Planning on studying abroad, or having second thoughts? The panic around this pandemic seems to be slowly rising as more and more positive cases of COVID-19 are being reported every day. So how exactly is the world dealing with this situation? In our last article, we covered the top 5* b schools around the world and the steps they are taking to ensure the health and safety of their students and staff. In today’s article, we’ll be looking at the next 5* b schools.*Rankings as per the Financial Times for the year 2020.You might also want to read: Top 50 MBA Programs Around The World - FT, QS Rankings
Interesting Observations
Every b school mentioned in this article has a dedicated COVID-19 page on their website to regularly share updates, guidelines, resources, etc.
All b schools have either already begun, or will soon begin online/virtual classes to avoid in-person lectures and keep the students’ courses running.
Students and faculty are advised to restrict their mobility to avoid further spreading the virus. Not only has this been shared by news outlets, but by guidelines on almost every b school website.
Apart from guidelines, preventive measures, etc. it appears that every b school is utilising this crisis as a learning opportunity. Many articles and stories analysing the situation globally are being published regularly on their websites and community pages.
B schools are setting up hotlines and teams to deal with this crisis, and provide students with support and solutions.
Social Distancing is a term that is being widely used.
MIT: Sloan
Like most b schools around the world, MIT Sloan too has implemented standard guidelines for its students and staff to follow in order to prevent–or at the least minimise–infection. MIT has set up a page where they regularly share updates for students and staff. Some of steps they have taken:
Encouraging Social Distancing.
All classes starting 13 March 2020 have been canceled until further notice.
Online instructions for classes are scheduled to begin from 30 March 2020.
On campus research activities have been stopped until further notice.
Students who were off campus during spring break are encouraged not to return.
Students who were on campus during spring break are encouraged to leave by 17 March 2020.
All International travel for students, faculty, staff has been suspended. People planning on domestic travel too are being encouraged to postpone.
All meetings/gatherings of more than 25 people are to be postponed, cancelled, or moved to an online platform.
Many articles and blog posts analysing this situation are being shared by the community, including tips and guidelines to ensure safety.
MIT Medical has a dedicated page where they regularly share updates, guidelines, suggestions, etc. from the medical world.
London Business School has confirmed cases of coronavirus in its student population as per this post on their website. The student who was tested positive was on campus for one single day (26th February). While the school continues to operate, there are certain protocols implemented as per guidelines. To ensure that all queries and concerns are addressed, they have created a separate FAQ page dedicated to Coronavirus. Some of the steps they have taken:
Attendance has been made optional until the end of the academic year 2019-2020.
Courses are being made available online so even students who travelled home and are unable to return to campus can continue studying.
The UK Campus is open, but their Dubai Campus has been closed until 5 April 2020.
All in all, London Business School is trying to keep its activities running by following guidelines provided by Public Health England and the Department of Education.
Columbia Business School
As with every other b school, Columbia Business School has also made a page addressing the issue of COVID-19. However, they’ve designed it in a way that the two major factors of this situation are addressed right in the beginning. Here’s some of the steps they have taken:
A member of CBS has been tested positive. All individuals who came in contact with this person have been notified. Self-isolation and following the standard protocol for individuals tested positive has been encouraged.
On-campus activities have been ramped down.
All students who can leave campus are encouraged to do so before 17 March 2020.
Students who cannot leave are to request for stay by 15 March 2020. Eligible students will be paid $500 in case of any needs/assistance.
Libraries, Halls and Chapel have been closed until further notice.
All employees are asked to work from home, except designated personnel.
A helpline has been set up for students who wish to seek guidance/support in regards to COVID-19.
Guidelines have been shared on the dedicated page.
France is one of the countries (at the time of writing this article) with the highest number of active cases in the world. On the HEC Paris website, they have set up a page that lists all helpful information regarding COVID-19 and how to deal with it, including preventive measures, toll-free helpline numbers, links to more sites with helpful information, etc. Here are some of the steps they have taken:
A monitoring unit has been formed at the general management level to anticipate the needs of the HEC community and offer support and solutions.
Surprisingly, HEC Paris will continue to roll out its distance learning program.
While on campus activities might still continue to an extent, students are advised to go home if they can. The Student Affairs Department is devising a plan to help these students reach home safely amidst the heavy travel restrictions imposed.
As per government regulations, all restaurants on campus are shut. Campus staff too is at a minimum. Students unable to return home are being provided with take-out meal solutions, and other solutions are being considered.
No postponement or cancellation of the graduation ceremony has been declared as of 17th March.
University of Chicago: Booth
University of Chicago: Booth has followed suit as per standard guidelines. The University of Chicago has set up a dedicated page to regularly share updates regarding the coronavirus pandemic, travel guidelines, useful resources, etc. Here’s some of what have done:
All events and activities have been cancelled or postponed through 15 April 2020.
All in-person classes have been moved to online formats.
The entire Spring Quarter of 2020 has been moved to remote learning for all undergraduate and graduate classes.
The Spring Quarter of 2020 has been delayed by 1 week.
Starting 20 March 2020, libraries will be closed for 2 weeks.
