Perhaps more than ever before, undergraduate students realize the importance of China in the global business market, and are seeking avenues to connect their undergraduate education with the world's fastest growing economy. SMU has long offered study abroad programs in China, Chinese language classes, and an Asian Studies Minor to help our business majors make those connections. This spring, the Cox School also brought together a group of students to have lunch with Dr. John Slocum so he could share his extensive experience on doing business in China.

Dr. Slocum has been studying business in China since the late 70's, and has published articles on business issues specific to the Chinese marketplace.

Professor Slocum discussed what these students could expect as they traveled to China as business students, covering everything from exchange rates to cultural differences. Chopsticks were mandatory at this luncheon! "It's the small programs like this that are the reason I enrolled at SMU Cox," said one junior BBA Scholar. "The attention to the students' needs and individual interests make me feel so at home here."

These new "working lunches" will continue during the academic year. The premise is simple: find a group of students with niche scholastic interests and match them with a Cox faculty member who is an expert in that field. Other topics under consideration include "The Business of Fashion", "The Business of Sports", and "Stock Market 101."