USU Delta Omega Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi Sets World Record

This month the USU Delta Omega Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi achieved the prestigious Superior status, which makes them the longest concurrent superior chapter in the world. The Utah State chapter has achieved this status every year since 1977. Worldwide there are 298 active chapters representing over 17,000 members.

The chapter will be recognized at Beta Alpha Psi’s Annual Meeting and receive $275, which mostly covers chapter maintenance fees or dues for the year. Superior chapters are also recognized as such with a ribbon on their nametags when they attend the annual meeting and on the executive website.

The recognition is designed to:

• Encourage chapters to fulfill the objectives of Beta Alpha Psi and prepare members for careers as financial information professionals,

• Identify chapters needing assistance from Chapter Advocates and Professional Partners, and

• Recognize chapters that excel in serving their members, campus, community, and/or profession.

“We are an ambitious group with superior students, caring faculty, and engaged alumni,” Bonnie Villarreal, Beta Alpha Psi Faculty Advisor, said.

The club has set “to add value to the experience at the School of Accountancy at USU” by:

• Holding a leadership role and strong visual presence in the school’s activities

• Participating in all competitions and nominations that will represent and enhance the reputation of the USU SOA

• Continuing to build a “two-way bridge” between the academic and professional community enabling placement of students and opportunities for alumni to give back and stay involved

• Improving interaction and thus improving the educational experience

· Student to student – encouraging study groups and collaboration

· Student to faculty – encouraging academic pursuit/postgrad work/better classroom engagement

· Student to professionals – lifetime networking for Aggies

A Beta Alpha Psi chapter can be a Mission Based, Distinguished, or Superior chapter depending on the requirements they attempt and fulfill. Currently, to be a Superior chapter the following must be completed and timely reported to the executive office:

1. Beginning of the Year report (plan of operations for chapter activities)

2. Initiation ceremony for candidates meeting all qualifications for membership

3. Officer elections

4. End of year report including financial statements and tax reporting

5. Minimum of six professional activities including at least one “essential skills” session. Such as hosting a visiting professional speaker, mock interviews, joint meetings with other professional organizations, etc - Each involving at least 25 percent of the chapter membership.

6. Minimum of one service activity involving at least 25 percent of the chapter. Our chapter helps run the Juvenile Diabetes Walk for a Cure, Stokes Nature Center Auction, Child and Family Support Center Santa’s Workshop project, and has presented merit badge workshops for Boy Scouts and other community service events.

7. Minimum of eight “reaching out activities” such as attendance at regional and annual meetings, hosting of regional meeting, presenting in an information session at a regional or annual meeting, mentoring a developing chapter, alumni events, and other specifically identified events.

There are also requirements of at least 12 professional activity hours and 12 service hours per chapter member with a total of at least 32 hours of combined professional and service activities per chapter member.