BSP Theme
90 Years to Shine |
BSP Ottawa Chapter
Ontario Sigma Ottawa #RJ1982
a Blended (Online Format) chapter
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BSP Crest |
Beta Sigma Phi has a long and rich history in the Ottawa
area
Established in Ottawa in 1937, in 2014, we made history
as the first "Blended" (online format) chapter to be a member of
Ottawa (or any) City Council
Home | Chapter
Operation | About Online Chapters
Book of Beta Sigma Phi - Online
Chapters
NOTE: While we follow the online format for the chapter, this is a land
chapter so we straddle the rules for both.
In 1996 members began to use the Internet to expand
connections between Beta Sigma Phi sisters. They talked and shared ideas then
asked International if they could try to create chapters online. International
agreed to have Online chapters formed as an experiment to determine if Online
chapters could really work and what formats the members preferred. The Online
chapters operated for nearly 10 years in an experimental form.
In 2005, Online chapters were recognized officially, allowing members who
belonged to them but were not members of an existing “land” chapter
to receive degree credit for their online participation. International also
allowed each Online chapter to decide if they wished to be an official chapter
or just a social chapter. At this time we have a mix of both officially
recognized Online chapters and social Online chapters. By being official,
Online chapters follow the rules and regulations of Beta Sigma Phi. However,
due to their uniqueness of having members from all over the world participating
in these chapters, additional rules have been set up to cover their special
needs.
1. Full members of Online chapters are those who belong only to an Online
chapter.
2. Members who are active with “land” chapters shall be virtual
members of their Online chapters. They do not receive degree credit for their
Online chapter participation however these meetings will count as a make up
meeting for their “land” chapter.
3. Online chapters must hold programs in order to be accredited
chapters. They should have 18 programs per year if possible but no fewer
than 12 per year.
4. Rituals may be held online but whenever possible, formal and in
person Rituals should be held.
5. Online chapters may pledge members directly into their chapters and
pledge train those members through online meetings.
6. Online chapters are held to the same rules as all chapters of Beta Sigma
Phi with the addition of those necessary to cover their special online
circumstances.
7. Online chapters will send their chapter minutes and chapter monthly
reports to International by mail or fax as any other Beta Sigma Phi
Chapter. (Web forms are now in use also.)
8. Online chapters will not have degree designation but will be multi degree
chapters. Members wanting to use jewelry designating their chapters should
pick their own degree unless a special Online chapter form is available.
9. We strongly urge Online chapters not to hold treasuries due to
possible oversight. If chapters wish to do large service projects, we suggest
members send the money directly to the entity with the notation that it is part
of the Online chapter project.
The addition of Online chapters has been a wonderful experience for our
members and one we feel will only grow in the future.
From the 2004 edition of “The Book of Beta Sigma Phi” Page 53 &
Courtesy of Beta Sigma Phi International
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