Student Organizations

The College of Business has student chapters of business-oriented student organizations which provide students with opportunities and experiences that enhance and support their education.

Dean’s Student Advisory Council

The Dean’s Student Advisory Council consists of students from all majors in all years and advises the dean of the College of Business on matters of student interest and concerns. The Council meets twice a semester with the Dean. 

The current members are: Colleen Argall, Rachel Bertucci, Kerry Black, Sara Blomquist, Justin Carlson, Alysa Diebolt, Leandra Dziesinski, Erin Feeley, Andrew Foster, Lindsay Hagner, Allison Harper, Elizabeth Hopp, Rebecca Jarosch, Joshua Jensen, Lakin Lanich, Angela Neumann, Jennifer Osterman, Karen Solomon, Amanda Wright.

To become a member of the Council, contact the chair, Lindsay Hagner.

American Marketing Association

American Marketing Association is a national organization for students interested in marketing.  Our collegiate chapter of the AMA meets every week during the semester, with guest speakers every third meeting of the month. The AMA frequently takes trips, as they did in the past to the World Trade Center in Chicago. In addition, the AMA helps various nonprofit organizations, such as the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. For more information, contact the faculty adviser,  Dr. Gary Brunswick (906-227-1261).

Association of Information Technology Professionals

A national organization open to all interested individuals, but is mainly focused for the computer information systems or computer science major, the Association of Information Technology Professionals meets once a week during the semester. The AITP often has guest speakers and hold classes to expand the knowledge of its members. The group also takes trips. In the past it has toured the MEAD paper mill and Champion International. The AITP's goal is to help each individual increase his or her own personal knowledge. For more information check out the AITP website or contact the faculty adviser, Dr. Abhijit Jain.

Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi is a professional organization that actively engages in the professional development of students in the Accounting and Finance programs by coordinating an annual trip to a large metropolitan area, having professional speakers from the industry, and being involved in the professional atmosphere. The opportunity to serve the community and put forth efforts in fundraising activities is also available, and of course, the opportunity to increase your social network. Beta Alpha Psi will be participating in the nationally recognized IRS VITA program for the 2008 tax season. The faculty adviser is Mr. Kenny Mullins.

Business Professionals of America

Business Professionals of America is a national student organization for all business majors and minors. BPA gives students the opportunity to have their skills and knowledge in business recognized at a state and national level. Members participate in community service, professional development, travel and competition. The faculty adviser is Ms. Karin Stulz. For more information go to the Business Professionals of America Web site.

Northern Entrepreneurship Organization (NEO)

The purpose of NEO is to provide a venue for students to learn about entrepreneurship on a practical level. This includes meetings with successful business owners to learn about their real world experiences and challenges. This group also provides an opportunity for students who either are interested in starting their own business or who have experience with small businesses to exchange ideas and experiences to create future small business opportunities. The faculty adviser is Mr. Ray Amtmann.

Northern Michigan University/College of Business
Policy for Funding Student Organization Activities
May 8, 2009

The Office of the Dean of the College of Business (D-COB) believes that active and involved business students in professional organizations are a valuable aspect of the undergraduate experience and recognizes the need to support these organizations.

In an effort to provide support for these organizations the D-COB has developed the following funding policy, which is focused on two primary areas: (1) professional development trips and (2) special events funding. 

Professional Development Trips 
Business student professional organizations who are planning on attending regional, national, or international conferences or competing in a regional or national competition, or are planning a series of business visits as part of a professional development trip may submit a proposal to receive funding from the COB. Student organizations should submit their proposals to the Dean at least 30 days prior to the trip to ensure full consideration. Each proposal should contain the following information: 

• Cover memo - Summarize the proposal and purpose of the trip.

• Activity Profile - If a competition, what is the nature of the competition? If a national or regional meeting, what is the purpose of the meeting? If visiting businesses, who are these businesses and what is the purpose of visiting them?

• Objectives - What are the key benefits and outcomes from this trip/activity

• Trip itinerary - Provide a good level of detail.

• List of participants - Name and contact information.

• Budget – Include the following: transportation costs, lodging costs, parking, meals and any additional costs.

 All requests must be accompanied by a note of approval/support from the faculty advisor of the organization. 

Requests for funds from the Dean-College of Business should come after funding commitments have been obtained from other sources (e.g., Vice President for Student Affairs, College of Business, and other external sources).  Students and student organizations are expected to fund at least 10 percent of the cost of the trip.  In general, a student organization can expect to receive funding for one trip per year. 
 
Special Events Funding 
Business student professional organizations can request financial support from the D-COB in order to stage/host a special event on the NMU campus or in the region. Examples might include hosting a regional or local competition, bringing a notable business speaker to campus, staging a “business day” for area high schools, organizing a dressing and dining for success event, etc. To assure full consideration in funds allocation, student organizations should submit their proposals at least 30 days prior to the event. Each proposal should contain the following information: 

• Cover memo – Summary of the proposal and purpose of the event.

• Event profile – Why is the event being proposed? Who is the target audience? What impact will it have on the students and the faculty within the college of business, or university-wide?

• Objectives – What are the key benefits and outcomes associated with this event?

• Budget – Include relevant items, including room rentals, materials, postage, advertising costs, speaker fees, refreshments/meals, and incidentals.

 All requests must be accompanied by a note of approval/support from the faculty advisor of the organization, as appropriate. 

The organizers are expected to partially fund the cost of the event. In general, a reasonable level of financial support can be provided by the D-COB. If a student organization is proposing a large-scale event, external sources of funding probably will be needed and is the responsibility of the organizers.  Other campus organizations can provide funding.