As the world of business becomes increasingly global, we recognize that it is also becoming increasingly diverse.
Through our values at the UB School of Management, we strive to provide a vibrant and diverse community that is inclusive and compassionate. We believe all deserving students should have access to a quality education, regardless of means.
The Diversity and Inclusion Fund at the School of Management has been created to address the unique barriers and challenges facing our underrepresented students, including students who are from low-income backgrounds (e.g., Pell-eligible as undergraduates), are first generation college students (students whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree), are AmeriCorps alumni, and/or are veterans. Gifts to the fund provide critical support in a variety of ways.
Scholarships can remove the largest barrier blocking the path of a well-qualified student aspiring to a career in business. We can successfully achieve our diversity and inclusion mission by providing tuition assistance to financially challenged students, many who are underrepresented, as defined above. Increasing the pool of funds available to these students will open doors of opportunity that may have otherwise remained closed.
While many students have the luxury of repeating courses over the summer for better academic standing, many do not due to financial stress. This disadvantage often leads financially stressed students to suspend studies or leave the school or the program altogether. Access to scholarship funds for the summer semester would be a welcome relief for these students and would help us retain them at the School of Management.
Students in the School of Management are expected to dress professionally for class presentations, interviews, competitions, and events with executive alumni. This can present a financial hurdle for some students. Providing financial support to purchase proper attire will help students make a favorable impression and prepare them to compete for internships, and ultimately, professional positions.
Participation in educational competitions provides an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their skills and be challenged in their program. Regional and national diversity conferences often include case competitions in their activities. Various fees associated with these competitions include registration and travel expenses. Competitions may be considered an additional expense that students cannot afford. Additional funding to the existing WOW Fund in the Career Resource Center would provide funding for expenses related to conferences, competitions, or other opportunities.
A Spark Diversity Conference was launched in 2019 with the help of the student clubs and many interested employers. Initiated by the students themselves, it was a professional development, networking and career focused event. Programs such as this need resources and dedicated support in order to ensure sustainability year after year.
Additional funding to the existing WOW Fund in the Career Resource Center would provide funding for expenses related to conferences.
Membership in school-based and national professional clubs and organizations is an essential piece of the School of Management experience, and an expectation of many employers and industries. Additionally, student organizations and clubs foster engagement in our school, and provide underrepresented students with a sense of community and belongingness.
Partnering with local nonprofit organizations focused on diversity and inclusion issues would be highly beneficial for our student clubs. Such alliances are difficult to sustain over a period of time, but having committed faculty and resources would allow for continuity and greater strength in these relationships. Your gift could help support this important initiative.
Regardless of their indisputable benefit, participating in extra-curricular programs is out of reach for many students due to finances. Increased support for our Global Programs Fund would give these students the opportunity to travel globally to gain an international business and cultural perspective or within the U.S. through the Experience the 50 Program.