By Associated Press, 12/06/02

CINCINNATI — There were no essays or true-false questions, but finding the right fork was a step in the right direction.

Twenty-two University of Cincinnati students dressed for success for their final exam Wednesday night in "Global Civility."

Students enrolled in technology-related majors in the College of Applied Science were rated on dining skills, conversation and comportment while at a new French restaurant, Jean-Robert at Pigall's.

"I told them, 'If you show up in Reeboks, I will kill you on the spot,"' said Linda Ginter Brown, head of the Media and Cultural Studies department. "Trust me, they do not look like this on campus."

The 10-week Global Civility course is designed to give students a competitive edge in landing a job or a promotion by focusing on business etiquette and international protocol.

The course requires students to research professional conduct around the world as well as learn how to plan an event. But the final exam focused on dining etiquette.

"We've been made aware of how to interact with people," said Denita Wilson, 29. "It's the small things that add up. The purpose of going to a business lunch is not to eat."