Santa Clara University

Leavey Integrated Cohort Experience

(LInC)

Program Overview

The Leavey Integrated Cohort (LInC) is a cohort experience for first-year Evening MBA students. After being admitted to the part-time Evening MBA program, highly qualified students with strong credentials and rich demographic profiles who represent a variety of industries are invited by the Dean to be members of LInC. Students selected for admission to the cohort program will receive a separate letter of invitation after receiving their Evening MBA admission packet.

The LInC program begins Fall Quarter and lasts for three consecutive quarters (Fall, Winter, and Spring). During these quarters, students are administratively registered for the two cohort courses each quarter with the intent of creating synergies amongst the faculty and the quarterly group project teams. Students take two LInC classes a quarter, one quantitative and one qualitative, and follow a course of study recommended for first-year students. At the conclusion of the cohort experience students will have completed the majority of their introductory courses.

Students intending to participate in this program will be asked to commit to fully engaging in the cohort experience for the entire three quarters. At the conclusion of the third quarter, students will move into the regular Evening MBA program, but are encouraged to maintain the relationships developed in LInC and to draw upon their experiences to enhance future coursework. The Graduate Business Programs Office provides academic counseling and curriculum planning assistance to LInC students and all other students on an ongoing basis.

The cohort experience enables students to build close relationships with their fellow classmates, instructors, and staff in the Leavey School of Business. Such an experience also provides new students with greater opportunities to interact with the Leavey School of Business and Santa Clara University communities. The cohort experience is ideal for those students wanting a fixed schedule, more service, convenience, and the opportunity to work closely with a selected group of colleagues.

Administrative Fee

Participation in the LInC program requires a quarterly $400 administrative fee ($1,200 total); the fee is reduced to $900 if paid in full by August 15. In turn, the Graduate Business Programs Office will supply all books and course materials, light refreshments between courses, and other amenities.

Courses and Faculty

Courses for each term are determined in advance and instructors for each “pod” of courses will be asked to work together in developing assignments if practical. Each term presents a new opportunity for faculty to work synergistically to allow maximum learning. The following courses will be offered as part of the LInC cohort experience:

Course selection pairs a quantitative course with a non-quantitative course to provide students with a balanced schedule, the opportunity to possibly work within teams established during the first quarter, and the ability to complete foundation courses in a variety of disciplines.

LInC courses will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.

Requirements

Participation in the cohort experience requires that students complete Calculus before the start of the Fall Quarter. Students electing to participate in LInC must take both LInC courses each quarter. LInC students may not waive out of cohort classes. It is critical for all students to complete all six courses as a cohort. A student can choose to withdraw from LInC at any time and become a non-LInC Evening MBA student. However, no refund of administrative fees will be provided.

FAQ’s

1. May I take other classes in addition to LInC classes?

Yes. LInC students are free to enroll in classes open to all Evening MBA students provided that they meet the course prerequisites and the class meeting times do not conflict with LInC classes. Some LInC students from the 2007-2008 cohort did enroll in additional coursework. If you are interested in taking additional classes, please speak to the LInC Coordinator for advice on successful course additions. LInC students will be responsible for enrolling themselves via eCampus and paying for books and materials in non-LInC courses.

2. What happens after the first year?

After completion of the LInC coursework outlined above, students will move into the regular Evening MBA program and can follow any course of study that they choose.

3. How many students participate in LInC?

Cohort size varies depending on the applicant pool. Each cohort is capped at 40 students.

4. What do past LInC students have to say about the program?

If you would like to speak to a past LInC student, please email GBPSupportandRecords@scu.edu. The LInC Coordinator will put you in touch with a LInC Ambassador, a former LInC student who serves as a resource to incoming and prospective LInC students.

If you have additional questions, please contact the LInC Coordinator at GBPSupportandRecords@scu.edu or call the Graduate Business Programs Office at 408-554-5485.