MBA (Master of Business Administration) students are seen as the next generation of business leaders. In fact, more than half of CEOs in the US hold MBA degrees. With growing enrollment in courses related to social impact, MBA schools have seen an increased interest in the intersection of capitalism and democracy among its students. However, MBA students aren’t engaging in democracy while they’re in graduate school, despite their schools having the resources to help them.
The Data
Business school turnout falls far below the turnout of peers in other programs. Overall, MBA students on average vote 18.5% less than other schools at universities. Below is data from the top three MBA schools in the country:
To learn more about this data, visit the NSLVE Data Portal.
The Federal Higher Education Act requires colleges and universities to make a “good faith effort” to distribute voter registration materials to all students; however, this is often fulfilled through a school-wide email that is almost never read by students.
How Business Schools Can Help
In anticipation of National Voter Registration Day (September 20), Leadership Now members are actively reaching out to their alma maters and encouraging them to promote voter engagement and increase turnout.
With the 2022 election right around the corner, we know some schools may feel like it’s too late to take action. But there are some simple steps they can take. We encourage each school’s dean to send a communication to all MBA students providing nonpartisan voting resources and encouraging them to vote. Additionally, schools should commit to holding no exams or assignments on Election Day, to make it easier for students to have time to vote.
MBA schools should also begin preparing for the Presidential Election in 2024. Our recommendations are below:
Hold no classes on Election Day
Provide comprehensive resources on registration, early voting, and Election Day voting from the Dean of the school
Provide resources to student groups leading nonpartisan civic engagement efforts
The Future is Now
Future business leaders are being cultivated right now at MBA schools across the country. While many students’ studies are focused on social impact and the connection between business success and democracy, the majority aren’t participating in elections by voting. MBA schools should play an active role in building a culture of civic participation. The health of our democracy depends on it.