Chapter BYLAws
Last Updated April 2025
Beta Alpha Psi CHAPTER BYLAWS
Beta Alpha Psi recognizes academic excellence and complements members’ formal education by providing interaction and networking among students, faculty, and professionals. Our aim is to foster lifelong growth, service, and ethical conduct.
Article I: Name of the Organization
The name of the Beta Alpha Psi Chapter at the University of Texas at Tyler is Mu Kappa. The official Chapter number is 285. The Chapter executive committee, which consists of the Chapter officers and the faculty advisor(s), is responsible for the overall governance of the Chapter.
Article II: The Objectives and Purposes of the Chapter
Beta Alpha Psi is a nonprofit honorary and professional organization for students of accountancy, finance, and information systems. Its stated purpose includes recognition of outstanding academic achievements in fields 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 III: Membership
To be admitted to membership in the organization, a student must successfully complete a semester as a candidate and attain the candidate requirements minimum academic performance. As a candidate and/or member, individuals should be currently affiliated with the University of Texas at Tyler as a student, staff, and/or faculty.
Candidate Requirements:
Have declared or intend to declare a degree-seeking part-time or full-time undergraduate (junior or senior) or postgraduate student with a concentration in accounting, finance, or computer information systems, and;
Have completed, in addition to two years of collegiate courses, at least one upper level course beyond the business core in their respective major, and;
Have maintained an upper level GPA, in their declared major, of at least 3.0 (to include all upper level courses in their major, whether grade replacement used or not).
For accounting majors, this includes all upper level ACCT prefix courses and BLAW 4340 as part of their major GPA, and;
Have attained an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, or
Have attained an honors distinction utilized by the institution deemed to be equivalent to the above.
Pay a one-time candidate fee as determined by the national office of Beta Alpha Psi. This fee is nonrefundable and will be forwarded to the national office of Beta Alpha Psi.
Pay semester dues as determined by the Chapter executive committee. This fee is nonrefundable and will cover the general operations of the local Beta Alpha Psi Chapter.
Participate and attend the respective Induction Ceremony pending faculty advisor’s review and approval of academic standing.
Meet the required number of professional and service hours. Candidates must have at least six professional, four service hours, and two professional or service hours per reporting year. Non Beta Alpha Psi service hours can be counted at the discretion of the Reporting Officer and Executive Committee. If the required hours are not met within twelve (12) months, the candidacy status is void. The candidate may reapply and pay all required fees if they desire.
Member Requirements: Members are expected to:
Maintain an overall minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Maintain 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 for your finance concentration includes only upper level major courses, or
An information systems cumulative grade point average of 3.0. The grade point average for your information systems concentration includes only upper level major courses.
Participate in Chapter professional and service activities as organized by the executive committee. Members must achieve at least six professional, four service hours, and two professional or service hours per reporting year to remain in good standing. Non Beta Alpha Psi service hours can be included at the discretion of the Reporting Officer and Executive Committee.
Pay semester dues as determined by the executive committee. The fee is nonrefundable and covers the general operations of the local Beta Alpha Psi Chapter.
If the above listed requirements are not met, the member will not be deemed in good standing and thus will be ineligible to receive honor cords for graduation.
Honorary Member Requirements:
The executive committee may nominate persons who at the time of their initiation are not students at The University of Texas at Tyler as honorary members based on their significant involvement with the Chapter.
Junior Memberships
Eligibility Requirements:
Have intention to declare a major in Accounting, Finance or Information Systems and are not yet enrolled in upper-level (3000+) business courses.
Have attained an A or B in either ACCT 2301 or equivalent at UTT or at another regionally accredited institution.
Have attained a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA .
Minimum Chapter Requirements for Junior Members (per reporting year)
3 Professional Activity Hours
2 Community Service Hours
1 Professional Activity or Community Service Hour
Dues for Junior Members
Dues for Junior members are to be at a rate not to exceed two-thirds the rate of full membership.
Once a Junior Candidate enrolls in any upper-level course in their major and declares a major in accounting, finance, or information systems, the student is then considered a Candidate and will be subject to the respective requirements of a Candidate but will by-pass the pledging process.
Article IV: Meeting 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 the executive committee 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 and the faculty advisor. The decision will be determined by a majority of the votes.
Regular meetings will be held at least once a month, at the discretion of the President, or two of the other officers. Regular or special meeting times shall be posted at least one week in advance of the meeting. Special meetings may be called by the President, or by two of the other officers, as needed.
Article V: Student Officers
Officer Elections:
The term of office will begin when the officers are sworn in at the Fall or Spring Ceremony and end the following May 31. The overlap period will allow for transition of the new officers. Candidates must be currently a BAP member or satisfied BAP candidacy criteria and be enrolled as students at the University of Texas at Tyler. Current Junior Members who are enrolled as students in the University of Texas at Tyler are also eligible to run for and serve as the Internal Communications Officer and the VP of Service. All candidates for all positions must be up to date on all dues outstanding, including those of the current semester.
Elections are to be held in the Spring semester prior to the upcoming academic year or if necessary, in the Fall of the current 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 the goals, objectives, and reason for running for office. Then the membership will be given an election ballot. Each member and junior member will cast one vote which will be collected by the faculty advisor. To be eligible to vote, members and junior members must be up to date on all dues outstanding, including those of the current semester. The faculty advisor will count the votes, the candidate with a majority of the votes wins. The non-elect candidate(s) will be given the option to drop down in the election sequence. The election sequence is as follows:
President
Vice-President for Services
Vice President of Special Affairs/Activities
Vice President of Membership
National Reporting Officer and Secretary
Treasurer
Internal Communications Officer
It is preferred that no one person:
holds more than one office within the organization;
holds the same office for more than 2 consecutive semesters.
Any officer not fulfilling the terms of his or her duties may be removed from the office by a vote of members. Notice of this proposed action must be given at a prior regular meeting or by email communication.
Duties and Responsibilities:
President:
Update the Chapter bylaws subject to the two-thirds majority approval of members.
Plan and implement both the fall and spring semester meeting schedules.
Reserve meeting rooms.
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.
Fill vacancy of officer’s position at any time, until a special election can be held at the next regular meeting.
Appoint chairpersons and members to committees, when appropriate.
Call and preside over all meetings.
Money Handling Duties
Be a co-signer on checks, as needed.
Vice-President for Services:
Assist the president in his/her duties.
Take responsibility for Presidential duties if the President’s office becomes vacant.
Prepare and post a flyer at least four days before each meeting.
Schedule and oversee all volunteer projects and community service.
Arrange and coordinate the Induction Ceremonies.
Vice President for Special Affairs/Activities
Coordinate the activities and arrangements for the Meet the Firms activity
Coordinate other activities as identified.
Coordinate and plan fundraising activities as appropriate.
Vice President of Membership
The primary responsibilities of this role involves recruiting new members and retaining current club members.
The VPM is responsible for supervising the membership application process by:
Collect new membership applications and provide to Faculty Advisor for affirmation of academic credentials.
Collect and receipt all cash with Treasurer.
Create remittance list & sign/date.
Give copy of remittance list to reconciler (Faculty Advisor).
Deliver original remittance list and checks to Treasurer for deposit preparation.
Deposits checks with Treasurer.
National Reporting Officer and Secretary
Prepare and submit all reports as required by the National Organization including reports of activities, reports of initiations, and reports of any change in faculty advisor or student officers.
Maintain an updated list of alumni members.
Maintain records for, and monitor the progress of candidates and members.
Keep the general records , member contact information and points earned of the organization.
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.
Distribute minutes and obtain approval of minutes at subsequent meeting.
Take photographs of all events and compile a visual history at the end of each calendar year to be kept in faculty advisor’s office. At the conclusion of each semester, request certificates from National to award eligible candidates. Maintain records for Junior Members
Treasurer:
Account for, and control, all organization financial activity.
Report on finances at each general meeting.
Establish the goals and activities budget for the upcoming academic year.
Maintain all Cash Receipts:
Collect and deposit receipts with VP of Membership or another Officer.
Maintain appropriate supporting documents and Cash Receipts Journal and provide a copy to the Bank account reconciler and faculty advisor.
Maintain Cash Disbursements:
Prepare cash disbursement (with the approval of the president) and supply proper documentation.
Maintain Cash Disbursement Journal and provide a copy to the Bank account reconciler and faculty advisor.
Prepare financial statements regularly, but at least annually.
Arranges for the audit, if one is required by the Executive Office or if one is desired by the local chapter.
Is responsible for ensuring the preparation of the local chapter's tax return.
Internal Communications Officer:
Communicate with members and candidates via email by sending timely reminders for all meetings, events, deadlines, etc.
Keep the Canvas course updated with club activities and add interested students to the Canvas course.
Respond to members' and candidates' questions in a timely manner.
Continuously update the Chapter social media pages/websites with current information and pictures regarding events, progress, current officers, and contact information.
Past President:
Coordinate planning with the incoming president during the summer to facilitate transition
Be available to new officers for questions to ensure continuity.
Faculty Advisor:
Provide counsel and assist to the Chapter as necessary.
Serve as a liaison between the Chapter and the International Chapter as well as between the Chapter and the university’s administrative units.
Facilitate transition of new officers and changing bank account information.
Be available to the executive committee and general membership.
Attend regular meetings and accompany students to annual meetings.
Maintain list of all passwords.
Holds checks and debit cards. When needed, these are requested and documented on a sign out/sign in sheet.
Money Handling Duties:
Reconciles Bank Statement
Co-Signer of checks
Officer Replacement (special election):
In the event that an elected student officer cannot fulfill the position, the membership should be notified of the position’s vacancy and given no less than one week to provide nominations. After such nomination deadline has been reached the membership must vote subject to all voting stipulations set forth by the Chapter.
NOTE: Money Handling Duties
If the positions of the Executive Council are not fully filled, the money handling duties may be temporarily modified as directed by the Executive Committee with agreement of the Faculty Advisor(s).
Article VI: 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, candidates, and junior members.
Article VII: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Chapter will end on April 30th.
Article VIII: Authority
The bylaws shall be the principle governing document of this 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 IX: Requirements for Amendments to the Bylaws
An amendment to the bylaws requires a two-thirds 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. Proposed amendments will be made available two weeks prior to election. Members and junior members with no outstanding dues are eligible to vote. For in-person voting, members and junior members must be present to vote on amendments. Absentee voting including electronic and email voting is allowed. Proxy voting will not be allowed.
Article X: Risk Management Policy
Beta Alpha Psi, as a student organization at the University of Texas at Tyler, has a no-tolerance policy in effect to discourage members from participating in hazardous activities such as hazing, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual harassment, or any other behavior that could potentially place an individual in a position of danger or harm. According to Chapter 7 and 8 of the UT Tyler Manual of Policies and Procedures, UT Tyler Wellness and Prevention, and Alcohol 101 Plus, UT Tyler is a “dry campus” and has no tolerance in relation to the use, sale, or possession of drugs. In the event that a member of Beta Alpha Psi feels that they have been a victim of sexual harassment, the UT Tyler Police Department will be contacted at (903) 566-7300 as well as the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Howard Patterson at (903) 566-7018.
Any violation of the UT Tyler or Beta Alpha Psi Risk Management policy should first be brought to the attention of the Beta Alpha Psi advisor. The advisor will take necessary steps in reprimanding the individual for their violation, which may include but is not limited to: notifying proper superiors and the Office of Student Life and Leadership of the violation; placing the student in a probationary status if applicable; notifying campus police; etc. While Beta Alpha Psi considers safety to be a priority and works to ensure the safety of its affiliates, officers/advisors/general members know to immediately call 9-1-1 in the event of a serious injury or medical emergency during a Beta Alpha Psi function.
Other emergency contacts include:
Campus Police: 903- 566-7300
University Health Clinic: 903-566-0278
UT Health Center- Tyler: 903-877-3451
Beta Alpha Psi student officers and advisors are informed of the policies and guidelines set by both Beta Alpha Psi and the University. Student members are briefed on these policies to minimize the occurrences of potentially hazardous situations and to ensure the safety and well-being of Beta Alpha Psi members and affiliates.
Beta Alpha Psi must restrict its membership to students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the university, but it may not deny membership on any basis prohibited by applicable law, including but not limited to, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.