BGS Connection Fall 2007

BGS Online Ordering System

The Beta Gamma Sigma Online Ordering System (OOS) returns for Year 2 in 2007-08, and thanks to comments, questions and suggestions by collegiate chapter representatives, it should be a greatly improved system.

After debuting to a small number of test chapters in fall 2006, the new OOS system rolled out to all chapters in spring 2007. The system worked very well, as more than 20,900 members were inducted over the last year and new members were added to the active database in a fraction of the time it used to take. This resulted in members utilizing member benefits much quicker than before.

All chapter representatives – chapter advisors, other faculty who help out with the chapter, and any administrative staff that assist– are encouraged to register at the OOS system this year. Get started now by going to http://www.bgschapterservices.org and registering all the members of your school’s BGS team and removing the names and contact information of those no longer working with the chapter.

Chapter Supply Orders

Last year there was some confusion about where to order certain items. “Where do I find that item online?” became a common question, and the Central Office has worked to make the supply order process easier for chapters.

Starting this fall, collegiate chapter representatives ordering supply materials can order everything in one place – on the OOS system. All orders for honor cords and stoles, membership medallions, banners, BGS cups and balloons, etc., can be done on the Supply Order section of OOS (effective 9/24/07).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Personal orders, such as an individual member ordering one honor cord or stole, will still be handled at the BGS Store (http://www.betagammasigmastore.org). The BGS Store still stocks gift items like shirts, caps, mugs, etc. But chapter orders, for supply materials, will now originate on the OOS system.

Changes for 2007-08

Changes are currently being built into the system, and not all of them will be available for fall 2007. But all adjustments should be operational in time for the spring 2008 order season, meaning the majority of chapters – those ordering in spring – will use a greatly improved system.

The change most frequently requested by chapter advisors is the ability to upload a list of eligible student names into the system as opposed to typing each one in, one at a time. The Central Office is glad to report that this feature will most certainly be included in the spring rollout, and may be available to some later this fall. However, if you’re planning a fall induction ceremony and the “upload” feature is not yet available, if you have a long list of names you are once again free to contact the Central Office and we can upload them for you. Just contact Donna Binek at dbinek@betagammasigma.org to take advantage of this.

A few other changes that will roll out this year include:

Placing the entire site on a secure server.
Information on Paid Members will be “editable” for chapter advisors.
Look and feel of an Excel spreadsheet on advisors’ lists.
Option of credit card processing for chapter supply orders.
Much, much more that will make your job easier and more efficient.

Thank you to all who used the system last year. And a special “thanks” to those who asked questions and provided comments and suggestions when we rolled out OOS. The improvements in Year 2 of the system wouldn’t be possible without your input.