May 17 2017

Welcome back to Chapter Notes!


Christina Allrich
Director, Chapter & Alumni Operations
314.925.1781
callrich@betagammasigma.org

Notable Dates for Early Spring 2017

In this edition of Chapter Notes...

Highest Honors Chapter Spotlight: Valdosta State University

Dean Plumly and Chapter Advisor Dr. Roland of the BGS Chapter of Valdosta State University have done a spectacular job keeping their chapter active and engaged. They are one of the chapters that have attained the Highest Honors designation. Some of the things that they have done to achieve this distinction are: 

  • Having a 100% acceptance rate
  • Inducting Sophomores and first semester Juniors
  • A tapping ceremony process that gives a personal touch
  • Hosted two information tables to tell students the benefits of BGS
  • Sent two students to the Global Leadership Summit
  • Held three on-campus events!
  • Have a Bronze BGS key installed on campus

These things amongst others are what makes a chapter able to reach Highest Honors! Many congratulations to them for their hard work!

Reminder: 2016-2017 Chapter Year in Review Survey is Due July 7th 

The link for the 2016-2017 Chapter Year in Review Survey has been emailed to each Chapter Advisor, as listed in the Chapter Management System (CMS). Please note: this link can be emailed by the Chapter Advisor to another chapter contact for completion if necessary.

The link will remain accessible until the deadline of July 7, 2017, even if the final submit button is pressed. After the deadline, the link will deactivate and no further responses will be collected. As a reminder, completion of a Chapter Year in Review Survey is required for a chapter to be eligible for recognition via the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll program.

Chapters earning enough engagement points will be eligible to receive a variety of benefits, based on the level achieved. Below are the requirements and benefits of each level. A full breakdown of point earning opportunities can be found by clicking the hyperlink above. In order to qualify for recognition, a chapter must complete the Chapter Year in Review survey by the survey deadline. No deadline extensions will be given.

Level

Requirements

Benefits

Honors

Earn a minimum of 100 engagement points

May nominate Chapter Advisor for Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award

High Honors

Earn a minimum of 150 engagement points

1. Awarded one Student Leadership Scholarship (one registration to the GLS) 

2. May nominate Chapter Advisor for Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award

Highest Honors

Earn a minimum of 200 engagement points

1. Consideration for Outstanding Chapter (if application is submitted) 

2. Awarded one Student Leadership Scholarship (one registration to the GLS) 

3. May nominate Chapter Advisor for Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award

4. May nominate for Dean of the Year Award

Beta Gamma Sigma Welcomes New Board of Governors Members

Charles Whiteman, Ph.D., of The Pennsylvania State University recently assumed the role of Chairman for the BGS Board of Governors. Whiteman is the John and Becky Surma Dean of the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Former Board Chair Betty Jo Licata, Ph.D., Dean of the Williamson College of Business at Youngstown State University, will now serve as Immediate Past Chairman.

Also joining the board are Jacob Chacko, Ph.D. (Abu Dhabi University), Jorge Haddock, Ph.D. (University of Massachusetts Boston), Barbara A. Ritter, Ph.D. (Coastal Carolina University), Lawrence G. Singleton, Ph.D. (Marist College) and Jeffri L., Epps (Foureyes LLC).

Congratulations to our 2017 Outstanding Chapters!

Beta Gamma Sigma congratulates the Society’s 2017 Outstanding Chapters! Outstanding Chapter Awards recognize chapters that demonstrate excellence in chapter performance. This year, the Board of Governors is pleased to recognize the following chapters:

2017 Gold Award: Rutgers State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick

2017 Silver Award: Brock University

2017 Bronze Award: North Carolina A&T State University

2017 Honorable Mentions:

  • Saint Joseph’s University
  • Shippensburg University
  • Texas State University

All of our outstanding chapter award winners achieved Highest Honors status on the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll for 2016-2017 and submitted application materials. They have all earned scholarships to award to one deserving BGS student. Congratulations to all!

2017 Medallion for Entrepreneurship and Business Achievement Award Winners

Please join us in congratulating our 2017 Award Winners:

Business Achievement Awards: Awarded to individuals with significant achievement in business through the traditional corporate route. The achievement may be demonstrated over a career or by a singular achievement that has advanced the field of business and contributed to a community and to humankind.

  • Shereen Al Nowais, Social Entrepreneur at Taleem Centre
    Nominated by Abu Dhabi University
  • Honorable Terrence “Terry” A. Duffy, Charman and CEO of CME Group
    Nominated by Saint Xavier University
  • Christopher D. Furman, President and CEO of Ventura Foods
    Nominated by Saint Joseph’s University
  • Emilio B. Imbriglio, President and CEO of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Canada
    Nominated by Concordia University

Medallion for Entrepreneurship: Awarded to individuals who combine innovative business achievement with service to humanity. The accomplishments of the individuals may be domestic or worldwide but must be consistent with the ideals of Beta Gamma Sigma.

  • Becky Levin, Executive Director of The Possible Project
    Nominated by The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  • Mike Marr, CEO of TPT Group
    Nominated by Auckland University of Technology

Congratulations to our 2017 Dean of the Year Awardee: Dr. Enrique (Henry) Venta, Lamar University

Dr. Enrique (Henry) Venta from Lamar University is our 2017 Dean of the Year. The Dean of the Year Award recognizes a Dean who contributed to the success of their Chapter and upheld the mission of Beta Gamma Sigma. To nominate your Dean for this award, chapters must attain Highest Honors status on the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll.

Dean Venta invests in the chapter leadership by funding the travel for both the Chapter Advisor and Administrator to attend Collegiate Chapter Training Seminars. He encourages tapping ceremonies to take place within the classroom, increasing BGS recognition and prestige on-campus and making each invitation more special. Dean Venta plays an active role in developing BGS members as students and professional leaders beyond the grounds of Lamar University. He fully funded four Lamar students’ attendance at the 2016 Global Leadership Summit in Dallas, TX. To commemorate leadership and excellence while encouraging and honoring the academic achievements of Lamar’s BGS members, Dean Venta holds an annual essay contest covering the importance of BGS’ values and awards the winner a $500 scholarship at each recognition ceremony.

Beta Gamma Sigma is honored to have such a passionate ambassador representing the true spirit of the society. Congratulations Dean Venta!

Announcing our 2017 Outstanding Chapter Advisor: Dr. Howard Buchan, SUNY Oneonta

Dr. Howard Buchan from SUNY Oneonta has been named the 2017 Outstanding Chapter Advisor. The Outstanding Chapter Advisor award is presented to a Chapter Advisor who makes great contributions to the success of their Chapter while supporting Beta Gamma Sigma’s mission. In order to qualify to nominate for this award, a chapter must attain High or Highest Honors status on the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll.

Dr. Buchan has served as the BGS chapter advisor for the SUNY Oneonta since the chapter’s inception and his involvement has been key to the chapter’s success. He encourages tapping ceremonies to take place in full regalia when inviting students to membership. Dr. Buchan also works to ensure student members are engaged by working with the Student Officers, sending students to the Global Leadership Summit, and encouraging them to share their knowledge of leadership and use their skills to benefit chapter, the campus, and the community.

The Society congratulates Dr. Buchan on this accomplishment!

BGS Students Helping and "Making Cents"

The Stevens School of Business BGS students have created a financial literacy program for high school students which they have already presented at the local high school. Brian Rothschild, Director of the Graduate Management Programs states, “It is our hope that other chapters can take the program and utilize it for their local high schools as well.” Here is an article describing the program: https://www.stevens.edu/news/business-expo17-makingcents

No Orders Shipping the week of June 19th 

Global Headquarters is moving! Our office is moving a few blocks away (still in St. Louis) into a different building in mid-June. Due to the office move no supply orders will be fulfilled the week of June 19th. All orders will need to be placed by June 15th to ship them out on time. Any orders placed June 15th through June 23rd will not be fulfilled until the end of the month. We apologize for this temporary delay in shipping.

Students Joining After Ceremony 

Recently, we’ve received several questions from students hoping to join BGS after their school's ceremony has already occurred. Once invited, students can use to use their BGS link to join at any time in the future. They need not wait for the next induction ceremony. 

2016-2017 BGS New Member Goal Update

Thank you for helping us to induct over 23,520 new members this season and that number continues to grow! BGS Global HQ staff is still focused on meeting our goal of inducted over 28,600 new members this year, so we appreciate your continued assistance. We couldn’t do it without you!

New Student Messaging

The BGS Marketing Department has developed new verbiage that is automatically sent to students who are entered into the Chapter Management System (CMS). This includes the email that automatically deploys after Chapter Staff enter a student into the CMS, the reminder note that Chapter Staff can use, and the re-invite message that is sent by BGS staff annually.

2017-2018 Collegiate Chapter Training Seminar Locations

  • Toronto, Canada- September 14-15, 2017
  • Pittsburg, PA- September 26-27 2017 (immediately following AACSB’s Annual Accreditation Conference!)
  • New! Virtual Chapter Officer Training Seminar- February 7, 2018
  • Denver, CO- March 8-9, 2018

Training seminars allow collegiate chapter contacts to gain insight into chapter operation procedures, learn new processes, hear about society events, programs and initiatives, express questions and concerns, and learn from chapter officers at other business schools. BGS Global HQ encourages chapters to send a representative to a training every 2-3 years, if possible, to stay updated on material.

BGS Global HQ believes attendance at a training is so important that chapters will earn points for three consecutive years after a representative attends. Chapters will earn 5 Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll points per attendee!

More details and registration forms for the 2017-2018 trainings will be available very soon.

Using or Requesting Excess Chapter Funds 

Good news: if your chapter charges your BGS members a little more for membership, you have excess funds available! These funds can be viewed in the Chapter Management System (CMS), on the “Chapter Funds” tab.

Spotlight on New Chapters

We would like to say welcome to all the new chapters that have established this year!

Your interest in the organization and the efforts you took to establish are greatly appreciated. We hope to see you maintain that momentum by hosting events, recognizing students, and building relationships with other chapters. Here is a list of the new chapters that have established:

Universidad De Chile, NEOMA Business School, Lebanese American University, EGADE Business School Tecnológico de Monterrey, Institute of Management Technology Ghaziabad, Chung Yuan Christian University, Northeastern Illinois University, University of North Alabama, Johns Hopkins, University of Glasgow, and Metropolitan State University of Denver

Register now for the 2017 Global Leadership Summit!

Our 3rd annual Global Leadership Summit will be held November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida. The Summit is a fast-paced, hands-on learning event that will provide a wonderful opportunity for your students to connect with 400 other BGS members from around the world. Students will leave the Summit with a deep understanding of how to take their leadership skills to the next level with real-world insight. There is no limit on the number of students each chapter can send. Reserve spaces for your students by June 30, 2017 and get the Early Bird rate of $525! We hope to see your students in Orlando!

Reserve your spot today at the 2017 Global Leadership Summit!

Recruit the ‘Best in Business” at this year’s GLS, November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.

The GLS brings over 400 students, the best in their programs, from all over the world. You can connect with students over meals or share what you have during “Connections” time. Do you want the best in business to join your graduate programs? Then, don’t wait; join us for a “Revolutionary Learning” at the 2017 Global Leadership Summit! 

Reserve you spot today with the ‘Connections’ level sponsorship at just $1,000. Contact Lakshmi Ramdas Sanjay at lsanjay@betagammasigma.org for more information!

Reminder: Re-Invite Program Beginning!

Each summer we give your eligible students another chance to join Beta Gamma Sigma. Although our policy is that an invitation never expires, we send a one-time reminder invitation to those who have not accepted BGS membership within the last academic year. The Re-Invite Program is meant to target those students who may have initially misunderstood the value of BGS membership or missed their invitation entirely. This program can only serve to help our collegiate chapters, as it can increase acceptance rates, which translates to more points earned toward the Chapter Honor Roll total.

Members who accept via the Re-Invite Program will be charged the standard $75 USD unless the chapter has altered these fees previously. Members who accept via this program will receive their membership certificate and key pin directly from Global Headquarters. These items will not be shipped to the chapter. Chapters will be notified of how many members, if applicable, accepted via this program and how that has positively impacted your acceptance rates. As always, contact your Chapter Manager for any additional questions about this program.

Student Planning Ahead for the Next Year

As you begin closing out your activities from this academic year, don’t forget to start planning for the year ahead. Below are a few things you’ll want to do to prepare for another successful year.

1. Select or Elect your 2017-2018 Student Officers

a. Distribute the Student Officer Guidelines and Nomination form to students who are interested in serving in a Student Officer role. NOTE: This form is just a sample guideline and does not need to be returned to the BGS Global Headquarters.

b. Schedule a transition meeting for the outgoing and incoming Student Officers prior to the end of the term. Our Student Officer Transitioning Guide is a great tool to use for this meeting.

2. Update the Chapter Contact Information in the CMS

a. To view the Chapter Contacts for your chapter, follow these steps:

i. Visit the “Chapter Contacts” tab 

ii. Click the “Load Users” button 

b. To add your new Advisor/Co-Advisor/Admin to the CMS, follow this process:

i. Visit the “Chapter Contacts” tab

ii. Select “Add New User”

iii. Enter the new contact information by completing the required fields

iv. Change the contact type to Chapter Advisor, Chapter Co-Advisor or Chapter Admin 

v. Enter a username for this person (typically their email address) 

vi. Scroll to the bottom and save the page by clicking “Save User”

vii. You will be redirected back to the Chapter Contacts tab. The new contact’s name will appear on the list once you click “Load Users” again. They will receive an email with their username and auto-generated password.

c. To remove a Chapter Contact from the CMS, follow these steps: 

i. Visit the “Chapter Contacts” tab

ii. Click “Load Users” 

iii. Select “Edit” to the right of the contact you want to delete

iv. Scroll down to Contact Type and select “Not a Contact”

v. Scroll down to Email Settings and unselect the box next to “I would like to receive Chapter email” 

vi. Scroll to the bottom and save the page by clicking “Save User”

3. Plan Ahead to Participate in the 2017 BGS Gives Back Program

    1. We hope you’ll plan ahead to participate in this day of service opportunity next year. This is a great opportunity for you and your chapter members to spend some time giving back to your local community in a meaningful way. Chapters are free to select the way in which they participate and the day that works best for you. Some examples of activities chapters have participated in previously are:
      1. Volunteering with habitat for humanity
      2. Participating in 5Ks to benefit a variety of causes
      3. Holding a food drive on campus
      4. Cleaning up area roadways
    2. As a reminder, chapters who participate in the BGS Gives Back and complete the registration form here will earn 10 Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll engagement points.