COVID-19 and the Haworth College of Business
During these challenging times, the Haworth College of Business is thinking about you and your families, and we hope that you take every precaution to stay safe. As we follow the guidelines issued by federal, state and local authorities, we are also studying the impact of COVID-19 on our communities, and helping students navigate the transition to distance learning, graduation and starting their careers. Responding to this challenge provides the opportunity to support each other and focus on the wellbeing of our students. Below, we highlight some of those moments.
The dynamic duo
During the uncertainty of the pandemic, the comfort of relationships helps lift us over the hurdles we face. Father-and-son academicians, Dr. Jim DeMello and Dr. Jason D'Mello, B.B.A.'06, serve as each other's sound boards as they try out new approaches during a time when higher education is facing critical challenges.
Read about their approach.
Management professor discusses sustainability during COVID-19 and beyond
Dr. Tim Palmer, professor of management, speaks about how sustainability may be negatively impacted by COVID-19 as well as the importance of stakeholders communicating the value of sustainability, during the pandemic and beyond, to companies and organizations.
Read about sustainability.
Mentorship and externship in the era of COVID-19
While social distancing, peer mentors helped guide more than 130 pre-business students through the professional preparation required for the Business Externship Program, offered through the Zhang Career Center.
Read about their approach.
Persevering in a pandemic
As an intern at Bronson Methodist Hospital, new graduate Molly Wright has learned to persevere through challenges and leverage them as opportunities.
Read her story.
How to come out of the COVID-19 lockdown financially stronger
The Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness looks at key behaviors for gaining financial strength during these uncertain times.
Read the advice.
Understanding the CARES Act student loan relief
Included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is relief for students who have federally-owned student loans. The key to understanding what relief or forbearance is available is knowing what kind of student loans you have.
Read about the relief.
Six steps to survive a financial crisis
Todd Mora, program manager for the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness, offers advice for navigating and surviving an unforeseen financial crisis.
Read about the steps.
WMU supply chain alum helps drive GM's efforts to produce ventilators
Michael Schwandt, B.B.A.'13, is part of a team at GM that is leading a collaboration with Ventec Life Systems to produce life-saving respiratory care products.
Leading through crisis
Students in the leadership and business strategy program learned firsthand how to adapt in a pandemic. They pivoted during the spring semester to create 50 videos that highlight Michigan businesses hurt by the coronavirus.
See their strategies.
Introducing The Jungle podcast
Interested in learning more about leading during the COVID-19 pandemic? Check out The Jungle, a podcast hosted by leadership and business strategy faculty that focuses on how executives and other leaders are navigating uncertain times.
Why are store shelves out of products like toilet paper?
Supply chain expert Tom Kelly explains how changes to consumer behavior and the disruption to global supply chains amidst the pandemic are affecting product availability.
Read about the effects.
A conversation among marketing faculty
During the height of the pandemic, marketing faculty came together to tackle distance learning and helping students (and each other) succeed.
Read the conversation.
Making it work
From big dreams and determination to tears and grace: Dr. Laurel Ofstein, associate professor of management, describes her experience transitioning to distance learning.
Read Dr. Ofstein's story.
Distance education: You do you
Being authentic and accessible is something that students appreciate about faculty and staff members, and these qualities are even more important when teaching and providing services in a virtual environment.
Read how faculty are making it work.
Getting career-ready during a pandemic
Students are looking to staff at the Zhang Career Center to guide them through internship and job searches, and are seeking out opportunities to build their portfolio of skills.
Read how the center is helping.
Serving the community through Meals on Wheels
Business student Zachary Spiegla shares his experience volunteering with Meals on Wheels during the pandemic.
Read his story.
'This is not a simulation'—pandemic becomes real-life learning opportunity
When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, 100 leadership and business strategy students pivoted on their original consulting projects, in order to support crisis management for businesses.
Read their story.
Willow Martin: Finding your balance
Business student Willow Martin is balancing distance education and family commitments, aided by communication skills, clear expectations and accessible faculty.
Read her story.
Distance education as an opportunity for empathy
Dr. Scott Cowley, assistant professor of marketing, shares that empathy is just as important as course content in WMU's move to distance education.
Read Dr. Cowley's story.
Distance education, resiliency and coming out stronger: Q and A with Dr. Jim Eckert
Dr. Jim Eckert, Robert S. Kaiser Professor of Sales, shares how he is shifting his courses to a distance learning model and what students and faculty can gain from the experience.
Read the Q and A.
WMU researchers study food consumption behavior during COVID-19 pandemic:
Researchers from the Department of Marketing study how a pandemic like the novel coronavirus affects food consumption behavior, with applications that can help communities and companies in emergency management efforts.
Read about the research.
To suggest a story please contact:
Editor: Stacey Anderson
stacey.anderson@wmich.edu
(269) 387-6936