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

Beta Alpha Psi is the National Honors Organization for Financial Information Professionals. The Theta Lambda Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi was awarded its charter at the University of Central Arkansas in Fall 1994. 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 175,000 national members and alumni. Beta Alpha Psi was founded in 1919. By 1995 there were over 199 chapters on college and university campuses.

ORGANIZATION OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the fraternity 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 self-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 earn points for their participation in these events. In addition, officers and active members travel to regional and national meetings and have the opportunity to compete with other Beta Alpha Psi chapters.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION and FUNDING
Beta Alpha Psi is governed by a national constitution and bylaws. The governing body is the National Council. It consists of a Board of Directors and six Regional Directors. Operating authority and routine responsibility for the fraternity rests with the Board of Directors. The Board consists of nine accounting professors, the chairman of the National Advisory Forum, and two alumni representatives. The alumni representatives are chosen from recent graduates.

A NATIONAL ADVISORY FORUM is comprised of prominent professional accountants who are active in public accounting, industry, or government. The members serve three-year terms. The Forum provides the National Council and Board of Directors external advice and assistance in both regular operations and special projects of the fraternity.

THE NATIONAL CHAPTER is comprised of all Faculty Advisors, student presidents, and past and present members of the National Council. This body holds an annual meeting and banquet in August and provides advice and assistance to the Board of Directors and National Council.

A LOCAL CHAPTER is comprised of student and faculty members at each school. Student officers guide the chapter's operations and activities, supervised by the Faculty Advisors.

Beta Alpha Psi is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to Beta Alpha Psi and its local chapters are deductible.

Beta Alpha Psi gains a portion of its annual budget from a charter maintenance fee and a one-time initiation fee--there are no national dues. Although there is other minor revenue from royalties and interest on investments, the bulk of the receipts come from contributions from industry and public accounting.

In 1982, the Associates Program was initiated. Through the Associates, industrial and public accounting firms contribute to Beta Alpha Psi activities.



The University of Central Arkansas • Department of Accounting • 201 Donaghey • BBA 309 • 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