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: Eric Borsum, Tony Carlson, Troy Cogan, John Comastro, Sean Coykendall,  Matt Croschere, Ethan Hausmann, Haley Jacobson, Nick Lefebre, Alex Palmer, Joey Short, Garrett Paquette, Rebekah Tadych, Amber Warren and Andrew Worden.

To become a member of the Council, contact the chair, Matt Croschere

American Marketing Association (AMA)

American Marketing Association is a national organization for students interested in marketing.  Our collegiate chapter of the AMA meets every week during the semester. 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, Mr. Henry Balfanz.

Beta Alpha Psi (BAP)

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. Trent Batchelor

Business Professionals of America (BPA)

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 adviser is Lindsey Butorac. For more information go to the Business Professionals of America Web site.

Enactus (Formally SIFE)

Enactus is an international organization that connects university students, academic professionals and faculty, and industry leaders to gain practical experience and exploring a shared passion for business. Enactus "mobilizes university students around the world to use the knowledge gained in the classroom to address real world business and economic issues in their communities. Enactus students form teams on their university campuses and perform work on projects that teach market economics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal success skills, business ethics, and environmental sustainability." The faculty adviser is Mr. Ray Amtmann.

The Superior Fund (Student Managed Investment Fund)

The Superior Fund was created in the fall semester 2006. This student managed investment fund provides students with hands-on, real world experience by enabling them to apply financial and investment concepts learned in the classroom to corporate equity analysis, portfolio management, and group decision making. The faculty adviser is Dr. Dave Rayome. For more information, go to the Superior Fund website.

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 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 Dean of the College of Business 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 College of Business. 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 of the 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 Dean of the College of Business 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 Dean of the College of Business. 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.