Beta Alpha Psi
Theta Lambda Chapter
of the University of Central Arkansas

WHAT IS BETA ALPHA PSI?
Beta Alpha Psi is the National Honors Organization for Financial Information Professionals, founded in 1919. Beta Alpha Psi recognizes scholastic excellence, offers professional development, and encourages ethical, social, and public responsibility. There are over 40 local members and pledges and nationally more than 200 chapters on college and university campuses.

UCA's CHAPTER OF BETA ALPHA PSI
  • 1994: The Theta Lambda Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi was awarded its charter at the University of Central Arkansas.
  • 2007: Kelly Turner, Alex Blankenship, and Brad Eberle won first place at the Regional BAP Conference in Fort Worth for Best Practices in Participation in Professional Organizations.
  • 2008: UCA's chapter was recognized as a Distinguished Chapter for the participation of its members.
  • 2009: Jessica Rucker, Rachael Foster, and Cynthia Chui won first place at the Regional BAP Conference in Dallas for Best Practices in Service Learning.
  • 2009: Ann Reilly, Zachary King, and Kristin Vest won second place at the Regional BAP Conference in Dallas for Best Practices in Helping Others Succeed/Developing Life Skills.
  • 2009: UCA's chapter received Superior Chapter recognition with its members earning more than 500 professional development hours and more than 900 service hours.
  • 2009: Jesscia Rucker, Rachel Foster, and Kristin Vest won first place at the National BAP Conference in New York for Best Practices in Service Learning.
ORGANIZATION OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the organizaiton is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the field of accounting. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting; providing opportunities for professional-development, and association among members and practicing accountants, and encouraging a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership in Beta Alpha Psi includes those persons of good moral character who have achieved scholastic and/or professional excellence in the field of accounting, who have been initiated according to the ritual, and who remain in good standing.

Minimum scholastic requirements for membership are set forth in the national by-laws. Undergraduate student initiates must have at least a 3.0 average or the equivalent in accounting and be in the top 35% in general scholarship of their college or school of business or equivalent academic unit. Graduate student initiates must have been accepted and matriculated into a masters degree level accounting program.

For information about pledging Beta Alpha Psi at UCA, view our pledge requirements.


CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
Each semester, the Theta Lambda Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi holds many activities for its members including the following:

  • Professional meetings at which accounting firms and organizations send representatives to share information about careers and current events in accounting;
  • Service activities to the community and University; and
  • Fun social activities with members, faculty, alumni, and accounting professionals.
Members and pledges are expected to spend approximately 16 hours per semester on professional development and service activities while they get the opportunity to meet accounting professionals, make friends, and have fun.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION and FUNDING
For more information about the National organization, visit www.bap.org.

The University of Central Arkansas • Department of Accounting • 201 Donaghey • COB 204 • Conway AR 72035
Dr. Stephanie F. Watson • Advisor • 501-450-5317 • swatson@uca.edu
Dr. Patricia H. Mounce • Advisor • 501-450-5311 • pmounce@uca.edu