Washington Campus - MBA

The course is designed to provide you with the frameworks, concepts, and tools needed to incorporate the public policy dimension into managerial decision-making and strategic planning.  The course combines classroom experience with onsite learning:  some sessions take place in Washington Campus's own conference facilities while others are held in various offices around Washington and on Capitol Hill.  LHC 688 is an interactive course, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions of policy makers and lobbyists. Earn 3.00 credits towards your MBA degree.  See full course requirements below.

Participating in the Washington Campus program will give you the opportunity to learn directly from Washington insiders such practical knowledge as:   
      ●  How the policy making process really works
      ●  Who holds the power in influencing decisions
      ●  What issues matter to businesses and lawmakers
      ●  How to effectively communicate and promote your interests
      ●  How to develop sound business strategies that take into account and influence potential policy changes

Not sure if Washington Campus is the right program for you? View the 2012 course evaluation summary or view the 2012 draft agenda.  

• "I learned so much I don't know where to start...Truly learned a ton about how I can impact rule-making and how it impacts me."
• "Every person interested in business and assuming a leadership position should take this course in order to develop an understanding of government policy and how they can best influence it."
• "I gained a valuable understanding of how the government operates and how business can best influence policy.  The insight from the various insiders has been invaluable and as a result my viewpoint on media and government has been changed for the better."

The Washington Campus program is offered several times throughout the year.  Please note:

• Washington Campus registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces may fill prior to the posted registration deadline.

• Not all students are eligible for each session. Not sure which session is the right fit for your academic needs? Please contact your Washington Campus Coordinator. 

Eligibility Notes:

• January 7–11, 2013 session occurs during U-M semester break.
• March 4–8, 2013 session occurs during U-M Winter break.
  • International MBA2 students who plan to earn enough credits in order to apply for an H1-b visa in 2013 may benefit from the timing of this session.
• March 11–15, 2013:
  • MBA2s are eligible for March 11–15 session only if not enrolled in any other U-M courses during Winter B.
  • Evening MBA students are eligible for March 11--15 session only if not enrolled in any other U-M courses during session dates.
• May 13–17, 2013:
  • MBA2s may participate in the May 13–17 session.  Students who successfully complete the course will remain eligible to receive degree in Winter 2013.    
  • MBA1s are only eligible for May 13–17 session if dates do not conflict with an internship commitment. MBA1s who register for May 13–17 session may register for LHC 688 in the Winter 2013 term.
  • Evening MBA students are eligible for May 13–17 session only if not enrolled in any other U-M courses during session dates.
• June 10–14, 2013:
  • Rising MBA2s are only eligible for June 10–14 session if dates do not conflict with an internship commitment. Rising MBA2s who register for June 10–14 session will be required to register for LHC 688 in the Spring 2013 term.  This will incur additional U-M tuition.
  • Evening MBA students are eligible for June 10–14, 2013 session only if not enrolled in any other U-M courses during session dates.
• August 26--30, 2013:
  • Rising MBA2s who register for this session will enroll in LHC 688 for the Fall term.  Although the program dates occur before the Fall term, the group project and public policy paper will be due during Fall term. 
  • Evening MBA students who register for this session will enroll in LHC 688 for the Fall term.  Although the program dates occur before the Fall term, the group project and public policy paper will be due during Fall term. 
  • Incoming students are not eligible to enroll in this session. 

Students are responsible for both Washington Campus and U-M tuition, which are separate from and exclusive of one another.

Financial aid may be available to assist in covering program expenses if requests are made in a timely manner (critical processing deadlines affect the disbursement of aid).  Email rossfinaid@umich.edu for more information.

Your final grade will be based on four components:

1. Classroom Attendance for all sessions during the week in D.C.

2. Exam (25% of grade) - Given during the week in Washington, D.C. 

3. Group Project (25% of grade) - Due approximately two weeks after your return.

4. Public Policy Analysis Research Paper (50% of grade) - 12-14 pages written individually; due approximately 3 weeks after your return.  Requirements to be posted on the CTools site for LHC 688.  The paper will be graded by the Ross faculty director.  

Please note that before you arrive in Washington, the Washington Campus staff will send you a syllabus describing the first two requirements (Exam and Group Project) and mandatory readings.  Your classroom in Washington will include MBA students from Ross as well as MBA students from other business schools throughout the country.  Each school requires completion of the Exam, Group Project, and Classroom Attendance.  The Public Policy Analysis Research Paper is required for all Ross students to earn credit in LHC 688.  The other schools participating in the program will have different requirements for credit in their degree program.

LHC 688 is graded according to the standard MBA five-level grading scale (EX, GD, PS, LP, F).   Punctuality and attendance at all sessions is mandatory due to the condensed nature of the course. 

LHC 688 Eligibility Criteria

Students who wish to enroll in LHC 688 must meet the following criteria:

• Active degree candidacy.

  • Required at the time of your chosen session; alumni are not eligible to participate in LHC 688.

  • Weekend MBA students are not eligible to attend.

• Good academic standing.

• Prior completion of some core course work at Ross.

  • Full-time MBA students: successful completion of First Year Fall core courses (approximately 15.75 credits)

  • Evening MBA students: successful completion of 15.00 credits 

• Room in your schedule to register for a 3.00 credit elective (LHC 688) during the appropriate term

  • Full time MBA students: LHC 688 is included in the 18 credit hour term limit for the Winter term (9 credit hour term limit for the Spring half term). Credit limits will not be permitted to be raised above 18.00 in order to accommodate this course.  MBA1s typically have 12.00 credits of core in the Winter term; if LHC 688 is elected, students may register for no more than 3 additional credits of Winter A electives.  MBA1s may not participate in the sessions offered during MAP. 

  • Evening MBA students must register for LHC 688 during the term in which the session occurs. 

• No time conflicts with other commitments at the time of your chosen session.

  • The dates of your chosen session may not overlap with class meeting times for other U-M classes.  This policy is our commitment to faculty to preserve the integrity of student class participation.

  • Spring/Summer sessions must not overlap with internships.

  • MBA1s may not participate in the March sessions offered during MAP.

• Review the critical information above.  You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with session information, course expenses, course requirements, and eligibility criteria. 

• Read more about Washington Campus to decide whether or not you can commit to attending and paying the required fees. 

• Contact your Washington Campus Coordinator if you have any questions about either the program or your eligibility status.

• Remember that Washington Campus registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Your seat is not guaranteed until both Washington Campus registration and payment are complete. 

TO REGISTER:

Two separate registrations are required for Washington Campus. The first step is directly through Washington Campus and reserves your space in the program.  The second step is through U-M and allows you to receive academic credit on your U-M transcript following successful completion of course requirements. 

STEP ONE:  Register for your desired session through Washington Campus.

• Go directly to the Washington Campus website to register and pay your Washington Campus tuition and non-refundable registration/activity fee before the corresponding deadline.  Find your desired program session and click More Info to be taken to the registration and payment screen.

• View Registration Instructions. 

• Please keep in mind that space is available on a first come, first served basis until the published deadlines.  Your seat is not guaranteed until your Washington Campus registration and payment are complete.

• You will receive registration confirmation email from Washington Campus.  Save this email for Step Two.  

​STEP TWO: Register for LHC 688

• Forward your registration confirmation email to Ross Academic Services from your umich account.  Include the following in your email:

  • Name
  • UMID Number
  • Uniqname
  • Academic Program (MBA1, MBA2 or Eve MBA)
  • Dates of chosen Washington Campus session
  • "I have read and agree to abide by the session information, eligibility criteria, registration information, course requirement and course expense information contained on Ross Academic Services' Washington Campus website.  I understand that I am responsible for the following costs: 1) Washington Campus tuition and fees, 2) U-M tuition and fees, and 3) travel, room, and board.  I wish to be enrolled in LHC 688 in order to earn 3 academic credits for successful completion of this course.  I understand that I will be required to take an exam, and complete both a group project and an individual public policy research paper.  I understand that participation in LHC 688 requires good academic standing at the time of my chosen session."

• Register for LHC 688 on Wolverine Access.  When approved for your session, you will receive an electronic permission to register for LHC 688.  Specific directions for your session will be provided by Academic Services at the appropriate time.  Depending on the session, different course registration processes may apply.

Be sure to check your umich email account and the Washington Campus website regularly for additional information and directions that will help you finalize plans and be prepared to attend the program.