Collegiate Chapter Pilot Program
Enhancing Student Engagement Last year, Beta Gamma Sigma asked several of its Collegiate Chapters to take on some exciting challenges – challenges that parallel the Society’s BGS 2.0 strategic planning initiative to revamp and rejuvenate the society for a second century of excellence. Chapters not only accepted the challenge, they delivered. Last fall, 72 pilot chapters looked to boost BGS engagement and visibility by redefining the on-campus experience for their students. But what, exactly, have pilot chapters been doing to meet the challenge? Under the pilot program, participating chapters have been:
»» Giving more ownership and leadership of the chapters to on-campus members by appointing student officers;
»» Getting students involved in the chapters earlier than
to chapters in years to come, particularly with students being eligible to join chapters earlier in their academic careers. To tap into this enhanced engagement, pilot schools were active in the fall, providing students with a variety of BGSrelated activities. Chapter events included resume workshops, social outings, service projects, business competitions and much more. While it’s too early to measure the lasting impact of these additional programs, there are indications they are already paying dividends. As an example, following a viewing of ABC’s “Shark Tank” sponsored by the Lamar University chapter, freshmen and sophomores stuck around to find out more about Beta Gamma Sigma. While these successes may seem slight, bit by bit they continue to contribute to a much bigger movement – to bring BGS into the next century with a stronger following and an even deeper level of member engagement. By this fall, the society hopes to have all BGS chapters on board with the plan. “We are excited about the pilot project and the success our chapters are having in creating new experiences for our members,” said Betty Jo Licata, Chairman of the BGS Board of Governors. “Increased professional engagement and leadership activities enhance the celebration of academic achievement.”
ever before by inviting and inducting sophomores into the Society;
»» Boosting participation in Beta Gamma Sigma
programming, creating a stronger tie between students and the Society;
»» Raising awareness of BGS by increasing chapter activities and promotions on campus.
While these changes have only been in play for a few months, the benefits are already beginning to shine through. A recent survey of the Society’s pilot program chapters showed a large amount of support for the changes, particularly the selection of student officers. Of the chapters with student officers on board, more than 43 percent viewed their selection and participation as “very beneficial.” One specific benefit cited by respondents is the ability for these student officers to get their classmates involved with the chapter. The Society hopes to build upon this grassroots level of engagement, and looks for it to provide even more benefits Top Photo: University of Southern Mississippi
Left Photo: State University of New York at New Paltz
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Spring 2015 | BGS International Exchange
Bottom Photo: Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick