College of Business
The College of Business offers a comprehensive undergraduate business curriculum that prepares students for business careers, as well as graduate studies. The College of Business offers majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Information Security and Risk Management, Information Technology Management, International Business, Management, Marketing and Social Media Marketing.
College of Business majors can also double major or minor in other business areas, and College of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Education students can minor in any business area.
In addition, three undergraduate/graduate degree option programs are offered in conjunction with the College of Business Graduate School of Management.
The College of Business has three comprehensive purposes: (1) to help students understand the function of business in the development and stability of local, national and international societies; (2) to assist students in their mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in business; and (3) to instill in business graduates capabilities for quality decision-making and leadership, with an ethical sensitivity and sense of justice and social responsibility.
The College of Business is organized into departments. In the following sections of this catalog, the majors, minors, and joint degree program offered by the college are explained; requirements are specified; and course descriptions are provided.
Academic Policies
1) Grade Point Average Requirements:
College of Business students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00, as well as the specified minimum Business grade point average for each major/minor: Accounting (2.20); Business Administration (2.20); Economics (2.20); Finance (2.20); Information Systems (2.20); Information Security and Risk Management (2.20); International Business (2.20); Marketing (2.20); and Social Media Marketing (2.20).
2) Proficiency Examinations:
Business experience or competencies may be recognized for college credit in place of coursework. The College of Business will certify business experience or competency only through a proficiency examination if it is determined that the student’s business experience or competency is comparable to coursework offered by the College of Business. A petition for a proficiency examination must be made during the student’s first or second semester at the University. A student may be granted proficiency examination credit in no more than two courses (6 credits).
3) C.L.E.P. Credit in Business Courses:
The College of Business does not grant credit for C.L.E.P. examinations in business courses.
4) Academic Honesty:
Students engaging in plagiarism, collusion or other forms of cheating or academic dishonesty are subject to a failing grade on the applicable quiz, examination, paper or project or a failing grade for the course. The penalty for an initial instance of plagiarism, collusion or other forms of cheating or academic dishonesty is determined by the instructor. A notation of the incident is placed on file.
Upon being informed of the instructor’s action, the student may appeal by submitting a letter with a detailed rationale for a lesser penalty to the department chair (or the dean if the instructor is also the department chair). The department chair (or the dean) will meet with the instructor to review the penalty imposed and the evidence supporting the charge of academic dishonesty and then respond in writing to the student’s appeal.
Upon being informed of the department chair’s determination of the appeal, the student may submit a letter of appeal to the dean, summarizing the action to date on the appeal and the student’s rationale for a lesser penalty. The dean will meet with the instructor to review the penalty imposed and the evidence supporting the charge of academic dishonesty and submit a recommendation in writing to the Provost, whose determination is final.
Students guilty of repeated instances of academic dishonesty are subject to expulsion from the University.
5) Grade Appeal:
If a student wishes to appeal a final grade for a course, he or she should make an appointment, upon receiving notice of the final grade, with the instructor to review how the final course grade was determined.
If the student is not satisfied with the explanation, he or she may submit a letter of appeal with a rationale for a change of grade to the department chair (or the assistant dean if the instructor is also the department chair). The department chair (or the assistant dean) will meet with the instructor to review the student’s letter of appeal and the instructor’s basis for assigning the final grade in question. If the instructor is not satisfied with the department chair’s (or the assistant dean’s) determination of the grade appeal, the instructor has the right to review the matter with the dean. The student will be informed in writing of the determination of the grade appeal.
If, within six weeks of the issuance of the grade in question, the student is not satisfied with the progress or result of the grade appeal, he or she should submit a letter of appeal to the dean, summarizing the action to date on the grade appeal and the student’s rationale for a change of grade. The dean will review the department chair’s (or the assistant dean’s) determination and the student’s letter of appeal and respond in writing to the student’s grade appeal. The dean’s determination is final.
6) I (Incomplete) Grades:
Students who receive a grade of “I” in a course should contact the instructor to determine what needs to be completed for a grade to be assigned. Students have until the sixth week of the following semester to complete their work so that the instructor can assign a grade. After that date (published in the official calendar in the University Course Schedule issued each semester), all “I” grades will automatically be changed to “F” grade. Students unable to meet the deadline should consult with the instructor about an extension.
7) Pass/Fail Grading Option for Courses:
Students may take up to three credit hours under the Pass/Fail Grading Option in any academic term. A Pass/Fail Grading Application is not needed for a seminar that is graded exclusively on a pass/No credit basis. Completed Pass/Fail Grading Option Applications must be submitted by the student to the Office of the Registrar before the third Friday of the academic term. A Pass/Fail Grading Option Application is not complete until the student receives both the approval of the instructor and the permission of the dean
The Pass/Fail Grading Option is not available in any course required for a student’s major or for any course specified for a student’s General Education minor requirements.
Under the Pass/Fail Grading Option:
- A student is responsible for attending and participating in all scheduled class activities and for completing all course requirements, including quizzes and examinations.
- The instructor evaluates the student in the same manner as those students not taking the course under the Pass/Fail Grading Option; at the end of the course, instead of a standard letter grade, a “P” will be submitted for those students who have achieved a performance level of poor through excellent (“D” through “A”).
- A “P” grade does not affect a student’s grade point average, but an “F” grade does.
8) Class Attendance:
Students are expected to attend all classes as part of the normal learning process. In addition, students must be especially consistent in attendance during the first 10 class days of the semester to confirm registration and to be listed on the official course roster. Students who fail to follow this procedure and who have not received prior approval from the instructor for absences will be officially dropped from the courses in question by certification of the instructor on the official class lists. This, however, does not release the student from the financial obligation with respect to the course.
Instructors may publish specific, additional standards of attendance for their classes in the course syllabus. Students may receive failing grades if they do not observe attendance requirements.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission also requires attendance as a “demonstration of academic progress toward a degree.”
9) Major Field Test:
All College of Business Students are required to complete the ETS Major Field Test (MFT) as a requirement for graduation.
10) Business Ethics:
All College of Business Students are required to fulfill their Mission-based Actions and Values General Education Requirement by successfully completing one of the specially designated sections of Ethics (15-330) for Business Majors.
11) Coursework Away from Lewis University:
Once students have matriculated at Lewis University they may take courses at other colleges and universities to transfer back to Lewis only with the prior written approval of the dean of the college. Only grades of “C” or higher will transfer. In any case, the last 32 hours of credit applied toward graduation, including at least four upper-division courses in the major and two upper-division courses in the minor, must be taken at Lewis University. A maximum of 72 total semester hours of community college credits will be accepted for transfer. Once students have matriculated at Lewis University, courses required for the Business Core, Business Major or Business Minor must be taken at Lewis University.
Academic Programs
1) Internships:
The College of Business Internship Program provides an opportunity for students to earn academic credit for learning advanced business skills on the job. Internships are available to qualified College of Business majors every semester, including summer, in every major. See Dr. Laura Leli Carmine for further information.
At the beginning of the internship, the College of Business internship coordinator discusses the goals and objectives of the internship with both the student intern and the internship supervisor. The student intern must work a minimum of 200 hours in achieving these goals and objectives.
Upon completion of the internship, the student intern must submit a 10 to 20 page typed report summarizing the tasks performed and the skills learned during the internship.
The internship supervisor, upon completion of the internship, submits an Internship Performance Report. The internship supervisor’s Internship Performance Report and the student intern’s report constitute the final grade for the internship.
Although an internship can start at any time, not just at the beginning of any term, the final grade is submitted at the end of the term during which the internship is completed and the student intern’s report and the internship supervisor’s Internship Performance Report are submitted.
2) BS/MBA Degree Option Program:
The Lewis University BS/MBA degree option program allows qualified College of Business majors to complete their undergraduate and graduate business degree programs in less time than would be possible without coordination.
Students who intend to apply for admission to the Lewis University BS/MBA degree option program must submit a letter of intention to the Graduate School of Management prior to the graduation. Notification of receipt of the letter of intention will be sent within one week of its receipt in the Graduate School of Management.
Additionally, in order to qualify for the BS/MBA degree option program, students must take 61-420 International Business and receive a grade of “B” or higher.
Degree Candidate Status:
Students may be admitted as degree candidates if they
- Completed a Bachelor’s degree in a College of Business major.
- Completed an application to the Graduate School of Management.
- Submitted a recommendation and met with an MBA advisor.
MBA Course Requirements:
To earn an MBA as a participant in the BS/MBA degree option program, students must complete the following MBA courses and maintain a GPA of at least 3.00 in these courses:
- Legal and Social Foundations of Business
- Managerial Accounting
- Managerial Economics
- Marketing Management
- Managerial Communication
- Managerial Finance
- Strategic Management
- Three courses in one of the following concentration areas: Accountancy, Finance, Human Resource Management, Information Systems, International Business, Marketing, Technology and Operations Management, Healthcare Management, Project Management, or Information Security.
3) Finance / Master of Science (MSF)
The Lewis University Finance/MSF degree option program allows qualified Finance majors and minors to complete their graduate finance program in less time than would be possible without coordination.
Students who intend to apply for admission to the Lewis University Finance/MSF degree option program must submit a letter of intention to the Graduate School of Management prior to graduation. Notification of receipt of the letter of intention will be sent within one week of its receipt in the College of Business.
Students may submit a letter of intention to enroll in the Lewis University Finance/MSF degree option program if they satisfy the following criteria:
Finance majors and minors must have completed a minimum of 80 credit hours with a GPA of at least 3.00 for all undergraduate coursework, including any transfer credit, and with no grade lower than a “B-” in any foundation business course, including the following Finance courses at Lewis University:
- Principles of Accountancy I and II (23-120 and 23-121)
- Basic Macroeconomics and Basic Microeconomics (04-200 and 04-201)
- Principles of Finance (62-200)
AT-LARGE STUDENT STATUS:
A student at-large in the Finance/MSF degree option program is one who has received notification of the filing of a letter of intention and who has earned a minimum of 96 credit hours, with a GPA of at least 3.00 for all undergraduate coursework, including transfer credit, and with no grade lower than a “B-” in any foundation business course.
DEGREE CANDIDATE STATUS:
Students may be admitted as degree candidates if they satisfy the following criteria:
- Completed a Bachelor’s degree with a Finance major/minor
- Complete an application to the Graduate School of Management
- Submitted a recommendation and met with an MBA advisor
MSF Course Requirements:
To earn an MSF as a participant in the Finance/MSF degree option program, students must complete the following MSF courses and maintain a GPA of at least 3.00 in these courses:
- Managerial Finance (3)*
- Managerial Accounting (3)
- Managerial Economics (3)
- Quantitative Techniques for Financial Markets (3)
- Portfolio Management and Investment Analysis (3)*
- International Finance (3)*
- Futures and Options (3)
- Financial Management Strategies (3)
- Fixed Income Analysis (3)
- Financial Statement Analysis (3)
* May be eligible for waiver. Needs Program Director’s Approval
Electives: Select Two
Accounting Ethics, Liability, and Exposure (3)
Advanced Tax Topics (3)
Introduction to Information Security (3)
International Economics (3)
Strategic Outsourcing (3)
Principles of Six Sigma (3)
Employment Law (3)
Healthcare Finance and Economics (3)
4) Seminars and Certificates:
Students can earn a certificate by:
- Successfully completing five seminars offered as weekend workshops at Lewis University. Seminars are graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
- Completing a certificate request form.
Students with questions about earning a business certificate can contact the Graduate School of Management at (815) 836-5348.
All seminars are offered for both academic credit and/or non-credit.
Students may choose to register for individual seminars rather than the entire certificate.
Seminar certificate programs are offered in the following areas:
Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership Development, International Business, Leading Change, Personal Financial Planning, Project Management, and Information Security.
Students should consult with their advisor for a listing of current certificates and seminar topics.
5) Study Abroad Program:
At Lewis University the world can be your classroom! Lewis sponsors study abroad programs at Universidad La Salle in Mexico City and University College in Dublin. We have an agreement with St. Mary’s University in Minnesota for study in London and Florence as well. As a participant in these programs, the Lewis student attends school for one semester abroad, earning credits at Lewis University.
The Lewis Study Abroad Program is administered through the Director of International Studies in the Leckrone Academic Resource Center. Many students have noted that their study abroad experience was the most memorable, exciting and life-changing part of their college education. We encourage you to challenge yourself and become a “citizen of the world” in order to enhance your future job possibilities. Early planning is critical to a successful study abroad experience so that all graduation requirements can be fulfilled prior to graduation date.
Highlights:
- Credits earned in pre-approved Lewis-sponsored study abroad programs transfer and are recorded as Lewis University credits. Students must register at Lewis University before leaving for their host institutions.
- Financial aid may be applied for study abroad courses. Visit the Office of Financial Aid Services located in the Learning Resource Center for details.
Eligibility:
Eligibility may vary from program to program. Basic eligibility for the Lewis study abroad programs includes a minimum of sophomore standing at application and a 2.50 GPA. Some programs may have higher eligibility requirements. Attendance at orientation sessions and classes is required.
International Semester:
Mexico - Universidad La Salle
The International Semester: Mexico is based at Universidad La Salle in Mexico City. It has an enrollment of approximately 14,000 on all of its campuses, with 10,000 students on the Mexico City campus. Universidad LaSalle is considered among Mexico’s most prestigious private, Catholic universities, noted for the beauty of its campus and the excellence of its academic offerings.
Students receive 15 credits for the study of Spanish, Mexican history and culture, and a service learning component. Excursions to special events of cultural and social significance are included in the program.
International Semester: Ireland - University College Dublin
The University College Dublin (originated in 1851 from the Catholic University of Ireland) is a university in the National University of Ireland system. Its Faculty of Commerce (one of 10 faculties) has eight departments: Accountancy, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Industrial Relations, Human Resource Management, Information Systems and Marketing. The Faculty of Commerce offers a Junior Year Abroad (JYA) experience. Students select four business courses from UCD’s offerings, in addition to a course in Irish history and culture. A complete social and cultural program is also part of the experience.
6) Student Organizations:
American Marketing Association (AMA)
The AMA Lewis Chapter is open to all majors. The AMA’s mission includes helping students learn more about the business world through sponsorship of corporate visits, guest speakers, timely publications and the development of relationships between campus peers and career professionals.
The AMA is a strategic resource for career growth and development. It offers students the opportunity to:
- Meet new people.
- Network with marketing professionals.
- Attend a wide variety of professional events.
For more information on the American Marketing Association, contact Mr. Marvin Bates at (815) 836-5373.
Delta Sigma Pi
Delta Sigma Pi is a professional fraternity organized to foster the study of business at universities; to encourage scholarship, social activity and the association of students for their mutual advancement through research and practice; to promote affiliation between the commercial world and students of commerce; and to further a higher standard of commercial ethics and culture and the civic and commercial welfare of the community. For more information on Delta Sigma Pi, contact Mr. Robert Bergman at (815) 836-5294.