Ed George is out to make life better for Wharton MBA students.
George, a Statistics professor, is also the MBA Executive Committee chairman. The committee is undertaking new initiatives to enhance the school's "teaching and learning culture" and to protect students from "hyper-recruiting" -- although some students say the committee is not considering their students' own preferences.
The committee, consisting of both students and faculty, has proposed a return to a traditional grading system and to clarify the grade non-disclosure policy, which discourages MBA students from giving their transcripts to potential employers.
Pending a vote by Wharton faculty and administration that will take place in two weeks, the committee hopes to start implementing these proposals as early as next year.
According to MBA Program Dean Anjani Jain, the committee "has a very good chance of setting the tone and going forward."
Jain added that the effort "is one of the strengths of this community. ... We are constantly open to self-criticism, and therein lies our quest for continual improvement."
George added that "just because [we're] making it better does not mean that it's [currently] bad."
The committee's first proposition is for teachers to insist on increased preparation for and cooperation in class.
"Class time should be viewed as sacrosanct," said George, who recommended that professors tighten up on attendance policies.
And while MBA students are encouraged to approach coursework more seriously, some officials are worried that students are too stressed over job recruitment.
"Our plan is to have ... a more balanced recruiting season," Director of Wharton MBA Career Management Christopher Morris said.
Possible changes include adding events like panel discussions and job fairs, which would encourage students to concentrate on learning more about a company instead of on being evaluated by recruiters.
The final two initiatives concern grades, both how they are given and who can see them.
George proposes a return to a traditional grading system.
MBA students are currently graded with a 'distinguished,' a 'high pass' or a 'qualified credit,' but many administrators feel that the standard A through F system would be preferable.
The issue of grade disclosure especially has struck a chord with students, some of whom disagree with the committee's approach.
Second year MBA student Ari Chester said that he is concerned that the committee promotes a "lack of respect of the will and the sentiment of the student body."
"I am grossly disappointed in their attitude toward grade nondisclosure," he added.
Still, Jain says that the committee is making an effort to listen to student opinions.
"This has been a very comprehensive discussion," he said, adding that the committee is taking both faculty and student imput into consideration.
