ACCOUNTING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) LSU New Orleans Student Chapter

LSU New Orleans Student Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) provides students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the accounting profession. Operated by students, the Chapter's purpose is to promote accounting and contribute to the development of young accountants. By encouraging fellowship and cooperation among accounting students, the Chapter fosters scholarship, professional interest, and social ability. The Chapter also offers excellent opportunities for early career planning by encouraging interaction between its members and business professionals.

LSU New Orleans Student Chapter holds monthly meetings featuring guest speakers involved in all aspects of the accounting profession. Other activities include social events held with businesses and CPA firms, as well as athletic and fund-raising events. Faculty advisor is Robert Parker.

Beta Alpha Psi--Gamma Sigma Chapter

Beta Alpha Psi is a National Honorary Accounting Fraternity for students who demonstrate academic excellence and strong character. The fraternity promotes close relations between students, faculty, and professional accountants. It also encourages high standards in accounting education. Initiations are held each semester for students who have completed at least six hours of accounting and have at least a "B" average both in accounting and overall. 

The Gamma Sigma Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi holds many professional programs during the semester, introducing the members to many of the aspects of the accounting profession. At the programs, members are able to meet and interact with members of the accounting profession. Prior to the national meeting in August 1998, the chapter hosted the Annual Leadership Conference. Twenty LSU New Orleans accounting students served as group leaders for the approximately 300 student participants from Beta chapters nationwide. During the annual meeting, the chapter was recognized with the President's Award for outstanding attendance at Professional/Technical meetings. Only eight chapters in the nation received this recognition. Beta Alpha Psi members also participate in several community service activities each semester. Past service has included events such as the WYES telethon, Christmas in October, Boo at the Zoo, and Habitat for Humanity. Beta members provide free tutoring to accounting students and host an annual Accounting Lecture Series, presenting a variety of topics geared to professional accountants. Other functions include a "Meet the Firms" party and functions held jointly with other Accounting student organizations. Faculty advisor is Dr. Mark Reid.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals

(formerly known as International Association of Hospitality Accountants) The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) promotes the development of strong ties with hospitality industry professionals in the field of accounting by participating in industry meetings and industry sponsored events. The chapter strives to educate its members regarding accounting opportunities within the hospitality industry. LSU New Orleans chapter is the student chapter of the New Orleans professional chapter of HFTP.  Members are actively involved with the parent chapter through a mentor program and participate in joint functions with professionals. Student members are eligible for the HFTP-Terri Rubin Bartello Scholarship. 

National Association of Black Accountants

In 1995, with the encouragement of the New Orleans professional chapter, a student chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants was established at LSU New Orleans to provide our accounting students the opportunity to affiliate with minority professionals in public accounting, the government, and the private sector. NABA's goals are to promote academic excellence and to cultivate professional and civic responsibility. Community service projects include the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, high school mentoring programs, and the Black Professional/Student Career Advancement Day. The faculty advisor is  Amanuel Tadesse.