How is performance graded?
Executive MBA faculty members use a four-level – high pass, pass, low pass, and no pass – grading system. Every class grade is a combination of individual and team effort on tests, presentations, and special projects, but the exact breakdown is up to each professor. Some test grades are numeric.

Is it OK to miss school occasionally?
To earn a degree in 18 months, you cover a large amount of material in relatively short time. So if you miss class, you may find it difficult to catch up. The Executive MBA team realizes illness or important family commitments can’t always be avoided. You may request a DVD of a missed class. If you miss more than 25 percent of any class, however, you must repeat it.

How many students are in a study group, and do groups change membership during the course of the program?
Each study group usually has seven to eight members. The Executive MBA staff carefully constructs the groups to include diverse – but complementary – professionals from a wide variety of organizations, industries, and functional areas. Using input from your classmates, the EMBA staff will assign you to a new group during the Midprogram Residency. The objective is for you to practice team and network building.

What is the cost of the program?
See the Tuition page for WashU-Fudan EMBA program cost. Tuition fees cover educational activities, lodging and meals for all residencies, and books and materials. You’re responsible for transportation costs to and from St. Louis for the final residency. You’re also responsible for transportation for the Midprogram Residency, held at an Asian location selected by you and your classmates.

When does the program start, and how long is it?
You begin the program with a pre-orientation in late April, and the program takes approximately 18 months to complete.

What are the numbers of students and alumni?
The program has one class intake of approximately 50 students per year. To date, more than 600 students have graduated from the program. Fudan University School of Management has more than 28,000 alumni from all its executive MBA programs. Olin Business School has more than 19,800 alumni worldwide.

Who enrolls in the program?
The average age of your program classmates is 38. About 60 to 70 percent of your classmates are citizens of the People’s Republic of China; remaining students come from Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia. Approximately 90 percent of your program peers work for multinational companies; 10 percent work for private Chinese companies or state-owned enterprises that conduct business internationally.

Is it possible to fail and not be allowed to graduate from the program?
Your tuition fee enables you to enroll and participate in the program; it does not guarantee you receive a degree. What you get from your Executive MBA experience depends on what you put into it. If you can’t spend the necessary time and effort to pass your courses, you’ll be asked to withdraw from the program.

How does the program maintain its academic integrity?
The Executive MBA team believes professional integrity is the backbone of leadership. As a result, Executive MBA policies are consistent with international expectations for senior leaders. You receive clear guidelines for class conduct and program assignments, and you’re expected to follow them.

What happens if an emergency arises and I can’t make a class or the U.S. trip?
In most cases, you’ll be able to complete the course or residency with the next Executive MBA class. In general, the Executive MBA team leaves it up to you to decide how to best spend your time. If you routinely miss class, however, you’ll be asked to withdraw from the program until your schedule can accommodate EMBA courses and course work.

Is a laptop computer required?
Yes, a laptop computer is required. Wi-Fi for laptops and other portable devices is available in the public areas of the School of Management’s Starr Building, in the Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center, and throughout the Washington University in St. Louis campus. Use of your laptop during classroom instruction is prohibited unless instructed otherwise by your professor.