Preview Weekend Event Descriptions

Class Visits
Class visits allow you to observe how current first- and second-year McCombs MBAs interact with fellow students and professors in a classroom setting.

McCombs Tours
You will be given a tour of the McCombs School of Business by members of the McCombs Admissions Committee.   During the tour, you will get a chance to see the MBA cohort rooms, MBA “only” study areas, etc. 
  
Welcome Reception and Dinner
This is the official kick-off of Preview Weekend!  Join us for dinner at Lucy’s Boat Yard – known for great views of Lake Austin and a beautiful sunset. This event will bring together the admitted students for the Class of 2008 for a night of food, drinks, music, and fun. Spouses and significant others are welcome to attend this event in addition to the SAS-specific events scheduled throughout the weekend.   Transportation will be provided departing from the Capitol Place Hotel Austin and McCombs School of Business to the restaurant.

Think and Drink
A McCombs tradition that punctuates the end of another hectic week! Socialize and mingle with current students at a favorite Austin bar. Spouses and significant others are welcome to attend this event in addition to the SAS-specific events scheduled throughout the weekend.

Introduction to the McCombs MBA Program
Events during this morning will include presentations from key administrators, an opportunity for faculty to share with you the merits of their respective disciplines, and a Student Life Panel - a "no holds barred" opportunity to quiz current students on what the McCombs program is really all about, including workload, housing options, social life, and the career search.

Case Discussions and Student Organization Fair
After lunch, you'll take part in one of three 45-minute case discussions that cover Marketing, Finance and Strategy. Taught by some of our most popular professors, these case discussions will give you a taste of what academics at the McCombs School are all about. After the case discussions end, you'll move on the student organization fair where you'll meet members of our student-led graduate business organizations.

Optional Information Sessions and Net Impact Case Competition
After stopping by the student organization fair, you'll be able to take advantage of Friday afternoon of optional activities. During these optional information sessions will have an opportunity to learn more about the Financial Aid Process, Global Connection Trips, and organizations such as the Investment Fund and Venture Fellows.  Additionally, you will have an opportunity to watch professors “crack” a case during the Net Impact Case Competition.

SAS Life Series
Deciding to attend MBA School is not a decision to be taken lightly. Having a family or significant other brings even more complexity to the decision. However, the Student and Significant Other Network (SAS) is here to make the transition easier for everyone involved. SAS provides a means for significant others and families to share in the MBA experience. It is nice to know that whenever you make the move to Austin, you will have a network ready to help you every step of the way. SAS will be providing their own series of Friday morning info sessions to help guide spouses and significant others through this transition.

McCombs Community BBQ
Graduate Business Council (GBC) invites all Preview Weekend attendees and all current McCombs MBA students to their annual McCombs Community BBQ. The event will be held at the Hill’s Cafe. Although eating is always a hit, there will also be the opportunity to mix and mingle with current MBA students and hear some live music. What better way to show the incoming class that Austin really is the "Live Music Capital of the World!" Spouses and significant others are welcome to attend this event in addition to the SAS-specific events scheduled throughout the weekend.  Transportation will be provided departing from the Capitol Place Hotel Austin and McCombs School of Business to the restaurant.

McCombs Informational Workshops and Panels
During this morning, you will hear presentations from key administrators, financial aid representatives, academic advisors, and the staff from the Ford Career Center. Interact and ask questions of the administrative leaders of the McCombs MBA Program. 

• Looking Forward: The McCombs MBA Alumni Network (MMA)
  At McCombs, you are considered a member of the alumni network from the moment that you enroll. MMA representatives will discuss such topics as networking and the role of McCombs MBAs after graduation. An alumni panel will give insight on what life is like after the MBA.
• The Plus Program
  Among McCombs many distinctions is the renowned and innovative Plus program. Members of the Plus team will be presenting information regarding the logistics behind this unique opportunity and how it can best be used to augment the skills you will acquire during your time at McCombs.
• Tips from the Ford Career Center
  The Ford Career Center (FCC) provides career services and internship assistance to all McCombs MBAs. In the interest of encouraging students to acquaint themselves with the opportunities provided by the FCC as early in their academic careers as possible, FCC staff will speak to the strategies involved in turning your education into a new and exciting career.

Lunch – University of Texas Club
Join us for lunch at the University of Texas Club housed within the University of Texas Stadium (home of the National Champions Longhorns).  This is the last required event of Preview Weekend!  In addition to a great lunch, we will walk down to the stadium from the business school as a group so you will get a chance to see a little more of our beautiful campus.

Optional Organization Events
After lunch on Saturday, you'll be able to take advantage of Saturday afternoon of optional activities. Many of our student organizations have scheduled their own events for the afternoon that will be outlined in greater detail upon your arrival. For those of you that would like to check out the city and possible housing opportunities, this is also a great chance to do a little exploration on your own. Spouses and significant others will be welcome to attend many of these events in addition to the SAS-specific events scheduled throughout the weekend.

Graduate Women in Business Reception
For all of our female students, the Graduate Women in Business student organization will be holding a special reception between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to welcome you to the McCombs community. Details will be made available closer to date, so check back soon for more.

Night on the Town
To close out the weekend, you'll be spending a night out in downtown Austin, a district with a well deserved reputation for its eclectic, laid back style, live music, and fun-loving culture. Spouses and significant others are welcome to attend this event in addition to the SAS-specific events scheduled throughout the weekend.