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Show College of Business has growing pains By Suzanne Dean Staff Writer While undergraduate education in business is facing serious challenges on the national level, the College of Business at the University has an opposite problem growing pains. A survey, cited by Virgil E. Bod, Chrysler Corp. president in a speech before the Midwest College Placement Association, showed that less than 12 per cent of American college students would choose a business career if they had an entirely free choice. Mr. Boyd attributed the sparse interest in business to a misconception among students that business doesn't have the ability to solve social problems. Business On Masters Level Meanwhile, at several schools, including Harvard and Stanford Universities, undergraduate business programs have been abandoned in favor of strengthened Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programs. At these schools, students interested in business are encouraged to seek a liberal education, and then study business on the masters level. But Dr. Bruce Baird, acting dean of business, feels business can not only attract more students, but can play a significant role in solving modem problems. Finding Faculty, Funds "Our problem is not enticing students to come into business," said Dr. Baird. "Our problem is finding enough faculty members and funds to take care of the students we do have." Figures from the Bureau of Institutional Studies show that enrollment in the University's College of Business has climbed steadily over the past five years. In size it now ranks third, behind the Colleges of Letters and Science and of Education. But, compared with the other colleges on campus its faculty is seventh in size. In order to "keep up to date," the college, in 1967, adjusted its graduation requirements to include classes in philosophy, sociology, psychology, and anthropology. Misservice Without Li "We feel students should k. good, broad education," Dtp said. "We would be doing a! a disservice if we confined tK three of four years 0f classes without exposing the liberal arts." "The idea that business is out to make a buck is very 0ij very outdated," he -j. "Business has many go high among them js f: responsibility." Dr. Baird said faculty raer, in his college are currt-studvine currt-studvine the role of indnstn alleviating poverty in the ; Lake area. "We're not proceeding or, philosophy that industry & make opportunities available' these people can find jobs v they go out to look for them, "Instead, we are looking ways to go and actively sc. people in these poverty areas: bring them into t business-sponsored programs; will afford them ee;. opportunities," he said. |