Beta Alpha Psi Best Practices Competition

Sponsored by Deloitte

Since 2001, Deloitte has proudly sponsored the Best Practices program, challenging Beta Alpha Psi chapters to design and implement projects that demonstrate leadership, professional responsibility, and service. Each year, chapters compete by showcasing innovative initiatives aligned with values shared by BAP and Deloitte.

Awards

Prizes are awarded at both Mid-Year and Annual Meetings. Winners are determined by a group of judges made up of board and Professional Partners members. Judges act independently of any student, college/university, and chapter affiliation. All funding is provided by Deloitte.

  • Mid-Year: 1st place $1,000 | 2nd place $500 | 3rd place $250
  • Annual Meeting: 1st place $1,500 | 2nd place $1,000 | 3rd place $500

Competition Process

  1. Submit your Initial Abstract Submission Form (below) by the deadline, including your first and second choice of Mid-Year Meeting locations.
  2. Present at only one Mid-Year Meeting if your chapter is selected.
  3. Advance — the top eligible finalists* (3 U.S. teams per category and the top 2 Oceania teams per category) qualify for the Annual Meeting finals.

See the events page for BAP mid-year and annual meeting dates.

Best Practices Procedure Manual

The Best Practices Procedure Manual will be available soon and will provide everything chapters need to participate in the competition, including program details, timelines, award levels, and presentation guidelines to help your chapter prepare a strong submission and presentation.

Deadlines

All submissions from U.S. chapters were due on Sunday, November 29, 2026 by 11:59PM ET.

Submit your Initial Abstract Submission Form here

*Eligible finalists will submit your Final Abstract Submission Form here by Monday, May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

The following actions will result in disqualification:

  • Failure to respond to any of the questions on the submission form
  • Emailing your submission to your Chapter Advocate or the Executive Office
  • All late submissions will automatically be disqualified

Topics

Key Points for all Categories

  1. Why is this a “Best Practice” and how is this different from anything done previously?
  2. The number of members and non-members involved in your program.
  3. How much time was invested in the program (planning, promoting, execution)?
  4. What were your expectations and goals for your program?
  5. How did you determine you would measure success?
  6. What were the challenges and how did you meet them?
  7. How could another chapter replicate or implement this best practice?
  8. Is this program new for your chapter or something that has been ongoing?
  9. How is your chapter planning to sustain this program in future years?

2026-2027 Beta Alpha Psi Best Practices Topics

Theme

Building Futures: Empowering Members and Enriching Communities

Best Practices

This year’s competition focuses on how you add value, whether to your members, to your chapter, or to the larger community. For all topics, please make sure to consider and incorporate the following into your submission and, if selected for the Mid-Year Meeting competition, your presentation:

  • Why is this a “Best Practice” and how is this different from anything done previously?
  • How many members and non-members were involved?
  • How much time was invested through planning, promotion, and execution?
  • What was your goal and how did you determine and measure its success?
  • What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome them?
  • How could other chapters implement your “Best Practice”?
  • How does your chapter intend to sustain this “Best Practice” going forward?

Empowering the Value to Your Chapter Members

A crucial part of the success of Beta Alpha Psi is to ensure that pledges and members see the value of their involvement. What new, specific initiative at your chapter provides new value to members and/or pledges through a unique opportunity for professional or personal development?

Building the Value of Your Beta Alpha Psi Chapter

Building the Beta Alpha Psi organization requires each chapter to build on its value both to its own members and to the members of other organizations. What specific initiative has your chapter undertaken to promote membership expansion, partnerships with other student organizations, and/or collaborations with other BAP chapters?

Enriching the Value Provided to Your Local and University Community

Beta Alpha Psi is at its best when embracing its charge to serve the larger community. What specific community service project did your chapter undertake to add value to the community at large?


Hear what our Professional Partners think about BAP!

I appreciate the chance to give back to the accounting profession through Beta Alpha Psi!  The connections with students and professionals are meaningful, and it helps promote the profession overall.

Katherine Acuff
People & Culture Lead, Campus
BDO USA LLP