August 30 2016

Chapter Notes: August 30, 2016

Welcome to the 2016-17 academic year! We hope you enjoyed your summer and are ready to begin another outstanding year with Beta Gamma Sigma. Check out the message below from BGS Associate Director of Chapter & Alumni Operations, Christina Allrich. 


Christina Janoski

Associate Director, Chapter & Alumni Operations
314.925.1781
cjanoski@betagammasigma.org

Notable dates for fall 2016


In this edition of Chapter Notes...


Welcome Back—Let’s Get Ready for 16-17!

The BGS Global HQ would like to welcome you back for the new academic year. We hope you had a great summer. Our staff is looking forward to working with you to build on last year’s success. As a result of all you efforts, we were able to induct 26,074 new members into the Society, including just over 1,000 college sophomores. Last year was the first time we allowed all chapters to induct second-semester sophomores, and we are excited to see that even more students have joined the Society earlier than ever before. Inducting students sooner affords them the opportunity to be engaged sooner, which increases the likelihood that they will remain engaged with BGS beyond graduation. Additionally, the number of Student Officers reported to the Global HQ nearly quadrupled what was reported last academic year, which undoubtedly allowed more activities and events to take place on campus and kept more students engaged

We’ve been hard at work all summer making preparations to improve our ability to assist you and thinking about more ways we can make the 16-17 academic year our most successful yet. Continue reading on to learn about some major changes for 16-17. We’d also like to share some information about upcoming programs and events. Please let us know if you have any questions or if there are ways we can better support you. 

Join Us for a Collegiate Chapter Training Seminar

Are you a new chapter advisor or admin? Has it been more than three years since you attended a training seminar? If so, then please join us for our upcoming fall Collegiate Chapter Training Seminars. Our first two trainings will take place in Chicago, IL (September 22-23) and Hong Kong (September 28-29). The training seminar provides a great opportunity to learn more about the Society, information on how to better utilize resources, and an opportunity to network and dialogue with other chapter officers. You will also get to meet and interact with some of the BGS staff. We highly encourage your attendance as we will provide you with vital information to assist you in your role. Keep in mind that your chapter will earn 5 points per attendee if your chapter has had one or more attendees at a training seminar in the last three academic years. View the training schedule for this academic year and register for the upcoming sessions. We hope to see you there!

Important Changes & Updates

Membership Fee Increase

Beginning September 1, 2016, the standard Beta Gamma Sigma induction fee will increase from $65 USD (plus $2 shipping) to a flat $75 USD, for newly inducted members. The last BGS induction fee increase occurred almost 10 years ago in 2007 and due to the rising costs of goods and services, the Board of Governors feels this change is necessary. We have always prided ourselves on the fact that the induction fee is for lifetime membership, so this is a one-time induction fee

All students who accept membership on and after September 1, 2016 will be charged our standard fee of $75 USD. Any student who accepts BGS membership prior to September 1 will be charged the standard fee of $65 USD (plus $2 shipping) unless otherwise specified in our Chapter Management System (CMS). We will continue to charge Masters Second Recognition students $10 USD for their membership. The membership fees for Doctoral and Doctoral Second Recognition students will continue to be waived ($0 USD). You are still able to add an additional fee amount to our standard fee should your chapter decide to do so. If your chapter subsidizes a portion or covers the full cost of BGS membership for your students, we will invoice your chapter for $75 USD per member beginning September 1. If you need assistance adjusting your fee amounts, please reach out to your chapter manager.

Certificate Batch Order Changes

As of August 1, 2016, the BGS Global Headquarters is now sending certificate batch orders following the below schedule. We have moved from two (2) first certificate batch order shipments to one (1) first certificate batch order shipment. We have not made any changes to the after order shipment schedule. The CMS will continue to generate the after orders every 14 days following your ceremony date.

In addition to the new schedule, our third party vendor, Award Concepts Inc., has taken over all certificate batch order shipments. Should you have any issues with your shipment or questions regarding a shipment, please reach out to them at 1-800-659-7801 and ask for the Beta Gamma Sigma (or BGS) team.

Certificate Batch Order Schedule

Chapter Location

Number of days prior to ceremony that order will generate

US-Midwest

11

US-Eastern Seaboard & Southwest

13

US-West Coast

15

Canada

16

Europe

16

Asia

16

South America

18

*If you are unsure of which location your chapter falls under, please contact your Chapter Manager.

BGS Gives Back Program Changes

As BGS continuously evolves into a more comprehensive society, values such as service are becoming increasingly important to the Society’s future. Our renewed mission statement and list of values touch upon the concept of not only recognizing honor, wisdom, and earnestness, but also leadership and service. This year, BGS is expanding the program from a single day to the entire academic year. As a result, BGS Gives Back will take place in 16-17 at a campus near you from August through June. So get ready for bigger and better service leadership opportunities! More details and information will be coming soon, so keep an eye on our Gives Back page.

New Dean of the Year Award

As you well know, Beta Gamma Sigma is dedicated to inducting and honoring the very best in business including deans, faculty, and students. Naturally then, we wanted to provide chapters with a way to recognize your deans who have committed themselves to continuing this legacy of honor. In 2016, we unveiled the Dean of the Year Award. This new recognition is awarded to one outstanding dean who made significant contributions to the success of his or her chapter while supporting the BGS mission throughout the academic year. The Dean of the Year Award celebrates Deans who have helped shape their chapters through the following actions:

  • Dean took an active leadership role in moving the chapter towards BGS 2.0.
  • Dean encouraged and honored academic achievements by chapter members.
  • Dean developed Beta Gamma Sigma members as student and professional leaders.
  • Dean commemorated leadership and excellence.

Chapters that earn Highest Honors, based on the Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll, are eligible to submit their nominations for this award. The dean who earns this award is recognized at the Deans’ Luncheon at AACSB’s International Conference and Annual Meeting (ICAM), receives a plaque, and is listed in our annual Recognition of Excellence book. If your chapter earned Highest Honors for 15-16, submit your application to nominate your dean today!

New 30-Minute BGS Basics Refreshers Webinar Series

We have heard from several chapter contacts that it would be helpful to have more guidance on things that can be done to promote and increase the visibility of your chapter. Well, you asked and we listened! We will now be hosting a BGS Basics Refresher Series. The series will consist of brief webinars on various topics that are fundamental for your chapter and its growth. These webinars will be hosted several times in both the fall and the spring, and will be recorded and posted on our website for viewing at a later time. 

Our first webinar will cover the process of identifying, electing/selecting, and engaging Student Officers. The session will take place on Wednesday, September 28 at 2PM Central Time. Please CLICK HERE to register for this webinar. We understand your schedule may be a bit hectic at the beginning of the academic year, but we hope you will make time to join the call or view the recording at your convenience. 

Collegiate Chapter Honor Roll Changes

In light of several Society changes, we have made the following updates to the Honor Roll for 16-17:

  • BGS Gives Back is no longer restricted to a particular day. Your chapter is able to earn 10 points for having a service event at any point throughout the academic year. In order to receive Honor Roll points, your chapter must complete the online form.
  • Our Meet the Leaders of Business program has been discontinued in its current form. We are no longer awarding 5 points for nominating a speaker for this event.
  • For our new Dean of the Year award, chapters will get 5 points for submitting a nomination. The winner of the award will receive an additional 5 points for their chapter.

James A. Viehland Scholarship Criteria Change

In the past, the James. A. Viehland Scholarship was available solely for two Student Officers, in either US or OUS chapters, to attend the GLS. This year, the James A. Viehland Scholarship is only available for two Collegiate Chapter Members attending institutions outside of the United States to attend the GLS. You can reference our scholarships page for more information on how your students can apply. Please ensure your students check the requirements for each scholarship prior to submitting their application.

Please make note of these changes as you begin planning your activities and events for the academic year.

Chapter Spotlight: Providence College

The Providence College chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma partnered with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP to host an event titled “Backpack to Briefcase.” The event consisted of an interactive session for undergraduate students interested in learning about the transition from college to an internship or career. John Formica, Assurance Partner and Ann Ulett, Talent Acquisition Manager joined over a hundred students seeking tips for how to make the important transition by covering everything from dining etiquette to finding a mentor. The team focused on real-life examples of how to capitalize on networking and manage your own personal brand. Kudos to the chapter at Providence College for presenting this opportunity to students and keeping them engaged.

Remember, if your chapter hosts an event that you’d like to have featured in an upcoming Chapter Notes, simply email the event details to your Chapter Manager. Don’t forget to include photos!

Register Your Students for the Second Annual Global Leadership Summit (GLS)!

It’s that time of year again! Our second annual GLS will take place November 3-6, 2016 in Dallas, TX at the Sheraton Downtown Dallas (400 N. Olive St.). This is a great opportunity to for students to refine their leadership skills. Here’s what your students can expect at the GLS this year:

  • StrengthsFinder assessment and programming — Students will learn how to capitalize on their strengths throughout their career.
  • Hands-on learning — They will gain insights on their strengths and then put them directly to work with various exercises, including a team case competition, throughout the weekend.
  • World-class speakers — Attendees will learn from today’s thought leaders in global business, academic, and nonprofit sectors. Dmitri Stockton, SVP of GE and Chairman, President, & CEO of GE Asset Management, will be the keynote speaker on the opening night.
  • Engagement — Students will have the opportunity to share their views as part of presentations and panel discussions that cover critical topics such as business ethics, social consciousness, effective communication, and more.
  • Unparalleled networking opportunities – Attendees will connect with 400 other high-achieving fellow BGS students from around the world, talent recruiters from top brands and MBA programs, and expert presenters from numerous industries.

Registration closes at midnight CST on Friday, October 7, 2016.

You can find more details about the event by visiting our GLS webpages. We are looking forward to meeting your students in Dallas!

Announcing Global Leadership Scholarships: Encourage Your Students to Apply Today!

Through the generosity of sponsors and donors, Beta Gamma Sigma is able to provide our collegiate chapter members the opportunity to apply for scholarships to help fund their trip to the Summit. Scholarships are available for both U.S. and international students. Details about scholarship criteria, how to apply, and additional information can be found at the GLS Scholarships page. Applications are due September 16 at midnight, so make sure your students complete the application today!

Chapter Management System Webinars

As you prepare for your fall recognition ceremonies, there may be some CMS functions you need to review as you begin to order your supplies and invite your eligible students to membership. Our CMS webinars are designed to assist you with utilizing the system. Over the past year, we have made several updates to improve the functionality of the CMS, so the webinar will serve as a great refresher for some and provide a more in-depth view of the system for others.

We will be hosting several webinars in both the fall and spring to review the system in its totality. The schedule for the fall webinars is below:

  • Wednesday, October 12 at 11AM CST
  • Thursday, October 13 at 12PM CST
  • Tuesday, October 18 at 3PM CST
  • Thursday, November 10 at 2PM CST
  • Tuesday, November 15 at 1PM CST

Please CLICK HERE to register for one of the available sessions. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to review the Chapter Management System Manual to become familiar with this system. We look forward to your attendance!


An Improved and Interactive Virtual Graduate School Fair

Want to build an even more prestigious graduate program with the best business talent in the world? Join TOP TIER, Beta Gamma Sigma’s Virtual Graduate School Fair!

BGS members are sought-after by business schools, because they have met already met stringent guidelines for membership by placing in the top 10% at AACSB-accredited institutions. TOP TIER can help you connect with these young leaders through:
Exclusive webinars (presented at just one school at a given time)

  • 90-minute “meetings” with students 
  • Q & A sessions via voice or text to individuals or groups of students
  • Multiple presenter options
  • Shared screen capability
  • Tracking functionality
  • Ability to share your documents with students even before the session starts
  • A recording of your session for additional student outreach
  • Polling technology And, to make TOP TIER a convenient experience, you may select the timing of your presentation* and conduct the webinar from virtually anywhere.

Dates: October 9th through 23rd, 2016
Cost: Only $150 USD
For information: Email Lakshmi at lsanjay@betagammasigma.org
HURRY: Limited space available! 

* Webinars scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

New Membership Goal for 2016-2017

Last year was the first time we shared our new membership goal with you in order to keep ourselves accountable and help you understand how the Collegiate Chapters impact the Society. Well, we decided to do the same this year! Like last year, we plan to keep you informed on our progress towards this goal periodically throughout the rest of the academic year. For 2016-2017, our goal is to induct 28,600 new members. This goal includes all new members who accept membership from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. The Global HQ plans to reach this goal by continuing our early induction initiatives, increasing our marketing efforts, offering more compelling programs and membership benefits, and encouraging chapters to engage their students. Here are some things you can do to assist us in meeting and exceeding our goal:

  • Invite all eligible students and add them all to the CMS
  • Follow up with students and encourage them to accept membership
  • Send reminder emails via the CMS
  • Make sure your students complete their profiles in a timely fashion

We are counting on and appreciate all your efforts and support as we aim to reach this goal.

Current number of new members for 16-17 (as of August 24): 913