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Can We Talk FAQ's?
Some Questions & Answers About Beta Alpha Psi
Beta Alpha Psi is a national honors accounting organization (for men and women). There are currently over 200 chapters established at universities across the United States, and more are installed each year. The Gamma Omicron Chapter, on the campus of California State University, Fresno, was chartered in 1969. WHY SHOULD I JOIN BETA ALPHA PSI? Beta Alpha Psi provides valuable information about accounting careers, with an emphasis on the public accounting aspect. In addition, you will have many opportunities to meet and talk with recruiters before the on-campus interviews begin. This may give you a distinct advantage over other students. Beta Alpha Psi is a prestigious organization, and recruiters of accounting majors like to hire students who have been active members. WHAT ARE THE DUES AND WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM? Dues depend on the
your membership status each semester
as follows: First Semester: Each member semester chapter dues only Membership in Beta Alpha Psi requires an one time payment of initiation (national) dues. These dues are collected by your local chapter and immediately paid to the national office. In addition, your local chapter collects chapter dues (as outlined above) each semester. These funds are used to pay for your name tag as well as many functions throughout the semester, including Meet-the-Professionals, the Initiate Banquet, the Initiate Planned Party, technical seminars, and various professional meetings. WHAT ARE BETA ALPHA PSI'S MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS? To see if you are eligible to be the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi examine the BAP Application Flowchart. WHY DOES BETA ALPHA PSI HAVE STRICT GPA REQUIREMENTS? By maintaining strict GPA requirements, Beta Alpha Psi has been able to cultivate an excellent reputation among accounting professionals. This reputation will reflect on YOU in your interviews with these professionals, increasing the likelihood that you will secure a position with their firm. WHY ARE THERE ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP? Each of the chapters of Beta Alpha Psi is encouraged to attain "Superior Chapter" status by reporting the chapter's activities and earned points to the national office. In order to earn these points, our members must participate in the events! WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE A "SUPERIOR CHAPTER?" Each chapter which earns sufficient points to be designated a "Superior Chapter" is recognized in the National Annual Report and at the National Convention. The chapter also receives a plaque and two $500 scholarships to be awarded to deserving members. The Gamma Omicron Chapter was a "Superior Chapter" in 1980, 1983, 1984, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002-2009. In order to become a member, you must earn a minimum number of points by participating in the fraternity's activities and events. By exceeding this minimum, you will be eligible for a scholarship. The minimum requirements for scholarship awards are determined by each semester's Executive Board, and are therefore subject to change. HOW IS BETA ALPHA PSI ORGANIZED? The Gamma Omicron Chapter is one of many chapters in the Western region. A regional conference is held in the beginning of the year, and the National Convention is held during the summer. In addition, there are various leadership conferences held across the U.S., and an annual Student Seminar held in October. The Executive Board (which is composed of six elected members) attends these functions. Members are also encouraged to participate in many of them. The "Big Four" refers to four public accounting firms which perform work on an international level. These firms include Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, KPMG , and PricewaterhouseCoopers. These firms have offices in nearby locations such as Fresno, Sacramento, and San Jose as well as across the U.S. and in other countries. ARE THERE LOCAL/REGIONAL FIRMS THAT RECRUIT FROM BAP? Yes, there are many local/regional firms that recruit from BAP! Check out the company links. Some firms host office tours for Beta Alpha Psi members and initiates. This is one of your best chances to talk informally with employees of the firms and discover what it is like to work for that firm. Participation in these events are highly recommended. WHAT IS MEET-THE-PROFESSIONALS? Beta Alpha Psi sponsors many events that are unique to the organization. Meet-the-Professionals is one such event. It is a social event, requiring professional dress, during which you will have the opportunity to talk to recruiters from many different firms. Additional information about this event and many others will be available from your Organization Handbook. If you don't already own a suit, you will need to invest in one. Professional dress is required for several events, as well as interviews during your senior year. Remember that accountants dress more conservatively than most other professionals. If you meet the membership eligibility requirements, you must attend BAP 101. You then submit your application (with your transcripts or copies of your grades), pay your dues on time, and fulfill the activity requirements throughout the semester. Your first semester may be a "candidate" or "initiate" semester. Once you have attended the Initiate Banquet at the end of your "initiate" semester, you will become a member of Beta Alpha Psi.
Last updated:
08/27/09 |
