collegiate chapter handbook

Beta Gamma Sigma | 1

Collegiate Chapter Handbook

I. Introduction to BGS

We are so pleased to hear that you will be working with a Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter at your university. Your involvement in the leadership of the collegiate chapter will provide you a very rewarding experience – the opportunity to offer your outstanding academic scholars a positive and lifetime recognition for a job well done. Some chapter advisors have even told us that their involvement with Beta Gamma Sigma is one of their most rewarding activities.We have also heard that today’s students only accept membership in an honor society if they believe they are receiving something of value. While the lifetime membership fee is minimal, 65 USD plus a 2 USD to cover shipping costs, members still expect to obtain benefits from their membership. In addition to being able to include Beta Gamma Sigma membership on their resumes, they can now be a part of a Society that provides ongoing, tangible benefits to them throughout their career. Please use this handbook as a reference for leading your Beta Gamma Sigma chapter. All of this material as well as more detailed explanations can be found on our website at betagammasigma.org/collegiatechapters.htm. We hope that you will find this as a quick reference guide to answer most of your questions. However, do not hesitate to contact the Central Office with any questions or concerns.

Mission and Objectives The Mission of the International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma is to encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business, to cultivate and celebrate leadership and professional excellence, to advance the values of the society, and to serve its lifelong members.

The Mission of BGS is supported by the four Objectives of the Society. These include:1) Encourage and honor high academic achievement by students of

business and management through chapters in business programs accredited by AACSB International.

2) Develop Beta Gamma Sigma members as students and professional leaders, and celebrate continuing leadership and excellence.

3) Foster in Beta Gamma Sigma members an enduring commitment to the founding principles and values of the Society: honor and integrity, pursuit of wisdom, earnestness, and service.

4) Connect Beta Gamma Sigma student and alumni members to each other and to opportunities in their professional lives.

Three-Part Strategy to Build a Stronger Beta Gamma SigmaIn May 2013, Beta Gamma Sigma undertook a strategic planning process with the goal of strengthening the organization for the future. With the help of a team of consultants, we reviewed data, gathered insights from various stakeholders, and thought about what would be best for BGS and the people we serve. As a result, the following three-part strategy was developed to continue our legacy of a having a premier society.

1) Bolster BGS’s support of chapters and members

2) Grow the value BGS provides to members

3) Strengthen BGS’s capability to deliver

2 | Beta Gamma Sigma


Board of GovernorsBeta Gamma Sigma elects officers and a board of governors to serve the Society for two-year terms. Officer roles include President, Vice President/President Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, Immediate Past President, Executive Director, and Associate Executive Director. There are 15 Board of Governor members.For a complete list of the current officer and board of governors members, visit betagammasigma.org/board.htm

Central Office StaffBeta Gamma Sigma operates entirely out of one central office, located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The current staffing structure is shown here:

Executive Director

Associate Executive Director Director, Collegiate and Alumni Operations

Communications Director

Alumni and Collegiate Chapter Operations

Manager, Collegiate & Alumni Operations

Associate, Collegiate Chapters (3) Associate, Meetings

Administrative Support

Associate, Administration Associate, Affiliations/Corporate Relations

Associate, Communications Database Administrator

Associate, Shipping/Receiving Associate, Accounts

Electronic Media Specialist Associate, Development

Size and Scope of BGS Beta Gamma Sigma has inducted more than 730,000 outstanding students into membership since its founding in 1913. These 730,000+ members have served in corporate, government, non-profit, academic, and other management positions at every level of responsibility. Members currently reside in all 50 U.S. states and more than 160 countries around the world.The Society maintains an active database with more than 600,000 members' mailing addresses and other information. Beta Gamma Sigma has established over 530 collegiate chapters in all 50 U.S. states and over 25 countries and territories at schools accredited by AACSB International.



History of BGS In the spring of 1907, a group of commerce students at the University of Wisconsin received permission from the faculty to organize a commerce honor society, which they called Beta Gamma Sigma. The purpose of the Society was to encourage and reward scholarship and accomplishment in the field of business studies among commerce students at the University. At about the same time, students at the University of Illinois and the University of California felt the need for such an organization on their campuses and respectively organized Delta Kappa Chi (1910) and The Economics Club (1906). In 1913, having become aware of their coexistence and common purpose, representatives of the three societies met at Madison, Wisconsin, to consummate a merger which made Beta Gamma Sigma into a national organization.

Action was initiated in 1919 to establish Beta Gamma Sigma as the only scholastic honor society recognized by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This organization, which was renamed AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, includes in its membership collegiate schools of business that meet high standards of eligibility required of accredited member institutions with respect to curricula, teaching staff, teaching loads, library and laboratory facilities. Beta Gamma Sigma amended its constitution in 1921 to restrict the installation of new chapters to collegiate schools of business which are accredited members of AACSB International.

The following is a brief timeline that traces the Society’s history and highlights many of its significant milestones related to collegiate chapter development:

» 1933: The first women were inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma. Until then, Gamma Epsilon Pi had served as the scholastic honor society for women. Women who were members of Gamma Epsilon Pi prior to 1933 were retroactively admitted into Beta Gamma Sigma in 1933.

» 1933: The New York City Alumni Chapter, the Society’s oldest and largest, was formed.

» 1963: Beta Gamma Sigma celebrated its 50th anniversary. Dean Fayette Elwell, the Society’s first president, wrote The First 50 Years of Beta Gamma Sigma. In the 50th anniversary year there were 102 chapters and approximately 43,000 members.

» 1963: The National Honoree Award – now known as the International Honoree Award – was established.

» 1969: The Society established the Directors’ Table, which is composed of BGS members who are also chairmen, presidents, CEOs and COOs of Fortune 1000 firms or their equivalents.

» 1975: Beta Gamma Sigma authorized a new organizational structure whereby the Board of Governors was created as the Society’s governing body.



» 1985: The first Outstanding Chapter Awards were presented. Beginning in 1995, scholarships were awarded to student members from the year’s Outstanding Chapters. In 1997, the Society began honoring Outstanding Chapters at different levels: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Honorable Mention.

» 1986: The first Medallion for Entrepreneurship was awarded outstanding individuals who combine innovative business achievement with service to humanity.

» 1988: The Society celebrated its 75th anniversary. The Board of Governors formulated a plan to increase the organization’s effectiveness and to maintain and promote the principles of Beta Gamma Sigma. As part of the 75th anniversary celebration, the Society launched the Scholarship Program to reward some of its most outstanding student members.

» 1989: The first chapter outside the U.S. was installed at the University of Calgary.

» 1994: Beta Gamma Sigma established Sigma Beta Delta, the honor society for non-accredited business programs, to ensure that honor society recognition was available to all deserving students of business.

» 1998: The Board of Governors met to update the Society’s long-range plan. The Board decided that enhancing the value of Beta Gamma Sigma for student and alumni members in their professional lives should be one of the Society’s main priorities. Focusing on the same goal, a new mission statement and set of objectives were also approved. The Los Angeles Area and Chicagoland alumni chapters were established. The Board of Governors approved the establishment of three alumni chapters annually to form the Alumni Network.

» 1998: The Business Achievement Awards were presented for the first time recognizing significant achievement in business through the traditional corporate route.

» 2000: The Society established its first collegiate chapter outside North America at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Later that year, a chapter was established at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

» 2000: The Society debuted the BGS On-line Community, a free on-line service for members.

» 2001: The first Student Leadership Forum was held to give outstanding student leaders a chance to focus on their career and personal goals.

» 2003: The Society inducted its 500,000th member - a junior from Concordia University.

» 2013: BGS celebrates its Centennial Anniversary for its 700,000 members with three key projects: the BGS is Everywhere Photo Contest, the Meet the Leaders of Business guest speaker series, and the BGS Gives Back Day of Service event.

» 2013: The London Alumni Chapter is chartered on BGS’ 100th anniversary, February 19th.

» 2013: On November 11th, BGS charters the Toronto Area Alumni Chapter – its 29th alumni chapter.



II. Role of the Collegiate Chapter

The collegiate chapter has one mandated responsibility: to invite and induct eligible students and faculty into membership, at least annually. However, there are some very important additional areas of chapter responsibility:

A) Elect chapter officers as indicated in the Society’s governing documents.

B) Promote Beta Gamma Sigma on campus through the use of displays, inclusion in all appropriate and helpful campus publications, and word of mouth. The more complete the story, the more receptive the students will be to BGS.

C) Identify all qualifying programs where eligible students may be found. (Eligibility requirements are explained in Section III.) Select eligible students and faculty. Invite them to membership. Provide a mechanism to accept membership responses. Induct new members into Beta Gamma Sigma following approved methods.

D) Order supplies and memberships from the Central Office through the BGS Online Ordering System.

E) Plan and carry out the induction ceremony. Consider these items when planning the induction ceremony:

» Date/Time/Location » Speaker(s) » Induction officer(s) » Readers of the ritual » Chapter honoree » Refreshments » Certificates, lapel pins, etc. ordered » Publicity (photos, video, news media) » Other as appropriate

F) In addition, successful chapters participate in Beta Gamma Sigma programs (Section V).

» All chapters are encouraged to submit nominations for the BGS Medallion for Entrepreneurship and Business Achievement Award

» All chapters are encouraged to participate in the Society’s Scholarship and Outstanding Chapter Programs, if pre-qualifying criteria are met

» All chapters are encouraged to nominate their advisor for the Outstanding Advisor Award, if pre-qualifying criteria is met

» Active Student Officers » Professor of the Year Award » Student Leadership Forum » Founders' Day/Week activities » Chapter Honorees



G) Provide payments for memberships and chapter supplies to the Central Office within 10 working days following the induction ceremony.

H) Ensure completion of the Membership Data Profiles (MDP’s) by each person accepting the invitation to membership. Completion of the MDP generates the membership certificate.

I) Submit required reports and information to the Central Office in a timely manner. Some of these reports include:

» Chapter supply orders » Application for Outstanding Chapter (for chapters that qualify) » Scholarship application materials for the chapter's recipient (for chapters that qualify) » Name and contact information of the student attending the Student Leadership Forum » Survey of membership acceptance » Changes in chapter advisor, admin, or officers

J) Recognize Beta Gamma Sigma members at commencement by including names in the printed program, and/or wearing honor cords, stoles or medallions.

K) Connect with Beta Gamma Sigma alumni chapters in your area (if applicable). This may be helpful for mentoring, internship and employment opportunities for student members as well as recruiting for your graduate program. Also, this provides a specific way for Chapter Advisors to show the “value of membership.” The collegiate chapters, its officers and members, can also provide support to the Alumni Chapter efforts. (More information on Alumni Chapters can be found in Section VII)

Role of the Collegiate Chapter Advisor

A) The Chapter Advisor is the primary chapter coordinator, but there are many other sources of assistance that should be utilized to educate potential members about the benefits of Beta Gamma Sigma. Chapter Advisors can be: members of the business school faculty, Associate or Assistant Dean, Undergraduate/Graduate Program Coordinator, or even the Dean. Chapter Advisors should recruit and encourage as much help as possible from other BGS faculty members and the Office of the Dean.

B) The Chapter Advisor usually holds the position of Secretary-Treasurer also. The person in this position should already be a member of Beta Gamma Sigma (having been inducted previously at the student or faculty level) or be eligible to and plan to be inducted at the chapter’s next induction ceremony. Ideally, the Dean, or another senior faculty member, would hold the position of President and a faculty member would fill the positions of Chapter Advisor and Secretary-Treasurer. However, the office of Secretary-Treasurer and the Chapter Advisor may be either the same person or two separate people.

C) The Chapter Advisor must educate other faculty members about the importance of Beta Gamma Sigma. Faculty members in the School of Business need to understand that this is probably their only opportunity to provide international lifetime recognition to their most outstanding students. If members of the faculty know the tangible lifetime benefits of the Society, they are more likely to encourage their best students to accept membership.



D) It is the Chapter Advisor’s responsibility, using all available resources, to make sure students know enough about the significance of membership so they can make educated decisions when they are invited to join the Society.

E) The Chapter Advisor must ensure that every eligible student receives an invitation. In addition to the traditional business and management programs on campus, faculty should search out all programs where eligible students may exist. This includes, but is not limited to, full-time and part-time MBA programs, Executive MBA programs, specialized programs in accounting, MIS or other fields, and off-campus programs that award degrees included in the accreditation by AACSB International.

F) Often students ask the question, “Why should I join Beta Gamma Sigma?” or “What’s the value of being a BGS member?” With new lifelong programs, Chapter Advisors can respond positively to these questions.

1) Lifetime membership is the key benefit of Beta Gamma Sigma. Students will forever be connected to the CEO’s, CFO’s and presidents of some of the world’s most important organizations. Beta Gamma Sigma members now number more than 730,000.

2) The Society’s on-line community is a tremendous step forward in making the Society an integral part of our members’ lives. With BGS CareerCentral, on-line membership directory, and much, much more, the on-line directory is a benefit that should be attractive to potential members.

3) The Society’s alumni chapter program, the Alumni Network, now stretches across the world. Beta Gamma Sigma has set up alumni chapters in 29 major metropolitan areas that allow members to meet and network with each other. With business leaders from a variety of industries represented, these chapters provide a tremendous opportunity for members just getting started, or those who are well established, to get more from their lifetime membership. For a current list of active chapters and their events, visit our website at betagammasigma.org/alumni.htm.

4) Refer students to the “What is Beta Gamma Sigma” video. This video provides a short introduction to the society and the many benefits of lifetime membership. The video may be found at the following link: http://youtu.be/0m0oPvJpXjk.

G) The Chapter Advisor is the primary contact person between the Central Office and invited students and members. The following are some of the responsibilities of the Chapter Advisor:

» Be available as the faculty contact for invited students and members. » Order chapter supplies, printed materials and regalia from the Central Office. » Request lists of eligible students from the appropriate campus source. » Carry out decisions of the nominating committee. » Coordinate invitations and follow up with invited students. » Distribute informational and promotional materials. » Coordinate the follow-up to all who were invited to membership and have not accepted the

invitation – explain the significance of membership and answer questions. » Select students to participate in the Student Leadership Forum. » Collect the lifetime membership fee of 65 USD plus 2 USD for shipping, in addition to any chapter

fees.



» Process memberships using the Online Ordering System. » Coordinate or supervise the induction ceremony. » Serve as liaison with the Dean’s Office, Office of Student Services, Graduate/Undergraduate

Programs, etc., and the Central Office. » Promote the Society’s Scholarship Program as well as other BGS programs. » Complete and forward to the Central Office the chapter’s Outstanding Chapter application (for

chapters meeting the criteria). » Complete the survey of membership acceptance. » Show enthusiasm and commitment to the mission and objectives of Beta Gamma Sigma. » Delegate selected tasks to additional members of the BGS committee or chapter administrative

support.

Role of the Dean’s OfficeThe Dean is encouraged to support the collegiate chapter and participate in as many chapter programs as possible. Usually, the more involved in Beta Gamma Sigma the Dean is, the more successful the chapter becomes. In many chapters, the Dean serves as the president of the chapter. An active and visible Dean is vital to achieving high membership acceptance rates among eligible students.

The Dean can support the collegiate chapter in many ways, including:

A) Provide a strong presence in the tapping ceremony.

B) Provide an initial letter of congratulations.

C) Provide a follow-up letter after the initial contact.

D) With a traditional student body, a letter of congratulations from the Dean to the parents can be very effective.

E) Host a reception for invitees, current faculty and student members.

F) Support BGS by providing display cases and/or bulletin boards in prominent locations in and around the School of Business building.

G) Purchase the bronze replica of BGS key for permanent display on campus.

H) Support the available programs of Beta Gamma Sigma, including the Medallion for Entrepreneurship, Business Achievement Award, Chapter Honoree, etc. Provide 50 percent matching funds (currently $500) to award a $1,000 Beta Gamma Sigma Scholarship to a student member when the chapter qualifies. Provide funding to allow a student member to attend the Society’s Student Leadership Forum.

I) Make discretionary funds available to the Chapter Advisor (or assist the advisor in obtaining corporate/foundation support) to provide membership to those unable to afford the fee.

J) Include the BGS Information Card – provided by the Central Office – with the letters sent to underclassmen named to the Dean’s List.

K) Support the Chapter Advisor in his/her role through secretarial support and recognition for service and provide funding for attendance at a chapter officer training workshop at least every 2-3 years.

A visible and active Dean in any or all of the above ways strengthens a chapter and sends a message to members, faculty and prospective members that Beta Gamma Sigma is important to the School of Business and the College/University.



Role of Student OfficersA student officer should be chosen from the list of newly inducted students. During the senior year of the current Student Officer, the next officer will be chosen from the juniors in order to allow the two to discuss the current year and what steps to take in the future. Student officers give students an opportunity to take on a leadership role within the chapter. Student officers also help to increase awareness of BGS on campus as it may be helpful for students to hear about BGS from a peer. Although we encourage students to have a very active role within the chapter, they may not be a part of the selection process nor have access to the online ordering system site.

The responsibilities of student officers may include:A) Work closely with the BGS chapter advisor and admin

B) Increase awareness on campus – i.e. posters, information sessions, etc.

C) Organize/coordinate BGS activities

D) Coordinate social media and website for the chapter

E) Keep records for future Student VP

F) Help to organize the tapping and induction ceremony each year

G) Take part in the BGS induction ceremony as chapter advisor sees fit – i.e. announcing speakers, making a speech, etc.

Potential projects for which a student officer may be responsible for include:

A) Plan and coordinate the BGS Gives Back Day of Service event for the chapter.

B) Plan contests among members or for the whole business school:

» Could be for community service (i.e. food drive), » Could be just for fun/to raise awareness.

C) Implement and coordinate peer mentorship program for underclassmen.

D) Implement and coordinate mentorship program with local business professionals (BGS alumni chapters could be a good resource if you have one in your area).

E) Manage career development programs (i.e. resume review sessions, etc.).

F) Plan networking events (BGS alumni chapters could be a good resource if you have one in your area).

G) Plan a research conference on campus for the school of business.

H) Coordinate info sessions for business students who are not yet eligible for BGS, to give them information and a goal to work toward.

Limitations:

» Students should not be part of the selection process.

» Please do not give access to the Online Ordering System site to anyone other than faculty or staff.



III. Chapter MembershipNew member selection process & eligibility requirementsIt is only through the collegiate chapter at a college or university with a business program accredited by AACSB International that a student may become a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. The chapter and its faculty officers play a unique role in fostering a climate where undergraduate and graduate students, as well as other faculty, may be encouraged to accept this invitation to membership.

1. Election ProceduresA) As stated in Article I, Section 2 of the Bylaws, the

chapter shall form a nominating committee, which consists of at least three (3) members, two (2) of whom shall be members of the administrative, teaching or research staffs of the business unit. Prior to the meeting, a faculty officer (or appropriate person working with the chapter) should request from the registrar’s office (or appropriate campus office) a printout of those eligible for membership. The nominating committee reviews the printout, verifies the scholastic eligibility and approves the students for membership in the Society.

B) The nominating committee should carefully preserve all notes and records associated with the process of determining eligibility. Policies for making invitation decisions should be consistent from year to year.

C) Elections must be conducted in accordance with the procedures specified by Article I, Section 3, of the Bylaws.



2. Eligibility RulesThe following discussion of eligibility for membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is based on relevant sections of the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Board of Governors Policy Manual and appropriate segments from Minutes of the Executive Committee. It represents guidelines as used by the Central Office.

Membership Type Eligibility Requirement #1 Eligibility Requirement #2 Eligibility Requirement #3

Baccalaureate Student Membership

Traditional Students

Non-Traditional & Distance Programs

Part-Time Students

Rank in top 10% of class Completed at least the last term of their 2nd year

Transfer Students Rank in top 10% of class Completed at least the last term of their 2nd year

Completed 1 full year of full-time coursework at the chapter school.

Graduate Student Membership

Traditional Students

Non-Traditional & Distance Programs

Part-Time Students

Rank in top 20% of class Completed half of the program

Transfer Students Rank in top 20% of class Completed half of the program

Completed 1 full year of full-time coursework at the chapter school

Doctoral Students Completed the program Successfully defended dissertation

Administrative, Teaching or Research Staff Membership

Hold a PhD from the business of an AACSB accredited institution; OR

Attained tenure; OR

Completed 6 years of work at business school with chapter

Academic Administration Membership

Dean, Chief Academic Officer, and Chief Executive Officer automatically qualify for membership



A) “Students of Business Administration” defined: If a student is enrolled in a program accepted by AACSB International, as a basis for accreditation, then he or she is eligible for consideration for membership in Beta Gamma Sigma.

B) Baccalaureate Student Membership Candidates for baccalaureate degrees whose academic rank is in the upper 10 percent of their class may be inducted subject to the following paragraphs of this section.

» Paragraph 1. Students who have completed at least the last term of their 2nd year and are ranked among the upper 10 percent of their class may be inducted in the last term or semester (or its equivalent in course work) of that year.

» Paragraph 2. Students in their final year who were not previously inducted may be inducted at any time during their final year (or its equivalent in course work) if their academic rank is in the upper 10 percent of their class.

C) Graduate Students Membership The undergraduate scholastic record is not to be considered for masters candidates. However, “Those masters students who have been previously inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma membership as undergraduates and who rank in the upper 20 percent of those receiving the Master’s Degree, must be included in the 20 percent limitation. If two or more Master’s students have identical academic records, they may both be inducted.

Doctoral students are eligible for a complementary membership after successfully defending their dis-sertation at an AACSB accredited institution.

D) Eligible for Membership and Has Previously Been Invited If a student again qualifies for membership and has not yet accepted a previous invitation, the student should continue to be invited and informed as to the value of lifetime membership.

E) Eligible Students from Non-Traditional/Distance Programs Chapters should invite all students who are eligible for membership, including those in distance learning, off- campus programs, executive MBA, etc. If you have questions regarding other eligible students, please contact the Central Office.



F) Part-Time Students Part-time students at the undergraduate or master’s level should be invited to join, as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements at their particular class level.

G) Election of Transfer Students Transfer students who meet the qualifications for membership may be inducted after they have completed a minimum of one full year of full-time work (or its equivalent in course work) in the business unit in which the chapter is located, provided their overall record, in the judgment of the collegiate chapter, is of Beta Gamma Sigma caliber. The Executive Committee has interpreted the preceding requirements as follows:

» The year’s work at the degree-granting institution must be of BGS caliber.

» In addition, a transfer student’s record at the previous school - if available - must be reviewed and, in the chapter’s judgment, must be equivalent to those baccalaureate students ranking in the top 10 percent of their class.

H) Maximum Number Eligible in Each Class All members who were previously inducted as undergraduate students, who now rank in the upper 10 percent of their class, must be included in the 10 percent limitation. If two or more students have identical academic records, they may both be inducted.

I) Administrative, Teaching and Research Staff A member of the teaching or research staff of the business unit may be inducted to active membership if he or she holds an earned doctorate from the business unit of an AACSB International accredited institution OR if he or she has attained tenure. For those institutions or staff where tenure is NOT applicable, invitation to membership may be extended after the individual has completed six years of such work at the business unit where the chapter is located. Teaching or research staff may be inducted without restriction as to number.

Members of the direct line of academic administration in the university, including the dean, the chief academic officer (vice president, vice chancellor, or provost), and the chief executive officer (president or chancellor) may be inducted without regard to the foregoing limitations.

Teaching and research staff of economics departments, when such departments provide the principal instruction in economics for students in a business program, may be regarded as eligible for membership into Beta Gamma Sigma. When departments of economics do not provide the principal instruction in economics for students in a business unit, the teaching and research staff of such a department shall not be regarded as eligible for faculty membership.

» Members of the administrative, teaching or research staff of the business unit are eligible for membership without regard to the discipline represented.

» Non-tenured faculty who became Beta Gamma Sigma members at a previous institution, whether as a student or faculty member, shall enjoy all rights and privileges of membership at the current chapter while membership officially is recorded at the chapter where inducted.



Recognition for existing student members

A) Second Recognition for Master’s/Doctoral BGS Members Graduate students (master’s or doctoral) who were previously inducted into BGS at a lower degree level and who again meet the academic requirements of membership at the new degree level, may be recognized by BGS a second time through the presentation of a Master’s or Doctoral second recognition certificate provided for this purpose.Qualifying students see significant value in receiving a second recognition at a second school or higher level degree program. The Central Office can verify an earlier induction into membership for these students.This second certificate does not award a second membership, but rather recognizes the graduate student for again meeting the academic requirements of membership but at another degree level or school. Collegiate chapters should consider students enrolled in all of their programs that may contain students eligible for a second recognition, including distance learning, off-campus programs, executive MBA, etc.The second recognition certificate can be ordered using the BGS Online Ordering System. The faculty advisor will fill out the member's information on that form as he or she would with a regular membership certificate. When entering the membership information, the advisor will select second recognition as the membership category. The certificate will be generated once the MDP has been completed. Chapters are to direct those members that are earning a second recognition to the On-Line Directory at memberconnections.com/olc/pub/BGS/ to update their official contact information.

B) Transfer of Membership A member of Beta Gamma Sigma, in good standing, who transfers to another institution which has a collegiate chapter shall enjoy all the rights and privileges of said chapter, but shall be considered an official member of the chapter in which he or she was inducted. Members of the administrative, teaching or research staffs holding full-time appointments at business units with a Beta Gamma Sigma chapter shall be considered official members of both the chapter where they were inducted and the collegiate chapter at the business unit where they have such appointment.

C) Eligible for Membership But Already a Member If a student qualifies for membership and is already a member of Beta Gamma Sigma (from current school or another), that student is considered a lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma and does not need to be inducted again. This is the situation where the second recognition certificate would be appropriate.



Invitation process, including link to sample letter of invitation

Once the nominating committee selects those students eligible to become members of Beta Gamma Sigma, the chapter must invite those eligible students. It is the chapter’s responsibility to ensure that every eligible student is invited, and that they are educated about the importance of Society membership.

A) Membership Invitation Packet Notify selected individuals by sending them a Membership Invitation Packet. This packet includes an invitation booklet, letter of invitation from the president of Beta Gamma Sigma, and informational brochures. Chapters must also include a local invitation, information on how to accept membership and details about the induction ceremony.

B) Local Invitation Letter The local invitation will:

» Reiterate the BGS president’s congratulations to the student for his/her outstanding scholastic record;

» Convey briefly the purposes and history of Beta Gamma Sigma and point out that induction into this Society is the highest scholastic honor that a student enrolled in the business program at an AACSB International accredited school can achieve;

» Educate the applicant on the value of lifetime membership; » Note that this is an invitation to lifetime membership; » Provide a complete statement of all fees (including the $65 lifetime membership fee) involved and

what they are used for; » Provide full details concerning the induction ceremony and banquet or reception; » Clearly describe how the student should indicate his or her acceptance of membership into the

Society; » Provide the names, office numbers and email addresses of individuals to contact for more

information; » Direct the applicant to BetaNet at www.betagammasigma.org for more information on the benefits

of lifetime membership.



C) Membership Data Profile Forms The Membership Data Profile (MDP) form must be completed by every new member immediately following payment of the membership fee. Completion of the MDP (Online) triggers the creation of the membership certificate. Chapter advisors should monitor completion of MDPs by new members and follow up to assure their completion, or as a last resort—complete them to assure certificate production.

D) Other Enclosures Other enclosures may include the following:

» Letter of invitation from chapter to students. » Letter of invitation from chapter to students who are eligible December/August graduates. » Memo from chapter providing information for the Induction Ceremony. » Induction Ceremony reservation form. » Hometown Information on Inductees for use in press releases. » Information for Parents and Employers

To cultivate a better understanding of the significance of Beta Gamma Sigma, the chapter may wish to provide information to the parents or employers of inductees in a mailing. The mailing should include a letter, information card, invitation and ceremony information sheet for parents or employers.

E) Follow-up to Invitation High acceptance rates do not just happen. Continuing high visibility on campus and a follow-up strategy contribute to a successful year.

F) Invitation to Membership at the Doctoral Level Chapters inviting doctoral students have two options for the invitation. They are:

» Chapter Handles Invitation: Materials can be ordered from the Central Office, sent to the chapter and the invitation can be presented by the chapter.

» Central Office Handles Invitation: Names and address information for doctoral level students can be sent to the Central Office. Central Office staff will check the central database to confirm that this person is not already a member. If not a member, the invitation will then be sent from the Central Office, the acceptance will return to the Central Office and be processed and the collegiate chapter will then be notified of those having accepted membership. This is often the chosen option since doctoral students are rarely still on campus by the time the invitation is offered.

To encourage membership acceptance at the doctoral level, invitation materials will focus on the expectation that those invited will be entering academia as faculty and may be teaching students being invited to BGS membership. To be eligible for invitation at the doctoral level, one must have completed all requirements of graduation at the Ph.D. level at an AACSB accredited institution provide BGS with his or her dissertation defense date.Chapters inviting doctoral level students should be sure to utilize the Doctoral Invitation Packet, available from the Central Office. This packet provides specific information for doctoral students which should help them realize the value of membership in Beta Gamma Sigma. Additionally, chapters are encouraged to enlist the involvement of the doctoral advisor as a means of gaining the doctoral student’s acceptance of Beta Gamma Sigma membership.Additionally, faculty advisors are encouraged to work with doctoral program directors who can be an invaluable resource in inviting doctoral students to membership. Quite often, doctoral program directors are willing to include Beta Gamma Sigma membership as a step in completing the graduation process. Some chapters automatically award membership to all their completing doctorates.It is the responsibility of the current Beta Gamma Sigma members and chapter officers, in coordination with the faculty advisor, to assure that all students invited to membership are aware of the significance of the invitation. By accepting this responsibility and educating those invited about the significance of membership, no student should decline because of the above-stated reasons.



Tapping ceremonyOne very effective method for inviting students to membership is the tapping ceremony. Tapping is a method whereby BGS faculty or student members, often including the Dean, visit selected business classes and formally present invitations to membership during class. The faculty members may wear academic regalia for this ceremony.Some chapters make the Tapping Ceremony less formal than others. The collegiate chapter should adapt its ceremony to fit the appropriate culture on its campus.Even when a personal delivery of the invitation materials is not possible for all eligible students, the Tapping Ceremony provides both a symbol of the significance of BGS membership and additional visibility to the Society on your campus.While tapping as the means to invite qualifying students to membership is not required of collegiate chapters, it has been proven to be the most effective way to inform students of their eligibility and of the value of membership. It is also one of the best methods a chapter can utilize to obtain high acceptance rates.

Online Ordering SystemBeta Gamma Sigma uses the Online Ordering System (OOS) to process all orders, both membership and supply, and manage chapter contacts. Upon becoming chapter advisor, you will receive a username and password allowing you to log into the system. All chapter functions can be managed from this single, password-protected website. In addition, those invited will fill out MDPs (Membership Data Profiles) online as well. After students have paid their lifetime membership fee, the Central Office will send them the link to complete their MPD online. For a detailed set of instructions, visit our website at betagammasigma.org/Forms/oosmanual0913.pdf to download the full manual. If you are new to BGS, this manual will assist you in setting up your ceremony date, guide you through the ordering of supplies for your invitees, and inform you of the automated Certificate Order process. It will also guide you as you update BGS contact information.Additionally, we look forward to working with the chapters to increase membership acceptance rates and significantly reduce the time it currently takes for us to enter members’ data into our database. With this system, your members will often have access to BGS benefits and the BGS On-Line Membership Directory BEFORE they go through the induction ceremony. We believe this will provide a more lasting relationship between the student member, the business school and Beta Gamma Sigma. In an effort to continue to improve this relationship, we will be rolling out a new system in the Fall of 2014 that should be even more efficient and user friendly for advisors, staff and students.

Shipping ChargesThe chapter is charged a 2 USD shipping fee per standard certificate for shipping the standard delivery membership orders of each semester. There are no shipping charges for replacement certificate orders sent through the Central Office. Actual expedited shipping costs by UPS (Next Day, 2nd Day, and 3 Day Select; when the chapter chooses one of these methods) within the U.S. and elsewhere will be billed to the chapter at the end of each month.



Second Recognition CertificatesChapters may recognize students who qualify for a second time with a Second Recognition Certificate. This special certificate is available for Master’s and Doctoral students who became members at a previous degree level and now have qualified again for BGS membership. The charge for the Second Recognition Certificate is $10 USD. The Second Recognition Certificate can be ordered using the Induction Ceremony Management page on the Online Ordering System. Additional information regarding previous membership is required at the time the order is placed with the Central Office.

Replacement CertificatesReplacement certificates can be purchased by collegiate chapters through the Central Office using the Supply Order Form on the Online Ordering System. If there was an error to the original certificate that was the fault of the Central Office, there will be no charge for the replacement certificate. There is a $10 USD charge for other circumstances, including but not limited to: chapter error, member wants an additional certificate, and member name change.

Replacement/Additional CharterEach collegiate chapter is issued a charter at the time of the chapter’s installation. Some chapters request additional or replacement charters for various reasons (college/university or school of business changes its name, chapter wants to display a charter in additional locations, etc.) The cost for each additional or replacement charter is $10 USD. Contact the Central Office direct for details on purchasing charters.



IV. Induction Ceremonies

Timeline for Planning Chapter Inductions A sample calendar is available at betagammasigma.org/collsec4.htm#calendar.

9-12 weeks prior to ceremony date » Create or update chapter account/contact information into the

Online Ordering System (OOS) at: bgschapterservices.org » Identify eligible students and faculty; chapter nominating

committee selects those to invite; elect to membership

8 weeks prior to ceremony date » Order membership invitation packets and chapter supplies

online from BGS » Input eligible member database online

7 weeks prior to ceremony date » Begin promoting Beta Gamma Sigma on campus » Receive invitation packets and chapter supplies from BGS » Create local invitation with details to include in invitation;

assemble invitation packets

6 weeks prior to ceremony date » Distribute invitation packets (in person or by mail)

2.5 – 6 weeks prior to ceremony date » Accept membership payments from each invited student

and faculty member » Note paid memberships in database – ongoing » Receive automatic emails indicating new members that

completed MDPs on-line » Ongoing basis - encourage paid members to complete

online MDPs » Send follow-up email/call/note to invited students and

faculty (non-responses) encouraging membership acceptance » Notify BGS for special shipping requests (domestic orders will

be shipped to chapter standard UPS unless otherwise requested)

9 – 19 days prior to ceremony date » BGS processes and ships initial (1st) chapter order

1 week prior to ceremony date » Chapter receives, proofs and prepares initial (1st) chapter

membership order materials for ceremony



5 – 15 days prior to ceremony date » BGS processes and ships additional orders

1 – 8 days prior to ceremony date » Chapter receives, proofs and prepares additional

chapter membership order materials for ceremony

Induction Ceremony Held

+1 – 14 days after ceremony date » Distribute any new member materials to new

members not in attendance at the ceremony (include copy of ritual for them to read)

» Mail membership payment to Central Office (one payment for all memberships @ 65 USD + 2 USD shipping cost per member)

» Complete MDPs (as much information as available to you) for new members that did not complete their own

» NOTE: Fourteen (14) days following induction ceremony date Central Office staff must create basic MDPs for remaining paid members’ (using only basic/created information – name, permanent address of school, email address, DOB, gender) to reconcile chapter payment to members paid. Chapters should note that this process by the Central Office will not provide correct and complete member contact information which can only be provided by member or chapter input. It is likely that these members will become “lost” members are not be able to receive some of their free membership benefits.

» Begin planning for next induction ceremony

14+ days after ceremony date » Continue follow up to non-responses as long as chapter chooses » Approximately two months following the ceremony or at the conclusion

of the semester, BGS Central Office sends a follow-up invitation to membership to chapter non-respondents through a direct email invitation (after contacting the collegiate chapter).

Ritual Information Visit our website at betagammasigma.org/Forms/bgsritual.doc for the Beta Gamma Sigma ritual to be used at the induction ceremony.A sample memo with induction ceremony and event information can be found on our website at betagammasigma.org/Forms/appendixfnew.doc.



V. Activities & Programs

Ideas for Chapter Activities The Chapter Advisor, Dean’s Office, faculty and student members can do a variety of things to help the chapter be successful. There are many activities that chapter officers should consider when deciding what is best for their chapters. It is important that each chapter select programs that are a best fit and help to distinguish BGS from other organizations on campus. When selecting activities be sure to encourage engagement from student officers and members – the more students are engaged with BGS on campus; the more invested they will be throughout their lifetime.

A) To Increase Chapter Visibility:

» Submit articles about the chapter to student and local newspapers. » Utilize bulletin boards and displays in the School of Business building. » Host BGS information tables and sessions » Participate in new student orientation days to introduce Beta Gamma Sigma. » Distribute BGS Information Cards. » List and explain purposes of Beta Gamma Sigma in College/University and School of Business

catalogs. » Participate in the BGS Scholarship and Outstanding Chapter programs. » Develop a BGS chapter home page and link to: betagammasigma.org. » Include information on BGS induction and scholarship/award recipients in School of Business

publications. » Encourage BGS faculty members to include Beta Gamma Sigma membership in their vitas/bios. » Encourage chapter participation in BGS programs: Medallion for Entrepreneurship, Business

Achievement Award and Chapter Honoree. » Celebrate Beta Gamma Sigma's Founders' Day (Feb. 19) or Founders' Week and send out copies of

the Founders' Day press release. » Participate in the Annual BGS Gives Back service day which takes place in the Fall.

B) For Member Recognition:

» Host a reception for new inductees. Invite all members of the chapter. » Participate in the Society’s programs. Students and faculty members should wear BGS honor cords,

stoles or medallions at commencement. » List or designate BGS members in the commencement program. » Provide press releases to local media highlighting the accomplishments of members.

C) Professional Activities:

» Be a host or satellite host of a Meet the Leaders of Business Guest Speaker Series » Sponsor a speech contest. » Sponsor lectures, career panels, and/or events on pertinent business topics. » Create a mentoring program. » Host a career fair.



Meet The Leaders Of BusinessThe Meet the Leaders of Business Guest Speaker Series began in 2012-2013 as one of the featured programs for the Society’s Centennial anniversary celebration, and continues as a legacy program. BGS partners with universities to present prominent business executives discussing a wide variety of business topics such as executive leadership, creating a culture of engagement, and social entrepreneurship. Each speaker event reaches a large audience on campus, several satellite groups, and hundreds of webcast viewers worldwide.

Day of ServiceThe Day of Service is an opportunity for your chapter to rally BGS members around a common cause and give back their talent and time. BGS members around the globe read to intercity students, built wheelchair ramps, and everything in between. The Day of Service will continue with hope that more chapters will rally around a common cause and give back their talent and time. This event is hosted in the Fall and is a great opportunity for all BGS members to unite and Give Back….together.

BGS Is EverywhereAs a truly international honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma members are found around the world. To capture this in pictures, members are encouraged to send photos of themselves taken with the Society's feathered mascot - Professor Elwell. Members can download a printable version of Professor Elwell or order an owl of their own from the BGS Store. Members can then visit our website at http://betagammasigma.org/bie.html and upload their photos featuring Professor Elwell.

Chapter HonoreeThe chapter nominating committee shall nominate candidates for the Chapter Honoree Award. Any person who has achieved distinction primarily in business and administration who possesses those qualities that Beta Gamma Sigma fosters may be nominated as chapter honoree by the chapter. Chapters may elect up to two chapter honorees in any one year. If a chapter has reason to select more than two chapter honorees in a given year, that request should be made to the Central Office.The Chapter must submit to the Central Office a completed Chapter Honoree Information form which can be found on the website at http://betagammasigma.org/chapterhonoree.htm. The chapter will be charged an $85 fee for each chapter honoree to help defray the cost of the specially chosen Chapter Honoree Frame. Be sure the spelling of the name is correct since the plaque will be ordered from the information on this form. The information form should be received 4-6 weeks prior to the induction date to insure delivery prior to the ceremony. For additional information, you may contact your collegiate chapter associate.



Student ScholarshipsIn 1988, the Beta Gamma Sigma Board of Governors established a scholarship program to award scholarships to deserving student members. The annual awards are available to undergraduate or master’s student members enrolled in a business administration program at a college or university accredited by AACSB International.The current program, as revised by the Board of Governors in 2003, provides a $1,000 scholarship award to a student member from each chapter that:

» achieves a 70% or greater membership acceptance rate overall - which also qualifies a chapter to be recognized as an Exemplary Chapter - in the previous year and whose Dean’s office provides $500 in matching funds to the Society’s $500 contribution. The 70% membership acceptance rate must be recorded on the Survey of Membership Acceptance Rates form and returned to the Central Office by the deadline; or

» achieves an 85% or greater membership acceptance rate at a specific degree level (undergraduate or master's level) in the previous year and whose Dean's office provides $500 in matching funds to the Society's $500 contribution. The 85% membership acceptance rate must be recorded on the Survey of Membership Acceptance Rates form and returned to the Central Office by the deadline.

In addition, any chapter reaching the 85% membership acceptance rate (overall) is recognized as a Premier Chapter and automatically qualifies to award a $1,000 BGS Scholarship. The Premier Chapter recognition pre-qualifies the chapter for the Outstanding Chapter program.The program is set up so that collegiate chapters select one student to receive the scholarship award. The competition is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors and master’s students. Chapters can select a current chapter member, an alumnus of the chapter, or a student who will be invited to become a BGS member (award contingent on acceptance of membership) during the spring of the nominating year. Each chapter’s scholarship recipient must complete the BGS scholarship application. However, chapters use various methods for selecting their recipients.Qualifying chapters must confirm their participation and availability of matching funds in January with a deadline for returning the winning applications to the Central Office in late Spring. Winners are announced in April/May.Through the BGS Scholarship Program, the Society has helped more than 1,800 outstanding students of business reach their educational goals. As the program continues to expand, more students will benefit in the future. To date, more than $2 million has been awarded to outstanding student members through the program.As with all of our programs, the Scholarship Program is funded through the generosity of our members. If you would like to help support this worthwhile program, please consider making a gift to Beta Gamma Sigma, or email the Central Office to receive information on Named Scholarship Opportunities.



Student Leadership ForumDebuting in 2001, the Beta Gamma Sigma Student Leadership Forum brings together student members from colleges and universities across the country for a chance to improve their leadership skills. A hands-on experience, the Student Leadership Forum challenges the chosen participants to examine questions such as, “What Kind of Leader Will I Be?” Team-building exercises, social activities, networking and other activities make the Student Leadership Forum a very positive step forward in the professional lives of those taking part.Some comments from past participants of previous Beta Gamma Sigma Student Leadership Forums:

“It is not often that I get time to reflect on my goals and where I see my life headed.” - Susmitha Thomas, Towson University

“A complete and enlightening experience. I am leaving the conference a better leader.” - Justin Poser, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

“This weekend was one of the most beneficial of my life. Doing Dr. Nahser’s program really helped me focus in on where I am going in life.” - Angela Kroboth, Appalachian State University

“I didn’t expect that much, but this conference was life changing.” - John Bly, Bryant College

“Conferences rarely provide the opportunity to allow creativity and intuitive thinking of participants. This was a truly rare outstanding exception.” - Brian Frimpong, Howard University

Photos and comments from past Student Leadership Forums, are availabe for viewing at: betagammasigma.org/studentforum.htm



VI. Awards

Medallion for EntrepreneurshipThe Entrepreneurship Medallion is awarded to outstanding individuals who combine innovative business achievement with service to humanity. The accomplishments of the individuals may be domestic or worldwide but must be consistent with the ideals of Beta Gamma Sigma. The BGS Medallion for Entrepreneurship was established to provide appropriate recognition to those individuals and firms who contribute significantly to the vitality and strength of the economy, combining innovative business achievement with service to humanity.Beta Gamma Sigma chapters are eligible to nominate individuals for this award based on the following criteria:

» Combination of innovative business with service to humanity;

» Success in overcoming risk in new venture development;

» Degree of innovation in risk taking;

» Adaptation to new market and competitive environments;

» Successful accomplishment of the above during the past 5-10 years;

» Promise of additional achievements during years to come; and

» The nominee shall have been a model of ethical business leadership in his or her career and have exemplified the highest honor and integrity consistent with the ideals of Beta Gamma Sigma.

BGS Deans, Faculty Advisors and members of the Board of Governors are invited to nominate persons for this award. Nomination forms are distributed by the Central Office each summer with an early fall deadline for receipt of nominations. Recipients are announced to the Society during the International Honoree Luncheon at the Annual Meeting of AACSB International each spring. Actual presentations to the recipients are held locally to maximize the exposure for both the chapter and the entrepreneur in their local communities.

Business Achievement AwardThe Business Achievement Award is presented to honor individuals for significant achievement in business through the traditional corporate route. The achievement may be demonstrated over a career or by a singular achievement that has advanced the field of business and contributed to a community and to humankind.Individuals are nominated for the Business Achievement Award based on the following criteria:

» Significant accomplishment in business demonstrated through an individual’s position, career progress, leadership, financial/market share results and community impact;

» Evidence of significant generosity through enhancement of a community or an educational institution;

» The significant accomplishment in business and the evidence of generosity may be over a career or the past 5-10 years;

» Evidence of continued and/or further service to humanity beyond the acts of generosity; and

» The nominee shall have been a model of ethical business leadership in his or her career and have exemplified the highest honor and integrity consistent with the ideals of Beta Gamma Sigma.

A nominee need not have received a degree in business or be a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Nominations may be received from a Beta Gamma Sigma chapter, through the Faculty Advisor or Dean, or from a member of the Board of Governors. One to three individuals will be selected annually for the award, with nominations of women and minorities particularly encouraged.This is a global award presented locally at the convenience of the recipient and the nominating institution. The award will be given prominence through an announcement at the BGS International Honoree Luncheon, through the BGS International Exchange, and a feature on BetaNet, the Beta Gamma Sigma website.



Outstanding Chapter AwardsOver the years, the Outstanding Chapter Award recognized chapters that demonstrated excellence in chapter performance. Since 1995, an additional benefit to receiving an Outstanding Chapter Award was the ability to award an additional Beta Gamma Sigma Scholarship to an outstanding student member from the chapter. Collegiate chapters that complete and return the Survey of Membership Acceptance & Chapter Promotional Activities by the deadline date and indicate an acceptance rate of 85 percent or greater will be considered for the Outstanding Chapter Award.In addition to the Outstanding Chapter Award, a dean from a qualifying chapter may nominate one chapter advisor or administrator for consideration for the Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award. The award recipient will be announced at the BGS Dean’s Recognition luncheon held in conjunction with the AACSB ICAM meeting. The recipient will receive a recognition plaque, $1,000 cash award and will be invited to attend (expenses paid) and present a session at a BGS Collegiate Chapter Officer Training Seminar the following academic year.

Premier/Exemplary Chapter AwardsAll of the Premier chapters have an acceptance rate of at least 85 percent and all Exemplary chapters have acceptance rates between 70 and 84 percent. Premier and Exemplary chapters also pre-qualify for consideration in in Scholarship Program. Premier chapters also qualify to nominate for the Outstanding Chapter awards. Outstanding Chapter Advisor and the Matching Scholarship Program. Premier chapters also qualify to nominate for the Outstanding Chapter awards.

Professor of the Year AwardMembers of collegiate chapters of Beta Gamma Sigma are encouraged to begin recognizing an outstanding Beta Gamma Sigma faculty member and help promote the chapter on campus through an annual selection of the Beta Gamma Sigma Professor of the Year. To participate, chapter members should create a roster of business school faculty members who are also members of the Society. Chapter members would then vote for and select the BGS Professor of the Year. It is expected that the award would be announced and presented at the chapter's induction ceremony or another appropriate venue.



VII. Relationships with Alumni Chapters

Alumni and Collegiate Chapter CollaborationAlumni Chapters and Collegiate Chapters should collaborate regularly in the immediate geographic area in order to:

» Promote membership in the Alumni Chapter to new BGS members

» Pursue venue options at the university for events

» Tag onto alumni events and ask if collegiate members can attend

» Invite alumni members to attend induction ceremonies for the new Beta Gamma Sigma members

» Generally encourage a relationship between the collegiate and alumni chapter.

The most effective way to begin a relationship with a local alumni chapter is to invite them to send a representative of the Alumni Chapter to attend the induction ceremonies for your local Collegiate Chapter. Allow the alumni officer the opportunity to speak a few minutes at the program to promote the value of membership in the Alumni Chapter.

The alumni chapter officer should assure new BGS members that any Alumni Chapter membership dues are in addition to the lifetime membership fee to BGS (if applicable), and that Alumni Chapter membership is not mandatory to maintain lifetime membership in BGS.

Most often, new BGS members are thrilled to know that there is an active group of BGS professionals in their community and are eager to get involved. Alumni chapters host events such as happy hour/networking events, speaker series, sporting event outings, volunteer activities, and professional development workshops. These newest members are great candidates for new officers and committee members to help support these activities.

Many Alumni Chapters have had great success with co-hosting BGS events for both BGS students and BGS alumni. Typically, the university arranges a facility on campus for these events. This allows students to gain crucial exposure to the BGS brand, while providing a free and often convenient location for alumni to meet.



Current Alumni Chapters » Atlanta Area Alumni Chapter

» Boston Area Alumni Chapter

» Central-Southern Germany Alumni Chapter

» Charlotte Area Alumni Chapter

» Chicagoland Alumni Chapter

» Cleveland Area Alumni Chapter

» Dallas / Ft. Worth Area Alumni Chapter

» Denver Area Alumni Chapter

» Hong Kong Alumni Chapter

» Houston Area Alumni Chapter

» London Alumni Chapter

» Los Angeles Area Alumni Chapter

» Minneapolis / St. Paul Area Alumni Chapter

» New York City Alumni Chapter

» New Zealand Alumni Chapter

» Northern Germany Alumni Chapter

» Philadelphia Area Alumni Chapter

» Phoenix Area Alumni Chapter

» Raleigh/Durham Area Alumni Chapter

» St. Louis Area Alumni Chapter

» San Diego Area Alumni Chapter

» San Francisco Area Alumni Chapter

» Seattle-Tacoma Area Alumni Chapter

» South Florida Area Alumni Chapter

» South Texas Alumni Chapter

» Spain Alumni Chapter

» Switzerland Alumni Chapter

» Toronto Area Alumni Chapter

» Washington, DC Area Alumni Chapter

Current contact information for our alumni chapters can be found on our website at http://betagammasigma.org/alumni/chapters.htm.



VIII. Resources & Best Practices

Collegiate Officer Training SeminarsBeta Gamma Sigma offers its collegiate chapter advisors, admins and officers the opportunity to learn first-hand the best methods for running a BGS collegiate chapter. Always a valuable experience for advisors, the BGS Collegiate Chapter Officer Training Seminar is a vital tool for maximizing the effectiveness of chapters.Chapter personnel learn from Central Office staff and one another through this one-day interactive program. The event kicks off the previous evening with an informal dinner. Make sure your chapter is operating at its maximum potential – and your best students (those eligible for BGS invitations) are getting all they deserve – by sending one or more chapter representatives to a BGS Collegiate Chapter Officer Training Seminar.

BGS Store The Beta Gamma Sigma store is your online source for official BGS merchandise, apparel, and regalia. Visit the BGS store at bgsstore.org.

BGS Publications Beta Gamma Sigma sends various publications throughout the year including:

» BGS Connection is the electronic newsletter for chapter officers which is sent out twice per year in September and January. This newsletter provides information on the upcoming programs, deadlines and details to assist you and your colleagues in running the chapter.

» Collegiate Chapter Notes is a very short email, again specifically for chapter advisors and officers. It is sent bi-monthly during the academic year. This very brief communication provides reminders and announcements that are also critical for running a successful chapter. It also highlights best practices and programs other chapters are using to promote BGS on their campuses.

» The BGS International Exchange, the Society’s magazine, is sent out in print twice a year.

» The B-Zine, an electronic newsletter, is sent every other month to all members for whom the Society has an email address on file.

BGS Website As mentioned in the introduction, the Beta Gamma Sigma website, www.betagammasigma.org, offers a plethora of resources for all chapter officers. Feel free to visit the site for detailed explanations and other helpful examples.



Best Practices from Successful ChaptersUtilize BGS information and invitation materials

» Utilize the complete membership invitation packet when inviting students to membership and utilize the standard and free BGS Program Covers (with chapter program and new members listed) at the induction ceremony.

» Include the BGS Information Card for undergraduates and a comment from the Dean in Dean’s List letter to underclassmen – encouraging that a BGS membership invitation be a goal for each business student.

Make the BGS invitation process highly visible.

» Extending tapping ceremony out over several days. Some chapters do this the week of Founders’ Day in February.

» Have eligible students sport BGS stickers (or BGS has buttons available).

» Some chapters give notes to their eligible students that say “Meet at the Key”. Here the Dean and Chapter Advisor recognize and invite students to join BGS.

Get your faculty involved. Ask them to assist you in the process of inviting and recognizing students. Do you have faculties that are eligible to become BGS members? – Induct them at your ceremony! Our staff will be glad to review your faculty roster to see if any are already BGS members.

» Faculty encouragement is very important. Explain to faculty members that their assistance is necessary to ensure high acceptance rates.

» Encourage faculty who are members of BGS to display BGS posters on their doors showing their support of the organization.

» Ask faculty to recognize and congratulate the students in class, in person, or by way of a note.

» Ask the Department Chairs to send a letter of congratulations to each student invited from their department.

Have information sessions, tables or displays. Utilize BGS members (students and faculty) to assist and explain what BGS is and the benefits of membership. Tell the BGS story. Let students know:

» BGS is a lifetime recognition

» Career assistance is available through Career Central

» Alumni Chapter Network – over 29 Alumni Chapters around the world

» Member Benefits – discounts on publications, professional attire, technology, test prep, etc…

» Scholarship Opportunities

» Program Opportunities - like the Meet the Leaders of Business Guest Speaker Series, BGS Gives Back Day of Service, and the BGS Student Leadership Forums.

» Graduate School Assistance – Virtual Graduate School Fair

» Student Leadership Forum



Show your BGS pride – ask faculty and administration to wear their BGS pins during the time of invitation and during the month of February.

» Participate in Beta Gamma Sigma Founders' Day/Week to encourage greater recognition of BGS on campus.

» Faculty members and current student members wear BGS keys, t-shirts or other BGS apparel during the week that the invitations are sent or delivered. Faculty members display membership certificates in their offices.

» Purchase and install a Beta Gamma Sigma bronze key in or near the School of Business building to increase recognition of the Society on campus.

» Display all BGS chapter plaques prominently in School of Business building (chapter charter, Outstanding Chapter, Exemplary or Premier Chapter, Scholarship Program Awards)

» Maintain a creative and informative BGS bulletin board or display case in prominent locations in the business school building.

Announce the student’s invitation and induction into Beta Gamma Sigma:

» Send letters of congratulations to parents, spouse and/or employer.

» Submit an article to local publications (campus and community) listing names of those invited and providing information about BGS.

» Send press releases to hometown newspapers

Follow-up with students who haven’t responded to their invitation

» Follow-up with phone calls and email messages from faculty or student members to explain the benefits of BGS, urge invitees to accept membership and answer any questions.

» Ask the Dean to provide a follow-up letter to those invited.

» Accept into membership those students who missed the deadline for membership acceptance. The Central Office is always willing to process late memberships – even one at a time – so it is best to be flexible.

Promote your chapter on campus

» List Beta Gamma Sigma in the College/University catalog as the business honor society for your school’s AACSB International accredited business program.

» List or designate Beta Gamma Sigma members in the commencement program.

» Announce Beta Gamma Sigma scholarship recipients in the School of Business publication and/or the Foundation’s publication (for qualifying chapters).

» Include an article about your Beta Gamma Sigma chapter’s induction (or other activities) in the School of Business publication.

» Co-sponsor a Business Leadership Forum on campus with training on “effective networking” and “dining etiquette.”

» Co-sponsor with the School of Business a “Dean’s Reception” for all students making the Chancellor’s and/or Dean’s List



IX. Frequently Asked Questions

Why would an invited student fail to accept membership in Beta Gamma Sigma?

The primary cause for non-response may be that the student does not thoroughly understand the honor being bestowed or the value of membership. The Chapter Advisor should make sure all eligible students are fully aware of the meaning and value of lifetime membership in Beta Gamma Sigma. Engaging your student officers in the follow-up process is also helpful. Students appreciate the peer-to-peer contact and can sometimes more easily relate to another student sharing the value with them.

What should a chapter do when students do not respond to the membership invitations?

There are several things a chapter can do to get responses from potential members: » A follow-up letter from the Dean. » Follow-up phone calls from chapter officers. » Reminder emails to those that don’t respond. » BGS faculty members talk to students in their classes about the importance of BGS membership. » Inform invited students that, in addition to the honor of recognition, membership also includes several

tangible benefits including a one-year subscription to both Bloomberg Businessweek and Fortune (U.S. addresses only) magazines.

What are Membership Data Profile forms (MDPs)?

A membership data profile form records all the information for each member. Following payment of the membership fee, the new member is directed to the link to complete the MDP on-line. Once the MDP has been complete the certificate will be generated.

Who can be a chapter officer?

The President and Secretary-Treasurer/Faculty Advisor positions must be filled by members of the Society who are members of the business school faculty or the Dean. Ideally, the Dean or another senior faculty member would hold the position of president and a faculty member would fill the positions of Faculty Advisor and Secretary-Treasurer. However, the office of Secretary-Treasurer and the Faculty Advisor may be either the same person or two separate people. BGS also encourages chapters to select student officers giving students the opportunity to get more involved with their chapters.

How does a chapter submit orders for supplies and memberships?

Beta Gamma Sigma has developed an Online Ordering System (OOS) to expedite and simplify the chapter ordering process. This system allows chapters to order chapter supplies (including membership invitation booklets) and complete an online process for inviting, accepting and processing memberships. This interactive system is also utilized by the Central Office to receive, process and ship membership orders. To begin this process, go to www.bgschapterservices.org.

Who should order supplies and memberships from the Central Office?

Any chapter officer or a designated chapter representative may order chapter supplies or process the chapter’s online order. Chapters should update Chapter Contact information for every chapter officer/contact whenever there is new information.



What shipping charges are the responsibility of the collegiate chapter?

The Central Office covers the following shipping costs sent via standard delivery service with the 2 USD shipping charged per membership certificate: 1) one chapter supply order per semester; 2) all standard shipments of membership materials before and after the induction ceremony.

The chapter is charged shipping as follows: 1) requests for additional shipments of supply or membership materials to any chapter worldwide; or 2) shipments sent by expedited delivery methods within the U.S. and Canada.

Chapters should keep in mind that the printed materials in the invitation packet add considerable weight to a shipment. To avoid additional shipping charges, chapters are encouraged to order supplies early in the semester so they can be sent via regular ground service.

What is the BGS Connection and how often is it mailed to the chapters?

The BGS Connection is the electronic newsletter for BGS collegiate chapter advisors, officers and administrative contacts. This electronic newsletter is provided twice per year at the beginning of each semester (in January and September). It is important that Faculty Advisors review the BGS Connection when it is received so they are informed about updated chapter information and Central Office procedural changes. The newsletter should be forwarded to any other designated chapter representative working with the chapter who doesn’t receive it directly.

What is the purpose of the BGS Information Card?

The undergraduate information card is used to inform students about BGS early in their academic careers before they qualify for membership. The card encourages business students early in their academic careers to set Beta Gamma Sigma membership as a goal. Many chapters include the information card with letters sent to underclassmen named to the Dean’s List. The information cards may be ordered from the Central Office through the Chapter Supply Order Form on the Online Ordering System. These cards are provided free of charge.

What is a tapping ceremony?

A tapping ceremony is the most successful method of inviting students to membership. Tapping is not mandatory for a chapter, but it is a very effective way to invite and recognize members and potential members among their peers. Typically, faculty members and often the Dean will visit selected business classes and formally present invitations to those eligible for membership. They will also recognize those that are already members of BGS. In some cases, faculty members choose to wear academic regalia for the tapping in class.

(Note: While not required of chapters, it has been verified that those chapters that distribute invitations through a tapping ceremony are most successful in obtaining memberships.)

May a chapter order honor cords and graduation stoles to wear at commencement?

The Central Office recommends that a chapter decide between offering either the honor cord OR the graduation stole for its members to wear at commencement. The rationale behind this is that it appears more uniform for members at the ceremony. Honor cords, graduation stoles and medallions should be ordered through the BGS Store.



X. Sample Planning Calendar (Based on a Fall and Spring Induction Ceremony)

September » Read September issue of BGS Connection for information about running a successful chapter » Plan any special activities for academic year » Complete election process 9-12 weeks prior to induction ceremony » Register and update Chapter Officer information on the Online Ordering System » Order necessary supplies from Central Office through the BGS Online Ordering System » Input names and emails of students and faculty into the BGS Online Ordering System » Check BetaNet website (www.betagammasigma.org) for updates » Supply name of student attending Student Leadership Forum » Deadline for Medallion for Entrepreneurship and Business Achievement nominations

October » Faculty officer or administrative assistant attends Fall Chapter Training Workshop (every 2-3 years) » Tapping Ceremony » Mail or distribute membership invitations to qualifying students and faculty » Distribute Dean’s follow-up letter » Other follow-up activity » BGS news release in campus paper » Input Membership Order into the Online Ordering System » Participate in BGS Gives Back Day of Service

November » Fall induction ceremony » Reserve facilities for next year’s ceremony » Student member attends the Student Leadership Forum

January » Read January issue of BGS Connection for information

about running a successful chapter » Begin work on identifying spring inductees » Confirm participation in Scholarship Program (eligible

chapters) » Check BetaNet website (www.betagammasigma.org)

for updates » Read regular Collegiate Chapter Notes sent to chapter

officers for important reminders » Deadline for Outstanding Chapter Award

nominations



February » Complete election process 9-12 weeks prior to induction

ceremony » Order necessary supplies from the Central Office through

the BGS Online Ordering System » Chapter Officer or Administrative Assistant attends Winter

Chapter Training Workshop » Celebrate BGS Founders' Week (week of February 19) » Student member attends the Student Leadership Forum

March » Tapping Ceremony » Mail invitations » Distribute Dean’s follow-up letter » Other follow-up activity » BGS news release in campus paper » Supply attendee’s name for Biennial Convention (even-

numbered years) to Central Office » Complete Membership Order on the Online Ordering System » Reserve a space for student to attend next Student Leadership Forum » Chapter Officer or Administrative Assistant attends Chapter Training Workshop » Announcement of Outstanding Chapters

April » Induction Ceremony/Event » Establish next year’s committees » Elect next year’s officers » Biennial Convention (even-numbered years) » Reserve facilities for next year’s event

May » Send Scholarship Recipient application to

Central Office

August » Begin work on identifying fall inductees » Register to attend Fall Chapter Training

Workshop » Provide to the Central Office the name of student attending November Student Leadership Forum



Contact the SocietyBeta Gamma Sigma125 Weldon ParkwayMaryland Heights, MO 63043-3101 USAphone: +1 314-432-5650email: [email protected] check the BetaNet website at:www.betagammasigma.org

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