Opus Magnum

By Dan Jackson, M.B.A. ’12

I was nervous, and did not know what to expect as I walked from the 11^th and Harmon Parking Lot into Schulze Hall.  As I descended the stairs towards the Schulze Hall Auditorium, excitement started to build as I saw members of my MBA class (the Class of 2012) being greeted by the full-time MBA faculty and staff, obtaining the necessary packet of information, name badges and name plates that were needed for the week ahead and introducing themselves to each other.  It was a moment that I will never forget and continues to be one of the vivid memories of my full-time MBA experience.

Working in the MBA admissions office, I had an opportunity to re-live this experience recently as members of the full-time Class of 2014 began their 21-month journey at the Opus College of Business during Launch Week.  Being on the other side of the table this time, I could relate to what many students in the Class of 2014 were feeling on Monday morning.  It was great being able to greet students and put them at ease, ensuring that they had everything they needed and all of their questions answered.

While most MBA programs have orientation sessions of various lengths, we at the University of St. Thomas host Launch Week.  Launch is a time to get acclimated to the expectations of MBA life as well as get to know the group of people with whom you will spend the next few months.  Outside of the traditional welcome activities that are completed during an orientation session.  Students are fully engaged in what to expect in their classes and are led by professors down the pathway towards a productive and successful MBA experience. (more…)