Rutgers Business School's New Program Aims to Support Timely Graduation for Students
In a significant move that aims to ease the burdens faced by students juggling work and academics, Rutgers Business School has recently launched the On-Time Graduation Initiative. This pilot program provides scholarships to assist students who are struggling to balance their employment commitments with their studies. With financial backing from alumni and corporate partners, this initiative hopes to enhance graduation rates within the business school, which reportedly only sees around half of its students graduating in four years.
Brittany Rodriguez, a junior at Rutgers Business School-Newark, is one of the recipients of the $1,800 scholarship offered as part of the initiative. Following her transfer from Union County College, Rodriguez found herself in a challenging situation where managing classes, working, and trying to maintain her grades became overwhelming. Balancing five classes with at least 20 hours of work per week became a juggling act that often robbed her of sleep and time with friends.
"It became a little overwhelming," Rodriguez shared about her struggles. Fortunately, the scholarship alleviated some of that pressure, allowing her to reduce her work hours and dedicate more time to her studies and group projects. This newfound focus is crucial as academic pressure and financial constraints can severely impact students' ability to graduate in a timely manner.
Similar sentiments were echoed by David Ruiz, another junior studying supply chain management. Working 24 hours each week in a challenging job setting while managing coursework was taxing for him, especially during times when his family faced health issues, exacerbating his financial struggles. With the support of the scholarship, Ruiz has managed to free his Thursdays and Fridays from work, enabling him to devote more energy to his class assignments and studies.
The On-Time Graduation Initiative not only seeks to offer immediate relief to students like Rodriguez and Ruiz but also aims to address a broader issue: delayed graduation rates across public universities. Many students are forced to work long hours to support their education, leading to difficulties in keeping up with academic demands. In fact, across various institutions, average four-year graduation rates hover around 40%, showcasing the challenges these students face.
"I understand the struggle firsthand," says Luke Greeley, associate dean of the undergraduate program at Rutgers Business School. Having worked part-time himself during college, Greeley recognizes the significant impact financial pressures have on students’ academic performance. The initiative was conceived to allow students to focus on earning their degrees without overwhelming work commitments.
Alumni involvement in this pilot program has been critical. Frank Palumbo, a retired Cisco sales executive and a Rutgers alumnus, expressed his support, sharing, "As a Rutgers-Newark alumnus, it is a privilege to be part of empowering students to graduate on time.” Palumbo's personal experiences have driven him to give back to the school and its students.
Looking forward, the success of the pilot program will be analyzed to determine its future. Rutgers Business School leaders have plans to expand this initiative, potentially reaching students at the Rutgers Business School-New Brunswick campus as well. The overarching goal is clear: to ensure all motivated students can graduate on time, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
Joanna Mulford, a managing director at PGIM Real Estate and a supporter of the initiative, echoed the positive feedback from students receiving scholarships. She has witnessed how reduced working hours due to financial support can significantly enhance students' academic experiences.
As Dean Lei Lei stated, "We hope to make an even greater impact on the lives of our students and their families with the permanent On-Time Graduation Initiative.” This program is a notable step toward providing students with the necessary support to navigate their academic and professional lives more effectively—ultimately paving the way for future leaders prepared to tackle the complexities of the business world.
Brittany Rodriguez, a junior at Rutgers Business School-Newark, is one of the recipients of the $1,800 scholarship offered as part of the initiative. Following her transfer from Union County College, Rodriguez found herself in a challenging situation where managing classes, working, and trying to maintain her grades became overwhelming. Balancing five classes with at least 20 hours of work per week became a juggling act that often robbed her of sleep and time with friends.
"It became a little overwhelming," Rodriguez shared about her struggles. Fortunately, the scholarship alleviated some of that pressure, allowing her to reduce her work hours and dedicate more time to her studies and group projects. This newfound focus is crucial as academic pressure and financial constraints can severely impact students' ability to graduate in a timely manner.
Similar sentiments were echoed by David Ruiz, another junior studying supply chain management. Working 24 hours each week in a challenging job setting while managing coursework was taxing for him, especially during times when his family faced health issues, exacerbating his financial struggles. With the support of the scholarship, Ruiz has managed to free his Thursdays and Fridays from work, enabling him to devote more energy to his class assignments and studies.
The On-Time Graduation Initiative not only seeks to offer immediate relief to students like Rodriguez and Ruiz but also aims to address a broader issue: delayed graduation rates across public universities. Many students are forced to work long hours to support their education, leading to difficulties in keeping up with academic demands. In fact, across various institutions, average four-year graduation rates hover around 40%, showcasing the challenges these students face.
"I understand the struggle firsthand," says Luke Greeley, associate dean of the undergraduate program at Rutgers Business School. Having worked part-time himself during college, Greeley recognizes the significant impact financial pressures have on students’ academic performance. The initiative was conceived to allow students to focus on earning their degrees without overwhelming work commitments.
Alumni involvement in this pilot program has been critical. Frank Palumbo, a retired Cisco sales executive and a Rutgers alumnus, expressed his support, sharing, "As a Rutgers-Newark alumnus, it is a privilege to be part of empowering students to graduate on time.” Palumbo's personal experiences have driven him to give back to the school and its students.
Looking forward, the success of the pilot program will be analyzed to determine its future. Rutgers Business School leaders have plans to expand this initiative, potentially reaching students at the Rutgers Business School-New Brunswick campus as well. The overarching goal is clear: to ensure all motivated students can graduate on time, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
Joanna Mulford, a managing director at PGIM Real Estate and a supporter of the initiative, echoed the positive feedback from students receiving scholarships. She has witnessed how reduced working hours due to financial support can significantly enhance students' academic experiences.
As Dean Lei Lei stated, "We hope to make an even greater impact on the lives of our students and their families with the permanent On-Time Graduation Initiative.” This program is a notable step toward providing students with the necessary support to navigate their academic and professional lives more effectively—ultimately paving the way for future leaders prepared to tackle the complexities of the business world.
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