Sample Chapter Bylaws

Beta Alpha Psi recognizes academic excellence and complements members' formal education by providing interaction among students, faculty, and professionals, and fosters lifelong growth, service and ethical conduct.

Article 1: Name of the organization
The name of this organization shall be the XXX (subject to BAP Executive Board approval) Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi at XXX University.

Article 2: The objectives and purposes of the chapter
Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary and professional organization for students of accountancy, finance and information systems. Its stated purpose includes recognition of outstanding academic achievements in the field of accounting, finance and information systems; promotion of the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems; provision of opportunities for self-development and association among members and financial information professionals; and encouragement of a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility. The organization seeks to develop its members’ professionalism through career-oriented, social, and community activities.

Article 3: Membership
To be admitted to membership in the organization, a student must successfully complete a semester as a candidate and attain minimum academic performance.

Candidate Requirements:

Be a matriculated undergraduate or postgraduate student with a concentration in accounting or finance.
Completed at least one upper-level accounting course with a B or better.
Attain an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Complete one course within your concentration by the end of the pledging semester.
Payment of candidate fee as determined by the executive committee. The fee covers national dues, organization pin, Induction Banquet, and social recruiting functions.
Complete service requirements.
Participate in a Mock Interview and Resume Critique Session.
Participate and attend the respective Induction Banquet pending faculty advisor’s review and approval of academic standing.

Member Requirements:
Members are expected to:

Attain an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Attain either:

An accounting minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. The grade point average from your accounting concentration includes only upper level major courses, or
A finance minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. The grade point average from your finance concentration includes only upper level major courses.

Participate in chapter service activities as organized by the executive committee.
Payment of annual fee as determined by the executive committee. The fee covers the member attendance at social and recruiting functions.

Article 4: Meetings for the conduct of business
Actions requiring vote of the entire membership will require a one week notice of meeting and agenda. Persons may not vote by proxy. Both members and candidates in good standing are eligible to vote. The lesser of 20% of the membership or a quorum of X chapter representatives are required to conduct a vote. The final decision will be determined by a majority of the vote.
Actions requiring the vote of the executive committee, consisting of the elected chapter officers and faculty advisor, will require a 48 hour notice of meeting and agenda. Persons may not vote by proxy. An executive committee vote requires the attendance of at least 25% of the executive committee. The final decision will be determined by a majority of the votes.

Article 5: Student officers
Officer Elections:
The term of office will begin when the officers are sworn in at the Spring Banquet and end the following Spring when the next class of officers is sworn in.

Elections are to be held in the Spring Semester prior to the upcoming academic year. One meeting is to be set aside for nominating the candidates. At this meeting, each candidate must be nominated by one member of the chapter. At the following meeting, each candidate will give a brief speech stating their goals, objectives, and reason for running for office. Then the membership will be given an election ballot. Each member will cast one vote which will be collected by the outgoing president. The president and faculty advisor will count the votes, the candidate with a majority of the votes wins. The non-elected candidate(s) will be given the option to drop down in the election sequence. The election sequence is as follows::

President
Vice-President
National Reporting Officer
Treasurer
Candidate and Member Coordinator
Vice-President of Special Affairs/Activities
Vice-President of Management Information Systems

Duties and Responsibilities:

President:

Update the chapter bylaws.
Establish the goals and activities budget for the upcoming academic year.
Plan and implement both the Fall and Spring Semester schedules
Reserve meeting room.
Determine desirable meeting topics.
Contact and correspond with speakers and presenters.
Maintain and update the contact list periodically.
Supervise and ascertain that all officers are performing their respective duties.
Begin, conduct, and end all meetings.

Vice-President:

Assist the president in his/her duties.
Coordinate the Annual Beta Alpha Psi Mock Interviews:
Schedule the time and place of the event.
Contact and correspond with the professionals who will be conducting the interviews.
Schedule members in their respective interviewing slots.

National Reporting Officer:

Prepare and submit all reports as required by the National Organization including reports of chapter activities, reports of initiations, and reports of any change in faculty advisor or student officers.
Maintain an updated list of graduated members.

Treasurer:

Account for, and control, all organization financial activity.
Maintain all Cash Receipts:
Collect and deposit all cash receipts. Maintain appropriate supporting documents and Cash Receipts Journal.
Maintain Cash Disbursements:
Prepare cash disbursement and supply proper documentation.
Maintain Cash Disbursement Journal.
Prepare financial statements.

Candidate and Member Coordinator:

Monitor the progress of candidates and members.
Account for candidate and member attendance at all meetings and functions.
Establish, with executive committee, a point system for both candidates and members service.
Maintain distribution on points for participation in the different organization events and activities.
Schedule athletic activities such as bowling game other student organizations.

Vice-President of Special Affairs/Activities:

Assist the President and Vice-President to arrange and coordinate functions.
Prepare and post a flyer at least four days before each meeting.
Arrange and coordinate the Fall Induction Banquet.

Vice-President of MIS:

Prepare and implement the development of the chapter website.
Continuously update the chapter website with current information.

Article 6: Committees other than the executive committee
Each committee will be headed by a chairperson that is appointed by the president. Participation is open to all members and candidates.

Article 7: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the chapter will end on April 30th.

Article 8: Authority
These bylaws shall be the principle governing document of the XX Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. These bylaws are subordinate to the National Constitution and Bylaws of the Beta Alpha Psi Organization. Any provision of this document that conflicts with the National Constitution and Bylaws of the Beta Alpha Psi Organization that is currently in effect will be null and void.

Article 9: Requirements for Amendment to the Bylaws
An amendment to the bylaws requires a majority of the membership to cast an affirmative vote in order for an amendment to be passed. Amendments may be proposed by the executive committee or membership.