International Business and Management (M.A.)
Master of Arts
Characteristics of the Master's program International Business and Management
You would like to study in Germany and at the same time prepare for an international career? To achieve this goal, studying International Business and Management M.A. at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences could be the ideal option for you:
- Through the international curriculum, our graduates are well prepared for specialized and leading positions in international companies and organisations.
- Both German and international students from all over the world study together in intercultural teams.
- Students can opt to study abroad for a semester or even pursue a dual degree.
- The program can be studied completely in English language.
- Lecturers with international experience provide for in-depth insights into current international business and management issues.
- The master program has a strong practical orientation, which is manifested through practice-related assignments or lecturers who have previously worked in international companies.
The Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences is a member of EFMD Global. EFMD (European Foundation of Management Development) is a network of business schools and corporations dedicated to enhance excellence in management education and development globally.
News
Learn more about our master´s program "international business and management" at the info session on Monday, April 25 from 5 pm - 6 pm. At the event, you can find out about the application process and requirements to apply for the upcoming intake 2022/2023. Next deadline is July 15, 2022.
To join this event, please register yourself through this form.
The meeting will take place online via Zoom at the following link.
We look forward to seeing you at our meeting.
Master IBM Team
Why is CSR in Germany much more focused on sustainability than in the US? And how does a fashion company like Bonprix (Otto Group) deal with it? Those questions have been discussed in a Global Classroom event by students from the University of Pennsylvania with Prof. Femida Handy and master students from Hochschule Osnabrück (specialization “Change Management”) on 27th May 2021.
Prof. Dr. Peter Mayer opened the session and initially gave an interesting insight into the background, which is mostly based on the role of the state. It became clear that a comprehensive social welfare system that guarantees employee protection (e.g. greatly higher leave entitlement in Germany) leads to a significantly bigger role for sustainability as a part of CSR in Europe, whereas corporate volunteering for instance is more on focus in the US.
This focus was confirmed by Dorothea End, who works as CR-Manager at Bonprix. She introduced Bonprix's new sustainability strategy in her presentation. The students learned that when it comes to the reduction of the ecological footprint, it is essentially about looking at the entire supply chain such as product manufacturing, product composition as well as packaging and transport. Dorothea End explained that they want to give the customers a good choice. Following questions were raised, among other things, in subsequent discussions round. “How does the company deal internally with conflicts of interest when price plays such a big role in fast fashion? How strong and influential is the position of the sustainability team compared to others like the purchasing department?” Ms End as the expert explained that “We are bound to the management and the sustainability goals are pursued and negotiated like other challenges".
This event had been organized by Prof. Dr. Heike Schinnenburg from Hochschule Osnabrück and Prof. Femida Handy from U-Penn, Philadelphia. The event took place in English language via Zoom.
Addendum: The participant's feedback is positive
"Expanding international cooperation/ projects if possible" (statement in Miro)
"Thank you so much for an amazing learning experience!” (Ben, U-Penn, Philadelphia, via Groupcard)
Lorena Escobar Arispe from Peru is currently enrolled in her third semester in the master´s program international business and management. In recognition of her outstanding academic achievements and her impressive extra-curricular activities in support of animal protection she has been awarded the DAAD Prize 2020. Congratulations Lorena!
More details is available at the university press release
Students awarded top marks for Management Master Programs at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. Further details can be found at University Press release
The Master program "International Business and Management" has again achieved top scores in the current CHE Ranking 2020/2021 (Center for Higher Education). This time, the Master program was ranked within the top group in the following categories: internationality of the study program and relation to practical work experience within the program. More details can be found at ZEIT Campus
Our students had the opportunity to attend a workshop on agile project management on November 12th, 2019. Ms. Julia Bosbach (Senior Consultant) and Ms. Ann-Christine Museler (Consultant and graduate of Hochschule Osnabrück (Business Psychology)) from Assure Consulting GmbH provided an insight into the method Scrum as an agile project management tool. The workshop consisted of two parts: during the theoretical part the students learned the basics and theories behind Scrum and how agile project management is applied in companies to manage processes and projects. During the practical part of the workshop, the students applied the method by themselves in a Scrum simulation with Lego blocks in two seperate groups. Not only did the students enjoy the interactive simulation and learned how to work with the Scrum method, they also received insights into the work of a consulting company and possible career opportunities in this field.
Detailed information
What makes studying at Hochschule Osnabrück unique for German and International students? Find out more on our Youtube channel what Hochschule Osnabrück means for our students: Studying at Hochschule Osnabrück & International students and lecturers at Hochschule Osnabrück.
Besides making a choice for Hochschule Osnabrück as a university, many of our students choose the Master program International Business and Management also for the following reasons:
Management competence
The Master's program in International Business and Management aims to guide young people on their way to executive positions in international companies and organisations.
Balance of theory and practical content
Courses such as Global Economic Framework, International Marketing and a choice of specialisations are linked to case studies to bring in expertise that can be transferred directly to an international working environment.
Intensive training of social and intercultural skills
Small international groups, individually counselled and supported, create a setting for a rich learning experience as well as for friendships that may last a lifetime.
Internationality at its best
Dual degree programs with universities in South Korea, France and Indonesia as well as cooperations with many international partner universities facilitate international experiences.
Teambuilding and companionship
Teambuilding seminars and regular get-togethers help the students to become a community.
The city and greater region of Osnabrück
Osnabrück with its green and historic city center and the surrounding region in the middle of Europe is home to many innovative and well-known companies in the high-tech, engineering, food and logistics sectors. Find out more here why the largest and research-intensive University of Applied Sciences in Lower Saxony may be a good choice for you.
We are convinced that the program provides our students with an ideal learning environment and experience.
The Master program International Business and Management qualifies students for employment in various industries and trade branches as well as in various functions and departments of international companies or organisations. Depending on the specialisation chosen during the course of studies, our graduates work in diverse positions in marketing, sales, HR or purchasing and logistics departments, as well as in consulting. Past evaluations have shown that most graduates work in larger medium-sized or multinational companies, mainly in the manufacturing sector (automobile sector, food industry & others). Several students have decided to join start-ups after their graduation. Moreover, IT-based and consulting companies are also attracting our graduates, the same applies to logistics and other service-based companies.
The details of the qualifications that will be obtained during the studies are outlined here:
Studying for a degree and living abroad in a foreign country and culture can be a challenge, albeit a very rewarding one. Degree-seeking students from all over the world come to Osnabrück for studying in the Master program International Business and Management and we offer several services to support our international students:
- Individual counselling through the program coordinator before and during the studies
- Arrangement of accommodation in a student dormitory
- Buddy program (support before and during arrival through a student from a higher semester)
- International Orientation Days before the first semester starts, offered by our International Faculty Office (IFO)
- Support with registration formalities at the local authorities and counselling on financing / scholarship possibilities through our Center for International Students (CIS)
- German Summer Language School and German classes during the studies
- Counselling on academic writing standards and self-management through our Learning Center
- Explore Germany (cultural program for international students)
Click on the links above and receive more information for international degree seeking students at our university and on living and studying in Osnabrück.
Why Osnabrück? International students of the program appreciate the city and its surrounding area for the following reasons:
Nguyen Tram, Student from Vietnam:
Osnabrück is a friendly, cozy and peaceful city in Germany. The city is the ideal destination for students thanks to affordable living expenses. It's a place where you most precisely get to know the German culture.
Modesta Adulyte, Student from Lithuania:
Osnabrück is a perfect city for a student. Everything is quite concentrated easily reached. The city has lots to offer: swimming pools, ice-skating arena, cinemas, theatres, gyms, different bars, restaurants and clubs, green areas as a lake. I highly recommend it!
Jose Armando Grimaldo Mendez, Student from Mexico:
Osnabrück is a perfect city because it is neither too big nor too small. You can reach easily any place either by bus, bike or even walking. Another good reason for choosing Osnabrück is because it is located in a very convenient geographical place. You can easily reach other nice cities from Germany, such as Hamburg, Hannover or Köln, even another countries, such as the Netherlands, Denmark or Belgium!
Mahtab Sadat Yamani, Student from Iran:
I really find this country very peaceful with kind and supportive people. In addition, I feel that Osnabrück is a very interesting city to live in Germany. I come from Tehran, which is a crowded city, therefore, I like Osnabrück as it is not crowded and there is no traffic jam. People have access to everything that they need and can easily use their bikes to go to work or university. Furthermore, living costs are not high in this city in comparison to other cities.
Click on the links above and receive more information for international degree seeking students at our university and on living and studying in Osnabrück.
Partner universities
Students who wish to intensify their international exposure as well as their language proficiency and intercultural competencies beyond the borders of Osnabrück, have the opportunity to spend the third semester of their studies abroad at one of the faculty's partner universities. For German students who did not go abroad for a study semester or an internship during their Bachelor's program, the study semester abroad is mandatory. In the Master program we work together with several partner universities abroad, where our students have already studied successfully (see below). Other universities from our faculty's general list of partner universities might be possible to attend for master students as well. The same applies to universities, which are not yet our partners. We will check and evaluate the possibilities at other universities individually with the student at the time of application for a study semester abroad.
The choice of the foreign university for a study semester abroad depends inter alia on the following criteria:
- Adequate offer of postgraduate courses at the partner university
- Compatible semester dates at the partner university
- Ability to study in the language of instruction at the partner university
- Proof that a minimum of 25 ECTS credits have been attained in the master program in Osnabrück by the time of the application for the semester abroad
The faculty can offer free study places for master students (without tuition fees) at some partner universities. For all other universities, tuition fees (depending on the partner university) apply.
Master students from the program International Business and Management have successfully completed their study semesters abroad at the following universities:
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
- Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
- Vancouver Island University, Canada
- Ecole de Management Normandie, Caen, France
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
- Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- University of Economics, Poznan, Poland
- Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- James Cook University, Singapore
- Kyung Hee University, Suwon, South Korea
- Sunkyun Kwan University, Seoul, South Korea
- University of Economics, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Universidad de DEUSTO, San Sebastián, Spain
- Buckinghamshire New University, Buckinghamshire/Uxbridge, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- National University, San Diego, USA
- Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, USA
- University of New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
Dual degree agreements
What about studying abroad and coming back with a second degree? Master students have the possibility of acquiring a double master degree at Hochschule Osnabrück and at universities in South Korea, France or Indonesia. In all three agreements students study two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück and two semesters abroad, concluding with a master's thesis. Tuition fees are waived at the partner universities.
Kyunghee University in South Korea
Students of the Master's program International Business and Management have the possibility to acquire a Double Master's Degree through the cooperation with Kyung Hee University, a prestigious university in South Korea. If students study two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück and two semesters at Kyung Hee University and write their master thesis at Hochschule Osnabrück they can receive their master's degree from both universities.
Ecole de Management Normandie in France
In February 2012 another double degree agreement was signed, enabling our master students to graduate from both Hochschule Osnabrück and Ecole de Management (EM) Normandie in France.
After spending the first two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück, the third and fourth semester will be spent in France (August-December and January-April). The studies must be concluded by writing a master's thesis that is assessed by either university.
Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia
Master students of the program International Business and Management have the possibility to graduate with a double degree from Hochschule Osnabrück and Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia. The dual degree agreement between both institutions was signed in January 2014 and the first students were exchanged in the winter semester 2014/15. The students study their first two semesters in Osnabrück and continue to study for another two semesters in the program Master of Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The dual degree concludes with a master thesis that is mainly assessed by lecturers of Hochschule Osnabrück.
E-Quality Label for Hochschule Osnabrück
In July 2006, the European Quality Label (E-Quality Label) was awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to Hochschule Osnabrück as best university in terms of international mobility, especially within the ERASMUS student and teaching staff exchange program.
With 35% to 40% of the students coming from abroad in the last three years, the Master program International Business and Management is truly international. Of these 35% to 40% of international students, 6% were from the US, 4% from South and Latin America, 7% from Asian countries such as China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam or South Korea, 13% from Russia and countries such as the Ukraine, Kyrgyz Republic Turkmenistan or Georgia, 6% from Europe (countries of the European Union) and 4% from African countries.
Read what students say about the program:
David Pape
- Nationality: German
- Position after graduation: Product Specialist, at Product & Price Planning - Volkswagen Sales North America at Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg
- Statement:
- "I always like to look back on my time at Hochschule Osnabrück and the two years I’ve spent with the most wonderful people. Straight from the beginning I loved the mix of students from all over the world, with all their stories and values they shared with us. Studying in an intercultural context helped to build an understanding for different lifestyles, working methods and approaches towards problem solving.
On the academic side the Master programme International Business and Management was designed to give us a deep understanding about various fields of business and economics. The curriculum was diverse and exciting and the professors gladly shared their broad knowledge about their scientific discipline. The supervisory relationship with our professors was very high given the small amount of students. This allowed a close exchange with our professors to discuss and exchange ideas.
Furthermore the administrative care around the academic programme was amazing. Especially international students were taken care of concerning academic and personal issues. The professors regularly prepared expert discussions with personalities from business or government officials from various international institutions. Extracurricular activities such as field trips, application and soft skill training were great additional benefits.
After graduation I quickly noticed that companies valued the quality education but also the cross-cultural competence. The Master programme was the perfect entry ticket into the professional world." - Master thesis:
"Development of recommendations to enhance the degree of internationalization for the Volkswagen R GmbH in the Latin American market for automotive based products"
Clementine Amouroux
- Nationality: French, Double Degree EM Normandie
- Position after graduation: Master Student in Cultural and Creative Industries at King's College, London
- Statement:
- "Studying International Business and Management by the Hochschule Osnabrück has been a great experience. I have learned new things on a daily basis and have been able to develop a strong understanding of he challenges our society encounter and interactions between the different actors that shape our world. The quality of teaching is undeniable with a large variety of classes, the provision of electronic and paper materials to understand and learn at best. The teaching and administration staff were very present and always available. Within the context of foreign studies it is always amazing to be able to rely on the hosting university.
I would strongly advice any students to join the master degree as it permits to have a better understanding of our world, open the minds to develop a critical view on what drives that world and help to shape our professional path for the future." - Master thesis:
"Chinese Foreign Direct Investments in Africa. A case study on: Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and South Africa."
Wenxin Wang
- Nationality: Chinese
- Position after graduation: Accenture Management Consulting, Talent & Organization Analyst
- Statement:
- "I spent the most wonderful time studying International Business and Management at Hochschule Osnabrueck. It was an enriching business and cultural experience. This study program was truly international with students of diverse cultural backgrounds and highly competent professors with global experience.
The curriculum was well organized. Different from lectures with large group of students, most of our seminars had smaller size, which allowed frequent interaction among students and professors. The level of exposure to business as well as cross cultural orientation was terrific. The highly practical courses equipped me with skills and competence to solve real world issues. My studying experience at the graduate program was proved to be invaluable to thrive in the professional world." - Master thesis:
"Internationalization Strategies of Chinese Companies in Electronic Industry – based on an Exploratory Study of Lenovo, Haier, and TCL in Global Business"
Any student enrolled at Hochschule Osnabrück has to pay enrolment fees of approx. EUR 350 per semester to cover administrative charges, contributions to the Student Welfare Services, membership fees for the Students' Union and the costs of the semester ticket. The semester ticket covers public transportation in Osnabrück and the Osnabrück greater area. The cost of living in Osnabrück amounts to approx. EUR 750 per month, depending on personal needs and habits. This includes rent health insurance, books, living and miscellaneous expenses. There is no tuition fee.
There are various possibilities for students to get supported by state institutions, companies and foundations.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
The DAAD offers scholarships for foreign students and graduates and an overview over funding opportunities can be found here: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Hochschule Osnabrück: Scholarships, Foundations and other Financing Possibilities
The following website provides more information about scholarships and foundations as well as other financing possibilities for your studies: Hochschule Osnabrück: Scholarships and Financing Possibilities
International and German students speak about their scholarships:
Maria Mora, Syria, DAAD Scholarship
“’Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be’ - George Sheehan
Ever since I was in the university studying for my bachelor degree, I had big hopes for myself. In order to study what I love the most and to get that degree, I had to endure 4 years of war, but I never once regretted it! It got me to here. And to be able to say that I have a DAAD scholarship, it means that all the effort I put into my study, did not go to waste. The DAAD opened a door for me in a time where I needed just a small window of hope. And not only to succeed in my studies here in Germany, but also to enrich myself and my personality with the German culture and to try to leave a small mark in this amazing country and to give something back to the DAAD and to my country as well, through hard work and success. I’m more than honored to have been accepted by the Hochschule of Osnabrück to study the master program: International business and management and I’m deeply grateful for their help in every possible way.”
Abdalrahman Alfarra, Palestine, DAAD Scholarship
"Ambitious persons always seek their goals in life by taking giant steps. Since the finalization of my bachelor degree in Palestine, I began to prepare myself for this step when I applied to the DAAD scholarship to complete my Master’s study in Germany. My application to the scholarship was combined by accumulating a list of the most attractive Master’s programs in the field of Business and Management in Germany. I was very lucky to be awarded the DAAD scholarship and at the same time secure a place in the master program of International Business and Management in Osnabrueck University of Applied Science. DAAD scholarship is considered among the most prestigious scholarships for international students and it supports its holders to engage very well in the German community through, for example, learning the German language. Osnabrueck Hochschule as well enables its students to pursue their studies in a very supportive and convenient learning environment."
Mariam Meparishvili, Georgia, DAAD Scholarship
"Obtaining my master's degree in Germany is of great importance to me as this is the country with the leading European education system. I am now being granted this amazing opportunity through The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It is the largest scholarship organization in the world that funds the international exchange of students and scholars. The program supports and encourages motivated students all over the world to study and experience German language and culture. Through close collaboration with many public universities in Germany, DAAD program provides students with a variety of potential universities and fields for their studies. I feel lucky to be a DAAD fellow and to have been accepted by Hochschule Osnabrück as a master’s student of International Business and Management. The experience that I gain within this program will help me to achieve my career goals and become a successful businesswomen."
Anna Zayats, Belarus, DAAD Scholarship
"I applied for a DAAD-scholarship in 2011 while still living in Minsk. It was a deliberate decision that is why I began to build my portfolio for the application much earlier. In 2012 together with the scholarship I was awarded the possibility to fulfill my dream – to obtain the international and high quality Master degree. DAAD-scholarship is not only the financial support which helps me to concentrate on my studies. DAAD itself inspires scholarship holders to constant personal improvement, for example to learn German language, to participate in conferences and forums as well as to integrate into the German environment in general."
Ahmad Zia Barekzai, Afghanistan, DAAD Scholarship
"After completing my Bachelor program in Kabul, I wanted to do an internationally recognized master degree in a multi-cultural university of a developed country through an opportunity of merit-based grant. My first choice was the DAAD, the world’s largest scholarship-awarding organization for all academic disciplines. Fortunately, I won the scholarship and now study International Business and Management in Osnabrück. I was really pleased by the selection process of DAAD. I was thrilled by the proper planning of the program for each scholarship holder and the guide provided for travel preparations, staying in Germany, intensive German language course, German cultural workshops, participation in DAAD seminars and the chance to network with other international elite scholarship holders. I am in the process of realizing my dreams because of the DAAD and would like to be an ideal DAAD alumnus in near future."
Kira Potowski, Germany, Scholarship Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
"I applied for a scholarship at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, one of the largest foundations in Germany. Since the beginning of my bachelor studies and later during my master studies, I received this scholarship which allows me to concentrate on my academic work only. However, not only financial support is assured, also the ability to join conferences, presentations and a huge network of other scholarship holders, alumni, professors, politicians, managers etc. Therefore, I would like to encourage other students to apply for a scholarship and hope many others will be able to take advantage of this kind of support while studying in Osnabrück."
Mirja Nordhoff, Germany, Deutschlandstipendium
"Last year I applied for the ‘Deutschlandstipendium’. This scholarship is financed one half each by the federal government and by a sponsor. My sponsor is the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung GmbH & Co. KG. Me and two other scholars, who are also sponsored by the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, were already invited to their premises and we had a vivid discussion about their business model, strategy, and future plans. We also talked about the opportunities this scholarship could mean for us: anything from internships and project work to a possible career entry were mentioned during our meeting. In our next meeting we will visit the printing plant. So aside from the financial support this scholarship brings, it represents a great opportunity to gain experience and to network which is becoming more and more important in today’s business world."
In the master's program International Business and Management emphasis is put on the students becoming a community and experiencing a sense of companionship. In order to promote this, extra-curricular activities are organized and offered for the students throughout the semester. These include company visits, discussions with guest lecturers from partner universities, Christmas parties and other social events.
Teambuilding and get-togethers
Not only does the teambuilding in the first and second semester serve to help the students learn how to work together and solve problems in different kinds of teams, but it also poses as the perfect opportunity to get to know each other right at the start of the study program. Students cherish this opportunity, as it helps them to start into the program as a team. Our yearly Christmas party together with the Master program Business Management and our summer event at the end of the second semester, during which it is usually time to say good bye to the students going abroad in the third semester, are always highlights as they are spent in a nice location in a relaxed atmosphere.
Company visits and "Fireside chats" with senior managers
Fireside chats are get-togethers with senior managers for interactive discussions. Students of the master program "International Business and Management" come together with senior managers to share views on challenges of managing companies and career development. Visits to companies of the region, such as VW Osnabrück, CLAAS, manufacturer of agricultural machinery, or producer of specialized paper Felix Schöller Group are a good opportunity to look behind the scenes and to talk to managers or graduates from Hochschule Osnabrück working there.
Together with professors lecturing in the Master program International Business and Management some of our students and graduates have already participated in conducting research published in the academic world. A few examples of successful publications are listed below:
- Harald Trabold and David W. Weaver, Pay What You Want - Möglichkeiten und Grenzen eines alternativen Geschäftsmodells. Vierteljahreshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung, DIW Berlin, 85. Jahrgang, 02.2016, pp. 81 - 97.
- Mayer, P.; Freese, U.; Treptow, J.; Weaver, D.; A Comparative Analysis of Water Service Delivery in Germany and South Africa - Part 1: Water Service Delivery in Germany - A Synopsis of Issues. Discussion paper, Osnabrück, No. 1/2011.
- Steinert, C.; Halstrup, D.; Schlechte Führung wird toleriert, wenn die Zahlen stimmen. Stellenwert der Personalführung in deutschen Unternehmen. Personalführung, No. 7/2011; pp. 38 - 41. Note: This publication resulted from an empirical research project conducted by Master students taking part in the course "Strategic HR Management and Organization".
- Steinert, C., Wagner, L.; Globales Talentmanagement. Personalmagazin, No. 1/2010; pp. 16 - 19.
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Steinert, C.; Bockemühl-Simon, K.; Grenzenloses Wissen. Personalwirtschaft, No. 2/2009; pp. 51 - 53.
Contact
- Program management
Prof. Dr. Peter Mayer
Program director
Room: CN 0217
Phone: +49 541 969-3466
E-Mail: p.mayer@hs-osnabrueck.de
Office hours:
By individual appointment
- Advice and coordination
Gita Lestari-Kötting
Program coordinator
Room: CN 0204
Phone: +49 541 969-3569 or -7052
E-Mail: ibm-ma@hs-osnabrueck.de
Office hours:
By individual appointment
- Application, admission and exams
Ina Müller-Schlicht
Registrar's Office
Room: AF 0011
Telefon: +49 541 969-3142
E-Mail: i.mueller-schlicht@hs-osnabrueck.de
Office hours:
Tuesday, Friday from 09:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Thursday by individual appointment