Frequently Asked Questions
Membership Dues:
How much are membership dues for the current year (2009-2010)?
Membership dues are $20 per person (students and advisors). The breakdown is $12 for national membership and $8 for state membership. Top
Where do I submit membership dues? (2009-2010)
Membership dues are processed online at
http://www.registermychapter.com/bpamem/. Go to this Web site and search the membership procedures and online registration section. You will need a username and password to access the system. Top
What if I don't remember my username or password to register my students and advisors for membership?
Visit http://www.registermychapter.com/bpamem/ and click the link that says "Existing Chapter Membership Registration Login" and then you will be able to request that your username and password be sent to you. If you are a new chapter, you must select "New Chapter Charter Application" and complete the necessary information to obtain your username and password. Top
What is the membership dues deadline?
For the secondary division, membership dues must be submitted by November 1 for all chapter advisors and any students that have paid through that date. The absolute final deadline to add any students who wish to compete at the regional leadership conference is December 1. Both of these deadlines are postmark deadlines.
For the postsecondary division, preliminary membership dues must be submitted by November 1. However, the absolute final date for postsecondary students is February 1.
Students who pay dues after December 1 will be eligible to compete in the open events only. Top
Where do I mail my membership dues payment?
For your national dues ($12.00 per person), your online form along with payment are mailed to Business Professionals of America, P.O. Box 632707, Cincinnati, OH 45263-2707.
For your state dues ($8.00 per person), the invoice you receive via e-mail attachment from the state office along with the payment are mailed to Business Professionals of America, Eastern Michigan University, 208 King Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Top
I sent my national membership dues ($12 per person) to Ohio. How do I pay my state membership dues ($8 per person) to the state office?
Within the next two business days after you have entered your members' names in the online membership registration system, the state office will prepare and e-mail you an invoice for your state membership dues. Once you have received the invoice, submit payment and you are all set. Do not worry about the membership deadline dates for payment because obviously you cannot pay the dues until you have received the invoice form our office. We are aware that you can't pay membership dues for an invoice that you have yet to receive. Top
Can I add students who have not paid by the November 1st deadline?
In Michigan , since the regional registration deadline is November 13, you should plan to submit all your students' names by November 12 in order to avoid any regional competition registration late fees. Any names and registrations submitted after the registration deadline will be charged a $100 late fee.
For Postsecondary chapters, students can be added up until February 1. Top
Why do we have the November 1st deadline if I can enter names up until December 1st?
If you don't have any members entered by November 1st, you run the risk of having your school removed from the chapter roster for the current school year. Top
I accidentally left a student member off my membership list when I submitted my dues application, can I add that student by changing name of someone who is not going to participate but paid his/her dues?
Membership dues cannot be changed/swapped from one person's name to another. Once dues have been submitted, the only type of membership change that can be made is an address change if an advisor or student transfers to another school. Top
I cannot send you a check by November 1st, what do I do?
As long as your students are entered in the system, they are considered members. Enter the names and you will be okay. Top.
Starting a Chapter:
Is it too late to start a chapter this year?
For the secondary division, the deadline for starting a chapter is November 11. We recommend that you obtain a chapter start-up kit from http://www.bpa.org/membership.aspx?go=startchapter. If it’s too late to start a chapter this year, you can still review the chapter start-up kit in order to prepare for joining next year. In addition, you may still attend our conferences and events as a guest by contacting us at 734.487.1700. Top
How do I start or reactivate a chapter?
Obtain a chapter start-up kit by visiting http://www.bpa.org/membership.aspx ?go=startchapter. The chapter start-up kit will have all of the information you need in order to start or reactivate a chapter at your school. The earlier you start this process, the more successful your year will be. Top
Is there a training session I can attend to help learn how to start a chapter?
A new advisor orientation session has not be scheduled for the 2009-2010 school year. Contact our state office at 734.487.1700 in case a date becomes available. Top
Torch Awards Program:
When is the deadline for submitting our Torch Awards application/ résumé? Where do I mail my application/résumé?
For deadlines and mailing addresses, go to our Torch Awards page by clicking here. Top
How far back can I claim activities in the Torch Awards Program? Can I start from when I first joined?
Members can count all activities they participated in while a member of Business Professionals of America. For example, if a senior has been a member for four years, he/she can count activities done during those four years. This includes activities done during the summer. Top
Do the Torch Awards points carry over from one year to the next if I want to apply for the award again?
Many chapters allow their members to apply for the same award a following year. Members may carry over a limited number of points in each category, but a majority of the points must be for new activities. NOTE: Students who have obtained their ambassador award in a previous school year must start over at zero points. Top
Do I have to receive the Statesman Award before I get the Ambassador?
You do not have to receive the award from one level before applying for the next level. Members can apply for and receive the awards in any order they wish. Top
If I need assistance with administering the Torch Awards Program at my chapter, who can I contact?
You can contact Nate Cradit via email at: natecradit@gmail.com. Top
Last updated 9/4/09
