Revised Finance Electives

On January 18, 2006 the Finance Department voted to delete the FIN2 and FIN3 thematic sequences. Any student currently enrolled in a sequence will be able to complete it.

The department also voted to limit access to the Risk Management and Insurance Minor and the Finance Minor to non-business majors only. If a student has two majors, one in and one out of the School of Business, the minor is not available to them. Any student already registered for a Minor will be able to complete it.

Has the Finance Major requirements recently changed? (2005)
Yes, all new students admitted to Miami beginning 200510 (Fall 2004 -05) or after are subject to new elective restrictions. Your DAR will reflect this change as courses that you are not able to take to satisfy the 12 hours of Finance elective requirement. Anyone having an earlier catalog year may continue to use BLS courses to satisfy the finance elective requirements (with minor exceptions).

Which courses can be taken to satisfy the 12 hours of Finance elective requirements?
Generally the upper level classes labeled FIN. However, capstones, core courses, FIN 306 and independent studies cannot. Please refer to the specific list on your DAR which indicates a "not from" list based on your catalog year.

The provost has approved new course designations for Business Legal Studies (BLS) and Entrepreneurship (ESP) effective for the Fall Semester 200610.

For Business Legal Studies:

OLD	Title	NEW
FIN 342	Legal Environment of Business (3)	BLS 342
FIN 437	Cyberlaw (3)	BLS 437
FIN 442	Business Associations and Commercial Law (3)	BLS 442
FIN 443	Property Law (3)	BLS 443
FIN 462	Estates, Wills, and Trusts (3)	BLS 462
FIN 464	International Business Law (3)	BLS 464
FIN 465	Ethics, Law, and Business (3)	BLS 465
FIN 483	Comparative International Law (4)	BLS 483
FIN 665	Business and its Legal Environment (3)	BLS 665
New Course	Mock Trial Practicum (1)	BLS 235

For Entrepreneurship:

OLD	Course Title	NEW
BUS 201	Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3)	ESP 201
BUS 366	Imagination, Entrepreneurship, and Business Problem-Solving (3)	ESP 366
BUS 467	Entrepreneurship: New Ventures (4)	ESP 467
MKT 481	Technology, Products, and Ventures (3)	ESP 481

How do I change my major?
Change of major (yellow) forms can be found in the department office and in 103 Laws. No signature is required to change your primary major and the form needs to be delivered to 103 Laws. There are periods of time when these forms are not processed - generally around registration time.

I am thinking about changing my major to Finance, will you force add me into the class I need?
No, your current real DAR (not a what-if DAR) needs to support the courses you are requesting during force add.

I am a pre-business student, why can't I register for a Finance class?
In order to register for Finance classes you must be designated as a regular student in the SB. You must meet the requirements to enter the School of Business and your current real DAR (not a what-if DAR) must demonstrate the need.

I am a student outside of business, how do I get Finance Classes?
Students outside business can apply for a class through the force add process. Your current real DAR (not a what-if DAR) must demonstrate the need for the class.

I am not in the school of business but I got the courses somehow and I need a few courses to graduate with a Finance major. Can I get the courses even if it is my last semester before graduation?
No, This is a school of business issue. You need to apply for and be admitted to the school of business to get the classes. Your current real DAR (not a what-if DAR) must support the need for the class.

I want to be a Finance major but am not in the School of Business.
In order to be a Finance major you must be in the SB. You must meet the requirements to enter the School of Business and your current real DAR (not a what-if DAR) must demonstrate the need for the class.

Can I take a class without meeting the pre-requisites?
No, Banner is programmed to reject registration of a class if the pre-requisites are not met.

Can I take a pre-requisite at the same time as the class?
No, pre-requisite does not mean take the class at the same time.

I took a pre-requisite class and did not complete it or failed it. Banner let me register for the next class. Can I still take the class without successfully completing the pre-requisite?
No, you need to have successfully completed the pre-requisite. Without special approval we have an obligation to remove you from the class when we determine that pre-requisites have not been fulfilled.

Can I go to the faculty member to add a class and skip the force add process?
No. faculty cannot add students to their class. You must go through the force add process since it checks DARs and prioritizes students in a fair manner.

I am a Finance major, why can't I get into the FIN capstone that I want?
The School of Business capstone requirement is a core requirement. That means that a student can take ANY capstone in the School of Business to meet the requirement for graduation. Unfortunately, we do not have a sufficient number of classes to meet all of the potential finance demand.

I am a Finance major and I also took a FIN capstone (FIN 465 or FIN 485), can I also use the capstone to satisfy a finance elective?
No, FIN 465 and FIN 485 are capstones and cannot be used as a finance major elective.

I am a Finance major and I took 417 or FIN 464 as an elective, can it also be used to satisfy the international business requirement in the SB?
Yes, FIN 417 or FIN 464 will count toward your Finance electives and cover the international business requirement. For students with a 200510 or later catalog year FIN 464 will not be accepted as a FIN elective.

When do the higher entrance requirements start for the School of Business?
New, higher entrance requirements begin effective first semester 2004-05 (200510). The new requirements affect all new Miami students beginning 200510 and all other students who wish to transfer to the School of Business.

A class that I registered for was cancelled, what do I do?
The department is sorry that this happened but we plan for courses 6 to 9 months in advance and things happen that are out of our control. The department will try to accommodate another request but it may not be possible to do this.

I am interested in FIN 411, how can I register for the course?
FIN 411 is the 2 hour Student Managed Investment Fund course. Entrance is obtained through the Finance Department. Students must have had FIN 401 with a B or better and submit an application. Information can be found in the Department of Finance or from the faculty assigned to the course. You will not be able to directly register for this course.

How do I transfer credit from another university?
First check the web site www.transfer.org to determine if the course is already approved. Note that even if there is a match you may need to take the course at Miami. If already approved you only need to send a transcript to Miami's registrar to be recorded. If not already approved, you need to go through the approval process. If we determine a course no-longer meets our requirements the registrar will be instructed to remove the course from www.transfer.org .

How do I get a course approved to transfer it from another University?
If not already approved (see www.transfer.org ) you can request the Department to determine if the course can be a match. The Department will generally need a syllabus for the course showing the book used, the material covered, and how the class is taught (web-based or class-based). If web-based, the department will generally apply a higher level of scrutiny. If we determine a course no-longer meets our requirements the registrar will be instructed to remove the course from www.transfer.org .

I already took a course at another University, why won't you automatically approve it for transfer?
The Department has to be sure that it substantially meets the requirements for graduation. That is, the course substantially is the same as the one taught here at Miami University.

I took the course at another university, it is not showing up on my DAR and it is a pre-requisite for a course that I am trying to force add or register for. What do I do?
In order to register for the course the pre-requisite must show on your DAR for the registration system to recognize that you have taken the course. During force-add, if you provide documentation showing completion of the course (see next question), it will be considered. In either case, you need to verify that the transferring university has sent your transcript to Miami's registrar to place it appropriately on your DAR.

What grade do I have to make in a class taken at another university for it to transfer?
You need to achieve a "C" or better in order to transfer a course to Miami University. Revision 200610 - Beginning 200610 transfers from another university are respected as long as the student passes the class. (This fact needs to be verified.)

Which classes do I have to take at Miami University for my Finance major?
Out of the Finance major courses you need to take your Finance electives at Miami University.

Can I take a web-based course and transfer it?
Only if it is approved as a web-based course and it meets all of our requirements. Web-based courses have to meet a higher level of scrutiny compared to traditional classroom-based courses. Sometimes we cannot tell how a course is taught from a syllabus and the student has a responsibility to disclose this fact to us.

Can I take an independent study for a Finance Elective?
No, independent studies are not allowed to substitute for a Finance elective. Finance electives must be taken at Miami University.

Will an independent study in the Finance Department be calculated in my Finance GPA?
If you take a FIN independent study, it will not be included in your Finance GPA calculation.

Can I receive credit for doing an internship?
The short answer is no. However, you may want to arrange an independent study with a faculty member. Independent studies cannot be used for a Finance elective nor will it be included in your Finance GPA calculation. Alternatively, you can request registration through the Chair for FIN 330 (0) Professional Practice which is a zero credit course. This creates the relationship between the University and the student allowing the internship company to meet certain legal requirements. Please see the top of this page for a link that takes you to further information.

I am in the School of Business or my major is outside the School of Business, can I apply for a thematic sequence, second major or minor housed in the Finance Department?
Yes, to apply for access to a thematic sequence or minor housed in Finance you need to fill out a packet of information that is available in the Finance Department, attach your DAR and leave it with the Department. We will get back to you by mail.

If I complete a minor in Finance, do I automatically complete the thematic sequence requirements for graduation?
BLS Minor: Yes, it satisfies FIN-1 thematic sequence
Risk Mgmt Minor: Yes, it satisfies the FIN-2 thematic sequence
FIN Minor: No, to satisfy FIN-3 you must choose your courses wisely. You must have FIN 301, 302, 401, and either FIN 408 or 475.

Are there limitations regarding thematic sequences / minors / second majors?
Yes, these include:
- number of students approved is limited by graduating class
- approval is on a first come - first served basis, so apply early
- no one will be approved with more than 90 earned hours
- for Freshmen 200510, thematic sequence must be outside the SB
- special GPA requirements apply to second majors.

My major is outside the School of Business, do I have to complete all pre-requisites to get into the thematic sequence or minor courses that I am registered for?
Yes, just because you are in a thematic sequence or minor does not mean that you can skip the pre-requisites.

Can I complete a thematic sequence housed in Finance if I am a Finance major?
No, you must complete a thematic sequence outside of Finance - this includes the law thematic sequence. In addition, beginning for Freshmen 200510, your thematic sequence must be completed outside of the school of business.

Can I complete a minor housed in Finance if I am a Finance major?
Yes, however, you cannot double count the use of the classes. An exception is a Finance major with a Finance minor will not be allowed.

Do I have to take a thematic sequence outside of the School of Business?
Beginning for Freshmen 200510, your thematic sequence must be completed outside of the school of business.

I am not registered for a minor or thematic sequence but need the courses to complete it.
You can try the force add process but since your DAR does not support access to the class it will not be approved.

I am approved for the thematic sequence, can I take the remaining courses to complete the minor?
You can try the force add process but since your DAR does not support access to the class it will not be approved.

How can I have my class grade reviewed by the Department?
You can follow the grievance procedure found in the Department governance section of this web site. However, you need to know that the process can only review if you have been treated differently than the other students in the class and consistent with the syllabus. The process cannot and will not re-grade assignments.

How can I file a grievance against a faculty member?
You can follow the grievance procedure found in the Department governance section of this web site.

I am planning to graduate but find that I am short on hours. What do I do?
You have to take courses to meet the requirements. You need a minimum of 128 hours to graduate the University and you also have other sub hour requirements such as outside School of Business hours and Department elective hours.

My GPA is below 2.0 in Finance so I cannot graduate. What do I do?
You have to continue to take FIN courses until your GPA at least equals 2.0.

My GPA is below 2.0 in the School of Business so I cannot graduate. What do I do?
You have to continue to take School of Business courses until your GPA at least equals 2.0.

How many times can I take the same course for a grade to boost my GPA?
You can take a course twice for a passing grade.

Can I take an independent study in Finance to boost my Finance GPA?
No, grades for independent studies cannot be included in your Finance GPA to meet graduation requirements.

Can I take an independent study to meet Finance elective requirements?
No, Finance independent studies cannot be used for Finance electives.

I took the wrong class and it does not meet the requirements for graduation identified on the DAR. What do I do?
All of the requirements for graduation are spelled out on your DAR. You need to pay attention to it before registering for any class. Your DAR is freely available to you. If you have problems interpreting it, advisors are available. You need to take the correct class for graduation.

I need courses to graduate but you are not offering the courses during the summer.
Yes, not all courses are offered during the summer sessions. Actually offerings are quite limited so you will have to meet graduation requirements in another way. This may mean returning for another semester during the regular academic year. Past summer offerings are a good gauge for future summer offerings but there are no guarantees.

Can I transfer courses to Miami to finish my degree?
Yes, however, you need to be aware of such things as terminal residency requirements, requirements for thematic sequences and capstones as well as requirements for your major. Finance electives must be taken at Miami University. You need to achieve a "C" or better for a course to transfer and it must be approved for transfer credit.

As a Finance major, I am looking to get involved and learn about my profession. Is there a good way to do this?
Yes, the Miami Finance Association (MFA) is a club set up for finance professionals.

What does MFA do?
MFA holds monthly meetings with speakers from the business community that give members insight into careers in various finance areas like real estate, insurance, banking, corporate finance, investments and government. MFA also provides assistance in finding internships and post graduation employment via a resume booklet and through special pre-recruiting day speakers. MFA provides a great opportunity for students to take on leadership roles and facilitates the networking with other finance majors and business professionals.

How do I join the MFA?
Contact MFA officers by e-mail at mufa@muohio.edu or watch our bulletin board across from the Dean's office in Laws Hall for information. Membership is free.

How do I petition the Finance Department to consider a change in requirements?
The Department will consider any petition made in writing. Petition forms are available in 103 Laws. Alternatively you may address a letter to the Chair of the Department and it will be considered by the Curriculum Committee.

Can I take a Finance class Pass/Fail or Credit/No-credit?
All of the classes taken in the School of Business must be for a grade. This is in order to calculate your GPA requirements for graduation and entrance into the School of Business.

I have an incomplete in a class, can I take another class to replace that one?
No, if you take another class two classes will appear on you DAR and the "I" will not be replaced but counted as an "F" in your grade calculation.

Can I take a course at the same time as a pre-requisite?
No, pre-requisite does not mean co-requisite.

What is the difference between the Miami Plan Capstone and the School of Business Capstone? Do I have to take both?
The Miami Plan Capstone is required by Liberal Education. The School of Business capstone is required in the business core. The School of Business capstone meets the Miami Plan Capstone requirements and therefore you do not have to take both. But if you take a Miami Plan capstone outside business you will need to take a Business Capstone to graduate with a business degree.

Why can't I receive credit for both FIN 464 and FIN 483?
FIN 464 and FIN 483 are both international law classes. The courses are similar but do differ substantially. The Department of Finance wants Finance majors to have a broader exposure to finance classes and therefore will not allow credit for both. The new Miami University course description in the catalog now states that credit cannot be given for both courses. For students with a catalog year 200510 or later FIN 464 and FIN 483 will not be allowed as a finance elective.

Why is FIN 306 not used for a Finance Elective?
FIN 306 is designed as a course for Entrepreneurship Minors, is not taught by the Finance department and has a different focus than what we would like to see Finance majors get. It is also somewhat duplicative of our Finance classes.

I am registered for MGT 463 but need FIN 463 to graduate. What do I do?
Seats are split between FIN 463 and MGT 463 to make up one class. If you registered yourself under the wrong designation some how, the Chair of the department can move you as long as both department Chairs agree.

Does FIN 411 count toward the 12 hours of Finance Electives?
Yes, If 411 does not show up as an elective for you contact the Finance Department to correct this. The faculty member teaching the class should forward the names of students needing 411 as a finance elective. But if for some reason it does not show, it can be corrected.

Can I take FIN 411 a second time?
Yes, but the department needs to agree on how the extra two hours will show up on your DAR and be counted.

FIN 411 is 2 hours, do I have to take an additional course to complete the 12 hours of Finance electives?
Yes, you need a minimum of 12 hours of finance electives to graduate. So if you have three - three hour classes and one two hour class, you need to take another class to hurdle the 12 hours. You cannot take an independent study for one hour to do this.

Do you know what courses are going to be taught in the Summer?
If the schedule has not been published by the university check our web site (see finance schedules) for our current thinking. There is no guarantee that this will be the schedule. If no information is available, last summer's schedule will be a good guide. Even if one is published the summer schedule may change dramatically because when the schedule is set (6 - 9 months in advance) we really do not know with certainty whether we will have faculty to teach the courses.