FAQ's

 

2. About GLEMBA

Q. Why doesn’t GLEMBA use a weekend class format like typical EMBA programs?
A: GLEMBA’s blended on campus and technology-supported delivery model is an alternative for experienced working professionals who simply cannot attend class every other weekend due to business, travel, or personal commitments. Many other EMBA programs use variations of this format. It is becoming an appealing option for professionals who wish to pursue graduate management education and need or desire greater lifestyle flexibility.

Q: Are courses modular or sequential?
A: In the GLEMBA program courses are delivered sequentially, one-at-a-time. Unlike most EMBA programs that deliver courses in modules of three of four courses at one time for an entire semester, GLEMBA’s sequential approach allows students to master one subject at a time. Our students and alumni have overwhelmingly supported this curriculum roll-out as it enhances learning and retention and is easier to manage one course rather than several given their busy work schedules.

Q: Can I achieve camaraderie and career network with my GLEMBA colleagues?
A: The opportunity for extensive interaction—in person or virtually-- with peers is one of the key features of GLEMBA’s model. Residencies allow for students to get to know each other personally and to network. Team building exercises are part of the new student orientation to jump start the cohort bonding process. The learning design requires virtual teamwork enabling students to engage frequently with each other. The international study tour which involves traveling together with colleagues for seven days in a foreign country provides another rich opportunity for building camaraderie and friendship. Alumni frequently mention that they have built life-long friendships in the GLEMBA program.

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3. Residency and Technology-Supported Delivery

Q. Is GLEMBA considered a self-paced, online program?
A: No, GLEMBA is not an online program. GLEMBA is an Executive MBA program that uses a “blended delivery model” which combines classroom learning through mini residencies with technology-supported applications and web conferencing. Unlike an online program where students interact independently with the computer, GLEMBA students interact with faculty and peers in a manner that emulates the contemporary business practices of many companies today: Face-to-face meetings followed by continuing communication and exchanges via communication technologies.

Q. What does technology-supported mean?
A: Technology-supported means that certain aspects of the learning process occur using technology as a means. Similar to any course, GLEMBA students learn from acquiring information from textbooks, listening and viewing faculty lectures, writing critical analyses, and engaging in academic discussions with faculty and in learning teams. In a technology-supported learning environment, certain activities may take place virtually instead of in a physical classroom environment where everyone is in the same room at the same time. Actual learning depends on the motivation, effort, and participation of the individual regardless of format and physical location.

Q: Why are residencies required?
A: Residencies are required for two main reasons: First, certain learning activities – such as seminars and workshops --are better delivered in face-to-face modality; Second, research---and our own extensive experience---reveals higher learning outcomes when there are face-to-face opportunities for faculty and peers to engage. Since its inception, GLEMBA students and alumni have confirmed the importance and value of residencies in enhancing learning outcomes and providing networking opportunities with peers.

Q: What happens at the residencies?
A: Residencies serve several objectives and incorporate a number of activities. First, an academic purpose as some aspect of course delivery takes place. Typically, prior to a residency, students work on pre-residency assignments which prepare them to incorporate that learning into class discussion during the residency. Since residencies are positioned prior to the launch of several courses, faculty present their syllabi to ensure that students understand all assignments and expectations for each course. Second, time is dedicated for seminars, “soft skill” building workshops, teambuilding exercises, and guest speakers. As previously mentioned, students get the opportunity to work , interact and collaborate with their professors and peers.

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4. Academic

Q: How accessible is the faculty?
A: GLEMBA faculty are highly accessible and available via email, phone or web conference and in person at residencies. Our faculty know our students' needs and provide quick turnaround responses. Also, GLEMBA students are well supported with two points of contact in each course---the faculty member and a course manager.

Q: How do I fit the GLEMBA program into my life---How many hours per week are required to succeed in the program?
A: Like any academic pursuit, an investment of time is required. The amount of time varies for each student. Students and alumni typically mention that on average it takes between 12 to15 hours per week to stay current with the academic work load. Honing good time management skills is essential in order to balance work, family and academic commitments.

5. Admissions

Q: Is an undergraduate degree required?
A: Yes. All graduate students at the University of Texas at Dallas must have a four year undergraduate degree or its equivalent.

Q: Does my undergraduate degree need to be in business?
A: No. Students in the Global Leadership Executive MBA are valued for their academic diversity; no particular undergraduate major is required for this program.

Q. Can I transfer in credits that I earned from an MBA I started at another school?
A: Yes. A request for review of credits earned at other accredited institutions may be made at the time of application. GLEMBA will follow the requisite University process which requires a review of transcripts for course completion with a grade of a least a B. The number of credits transferred varies on a case-by-case basis largely dependent on curricula matches.

Q: Do I need to take the GMAT to be admitted into the GLEMBA program?
A: No. the GMAT is not required.

Q: When will I receive a decision regarding my acceptance?
A: Applications are considered complete and ready for review when all materials have been received in the GLEMBA admissions office. After review of the application and related documents, a telephone interview will be scheduled. Admission decisions are generally made within two weeks of the completion of the interview.

Q: Who should complete my recommendation forms?
A: Information on recommendation forms is intended to gauge professional achievements, leadership potential, and ability to work effectively with others. Your direct supervisor and two other individuals who have known you professionally or who can attest to your leadership potential should complete the recommendation forms.

Q: Can I participate in GLEMBA if I live outside the United States?
A: GLEMBA has been designed to accommodate any student who has an Internet connection, the ability to attend the on-campus residencies and participate in the international study tour. With the exception of the requirement for demonstration of English competency from those for whom English is not their first language, we make no distinction in our admission process or program fees based on a student's nationality or country of residence.

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6. Tuition

Q: How will I be billed for the programs tuition?
A: All students follow the same payment plan. Tuition is paid in installments three times a year: March, August, and December. New students pay a non--refundable deposit upon acceptance that is credited toward the first installment, the balance of which is then paid at New Student Orientation.

Q: What is NOT included in the programs tuition?
A: Textbooks----Students purchase their own textbooks through the GLEMBA virtual bookstore with a feature to search for the best prices; Airfare to the international study tour location---Students arrange for and incur the cost of airfare to and from the international study tour location and Travel and living expenses to attend residencies---Students who need to travel, make and incur the costs of their own travel and hotel arrangements. GLEMBA has arranged a preferred rate at a business hotel near the campus.

Q: Can I get Federal student loans to help fund the program?
A: Yes. The GLEMBA program meets the conditions for US Federal Stafford loans. If you are a U.S citizen you can apply for federal loans.
A: No. If you a non-U.S. citizen and you have a co-sponsor, you can pursue loans from private lenders.    GLEMBA has a dedicated executive student loan liaison to assist you through the process.

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