October 14th, Professor Solomon Ira, Dean of Freeman School of Business (FSB) at Tulane University and his delegation visited the Institute for Financial & Accounting Studies (IFAS). Professor John Clarke-vice dean in charge of graduate programs, Professor Ted Fee-academic leader in finance, Professor Anu Varadharajan-assistant director of the accounting graduate program, and Alicia MacCulloch-director of Asian Affairs of FSB also accompanied his visit. Professor Ye Jianming, Dean of IFAS & School of Management, Professor Qu Xiaohui, former dean of IFAS, Professor Zhang Guohua, director of the International Education Center, and Ms. Ye Ling, office director of IFAS, had a cordial and friendly meeting with the visitors. The two sides changed views on long-term and strategic cooperation of the financial and accounting 1+1 master's program, and promotion of the faculty exchange.
The Dean, Ira Solomon and his delegation also had a face to face communication with Xiamen students from the 1+1 master program and some potential students. They gave a detailed introduction to the School, including its constructing multi-functional building, campus environment, student services, faculty of the related programs, admission requirements, curriculum, credit, system, internship and employment, and employment trends of its graduates, etc. After that, students asked questions of their concerns, such as the uniqueness of the School, the intensity of the curriculum design, thesis, internship opportunities, and further study opportunities. For the students who worry about their study at Tulane University, professor Ira pointed out that Chinese students generally can adapt to the teaching arrangements in spite of the big intensity. He also said that students will have full access to research, as many teachers are willing to work with students or hire students as research assistants. Furthermore, the majority of teachers have rich experience in industry, which brings more theoretical application to the courses. The most important is that the close interaction between teachers makes them responsible for not only their own courses, but also the whole program. The School’s programs are designed for education, rather than merely training.
Freeman School of business is one of the schools to initiate AACSB program. It ranked 5th in US and 30th in the world in 2014 Financial Times Global MBA Report; in 2015, Tulane university ranked 54 in the American university ranking by "U.S. News and World Report", and the FSB ranked 63 among American best business schools; in 2016, Tulane university ranked 41 in the American university ranking by "U.S. News and World Report", and the FSB ranked 61 among American best business schools; in 2017, Tulane university ranked 39 in the American university ranking by "U.S. News and World Report".
The 1+1 master’s program was officially launched in the spring of 2012. It has nominated 65 students to Tulane University so far. The enrollment is open now to undergraduate and postgraduate students with no major limits. The 2017 Spring class will start in mid March of 2017. Classes are arranged on weekends and public holidays.
This visit deepens the understanding and cooperation between the two parties. Hopefully the program students will perform even better in their study in Tulane. More students are sincerely welcome to join this program.