Beta Gamma Sigma
Collegiate Chapter Handbook
Table of Contents I.
Introduction to Beta Gamma Sigma (pg. 1)
II.
Collegiate Chapter Leadership (pg. 5)
III.
Chapter Membership (pg. 9)
IV.
Recognition Ceremonies (pg. 19)
V.
Activities & Programs (pg. 21)
VI.
Awards (pg. 26)
VII.
Relationships with Alumni Chapters (pg. 27)
VIII.
Resources and Best Practices (pg. 30)
IX.
Frequently Asked Questions (pg. 34)
X.
Sample Planning Calendar (pg. 37)
Beta Gamma Sigma Global Headquarters 125 Weldon Parkway Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3101 USA Phone: 314.432.5650 Fax: 314.432.7083 Web: www.betagammasigma.org Email: bgshonors @ betagammasigma.org
Beta Gamma Sigma and the Key logo are registered trademarks of Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc. Copyright © Beta Gamma Sigma, Inc. 2015. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without Beta Gamma Sigma’s express consent.
Collegiate Chapter Handbook
I. Introduction to Beta Gamma Sigma We are so pleased 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. 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 http://www.betagammasigma.org/chapterofficers/collegiate-chapters/collegiate-chapter-resources. 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 Global Headquarters 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 Sigma In 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. Research and deliberations yielded a clear message: Change is needed. To continue to have a legacy as a premier society, Beta Gamma Sigma needs to develop compelling offerings that will make it stand out in an increasingly crowded space, giving students a meaningful reason to “want to” join and giving alumni reasons to “want to” stay engaged. As a result, the following three-part strategy was developed to continue our legacy. a.
Bolster BGS’s support of chapters and members
b.
Grow the value BGS provides to members
c.
Strengthen organizational and financial durability
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Board of Governors Beta Gamma Sigma elects officers and a board of governors to serve the Society for two-year terms. Officer roles include Chair/Chairman, Vice Chair/Chair Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, Immediate Past Chairman, Executive Director, and Associate Executive Director. There are 12 Board of Governor members. For a complete list of the current officer and board of governors members, visit betagammasigma.org/board.
Global Headquarters Staff Beta Gamma Sigma operates entirely out of one Global Headquarters, located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The current staffing structure is shown here: Chief Executive Officer Director of Marketing
Director, Chapter Relations
Director, Advancement
Associate Director, Chapter & Alumni Operations
Collegiate & Alumni Chapter Operations Sr. Manager, Chapter Operations
Manger, Collegiate Relations (2)
Manager, Member Services Programs & Events Manager, Program & Events Marketing Manager, Media
Manager, Marketing Communications Administration
Manager, Meetings and Administration
Manager, Finance & HR
Size and Scope of BGS Beta Gamma Sigma has recognized more than 775,000 outstanding students into membership since its founding in 1913. These 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. Beta Gamma Sigma has established over 550 collegiate chapters in all 50 U.S. states and over 25 countries and territories at schools accredited by AACSB International.
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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.
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»» 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. The London Alumni Chapter is chartered on BGS’ 100th anniversary, February 19th; On Nov. 11, BGS charters the Toronto Area Alumni Chapter, its 29th chapter. »» 2014: Launched a new strategic plan focused on building the second century of Beta Gamma Sigma
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II. Collegiate Chapter Leadership The leadership of a collegiate chapter is comprised of both Chapter and Student Officers. The Chapter Officer positions of President and Secretary-Treasurer should be held by a Beta Gamma Sigma member who is also employed by the institution as administrative, teaching or research staff. If these positions are not held by BGS members we recommend inducting them into the society at the next recognition ceremony. A chapter also must select a Chapter Advisor to serve as the primary chapter coordinator and BGS champion. This person must also be employed by the institution as administrative, teaching or research staff and if not already a member of BGS must be eligible to and plan to be recognized at the chapter’s next ceremony. The office of Secretary-Treasurer may be held by the Chapter Advisor if another individual has not been selected. The office of the Chapter President is often held by the Dean. A Chapter is also encouraged to select a university employee to serve in the role of Chapter Administrator to assist the Chapter Advisor in managing the chapter. A Chapter should select a Student President and Vice President(s) from their new BGS student members who have at least one full academic year left at the institution. Chapters have found that utilizing Student Officers is a great way to redistribute the workload associated with the chapter by putting less pressure on the Chapter Advisors and giving the students leadership opportunities. Each chapter is encouraged to select at least one Student Officer. More specific information regarding Student Officers including possible titles and roles is explained later in this section.
Role of the Collegiate Chapter A) Elect Chapter Officers and Student 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 ceremony RSVPs. Recognize new members with Beta Gamma Sigma members following approved methods. D) Order supplies, enter / input invited members through the BGS Chapter Management System (CMS). E)
Chapter must have at least one recognition ceremony per year to be considered an active chapter. Consider these items: »» Date/Time/Location »» Speaker(s)
»» Readers of the ritual »» Chapter Honoree(s) »» Refreshments
»» Publicity (photos, video, news media) »» Other as appropriate
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F)
Participate in Beta Gamma Sigma Programs (see Section V for a list of all programs).
G) Remind invitees to accept membership by completing their Membership Data Profile (MDP) and paying the necessary membership fee. Both steps must be completed for members to receive their certificate and pin. A certificate order will not be generated until this process has been completed. H) Submit required reports and information to the Global Headquarters 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 Global Leadership Summit »» Chapter Year in Review Survey
»» Changes in chapter advisor, admin, or officers
I)
Recognize Beta Gamma Sigma members at commencement by including names in the printed program, and/or wearing honor cords, stoles or medallions.
J)
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) For questions about Alumni Chapters, contact Christina Allrich at cjanoski@betagammasigma.org.
Role of the Collegiate Chapter Advisor A) The Chapter Advisor is the primary chapter coordinator and BGS Champion. B)
The Chapter Advisor must educate other faculty members about the importance of Beta Gamma Sigma. 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.
C) It is the Chapter Advisor’s responsibility, using all available resources, to communicate the value of BGS membership, allowing students to make educated decisions when invited to join the Society. D) 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. E)
The Chapter Advisor is the primary contact person between the Global Headquarters and invited students and members. The following are some of the responsibilities of the Chapter Advisor:
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»» Ensure that the chapter’s billing and shipping information is current in the CMS. »» Order chapter supplies, printed materials and regalia via the CMS. »» Distribute informational and promotional materials.
»» Request lists of eligible students from the appropriate campus source. »» Carry out decisions of the nominating committee.
»» Coordinate and distribute invitations to eligible students.
»» Adjust membership fee in the CMS to include any local chapter fees in addition to the 75 USD. »» Upload list of all eligible students onto the CMS.
»» 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. »» Coordinate or supervise the recognition ceremony.
»» Complete the Annual Chapter Year in Review by specified deadline.
»» Onboard the new Chapter Advisor when transitioning out of the role.
Role of the Dean’s Office
The 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: »» Provide a strong presence in the tapping ceremony.
»» Provide an initial letter of congratulations to invitees. »» Provide a follow-up letter after the initial contact.
»» With a traditional student body, a letter of congratulations from the Dean to the parents can be very effective. »» Host a reception for invitees, current faculty and student members.
»» Support BGS by providing display cases and/or bulletin boards in prominent locations in and around the School of Business building. »» Purchase the bronze replica of BGS key for permanent display on campus.
»» Support the available programs of Beta Gamma Sigma, including the Medallion for Entrepreneurship, Business Achievement award, Chapter Honoree, etc. Provide funding to cover the cost of travel expenses for the student member(s) to attend the Society’s Global Leadership Summit. »» Make discretionary funds available to the Chapter Advisor (or assist the advisor in obtaining corporate/foundation support) to provide membership to those unable to pay the fee.
»» Include the BGS Information Card -- provided by the Global Headquarters -- with the letters sent to underclassmen named to the Dean’s List. »» Support the Chapter Advisor in his/her role through secretarial support, recognition for service, and providing of funding for attendance at a chapter officer training workshop at least every 2-3 years.
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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 Officers Student officers should be chosen from the list of newly recognized students who have at least one full academic year left at the institution. Elections should be held prior to the outgoing officers leaving campus in order to allow the newly elected and outgoing officers to discuss the current year and what steps to take in the future. Student officer positions provide students with 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 involved in the selection process, have access to the Chapter Management System (CMS), or sign certificates. In order to earn points for the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll, chapters must submit the student officer names and position titles to their chapter manager. Sample Student Officer Positions & Descriptions: »» Student President – This student will assist the Chapter Advisor in a variety of tasks. S/He will act as a liaison and provide guidance to the chapter’s executive student leadership team. S/He will work closely with the Student Vice Presidents to ensure that the chapter is engaging its members and providing visibility to the chapter and Society.
»» Student Vice President of Programming – This student will be responsible for the arrangement all programing on campus. This includes but is not limited to speaker series, networking events, service projects, and career development programs. This student would seek out opportunities to partner with other campus organizations and events as well as create programing unique to BGS. »» Student Vice President of Membership/PR – This student will work with the Chapter Advisor and Student President to promote BGS on campus and encourage membership. This student would organize information tables at events with prospective members in attendance such as academic recognition ceremonies. He or she would also seek out opportunities to speak to prospective members about the benefits of BGS at events such as freshman orientations, Business 101, or survey classes. He or she would also coordinate information sessions and create BGS displays around campus as appropriate. »» Student Vice President of Alumni Relations – This student’s primary role would be to establish and maintain a relationship with the neighboring alumni chapters. This student would facilitate communication with the alumni chapter officers and coordinate joint activities.
»» Student Vice President of Finance – This student would work closely with the Chapter Advisor, Administrative staff, and Student President to help track membership acceptance and dues payments. He or she will help remind students to respond to their membership invitation and pay their dues in a timely fashion. This student would also be responsible for collecting and tracking funds for other chapter programs and events including recognition ceremonies.
The position titles and descriptions above are merely our suggestions. Chapters can customize the Student Officer roles as needed. Selection/Election of Student Officers »» It is strongly recommended that Student Officer elections be held in the spring semester to elect officers
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for the following academic year.
»» Any inducted BGS student member who still has at least one (1) full academic year of classes left at the institution is eligible to apply for an office. »» Both graduate and undergraduate student members are eligible to serve as student officers.
»» Students interested in serving as an officer should complete a nomination form (example form following guidelines) and submit it to the chapter advisor. This form does not need to be submitted to the Global Headquarters.
»» From the nomination forms received, the chapter advisor and other chapter officers will prepare a slate of officers to be approved by a vote of the student members. »» Student members can vote at an in person meeting or by email to approve the slate as presented. A simple majority is needed to approve the slate.
The selection/election process above is just our suggestion. Chapters can customize the Student Officer selection/ election process as needed. Student Officer Terms & Succession Planning »» Students need to be available to serve as an officer for one full academic year.
»» Students may serve multiple terms as long as they are still enrolled as a student at the institution for the full academic year of their term. »» By electing student officers during the spring semester prior to the start of their term in the fall, transition meetings can occur with the incoming and outgoing officers.
The succession planning process above is merely a suggestion. Chapters can customize the Student Officer succession planning process as needed. Student Officer Limitations »» Student Officers cannot be a part of the membership selection process. »» Students may not have access to the Chapter Management System »» Students may not sign membership certificates
Global Headquarters Requirements for Student Officers »» Student Officer names and position titles must be submitted to your chapter manager to earn Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll Points. »» Student Officers must either participate in a live onboarding webinar or view the recording.
»» Student Officers must complete the annual Student Officer survey by the specified deadline. Potential projects for which a student officer may be responsible for include: A) Plan and coordinate the BGS Gives Back 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 Beta Gamma Sigma | 9
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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. I)
Coordinate social media and website for the chapter
J)
Take part in the BGS recognition ceremony as chapter advisor sees fit, i.e. announcing speakers, making a speech, etc.
K) Help to organize the tapping and recognition ceremony each year
III. Chapter Membership
New member selection process & eligibility requirements It 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 Procedures A) 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. The Global Headquarters must be notified of any additional eligibility requirements the chapter has in place such as course requirements or minimum GPA.
C) Elections must be conducted in accordance with the procedures specified by Article I, Section 3, of the Bylaws. 2. Eligibility Rules The 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 Global Headquarters.
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Membership Type
Eligibility Requirement #1
Eligibility Requirement #2
Eligibility Requirement #3
Baccalaureate Student Membership Traditional Students
Rank in top 10% of class*
Completed at least the first term of their 2nd year
Rank in top 10% of class*
Completed at least the first term of their 2nd year
Non-Traditional & Distance Programs Part-Time Students Transfer Students
Completed the equivalent of 1 full year of full-time coursework at the chapter school.
Graduate Student Membership Traditional Students
Rank in top 20% of class*
Completed half of the program OR the first year of a multi-year program
Transfer Students
Rank in top 20% of class*
Completed half of the program
Doctoral Students
Completed the program
Successfully defended dissertation
Administrative, Teaching or Research Staff Membership
Hold a PhD from the business unit of an AACSB accredited institution; OR
Non-Traditional & Distance Programs Part-Time Students
Completed the equivalent of 1 full year of full-time coursework at the chapter school.
Attained tenure; OR Completed 6 or more years of work at the business unit where chapter is located Academic Administration Membership
Dean, Chief Academic Officer, and Chief Executive Officer automatically qualify for membership
* The percentage of each class is determined based upon the cumulative GPA of the students, inclusive of all courses completed at the institution. The top percentage can be figured from individual degree programs, if the institution deems the program coursework varied greatly. For example, the top 10 percent of general business program students and the top 10 percent of accounting program students
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could both be eligible if necessary.
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 paragraph of this section. »» Students who have completed at least the first term of their 2nd year and are ranked among the upper 10 percent of their class are eligible for membership. Students may be invited to join each semester once they have completed the first term of their second year. Once a student has accepted membership, they should not be invited to membership again until they are at another level (i.e. Masters degree, Doctoral degree). If they happen to fall in the top 10% again, you would not remove them from the list. Instead, you would just invite those that fall in the top 10% that have not yet accepted membership.
C) Graduate Students Membership The undergraduate scholastic record is not to be considered for masters candidates. However, “Those masters students who have been previously recognized 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 recognized. D)
Doctoral Students Membership Doctoral students are eligible for a complementary membership after having completed coursework and successfully defending their dissertation at an AACSB accredited institution.
E)
Eligible for Membership and Has Previously Been Invited If a student 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. As this is an invitation to lifetime membership, there is no expiration date on the invitation allowing the student to accept membership at any time.
F)
F) 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 Global Headquarters.
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G) 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. H) Election of Transfer Students Transfer students who meet the qualifications for membership may be recognized after they have completed a minimum of one full year of full-time work (or its equivalent in coursework) at the institution 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.
I)
Maximum Number Eligible in Each Class All members who were previously recognized 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 recognized.
J)
Administrative, Teaching and Research Staff BGS highly recommends recognizing all eligible faculty members with BGS membership in order to increase visibility on campus. A member of the teaching or research staff of the business unit may be recognized 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, an invitation to membership may be extended after the individual has completed six or more years of such work at the business unit where the chapter is located. There is no limit to the number of Teaching or research staff who may be recognized in a given year. 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 recognized without regard to the foregoing limitations. If possible, these individuals should be recognized with membership at the chapter’s installation ceremony or the next ceremony following the start of their position on campus. 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. Beta Gamma Sigma | 13
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»» 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 initially recognized.
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 Global Headquarters 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 Chapter Management System. When entering the membership information, the advisor will select second recognition as the membership category. The certificate will be generated after the Global Headquarters verifies previous membership and the student have completed their Membership Data Profile (MDP). The cost of a second recognition certificate for Master’s students is 10 USD plus the additional chapter fee (if applicable.) There is no cost for a second recognition certificate for Doctoral students. Chapters are to direct those members that are earning a second recognition to the Online Directory at https://www.betagammasigma.org/update-your-information 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 initially recognized. 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 initially recognized at the collegiate chapter at the business unit where they have such appointment.
Explaining the Value of Membership
The chart on the next page outlines the differences between Beta Gamma Sigma and other societies to which your students may be invited to join. Please share this information with your students during your invitation process.
In addition to the comparison chart, the following items may also be helpful when explaining the value of BGS members to your students:
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BETA GAMMA SIGMA VS. OTHER HONOR SOCIETIES BGS is a legitimate honor society – a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS).
Only the very best business students are invited to join.
BGS welcomes students from all business disciplines; our alumni work in a variety of sectors.
BGS has recognized business excellence for over 100 years.
BGS has collegiate & alumni chapters around the globe; members in 160 countries.
Be sure to check if the honor societies you are considering belong to ACHS.
Membership criteria vary widely at honor societies. Are you joining an elite group?
Some societies are limited to a specific business major; others are open to business and non-business majors. Are you joining a network that fits your future career plans?
Many honor societies do not have such a legacy.
Few societies have such a large international network.
BGS’s active network of 30 Alumni Chapters (and growing) around the globe offers members networking, speaker events and more.
Some societies maintain only an oncampus presence for current student members. Are there opportunities for alumni to stay involved?
After the initial membership fee, you are a lifetime member of BGS.
All honor societies charge membership fees. Check to see if there are recurring fees and what the benefits are.
BGS has one of the largest closed LinkedIn groups (over 60,000 verified BGS members and growing) for members to network, discuss current business topics.
Do the honor societies you’re considering have a strong presence on social media? Will you be able to easily stay connected?
Several graduate programs offer exclusive scholarships to BGS members; others waive application fees and entrance exams.
If graduate school is in your future, research if other honor societies offer similar opportunities.
BGS members receive great benefits and discounts on test preparation, subscriptions, car rentals, travel, and more.
Some societies offer few or no outside benefits and/or discounts, other than recognition on a resume. How will you benefit from joining?
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»» Refer students to the “What is Beta Gamma Sigma” and the “Why You Should Join” videos. These video provide a short introduction to the society and the many benefits of lifetime membership. The videos may be found at the following links: https://www.betagammasigma.org/what-is-bgs and https://betagammasigma.org/why-you-should-join »» 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 775,000. »» The Society’s online community is a tremendous step forward in making the Society an integral part of our members’ lives. BGS CareerCentral and the online membership directory are benefits that should be attractive to potential members.
»» The Society’s alumni chapter program, the Alumni Network, now stretches across the world. Beta Gamma Sigma has set up alumni chapters in 30 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 http://www.betagammasigma.org/alumninetwork.
Invitation process 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 Booklet. This includes a letter of invitation from the president of Beta Gamma Sigma and additional information about the Society.
Membership invitation booklets can be ordered via the supply ordering section of the Chapter Management System at no charge. Chapters must also include a local invitation, information on how to accept membership and details about the recognition ceremony. B)
Local Invitation Letter The local invitation will: »» Reiterate the BGS president’s congratulations to the student for his/her outstanding scholastic record;
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»» 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 75 USD lifetime membership fee as well as any local chapter fees) involved and what they are used for; »» Provide full details concerning the recognition ceremony and banquet or reception;
»» Clearly describe how the student will receive an email from BGS to accept membership, complete his or her profile, and submit the membership fee payment; »» Provide the names, office numbers and email addresses of individuals to contact for more information;
»» Direct the applicant to the BGS website at www.betagammasigma.org for more information on the benefits of lifetime membership.
C) Membership Data Profile Forms & Membership Fee Payment After the list of eligible students is uploaded to the Chapter Management System (CMS), each student will immediately receive an email inviting him or her to join Beta Gamma Sigma. This email will include a unique link to his or her Membership Data Profile (MDP) and payment page. Each student will follow the link to complete his or her profile and submit payment. After this has been completed, the student will receive another email from Beta Gamma Sigma welcoming him or her to the Society and sharing his or her username and password granting access to the members only section of the BGS website. At this time, the student’s membership certificate is available for printing. Chapter advisors should monitor completion of MDPs by new members and follow up to assure their acceptance of membership. D) Other Enclosures Other enclosures may include the following: »» Letter of invitation from chapter to students.
»» Memo from chapter providing information for the Recognition Ceremony. »» Recognition Ceremony reservation form.
»» Hometown Information on new members for use in press releases.
E)
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 new members in a mailing. The mailing should include a letter, information card, invitation and ceremony information sheet for parents or employers.
F)
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. Personalized follow-up from Chapter and Student Officers proves to be most effective; however, the Chapter Management System (CMS) allows for email reminders to be sent to all students who have yet to accept their invitation.
G) Invitation to Membership at the Doctoral Level Chapters are encouraged to invite and recognize Ph.D. level students. A Beta Gamma Sigma eligible doctoral student must have successfully defended his or her dissertation and have fulfilled all graduation requirements. It is the understanding of the Global Headquarters that the chapter has verified that all doctoral members entered into the Chapter Management System(CMS) meet this criteria. Aware of the importance of recognizing eligible Ph.D. level students, the BGS Board of Directors has agreed to waive the standard membership fee for doctoral members. To encourage membership acceptance at this level, degree-level specific invitation materials and information cards are available. These materials focus on the benefits of membership at the doctoral. Beta Gamma Sigma | 17
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Chapters are also encouraged to involve doctoral advisors and/or program directors in marketing BGS membership to these students.
Tapping ceremony One 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.
Chapter Management System Beta Gamma Sigma uses the Chapter Management System (CMS) to process all orders, both membership and supply, and manage chapter contacts. Upon becoming chapter advisor, you will receive instructions on how to create a username and password to log into the system. All chapter functions can be managed from this single, password-protected website.
For a detailed set of instructions, visit our website at https://www. betagammasigma.org/file/cms-manuals/cmsmanual10-1-14.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 pay their membership fee directly to the BGS Global Headquarters through the completion of their membership data profile. This will allow your members to have access to BGS benefits and the BGS On-Line Membership Directory BEFORE they go through the recognition ceremony. We believe this will provide a more lasting relationship between the student member, the business school and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Financial Assistance Fund Several Collegiate Chapters have created a special fund (or have access to funds) to assist students invited to BGS, who cannot afford the membership fee. Some of these chapters indicate they pay the fee for the student(s) but ask the student to repay them in the future when they are established in their job and can afford to do so. We hope that other Collegiate Chapters will consider creating a similar type of fund. For any additional students invited to membership who cannot afford the membership fee and the chapter cannot cover the fee locally, BGS has also 18 | Beta Gamma Sigma
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created a Financial Assistance Fund that is available to assist eligible students to become members when they cannot afford the membership fee. Funds are available to chapters as follows: »» 1-2 per chapter
»» First come-first serve basis. We are counting on the chapters and chapter advisors to utilize university/chapter resource first when available so that those who truly would not have the opportunity for membership otherwise can be recipients of this fund. Chapters who wish to access these funds for deserving students should contact the Global Headquarters to request use of the fund. Please provide the total membership fee amount your chapter charges and indicate whether or not your chapter will be subsidizing a portion of the membership fee. Also, please provide the student’s full name, school, class level info and email address. DO NOT ENTER THIS STUDENT INTO THE CMS. Explain to the student that the funds are provided as a loan with the anticipation that the new member will repay the money through a contribution to BGS when established in his/her career – so that the fund can be continued for future students as well – The Pay It Forward plan. If all funds for a given semester are not utilized, they will roll over to be used in the next semester.
Replacement Certificates Replacement certificates can be purchased by collegiate chapters through the Global Headquarters using the Supply Order Form on the Chapter Management System. If there was an error to the original certificate that was the fault of the Global Headquarters, there will be no charge for the replacement certificate. There is a 10 USD charge (plus shipping if applicable) for other circumstances, including but not limited to: chapter error, member requests for an additional certificate, and member name change.
Replacement/Additional Charter Each 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 (plus shipping if applicable.) Contact the Global Headquarters direct for details on purchasing charters.
IV. Recognition Ceremonies All chapters are required to host at least one recognition ceremony per academic year. A recognition ceremony can be as elaborate or simplistic as the chapter desires. A recognition ceremony may also be hosted in conjunction with other campus events such as commencement. The main objective of this ceremony is to recognize your students for their academic achievements and share the mission and principles of Beta Gamma Sigma. Some examples of ways to celebrate after the formal recognition ceremonies include: »» Offer cake/cookies and punch
»» Have current BGS chapter members bring in items for a potluck
»» Host a dessert reception (i.e. cookies, brownies, cakes, hot chocolate, coffee, milk, tea, cider) »» Serve hors d’oeuvres and finger foods »» Have an ice cream social
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Although chapters are only required to host one ceremony per year, chapters are encouraged to invite students to join Beta Gamma Sigma after the grades from each term are finalized. By inviting students after each semester, you are giving students the opportunity to become involved with your chapter earlier in their academic career.
Ritual Information
Visit our website at https://www.betagammasigma.org/forms for the Beta Gamma Sigma ritual to be used at the recognition ceremony.
Sample Timeline for Planning Chapter Inductions Prior to Ceremony Date (minimum time to allow): 12 Weeks »» Create or update chapter account/contact information in the CMS system »» Identify eligible students and faculty; chapter nominating committee selects those to invite/elect to membership 10-11 weeks prior to ceremony date »» Order membership Invitation Booklets and chapter supplies through CMS »» Begin promoting Beta Gamma Sigma on campus 8-10 weeks prior to ceremony date »» Receive invitation packets and chapter supplies from BGS »» Create chapter invitation. Include information on the recognition ceremony and accepting the membership invitation; assemble invitation packets
»» Distribute invitation packets (in class tapping, in person or by mail) »» Input all eligible member information into the CMS
»» Identify current qualifying students at higher degree level who are already BGS members and offer them second recognition
»» Emails will be sent to the students automatically with information of how to complete their membership data profile and pay their fee online 5-8 weeks prior to ceremony date »» Send a reminder email to any students who have not accepted membership through the CMS
»» Follow-up with prospective members either over the phone or in person encouraging membership acceptance
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10-20 days prior to ceremony date »» BGS processes and ships chapter order
»» Chapter receives, proofs, and prepares chapter membership order materials for ceremony 0 Days: Induction Ceremony Held Following Ceremony Date: 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)
»» Begin planning for next recognition ceremony. Complete MDPs (as much information as available to you) for new members that did not complete their own 14+ days after ceremony date »» Continue follow up to non-responses as long as chapter chooses
»» Following end of academic year, BGS Global Headquarters sends a follow-up invitation to membership to remaining eligible invitees through a direct email invitation »» Additional Orders will be generated every 14 days following the ceremony date for late acceptance
Membership Certificate Order Shipping Schedule
In order for a certificate to be shipped to a chapter, the member must have first completed his or her membership data profile and paid the membership fee. BGS uses a default batch schedule to ship certificates. Certificates will be sent based upon the chart found below. Chapters do not need to place a separate order for membership certificates and pins. These orders will automatically generate on a set schedule and include all members who have completed their membership data profile (MDP) up to that point. Chapters will automatically receive one shipment before the ceremony date. Chapters will receive final orders every 14 days following the ceremony date for those individuals who complete their profiles after the initial order has generated. Number of days prior to ceremony when order will generate Chapter Location
(not necessarily when order will ship)
Average Transit Time (days)
U.S. - Midwest
11
2
U.S. - Eastern Seaboard and Southwest
13
3
U.S. - West Coast
15
4-5
Canada
16
6-7
Europe
16
6-7
Asia
16
5-7
South America
18
6-7
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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: http://betagammasigma.org. »» Include information on BGS recognition ceremony and scholarship 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 BGS Gives Back annually. B)
For Member Recognition: »» Host a reception for new members and invite all members of the chapter to attend »» Participate in the Society’s programs.
»» Have students and faculty members 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: »» Sponsor a speech contest.
»» Sponsor lectures, career panels, and/or events on pertinent business topics.
»» Encourage students and alumni to participate in the BGS mentoring program. »» Host a career fair. 22 | Beta Gamma Sigma
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Society Programs
The following programs are coordinated and sponsored by the Programs Department at the Global Headquarters. Chapters are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance the BGS experience on campus.
BGS Gives Back BGS Gives Back 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 wheel ramps, and everything in between. This program will continue with hope that more chapters will participate each year. Chapters are encouraged to participate any time during the academic year when it best fits their schedule. This is a great opportunity for all BGS members to unite and Give Back….together. For more information and to share about your event, visit our website at https://www.betagammasigma.org/bgs-gives-back. Please note: the BGS Gives Back Form MUST be completed on our website by the specified Chapter Year in Review Survey deadline in order to earn Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll points for this opportunity.
BGS Is Everywhere As 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 https://www.betagammasigma.org/bgs-iseverywhere and upload their photos featuring Professor Elwell.
Virtual Graduate School Fair The Virtual Graduate School Fair Program was launched in September 2008. This online event was implemented so that multiple schools could showcase their graduate programs to BGS members in one venue and recruit quality candidates for their graduate school programs. Two fairs are held online 24/7 for two weeks each academic year – September/ October and February/March. More information can be found on our website at https://betagammasigma.org/virtual-graduate-school-fair.
BGS Graduate School Scholarship Program The Graduate School Scholarship program promotes schools that have set aside scholarships exclusively for BGS members. The value and number of scholarships awarded annually are determined by each school. More information regarding this program can be found on our website at https://www.betagammasigma.org/graduate-scholarships.
BGS Career Resource Center The BGS Career Resource Center is an online tool which offers Career and Graduate School Resources to assist BGS members throughout their professional careers. This includes a job board, a featured employer directory, career coaching, and discounts on professional attire. Career Resources: https://www.betagammasigma.org/career-resources Graduate School resources: https://www.betagammasigma.org/graduateschool-resources
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Chapter Honoree The 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 per academic year. If a chapter has reason to select more than two chapter honorees in a given year, that request should be made to the Global Headquarters. The Chapter must order the Chapter Honoree Frame via the supply order form and submit the Chapter Honoree Information form which can be found on the website at https://betagammasigma.org/chapter-honoreeform. The chapter will be charged an 100 USD 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 certificate will be printed from the information on this form. The information form should be received 4-6 weeks prior to the recognition ceremony date to ensure delivery prior to the ceremony. Do not enter your Chapter Honoree into the CMS—Global Headquarters will handle this aspect. For additional information, you may contact your collegiate chapter relations manager.
Chapter Year in Review At the conclusion of each academic year, every chapter is required to complete a Chapter Year in Review. This survey is used to collect data related to the chapter’s membership acceptance and engagement throughout the course of the year. The information collected on the Chapter Year in Review will determine each chapter’s level of recognition in the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll. All chapters must complete a Chapter Year in Review by the specified deadline in order to be considered for any level of recognition. Submit the following information to the Global Headquarters by the Chapter Year in Review deadline in order to receive points for the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll: »»
Student Officer Names and Position Titles
»»
BGS Gives Back form
»»
Medallion for Entrepreneurship Award form
»»
Business Achievement Award form
»»
Outstanding Chapter Award form
»»
Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award form
»»
Dean of the Year Award form
Membership must be accepted by June 30th of the academic year to be included in the acceptance rate calculations.
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Chapter Recognition Program Beginning in the 2014-2015 academic year all chapters will be reviewed based upon a new chapter recognition program – the College Chapter Honor Roll. This program is intended to evolve with BGS as we move forward into our second century and replaces the Premier and Exemplary chapter program. The Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll is designed to encourage a more engaged and participatory chapter model by awarding based upon a point system as opposed to the Premier and Exemplary program in which awards were granted solely based on acceptance rates. This new program will also present a third tier of honor potentially giving more chapters the opportunity to be recognized. The three tiers in the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll will consist of Honors, High Honors, and Highest Honors. In order to achieve any of these tiers, a chapter will be required to invite and recognize students each year, complete the Chapter Year in Review by the specified deadline, and achieve a certain amount of engagement points. Engagement points will be granted in the following categories: Membership Acceptance/Recognition, Programs and Activities, and Award Program Nominations. To view the current Collegiate Chapter Honor point structure, visit our website at https://www. betagammasigma.org/recognition-program. The award for chapters that achieve High or Highest Honors in the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll is one Leadership Scholarship. The Leadership Scholarship will cover the cost of one student’s registration and hotel accommodations for the Global Leadership Summit. The chapter will be responsible for covering the transportation costs. We believe that this is a very beneficial experience for all students who take part and hope to be able to grant more students this unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. As with all of our programs, the Leadership 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 Global Headquarters to receive information on Named Scholarship Opportunities.
Global Leadership Summit The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) provides participants with new and innovative ways to approach future business challenges. Using the Clifton Strengths Finder as the foundation, students participate in sessions that build upon one another to provide what they need for an optimal leadership learning experience demonstrated in a team competition.
The main event will divide the participants into teams based on four domains of leadership strengths – executing, influencing, relationship building and strategic thinking. These teams are then given a business challenge to solve and encouraged to take on leadership roles based on their strengths. Teams are judged by a panel, with four finalist selected to present their findings to the entire Summit.
Students will leave the Summit knowing who they are as individual leaders – better prepared to engage and motivate themselves and others for the rest of their lives.
The Summit is a great way to highlight and recognize top students, student officers and student leaders. Attendees are encouraged to bring back what they’ve learned and share that information with others on campus. To learn more about the GLS and register visit: https://www.betagammasigma.org/gls-administrators
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VI. Awards Medallion for Entrepreneurship 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. The accomplishments of the individuals may be domestic or worldwide but must be consistent with the ideals of Beta Gamma Sigma. Individuals eligible for nomination to the Entrepreneurship Medallion are those who organize, manage, and assume the risks of a business or enterprise and can be appropriately labeled as an entrepreneur. Beta Gamma Sigma chapters are eligible to nominate entrepreneurs for this award based on the following criteria: Innovation
»» Cutting edge business practices that incorporate service to humanity »» Unique strategies to mitigate risk, overcome set-backs or strategically lead the organization in fulfillment of its vision Enterprise »» Success in overcoming risk in new venture development »» Willingness to continually evaluate new market trends then adapt accordingly in order to sustain an edge in competitive environments Sustainability »» Successful accomplishment of the above two criteria (innovation and enterprise) during the past 5-10 years »» Promise of additional achievements during years to come as seen in future projections, organizational strategic vision and outline metrics or goals Business Ethics and Ethical Leadership 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. BGS is committed to recognizing a globally diverse group of talented business leaders. One to three individuals will be selected annually for the award. 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. In order to earn points for this award for the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll, chapters must submit the online form found on our website.
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Business Achievement Award The 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 Honors magazine, and a feature on the Beta Gamma Sigma website.. In order to earn points for this award for the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll, chapters must submit the online form found on our website.
Outstanding Chapter Award Over 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 the Chapter Year in Review by the deadline date and earn Highest Honors will be considered for the Outstanding Chapter Award.
Outstanding Chapter Advisor Awards This award is presented annually to a BGS Chapter Advisor(s). The recipient of this award will receive a recognition plaque, 1000 USD prize money, and the opportunity to attend a Collegiate Chapter Training Seminar and present a session with all expenses paid. Collegiate chapters that complete and return the Chapter Year in Review by the specified deadline and achieve High or Highest Honor status according to the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll may submit a nomination for the Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award. Deans, Admins, and Student Officers are encouraged submit nominations as a way to recognize their hard-working Chapter Advisors.
Leadership Scholarship All chapters who achieve High or Highest Honor status based upon the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll will receive one Leadership Scholarship. The Leadership Scholarship will cover the cost of one student’s registration and hotel accommodations for the Global Leadership Summit. The chapter will be responsible for covering the transportation costs. We believe that this is a very beneficial experience for all students who take part and hope to be able to grant more students this unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.
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Professor of the Year Award Members 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 recognition ceremony or another appropriate venue.
Dean of the Year Award In 2016, we unveiled the Dean of the Year Award. This new recognition is awarded to one outstanding Dean who made significant contributions to the success of his or her chapter while supporting the BGS mission throughout the academic year. The Dean of the Year Award celebrates Deans who have helped shape their chapters through the following actions: »» Dean took an active leadership role in moving the chapter towards an engaged and innovative chapter. »» Dean encouraged and honored academic achievements by chapter members. »» Dean developed Beta Gamma Sigma members as student and professional leaders. »» Dean commemorated leadership and excellence.
Chapters that earn Highest Honors, based on the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll, are eligible to submit their nominations for this award. The Dean who earns this award is recognized at the Deans’ luncheon at AACSB’s International Conference and Annual Meeting (ICAM), receives a plaque, and is listed in our annual Recognition of Excellence book.
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VII. Relationships with Alumni Chapters Alumni and Collegiate Chapter Collaboration A major focus of BGS is engagement and membership value throughout a member’s lifetime. Alumni chapter engagement is an excellent way to promote the benefits of BGS membership after the member’s collegiate career. If an Alumni Chapter exists in the immediate geographic area of the Collegiate Chapter, collaboration is highly encouraged. Collegiate Chapters should collaborate with Alumni Chapters in the immediate geographic area regularly 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 recognition ceremonies for the new Beta Gamma Sigma members »» Generally encourage a relationship between the collegiate and alumni chapters.
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 recognition ceremonies for your local Collegiate Chapter. Allow the alumni officer the opportunity to speak for a few minutes at the program to promote the value of membership in the Alumni Chapter. 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 collegiate members are great candidates for new officers and committee members to help support these activities. Please note: BGS members are eligible to become an official member of Alumni Chapters and participate in Alumni Chapter events, immediately following induction. Members do not have to be collegiate graduates to participate. Many 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.
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Current Alumni Chapters »» Atlanta Area Alumni Chapter
»» Northern Germany Alumni Chapter
»» Boston Area Alumni Chapter
»» Peru Alumni Chapter
»» Central-Southern Germany Alumni Chapter
»» Philadelphia Area Alumni Chapter
»» Charlotte Area Alumni Chapter
»» Phoenix Area Alumni Chapter
»» Chicagoland Alumni Chapter
»» Raleigh/Durham Area Alumni Chapter
»» Cleveland Area Alumni Chapter
»» St. Louis Area Alumni Chapter
»» Dallas / Ft. Worth Area Alumni Chapter
»» San Diego Area Alumni Chapter
»» Denver Area Alumni Chapter
»» San Francisco Area Alumni Chapter
»» Hong Kong Alumni Chapter
»» Seattle-Tacoma Area Alumni Chapter
»» Houston Area Alumni Chapter
»» South Florida Area Alumni Chapter
»» London Alumni Chapter
»» South Texas Alumni Chapter
»» Los Angeles Area Alumni Chapter
»» Spain Alumni Chapter
»» Minneapolis / St. Paul Area Alumni Chapter
»» Switzerland Alumni Chapter
»» New York City Alumni Chapter
»» Toronto Area Alumni Chapter
»» New Zealand Alumni Chapter
»» Washington, DC Area Alumni Chapter
Current contact information for our alumni chapters can be found on our website at https://www.betagammasigma.org/alumninetwork. To see networks in progress visit: betagammasigma.org/alumni-list-networks-in-progress
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VIII. Resources & Best Practices Collegiate Chapter Officer Training Seminars Beta Gamma Sigma offers its collegiate chapter advisors, admins and officers the opportunity to learn firsthand 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 Global Headquarters staff and one another through this one-day interactive program. The event kicks off the previous evening with an informal dinner giving attendees the opportunity to get to know one another. Make sure your chapter is operating at its maximum potential – and your best students are getting all they deserve – by sending one or more chapter representatives to a BGS Collegiate Chapter Officer Training Seminar. For information on upcoming seminar dates, please visit our website at https://www.betagammasigma.org/ collegiate-chapter-training-seminars.
BGS Store The Beta Gamma Sigma store is your online source for official BGS merchandise, apparel, and regalia. Visit the BGS store at https://bgsstore.org.
BGS Publications Beta Gamma Sigma sends various publications throughout the year, including: »» Collegiate Chapter Notes: An e-newsletter designed specifically for chapter advisors and officers. It is sent biweekly during the academic year. This very brief communication provides reminders and announcements that are critical for running a successful chapter. It also highlights best practices and programs other chapters are using to promote BGS on their campuses. Collegiate Chapter Notes is a very short email, again specifically for chapter advisors and officers. It is sent bimonthly 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 HONORS Magazine: Our annual magazine, mailed to subscribers but also available to all BGS members on our website.
BGS Website As mentioned in the introduction, the Beta Gamma Sigma website, www.betagammasigma.org, offers a plethora of resources for all chapter officers. All resources are included under the password protected Chapter Officers tab (https://www.betagammasigma. org/chapter-officers/collegiate-chapters/collegiate-chapterresources). If you have yet to create a username and password, please contact your chapter relations manager and they will assist you.
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Best Practices from Successful Chapters Make the BGS invitation process highly visible »» Extend tapping ceremony out over several days. Some chapters do this the week of Founders’ Day in February. 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. »» 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? Recognize 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 has over 30 Alumni Chapters around the world »» Member Benefits – discounts on publications, professional attire, technology, test prep, etc… »» Scholarship Opportunities »» Program opportunities such as BGS Gives Back and the BGS Global Leadership Summit »» Graduate School Assistance – Virtual Graduate School Fair »» Have past Global Leadership Summit attendees speak to share their experience with BGS.
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Show your BGS pride »» Participate in Beta Gamma Sigma Founders' Day/Week to encourage greater recognition of BGS on campus. »» Ask faculty members and current student members to wear BGS keys, T-shirts or other BGS apparel during the week that the invitations are sent or delivered. 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. »» Have faculty members display membership certificates in their offices. Maintain a creative and informative BGS bulletin board or display case in prominent locations in the business school building. »» 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 and awards prominently in School of Business building »» 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 recognition 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 »» Post new members’ names in a visible area - create a “Wall of Honor”
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Ways to increase membership acceptance »» 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 Global Headquarters is always willing to process late memberships – even one at a time – so it is best to be flexible. »» Ask professors, program directors, and department chairs to assist with follow-up. »» Mail postcards to the homes of students who did not join »» Offer a raffle prize for the students who are first to accept membership Utilize BGS information and invitation materials »» Utilize the complete membership invitation packet when inviting students to membership. »» Order the free BGS Program Covers to use at your recognition ceremony. »» Include the BGS Information Card for undergraduates and a comment from the Dean and ask professors, program directors, and departmental chairs to assist with follow-up. »» Dean’s List letter to underclassmen recommending that receiving a BGS membership invitation should be a goal for each business student. 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 ceremony (or other activities) in the School of Business publication. »» Cosponsor a Business Leadership Forum on campus with training on “effective networking” and “dining etiquette.” »» Cosponsor with the School of Business a “Dean’s Reception” for all students making the Chancellor’s and/or Dean’s List »» Organize contests between members »» Give students the opportunity to take ownership of the organization and plan chapter events and activities. 34 | Beta Gamma Sigma
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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 Fortune (U.S. addresses only) magazine. Often students ask the question, “Why should I join Beta Gamma Sigma?” or “What’s the value of being a BGS member?” How should I respond? »» 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 775,000. »» The Society’s online community is a tremendous step forward in making the Society an integral part of our members’ lives. BGS CareerCentral and the online membership directory are benefits that should be attractive to potential members. »» The Society’s alumni chapter program, the Alumni Network, now stretches across the world. Beta Gamma Sigma has set up alumni chapters in 30 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 http://www.betagammasigma.org/alumninetwork. »» Refer students to the “What is Beta Gamma Sigma” and the “Why You Should Join” videos. This video provides a short introduction to the society and the many benefits of lifetime membership. The videos may be found at the following link: https://www.betagammasigma.org/what-is-bgs and https://betagammasigma.org/why-you-should-join
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What are Membership Data Profile forms (MDPs)? A membership data profile form records all the information for each member. After the list of eligible students is uploaded the Chapter Management System (CMS), each student will immediately receive an email inviting him or her to Beta Gamma Sigma. This email will include a unique link to their Membership Data Profile (MDP) and payment page. Each student will follow the link to complete their profile and submit their payment. After this has been completed, the student will receive another email from Beta Gamma Sigma welcoming them to the Society and sharing his or her username and password granting access to the members only section of the BGS website. At this time, the student’s membership certificate is available for printing. Who can be a chapter officer? The President, Secretary-Treasurer and Chapter Advisor position should be filled by BGS members who are employed by the institution. If the person is not already a member of BGS they must be eligible to and plan to be recognized at the chapter next ceremony. In many cases, the Dean or another senior faculty member would hold the position of Chapter President and a faculty member would fill the positions of both Chapter Advisor and Secretary-Treasurer. However, the office of Secretary-Treasurer and the Chapter Advisor does not have to be held by the same person. BGS also encourages chapters to select Student Officers giving students the opportunity to get more involved with their chapters. However, Student Officers are NOT eligible to serve in the role of Chapter President or Secretary-Treasurer. How does a chapter submit orders for supplies? A chapter will utilize the Chapter Management System (CMS) for placing all supply orders and managing chapter membership. The CMS can be accessed directly directly at www.betagammasigma.org/cms. You may download the user manual with specific instructions for all processes involving the system at https://www. betagammasigma.org/file/cms-manuals/cmsmanual10-1-14.pdf. Who should order supplies from the Global Headquarters? 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. Which shipping charges are the responsibility of the collegiate chapter? Any expedited shipping requests for supply orders submitted by chapters will incur shipping costs. If any customs fees are incurred, we pay those upfront and invoice the chapter at a later date. 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 Global Headquarters through the Chapter Supply Order Form on the Chapter Management System. These cards are provided free of charge.
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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 Global Headquarters 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 by the chapter through the supply ordering section of the Chapter Management System (CMS). If students would like to purchase these items individually, they may do so via the BGS Store.
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X. Sample Planning Calendar
(Based on a Fall and Spring Recognition Ceremony) August-September »» Identify & invite eligible students based on previous term grades »» Participate in Virtual Graduate School Fair »» Attend Chapter Training Seminar »» Participate in BGS Gives Back
»» Send students to the Global Leadership Summit »» Host a recognition ceremony January-June »» Identify & invite eligible students based on previous term grades »» Celebrate Founder’s Week (February 19th) »» Attend Chapter Training Seminar »» Elect Student Officers
»» Have Student Officers transition meetings »» Host a recognition ceremony
»» Complete Chapter Year in Review
»» Work with Student Officers to plan programming calendar for the next school year
»» Submit nominations for Medallion of Entrepreneurship & Business Achievement Award »» Submit nominations for Outstanding Chapter Advisor & Outstanding Chapter »» Host a recognition ceremony June-August »» Work with Student Officers to plan programming calendar for the next school year »» Complete Chapter Year in Review
»» Submit Chapter Officer changes to the Global Headquarters
»» Make Chapter Officer changes in the Chapter Management System (CMS)
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