As the CEO or Dean of NYU SPS, you face an issue with one Finance for Marketing class. While popular with Stern and other school students, current policy prioritizes SPS students, barring others from enrolling. Since the course fills quickly, non-SPS students miss out.
Interdisciplinary courses improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic performance. Mixing students from SPS, Stern, and Tisch boosts the learning experience.
Opening this class to other schools could boost SPS enrollment and reputation. Over 88% of current students join due to the instructor’s reputation. As ‘Referrals: The Secret Sauce of College Admissions‘ notes, student referrals are more cost-effective than traditional advertising. Letting more students in could enhance SPS’s perception.
Some faculty oppose change, arguing SPS students should remain the priority and Stern and Tisch already offer quality courses. However, Stern lacks finance classes tailored for Marketing Brand Managers managing a P&L. This course, taught by a CFO with 20+ years of experience, fills that gap.
A survey by the professor found SPS students support allowing others to join, citing better networking.
Though cross-enrollment poses administrative challenges, many universities have successfully managed similar programs.
What Should Be Done?
Write an argument in favor or against allowing non-SPS students to enroll in this course. Support your position with research, evidence, and logical reasoning.