Q: Is Beta Gamma Sigma a fraternity, sorority, or what?
A: It is neither. Beta Gamma Sigma is a business
honor society that recognizes the most outstanding students of
business at institutions accredited by AACSB
International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools
of Business.
Q: How does one become a member of Beta Gamma Sigma?
A: Students are chosen by the faculty of their business schools to be invited to membership in the Society. To be eligible for invitation, students must a) be enrolled in a business program at a school accredited by AACSB International that has a chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma; and b) be in the upper 10 percent of the junior class (second semester), upper 10 percent of the senior class, upper 20 percent of the graduating master's class, or completed all requirements to receive a doctorate.
Q: Why does Beta Gamma Sigma have a membership fee if membership is considered an honor?
A: The low, one-time lifetime membership fee (currently $65) is necessary to fund the activities of the Society. There are no annual dues or fees associated with membership in Beta Gamma Sigma.
Q: Are there annual dues required to remain an active member of the organization?
A: No. There is a low, one-time (lifetime) membership fee to join Beta Gamma Sigma (currently $65 U.S.), and some chapters require an additional local fee. Beta Gamma Sigma membership is for a lifetime.
Q: How can Beta Gamma Sigma help me in my career?
A: Beta Gamma Sigma is recognized throughout the business
world as the leading honor society for business and management
education. Your membership in the Society shows your commitment
to excellence as well as your outstanding academic record. It
is appropriate to include Beta Gamma Sigma membership on one's
resume. Potential employers are encouraged to contact the Central
Office to verify the membership of applicants.
Q: Is there a significant service time requirement for a student who accepts the invitation to Beta Gamma Sigma?
A: No. Beta Gamma Sigma is an organization devoted to recognizing the best students of business. Individual chapters at the collegiate level may have their own programs and activities, but there is no service time or set of activities that is required for membership.
Q: Can I stay active in the organization after I graduate from college?
A: Beta Gamma Sigma has made it a priority over the last
several years to provide opportunities and benefits for members
who have graduated (known as alumni members). The Alumni Chapter
Program is the latest and most extensive of these efforts. Beta
Gamma Sigma has established an "Alumni Network" that
currently covers 27 major metropolitan areas around the world.For more information
about alumni opportunities, click
here.
Q: How does a member qualify for a scholarship?
A: Collegiate chapters must meet certain criteria in
order to qualify to award a Beta
Gamma Sigma Scholarship. Once a chapter meets those criteria,
the chapter itself chooses its recipient. If you are interested
in a BGS Scholarship, please contact the faculty advisor or chapter
representative at your school.
Q: How many members are there in Beta Gamma Sigma?
A: Currently, there are more than 700,000 Beta Gamma
Sigma members in more than 160 countries.
Q: How can I update my address and other contact information with Beta Gamma Sigma?
A: There are several options to do this: Register - if
you haven't already - for the BGS
Online Member Directory and update your contact information
there; or email
the Central Office; or you may call the Central Office at: 1-800-337-4677;
or send updates through snail mail at: Beta Gamma Sigma, 125 Weldon
Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3101.
Q: I think that I'm a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, but I'm not sure. How can I confirm it?
A: Again, the best and quickest way to check your information
(including membership status) is by sending an email
to the Central Office. But you can also use the phone
number or mailing address provided in the preceeding answer.
Q: How can I include Beta Gamma Sigma in my will or estate? And, how would these funds be used?
A: Essentially, there are two choices: gifts by will, and gifts during life. People who choose testamentary gifts may save estate tax. People who choose current giving generally realize both the immediate satisfaction of benefiting the charity and the maximum tax reduction. Contact your attorney or tax advisor to find the best alternative for your situation.
If you choose to include Beta Gamma Sigma in your will or estate, you can be assured that all funds would be used to further the goals and ideals of the Society. The Scholarship Program, the Alumni Network Program, and the low $65 lifetime membership fee are all helped greatly by the generosity of our members.
Q: I was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma at a previous school. How can I transfer my membership in the Society?
A: A student must remain officially listed as a member of the chapter into which originally inducted and may not accept membership at another chapter at a later date. However, a student member of Beta Gamma Sigma, in good standing, who transfers to another school which has a collegiate chapter will be able to enjoy all the rights and privileges of the new chapter while being considered an official member of the chapter in which the student was inducted.
