LEAD Awards 2018: Interview with Jon M. Werner, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Emphasizing Assurance of Learning Goals

 
  Category: Degree Program with Emphasis on HR
  LEAD AWARD RANK: 3
                       
  Organization: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, College of Business and Economics
  Program: Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
  Program Director: Dr. Kelly Delaney-Klinger
  Email: delaneyk@uww.edu
  Visit: www.uww.edu

 
Our editorial team interviewed Jon M. Werner from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at the LEAD2018 Awards this past February. Here are some excerpts from the exclusive interview.
 
What is the overall objective of your program?
UW-Whitewater’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management prepares graduates to lead organizations and employees to achieve success in a global business environment. The curriculum aligns with the standards of the Society for Human Resource Management and includes professional knowledge areas such as staffing, compensation and employee benefits, training and development, employment law, and employee/labor-management relations.
 

Who do you impact with your program?
A BBA in Human Resource Management is for individuals who like working with people while helping them find enjoyment and success with their job and employer. This degree is ideal for people who are personable and friendly, and who enjoy spending one-on-one time with other employees in the workplace. Popular career options might include:

 
What are the lessons you’ve learned this year from facilitating your program?
The SHRM Competency Model has been very helpful for identifying learning objectives, both for individual courses, as well as for the overall major. It has also allowed faculty to map student outcomes onto the expected learning outcomes of the university. Having students participate in hands-on activities, research, and client-sponsored projects greatly improves learning in the courses and further develops a variety of SHRM competencies. These activities also boost student confidence in their ability to perform as an HR professional. In addition, the required ePortfolio has been an important tool for helping students integrate all of their knowledge and experiences to better present and identify themselves as HR professionals.
 
How do you measure the return on investment and success of the program?
The program’s success is measured in terms of job placement and career advancement. UW-Whitewater’s Human Resource Management program regularly graduates more than 100 undergraduate students each year. Placement data shows that, on average, 94% of graduating students in the program are working in their field of study within six months of graduation. It is also evident that the program lays the groundwork for advanced career paths. UW-Whitewater HRM alumni can be found in a number of leadership positions including Human Resources Director, Talent Acquisition Manager, Human Resource Information System Manager, Vice-President of Human Resources, and Vice President of Operations.
 
What lies ahead for the program and how will it continue to succeed?
UW-Whitewater’s BBA program is delivered through the College of Business and Economics, which is AACSB-accredited. This accreditation ensures the curriculum is reviewed for quality and relevancy on a regular basis. Environmental changes are also monitored. For example, with the increase of virtual and globally-dispersed work environments, it is vital to incorporate content on cultural intelligence and leadership in a dynamic global context. The college will also continue to seek real-world insights from members of its Human Resource Management Advisory Board, who provide input on ways to maintain and strengthen the program.