Why Attend MEM Residency?

[Susan Ottmann]

I am often asked by new students, “Why should I attend Residency?”  Very few online degree programs offer their students a special, focused opportunity  opportunity to visit campus; why does MEM?

The short answer is that we do so because 20 years of experience provides solid evidence that it is one of the best things we can do to help students succeed and help each student get the best value from his/her MEM studies.  Just like in business, a few days of focused work and collaboration face-to-face makes working together at a distance much easier and more effective.

A few more reasons:

• You get to meet your all of your instructors and support staff, and establish personal connections.
• You get to build relationships with the peers you will be studying with the next few years.  For many students and alumni, these are enduring, highly valued relationships. Leaders value building effective professional networks.
• Course briefings by instructors enable you to get off to a good start in each course and think strategically about projects you could use to customize your learning in each course.
• Learn from second-year students how to succeed in MEM and get the most from your studies.
• Who doesn’t want to visit Madison in August? An evening with fellow students at the Memorial Union Terrace is as good as it gets.
• Visit and appreciate the beautiful, fascinating campus of the world-class university of which you are now a full-fledged graduate student.  Grow your identity and connections with Badger Nation.
• I have never had a students say they regret coming to campus. I consistently hear students say the experience exceeded their expectations and was one of the most valuable experiences of their MEM studies.

Want to hear what fellow students say about their experiences at Residency? I have attached a survey that a students conducted last year asking fellow students to share whether they thought MEM Residency was valuable and worth your time.  These comments by fellow students showed great insights.

I invite current second-year students to add replies to this posting speaking to their their experiences and thoughts regarding Residency.

I hope as many students as possible take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this year’s Residency.  Please sign up and reserve your lodging as soon as possible.  Let us know of any questions you might have.

Very best regards,

Wayne

• This topic was modified 7 years, 7 months ago by Susan Ottmann.

[Darley]

In addition to Director Pferdehirt’s comments, residency has added a sense of fulfillment to my educational experience.  The relationships that I made during last years residency are ones that I hope to carry with me through life.  These relationships have not only allowed me to converse with others that are on a similar journey to mine, they have fortified my professional network.  In one case, a fellow Team Whiskey (the best group in the 2017 technical project management course) member was able to talk me through a technical challenge that was paramount to providing customer satisfaction on a major contract.  In another instance, I was able to talk confidentially with a team member about our future career paths and long term goals.  Both cases are a result of the bonding that took place at summer residency.

Further, residency provides a great opportunity to get to know the faculty while gaining insight on the courses you will be taking.

I hope to see all of you in Badger land!

Kyle

 

[Susan Ottmann]

Kyle, Thanks for sharing your thoughts and recommendations.

-Wayne

[Susan Ottmann]

Here’s the student-initiated survey I mentioned but forgot to attach.

-Wayne

Attachments:

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[Wlaznik]

I can backup Kyle and Wayne’s comments.  Getting to know your cohort in person is an invaluable experience.  This is where the real networking happens and relationships are formed.  Once you get into the classes, the opportunity to “B.S.” are limited unless you go out of your way.  Residency is a big part of what makes MEM so great.

Team Whiskey loves it so much, we actually do informal residencies every few month.

I was on the fence last year and am so glad I went.  Such a great time.  Plus, Team Whiskey is planning some extra fun evening activities!

see you there,

Nick

[Susan Ottmann]

Thanks for your comments, Nick.

Much appreciated,

Wayne

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