Q&A: Faculty and Staff Share Back-to-School Advice
The start of a new academic year is an exciting time, filled with renewed energy across campus. However, transitioning from the quiet summer months to the start of fall classes can be stressful. We asked faculty and staff from across the school to share their favorite aspects of the back-to-school season and any advice they have for their colleagues at the start of the fall semester.
Justin Berg, associate professor of management and organizations
What is your favorite part of the back-to-school season at Michigan Ross?
My favorite part is seeing students return to campus. No matter how much the world changes, there’s something timeless about the energy in the air during move-in week — students reconnecting, families hauling mini fridges up stairs, and the campus coming back to life. The mix of anticipation and possibility during the first weeks of school never gets old.
What are you most looking forward to this academic year, and how are you preparing for this fall semester?
I’m looking forward to teaching Behavioral Theory in Management (MO 300), the core course on management and organizations that all BBA third-years take. We’re launching a new version of the course this fall, and it’s been exciting to prepare for it alongside my colleagues. I can’t wait for students to experience what we’ve built.
What advice would you give to colleagues to help them prepare for the start of the fall semester?
Be deliberate about the impact you want to make this semester. It’s easy to get swept up in the day-to-day, but important to take a moment to reflect on what your goals are for the year. A bit of intentionality by establishing clear priorities and expectations can help you focus your time and effort where it matters most.
Donna Humphrey-DeLosh, managing director, Executive MBA Program
What is your favorite part of the back-to-school season at Michigan Ross?
My favorite part of the back-to-school season is welcoming new Executive MBA students — accomplished professionals eager to connect with their cohort. I love seeing them explore the Ross campus, often with a sense of awe, and watching them become inspired by the faculty. For many, it’s been quite some time since they were last in an academic environment, which makes their enthusiasm all the more meaningful.
What are you most looking forward to this academic year, and how are you preparing for this fall semester?
This is an especially exciting year for the Executive MBA Program as we prepare to open the new Ross Los Angeles campus. After 13 years of serving the LA market, we are thrilled to establish a dedicated space, complete with Michigan Ross support services, tools, and technology platforms to assist our current and future students and the entire Michigan Ross alumni community in the region. I travel to LA at least once a month for EMBA residencies and to meet with prospective students to discuss the value of a Ross MBA. I have also been taking some long weekends to combat travel fatigue.
What advice would you give to colleagues to help them prepare for the start of the fall semester?
My best advice for colleagues preparing for the start of the fall semester is to focus on what you can control. Take the time to prepare thoroughly, and trust in that preparation as the new semester’s excitement (and occasional chaos) unfolds. Every fall brings a mix of anticipation and stress, so I encourage you to embrace the renewed energy on campus and enjoy the enthusiasm of both new and returning students.
Lizette Korn, managing director, Part-Time MBA Programs
What is your favorite part of the back-to-school season at Michigan Ross?
The excitement in the building as it begins to fill up. You feel a change in the air and energy as students return for the fall term.
What are you most looking forward to this academic year, and how are you preparing for this fall semester?
I’m looking forward to meeting new students! The newest cohort of Weekend MBAs started during the spring term, and a new group of Online MBAs is just getting started. Our working professional students are a fantastic part of the MBA student body. I am constantly in awe of how they juggle school, working full-time, families, and their many responsibilities. I’m preparing for the fall by taking mini-breaks and vacations throughout the summer and planning ahead as much as possible with the help of my amazing team.
What advice would you give to colleagues to help them prepare for the start of the fall semester?
With so many more people in the buildings, on campus, and in Ann Arbor, give yourself ample time to get from one place to another. Plan to be a friendly face who provides wayfinding help to new students as they navigate the complexities of the Ross campus. Most of all, give yourself and others grace – you’ll probably encounter some hiccups at the start of the new academic year.
John Branch, clinical associate professor of business administration
What is your favorite part of the back-to-school season at Michigan Ross?
The energy of new students starting their academic journeys at Michigan Ross.
What are you most looking forward to this academic year, and how are you preparing for this fall semester?
Even after 32 years of teaching, the classroom is still my favorite place on earth, and I look forward to welcoming new students each semester. I’ve been busy tweaking my course presentations for the fall semester and hiring and training a new team of students to help with grading.
What advice would you give to colleagues to help them prepare for the start of the fall semester?
I encourage all teachers to reflect on what motivates them in and out of the classroom and always lead with compassion. I just finished writing a chapter for a new anthology. The theme is compassionate pedagogy, an approach to teaching that puts care, understanding, and empathy at the center of the learning process. In the chapter, I explore my love for students and teaching — not the ooey-gooey love of rom-com movies, but what the Greeks called agape — selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional care for others.
Cristi Landy, lecturer in business communications
What is your favorite part of the back-to-school season at Michigan Ross?
I love the fall weather in Ann Arbor, and it is great to see the enthusiasm in the students as they return well-rested from the summer break.
What are you most looking forward to this academic year, and how are you preparing for this fall semester?
I look forward to exploring new approaches to engage students through in-class activities. I also plan to incorporate current examples — such as recent business news, my own industry experience, and the latest applications of artificial intelligence — into my teaching.
I always start getting organized a few weeks before the semester begins. I like to organize my Canvas site and put the information there for students to refer to at least one week in advance.
What advice would you give to colleagues to help them prepare for the start of the fall semester?
Make sure you structure the syllabus the way you want it. I like to put the coursework and assignments in a table/calendar format so the students and I can visualize what they need to do throughout the semester.
