Mission and Objectives

The Graduate Business Association is a professional organization founded for the purpose of broadening the graduate school experience of the MBA students.

Due to the part-time nature of the JMU graduate business programs, many of the social and professional affiliations inherent in a full-time curriculum are absent. As a result, student contact with the University, fellow students and faculty rarely reaches beyond the classroom. This void prevents the MBA students from develping new professional networks, attending additional training (seminars and workshops) and participating in social functions.

The mission of the JMU Graduate Business Association is to fill this void by promoting social and professional activities that are sensitive to the needs of the working student.

The GBA provides valuable experience that complements classroom education. The GBA serves as a liason between graduate students and faculty. Business contacts and career inquiries can be made within the informal atmosphere of this group.

Participation among all members is the key ingredient for a successful GBA this year. The Graduate Business Associations primary function is to enhance the social and academic experiences of our members. We will do so by bringing together faculty, alumni, students and the business community in an atmosphere that will promote the exchange of ideas and provide an opportunity to share perspectives. We will promote the MBA program at JMU, involve ourselves in the activities of the local community and establish and develop services and programs that will be beneficial to our members.