SXU's GSM Earns Continuous Accreditation From AACSB
Saint Xavier University's (SXU) Graham School of Management (GSM) has been extended its AACSB accreditation in business. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business requires GSM to adhere to a set of business standards which exemplify contemporary and meaningful educational practices. With only 870 institutions across 57 countries and territories earning the accreditation, it is an incredible achievement for GSM to meet the challenging standards.
The AACSB works to connect educators, students and businesses to create the next generation of great leaders, and their mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation and amplify impact in business education. Each AACSB-accredited school is recognized worldwide and must demonstrate rigorous internal focus on excellence in areas such as strategic management and innovation, professional engagement, teaching, research, curricula and student development. Through an intense peer-review process, institutions that exemplify their commitment to quality business education are chosen for accreditation.
"AACSB accreditation tells students that they are receiving a high-quality education and that the current curriculum is geared to help students obtain employment. I am honored that GSM remains a part of AACSB. As Catherine McCauley states, 'We must do the ordinary extraordinary well,' and we are doing that at GSM," said Mark Rosenbaum, Ph.D., dean of GSM.
As the fall semester approaches, GSM will begin implementing the updated AACSB standards into courses. Classes will focus on practical guidance that is in line with the Mercy tradition. AACSB practitioners will examine each course syllabus and provide commentary that offers educators insight that helps to close the gap between theory and practice.
"AACSB accreditation matters for students choosing to pursue an MBA. Earning an MBA after working for a few years is a great way to accelerate your career, and getting an MBA from a strong MBA program enhances your future prospects even more. However, many students don't realize that strong MBA programs are all AACSB-accredited and require an undergraduate degree from an AACSB-accredited institution. So, getting your BBA from GSM opens doors for career growth through earning an MBA at a strong program," said Regina McNally, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Division of Management and Marketing for GSM.
An institution that is AACSB-accredited is represented by state-of-the-art business faculty who are generating knowledge in their fields and who have extensive work experience. It gives students a competitive edge and ensures more opportunities. Many employers look to AACSB schools and to their graduates exclusively because they understand that these students have been trained in a manner that prepares them for the marketplace and that they possess core competencies.
"I am so proud to be a part of this team, and I'm very excited for what the future holds for GSM and its community. This accreditation solidifies where we stand in terms of business schools and placing our students in business environments across the world," said Nicholas Mancari, director of GSM Undergraduate Programs.