the published seat capacity for all business courses. There must be an available seat in order for a student to register for a course. There are no exceptions and overrides are not provide, regardless of circumstances. Please waitlist and continue to monitor the class availability through the deadline to add a course for the semester (usually the following Tuesday after the first day of instruction).

Requesting a Credit Overload

Students may register for up to 19 credits on their own, every semester. 

Courses taken for CR/NC

Courses must earn an "A-F" Letter Grade to be used towards your degree.

All BBA degree-seeking candidates must take all of their general education and graduation courses, business courses, and courses in the major for an "A-F" letter grade, with the exception of BUS 395 Alpha (Internship course).

Repeating Courses with a "C-" Grade

300+ Business courses completed with a “C-” or better is considered passing, and therefore is not repeatable.
Business students should consult with their academic advisor if they have questions regarding their GPA.

BBA Degree Residency Requirements

After admission to Shidler, students must complete a minimum of 24 credits of 300+ business coursework at Shidler; with a minimum of nine credits within each major, completed at Shidler.

Additional information may be found on our FAQ webpage.

Student Affairs: Internships, Student Organizations, Scholarships & Awards, Study Abroad

Shidler Career & Internships Office

The Career Services and Professional Development Office at the Shidler College of Business provides career-related internships so students can gain real world experience while earning academic credits. Through the internship program, students strengthen their employment opportunities in the marketplace after graduation and gain greater insight into the selection of a career path, and network with professionals in their chosen field.

The office also provides extensive on-campus interview programs, career fairs, and workshops. The office is dedicated to assisting students in their career growth and development, and to helping employers identify and select highly qualified candidates. Please reach out with any questions: Contact Information

Student Clubs & Organizations

Student Clubs play an integral role at the Shidler College of Business. Students are encouraged to consider joining a club or organization as a way of engaging in student life and making connections with other students and the business community.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

A variety of scholarships and awards are offered by UH Mānoa and the Shidler College of Business. The following are a few options that students may consider:

Study Abroad

The Shidler College of Business encourages its students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities to explore diverse business practices and experience different cultures in order to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s global business world.

The Shidler College of Business offers a wide range of partner schools, as well as pre-approved course equivalencies.

Students are also encouraged to consider applying for a travel scholarship!

Academic Probation, Suspension, & Dismissal

Academic Standards and Satisfactory Academic Progress Toward Degree

Students are placed on academic probation if one or more of the following occurs:

  • UH Mānoa cumulative GPA falls below 2.0;
  • Student’s Business Core & Business Major combined GPA falls below 2.0;
  • Student does not successfully complete both BUS 310 & BUS 311 (minimum grade of "C-") in their first semester of admission.

Students on probation may register for classes at UH Mānoa, but must achieve a semester GPA of at least 2.0 each semester to be allowed further registration. Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress will result in continued probation, suspension, or dismissal, depending on their current semester performance.

Being placed on academic probation does not affect your GPA, but will show on your final transcript.

Grievance Procedures

The following steps may be taken if students disagree their their final grade or feel that they have been graded unfairly:

  • Meet with your Professor to discuss and review your concerns;
  • If unresolved, you may reach out to the Department Chair that oversees the course subject you are enrolled in:
Accounting (ACC):Dr. Hamid Pourjalali (hamid@hawaii.edu)
Finance (FIN), Real Estate (RE), Insurance (INS), 
BUS 313, BUS 314, and BLAW 200:
Dr. Qianqiu Liu (qianqiu@hawaii.edu)
Information Technology Management (ITM), 
BUS 310, and BUS 311: 
Dr. Bo (Sophie) Xiao (boxiao@hawaii.edu)
Marketing (MKT) and BUS 312: Dr. Qimei Chen (qimei@hawaii.edu)
Management (MGT), 
Human Resource Management (HRM), 
Entrepreneurship (ENTR), 
International Business (IB), and BUS 315: 
Dr. Sonia Ghumman (ghumman@hawaii.edu)
  • If the above methods fail to resolve the problem, you may prepare a formal complaint in writing indicating:
    a) the statement of facts as you perceive them, citing specific violations;
    b) the remedy you have sought; and
    c) the respondent’s statement or actions, if any, during or after the consultations.
    Submit your formal complaint to the Department Chair. The Department Chair will meet separately with you and your professor and notify both parties of the decision (with a copy to the Shidler College of Business Dean).
  • If the situation remains unresolved, after final grades are submitted, students may follow the university Academic Grievance Procedures.

Students on probation may register for classes at UH Mānoa, but must achieve a semester GPA of at least 2.0 each semester to be allowed further registration. Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress will result in continued probation, suspension, or dismissal, depending on their current semester performance.

Being placed on academic probation does not affect your GPA, but will show on your final transcript.