UVM Grossman School of Business Achieves High Level in the Positive Impact Rating for 5th Consecutive YearPositive Impact Rating (PIR) 2024 reportfull story >>>

UVM Grossman School of Business Achieves High Level in the Positive Impact Rating for 5th Consecutive Year

UVM students assessed how they perceive Grossman School's positive impact in the world

The University of Vermont (UVM) Grossman School of Business (Grossman School) was recognized for its social impact and sustainability achievements when the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) 2024 report was shared at the UN PRME Global Forum in June. The PIR is an annual rating conducted by students for students, with more than 15,000 individuals participating in this year's rating survey. Grossman School achieved a Level 4 "Transforming" school classification and was one of 77 business schools from 30 countries across five continents that took part in this year's rating.

A Level 4 "Transforming School"

Business schools are ranked according to five levels, with 5 being the top level and 1 the lowest. In the PIR 2024 Report, six schools ranked Level 5 (Pioneering schools) and 43 including Grossman School achieved a Level 4 "Transforming" school classification. Transforming schools demonstrate a "positive impact culture, embedded in governance and systems, with visible results in many impact dimensions." Since the PIR began its rating survey in 2020, the Grossman School at UVM has consistently achieved a Level 4 rating, which was top level in the report's first year.

Led by Student Voices

Students worldwide assessed their business schools on their positive impact in the world. Student leaders in the Grossman School of Business recruited other students to assess how the school addresses societal and sustainable challenges and prepares students to be responsible business leaders.

The rating survey asked students 20 questions in the seven key impact dimensions of Governance, Culture, Programs, Learning Methods, Student Support, Institution as a Role Model and Public Engagement-all falling within three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score of the business school is used to position the schools across the five levels.

Sustainability Focus at Grossman School

Business schools worldwide are making a positive impact on businesses, the economy, and society, and the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business is no exception. Sustainability is an integral part of the school's undergraduate curriculum, Master of Accountancy (MAcc), and graduate certificate programs. It's also the focus of UVM's Sustainable Innovation MBA, an accelerated MBA program that has graduates back into the world and making an impact in one year. The program remains the U.S.'s highest ranked green MBA program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the most prestigious accrediting body for business programs. Only 5% of programs worldwide earn this honor.

"We are pleased to continue to receive this recognition from our students year after year. It underscores the school's commitment to develop leaders of sustainable business that address complex challenges in a dynamic global multi-stakeholder environment," said Sanjay Sharma, dean, Grossman School of Business. "The future of business is closely tied to the health of the planet and society. Businesses are integral to solutions that preserve the environment and enhance social justice. Our programs educate and equip students to transform today's businesses and build the businesses of tomorrow for a sustainable future."

The Positive Impact Rating was initiated by a group of concerned business school experts and founded by the endorsers WWF, Oxfam International and the UNGC Switzerland, with the active support of the funders VIVA Idea and The Institute for Business Sustainability (IBS). It is set up to be led by international student organizations to ensure that the PIR captures the student voice in each school.

Read the full 2024 PIR report.