Korbel Student Here - Will Answer Questions

[La Voz]

Hi all,

As you're wrapping up some applications, or more likely done with them, the long wait begins. Best of luck to all of you, it's not a ton of fun.

If anyone has questions about the University of Denver's Korbel School of International Studies, feel free to ask away. I'm in the Global Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration program (I chose it over SAIS, Elliott, Harris SPP, Wisconsin LaFollette, and George Mason SPP).

[Magnolia2011]

Hi all,

As you're wrapping up some applications, or more likely done with them, the long wait begins. Best of luck to all of you, it's not a ton of fun.

If anyone has questions about the University of Denver's Korbel School of International Studies, feel free to ask away. I'm in the Global Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration program (I chose it over SAIS, Elliott, Harris SPP, Wisconsin LaFollette, and George Mason SPP).

I know someone who attends Korbel and I've also heard several complaints from current MA students there who are unable to get their first-- even up to fourth, fifth, and sixth choices in classes (as they quickly max out). What is your experience about this? Acceptable for a 4-yr undergrad, but a 2-yr grad program, not so much. Especially seeing as how expensive grad school is (and people go to grad school to *specialize* in certain areas) makes it really devastating to disillusioned students that they aren't getting the kind of education they expected. Why do you think this is, and do you foresee the administration changing anything?

You would think that the Korbel school would be more conscientious about making sure that their students are getting the education they set out to get so that when they go out into the real world, their knowledge about their professions reflect impressively on the school's behalf. Perhaps there is more to it, but at the same time, it's difficult when you only hear the same story from numerous current students there.

[HopefulIR]

I'm attending Korbel now and I can confirm that as a first year student, classes fill up pretty darn quick.

I think it's very much in part of the different programs being able to register for any subject they wish. For example, a security studies student can register for a course in human rights and vice versa. This bugs many students because perhaps a human rights major with a much later registration time (than that security student) would be shut out of that class.

However, I must note that it is fairly easy to petition and get off a waitlist for the class. Usually the student affairs office is able to override the class to accept you. They do this sometimes because students realize the class isn't for them the first week and so it kinda evens out to the normal number after the add/drop period. Or, it's a core requirement and the professors (the ones I've met anyway) don't have a problem with getting a couple more students (as long as there's chairs available in the room.)

Seeing that students change their mind perhaps halfway through the quarter, one should always monitor the webcentral registration website every now and then. I know of several friends that had a later registration time that got into a section I wanted, but it wasn't open during my earlier time.

We all complain about the registration, but I do appreciate them letting me register for a entirely different subject if I was interested in it.

As for myself, I've gotten into every single class I wanted my first year. And I mean every single one. The only ones I couldn't get into was because of conflicting times. However, I do think it's really lucky/rare for me to do so (my colleagues, not so much.)

Also, on a side note, for any security student looking at Korbel. I think it's only fair to warn you that our intelligence expert (Peg Sanders) will be leaving at the end of this year, thus if you were hoping to take some courses with an ex-CIA officer, a bit of bad luck I'm afraid. They're looking for a replacement for her now, but I don't know how easily it is to reach out to Langley for a new retiree (that also wants to relocate to Denver/and teach grad students.) But there's also rumors that Dean Hill, as in former Ambassador Hill to Iraq, will be teaching a course/seminar next year (exciting!)

I know someone who attends Korbel and I've also heard several complaints from current MA students there who are unable to get their first-- even up to fourth, fifth, and sixth choices in classes (as they quickly max out). What is your experience about this? Acceptable for a 4-yr undergrad, but a 2-yr grad program, not so much. Especially seeing as how expensive grad school is (and people go to grad school to *specialize* in certain areas) makes it really devastating to disillusioned students that they aren't getting the kind of education they expected. Why do you think this is, and do you foresee the administration changing anything?

You would think that the Korbel school would be more conscientious about making sure that their students are getting the education they set out to get so that when they go out into the real world, their knowledge about their professions reflect impressively on the school's behalf. Perhaps there is more to it, but at the same time, it's difficult when you only hear the same story from numerous current students there.

Edited February 20, 2011 by HopefulIR

[Aunuwyn]

Also, on a side note, for any security student looking at Korbel. I think it's only fair to warn you that our intelligence expert (Peg Sanders) will be leaving at the end of this year, thus if you were hoping to take some courses with an ex-CIA officer, a bit of bad luck I'm afraid. They're looking for a replacement for her now, but I don't know how easily it is to reach out to Langley for a new retiree (that also wants to relocate to Denver/and teach grad students.) But there's also rumors that Dean Hill, as in former Ambassador Hill to Iraq, will be teaching a course/seminar next year (exciting!)

That's a shame, she was one of the better faculty at the school.

[macmc]

Hey there. Any news on a replacement for Ms. Sanders? Or, thoughts about intelligence offerings at the school in general?

[Phili]

Hello there and thanks for setting up the thread,

I've received the worst news today - that being that I've been waitlisted. I was just wondering what light you could shed on this situation. Is it a long or short list? Can I locate myself on it (near the top or bottom)? In reality is it one of those lists that sits untouched because the school has accepted a generous collection of students that are more than likely going to fill the incoming cohort, thus leaving no room to accept waitlisted folks (barring an anomaly)? I inquire only because I have other graduate school decisions to make that will require responses contingent on things I need to know far before May(ish). So, I need to know what the gambling position is. Any thoughts on this matter would be greatly appreciated, and even if you could direct me to an individual that could give me an indication on the prospects of waitlisted folks that'd be super great. Thanks much.

Edited March 10, 2011 by Phili

[HopefulIR]

Hi Meg11, I haven't heard anything about a replacement for Peg Sanders. I believe they're still actively searching. She was a great prof though. Told us stories about CIA rendition.

She taught two intelligence classes, "Intelligence and National Security" and "Strategic Intelligence Problems." Unfortunately, I won't be taking her Strat Intel course since it conflicts with another course I wanted. But, I will be taking part of a simulation this April that is being ran by the CIA. Supposedly it is a requirement for Strat Intel, so hopefully I get something out of it.

On the other hand, I will be taking "Strategic Intelligence Data Collection" with Boevers instead. This is his bio if you are so inclined: http://www.du.edu/korbel/facultyresearch/adjunct/Boevers,_Bruce.html He has some DIA experience, so that's kind of cool.

Hey there. Any news on a replacement for Ms. Sanders? Or, thoughts about intelligence offerings at the school in general?

Hi Phili, I'm not quite sure how long the waitlist is. The admissions office people (Brad and Nicole) are super friendly. I suggest you contact Nicole if you haven't already. Maybe there is something you've done recently after the application that should be noteworthy. If anything, they didn't reject you. I'll sit down with some pen and paper and write some reasons why you applied to Korbel. I think if you emailed her or Brad and asked for a phone interview to plead your case, it'll go a long way. Afterwards, be sure to send a hand written thank you. You have to show them that you really want this. If you can get another letter of recommendation or a phone call from a prof, that couldn't hurt either. Best of luck to you.

Hello there and thanks for setting up the thread,

I've received the worst news today - that being that I've been waitlisted. I was just wondering what light you could shed on this situation. Is it a long or short list? Can I locate myself on it (near the top or bottom)? In reality is it one of those lists that sits untouched because the school has accepted a generous collection of students that are more than likely going to fill the incoming cohort, thus leaving no room to accept waitlisted folks (barring an anomaly)? I inquire only because I have other graduate school decisions to make that will require responses contingent on things I need to know far before May(ish). So, I need to know what the gambling position is. Any thoughts on this matter would be greatly appreciated, and even if you could direct me to an individual that could give me an indication on the prospects of waitlisted folks that'd be super great. Thanks much.