During a meeting Wednesday for Beta Alpha Psi, Kent State’s premier international honor fraternity for financial and business students, student officers discussed membership requirements and the benefits of joining the organization to students. Those benefits include professional development, exclusive scholarships and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
To be eligible for membership, students must be declared majors in accounting, finance, business, data analytics or computer science and information systems. They must also be enrolled in a 30000-level or higher course within their major and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students interested in joining must apply via the Beta Alpha Psi and Accounting Association website, submit a transcript showing their major, GPA and course level to faculty advisor Mindy Nett and pay a one-time initiation fee of $50.
Prospective members are also required to complete the Hazing Prevention 101 course and attend the national virtual initiation ceremony on Nov. 12. After following these steps, students will receive a KSU Engage invitation, officially welcoming them to the Beta Alpha Psi roster.
“The fraternity has helped me, along with others, build resumes, public speaking skills and interview prep,” Anna Siesel, a Beta Alpha Psi officer, said. “Coming to events, we give tips and tricks and have panels to talk to students.”
The benefits of joining Beta Alpha Psi extend beyond the initiation ceremony. Members have access to exclusive scholarships from the fraternity’s partners, free membership to accounting societies and institutions and the opportunity to wear graduation cords and stoles as symbols of their involvement.
Membership isn’t just about academic achievements and professional accolades. The organization also emphasizes community engagement and social interaction.
To maintain active membership, students must participate in five professional events — often featuring speakers on Wednesdays — two service events such as volunteering or food drives and one social event. Members who are unable to attend regular meetings are encouraged to communicate with the organization to find alternative professional opportunities.
For students who might not meet the GPA or class standing requirements for Beta Alpha Psi, Kent State’s Accounting Association offers a more inclusive alternative. Open to students of any major, the Accounting Association has no minimum GPA or course level requirements, providing an opportunity for students to get involved with a business organization without the academic prerequisites.
Another option for business students is Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed business fraternity that offers similar opportunities for professional development and networking but with a different organizational structure.
Kayla Nagle, a senior accounting major who joined Beta Alpha Psi and is also an officer, said her involvement with the organization has impacted her academic and professional life in a positive way.
“My professor really encouraged me to join and told me how great it is,” Nagle said. “I went to one of the events, and it forced me to talk to people and network with more people in my major, which has been super helpful.”
Courtney Simpson is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
