The purposes of Beta Alpha Psi shall be to:

• Recognize outstanding academic achievements in the field of accounting, finance and information systems;
• Promote the study and practice of professional fields related to these disciplines;
• Provide opportunities for self-development and association among members and practicing financial professionals;
• Encourage a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibilities.

As stated in “Article I – Purpose” Constitution of Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi is an international scholastic and professional society for Financial Information Professionals. The emblem of the Beta Alpha Psi Fraternity denotes the promise of careers for financial information professionals. The rising sun signifies these professional positions as rising ever higher among economic activities. The crossed keys symbolize knowledge as a means of opening the doors of the financial world. The letters Beta, Alpha, and Psi denote scholarship, social responsibility, and practicality, respectively.

History

Beta Alpha Psi was founded in 1919 at the University of Illinois. By 2004, there were nearly 273 chapters on college and university campuses internationally, with over 200,000 members initiated since the fraternity's formation. Our Eta Iota chapter of Beta Alpha Psi is the 170th. chapter, chartered at Florida International University on April 4, 1986. Our chapter received international "superior chapter" status in the following years: 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2008. Also, we have received the Annual 2004 Number One Honor Society award at Florida International University.

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, finance, or information systems, who have been initiated according to the ritual, and who remain in good standing.

Minimum scholastic requirements for undergraduate membership are set forth in the national by-laws. Graduate student initiates must have been accepted and matriculated into a master's degree level program. Individual chapters may establish higher admission criteria.

Organization

Beta Alpha Psi is governed by a national constitution and by laws. 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 financial information professionals or professors of Accounting, Finance or Information Systems, 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 professionals 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.

Funding

Beta Alpha Psi gains a portion of its annual budget from a charter maintenance fee and a one-time initiation fee. The bulk of the receipts come from contributions from industry and public accounting. Remaining funds are distributed as schollarships at the end of the semester to our most active members.

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

Activities

The Board establishes a program for chapter activities to serve as a guide and an incentive for chapter competition. The goal of chapter activities is to involve all members fully in chapter affairs. SUCCESSFUL CHAPTER OPERATION REQUIRES PARTICIPATION BY EVERY MEMBER IN ATTENDING MEETINGS, SERVING ON COMMITTEES, PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES, AND STRIVING FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.