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OSR Master’s program

Frequently asked questions

What if I change employers in the middle of the program?

Having the understanding, support and commitment of one's employer does make participation in the OSR Master’s program easier. Often this can be negotiated prior to accepting a position with a new employer. When one's employer is not supportive, continued participation in OSR may be more difficult, but not impossible.

Also, before switching employers voluntarily, be aware that some companies require a partial or complete re-payment of tuition reimbursement. If you sign a promissory note with your employer, then leave prior to fulfilling a commitment to remain with the company, you could be liable for a portion or all of the tuition your employer paid for you.

What if I have to miss a session? Are they videotaped? What if I fall behind due to illness, etc.?

The OSR learning design is highly dependent on full and continuing collaborative participation of all learning community members. Should students be unable to attend for any reason, they are responsible for notifying the faculty, arranging with other students to take notes for them and brief them on the missed session, and making up any learning experience or work missed in order to meet course learning goals. Sessions are not video taped.

Students will not be allowed to continue in the OSR cohort if they miss more than two weekend sessions or one residential session during the 7-quarter duration of the program, without prior approval. In cases of prolonged illnesses, there are creative ways for other members of the learning community to support a participant who must be absent from group sessions.

What are the typical ages of participants?

This will depend on the participants who actually enroll in the cohort. Ages of participants in past cohorts have ranged from 25 to 70, with most students falling between 30 and 45.

Where are other participants from?

This will depend on the participants who actually enroll in the cohort. Past cohorts have seen participants come from the private business sector, not-for-profit organizations, health care, education, government and independent private practice. Typically approximately 40% of the students are from outside the state of Washington.

What kind of support do I need from my organization? How do I get it?

The major forms of support are:

• time off, whether paid or unpaid;
• financial support as needed;
• opportunities to apply your learnings on the job in ways that are valued by your organization; and
• the 'psychological' support and encouragement of your manager.

Past students have negotiated for these forms of support with their employers by explaining to their managers ways that the student's increased ability to contribute based on their participation in the OSR Master’s program will benefit the employer.

How can I keep my manager informed?

You may find it helpful to establish an agreement with your manager about how to maintain open, two-way communication regarding the program before beginning the program. Specific projects that are conducted in the work place also offer an excellent opportunity to keep your manager involved. In addition you can have an appropriate person from your workplace on the Degree Committee as a field advisor. OSR wishes to enhance the relationship between the program and your employer.

Will you come talk to my boss about the program?

Yes, based on student request, faculty may assist the manager in better understanding the program.

Will I like the group I'm with? What can be done if I don't like them?

Like any group one joins, there are no guarantees that you will immediately like them or they will like you. The opportunity in the OSR Master’s program is to learn in collaborative relationships so group membership can be as productive as possible.

What if other people (in small groups) don't do their work?

It is inevitable that there are perceived differences in each member's contribution to the design teams and other small group work. In the program, we treat this as a learning experience and encourage the group to confront the inequity by using learned skills in conflict management and small group dynamics. Occasionally, the faculty will provide consultative assistance to the group and to the individual(s) who may not be doing their agreed-upon work.

Is it okay if I have a baby during the program?

A few participants in the past have given birth in the middle of their program. With good advance planning and the support of family members and one's employer, childbirth need not interfere with the student's continued progress in the OSR Master’s program.

Are there other people in my region/company/industry who will attend the program?

This will depend on the participants who actually enroll in the program. We expect most of the participants to come from Washington and Oregon, though some have come from California, Arizona, Canada and so on. We consciously try to attract as wide a mix of backgrounds as possible. In the past, participants from the same company have found it helpful to work in different small groups in order to broaden their perspective and benefit from the diversity of the group.

What type of people typically participate in the program?

There is a rich mix of disciplines, job levels, generations, and interests among program participants which, in our experience, has enhanced the learning of all participants. We utilize the diversity to build an intentional learning community.

What will the relationship with faculty be like?

It is our desire that relationships between program participants and faculty be mutually respectful, collaborative and supportive. Faculty consider themselves co-learners with students and collaborate with them in creating and maintaining a learning community. Advisors focus on the student's success in their interactions with them and in all aspects of their relationship.

Can I call the faculty, email them, etc.? When can I contact them?

A primary responsibility of the OSR faculty is to provide advisory services to program participants. In addition to the usual student-advisor time, each faculty member is accessible to any student. Either party can initiate contact (whether by phone, email, or in person) and is expected to respect the time demands on both parties by: arranging for mutually convenient appointment time; announcing ahead of time the purpose of the meeting; and being fully prepared to conduct and participate in the meeting.

Where are the faculty from?

The faculty, who attend every session and advise students, are from the Northwest. They are selected for their diversity of experience, both as practitioners in business and other organizations and in academia. Distinguished visiting faculty are brought in from the Pacific Northwest, around the country and elsewhere in the world.

Page updated Wed, March 25, 2009