Student Organizations 

Commerce-Related Student Organizations

The following independent organizations are available to McIntire students. McIntire students are also eligible to participate in the activities and service and governmental organizations described on @UVa.net.

*Advertising and Marketing Association
*Alpha Kappa Psi
*Alternative Investment Fund at McIntire
Beta Alpha Psi
Beta Gamma Sigma
*Black Commerce Student Network
*Business Ethics Society
*Commerce Council
*Consulting Group at McIntire
*Entrepreneurship Group at McIntire
Global Connect at McIntire
*Global Markets Group 
Graduate Commerce Council                                                                                      *Islamic Finance Association
*Information Technology Group at McIntire (inactive)
*Latino Student Network at McIntire
*McIntire Investment Institute
*Sales & Trading Group
*Student Entrepreneurs for Economic Development
*Students in Free Enterprise
*Women's Business Forum at McIntire

Elected Representatives to University Committees

*The organization is also open to non-Commerce students. 

Non-Affiliation Statement for Student Organizations

Although these organizations have members who are UVA students and may have University employees associated or engaged in their activities and affairs, the organizations are not a part of or an agency of the University. They are separate and independent organizations that are responsible for and manage their own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise, or control the organizations and is not responsible for the organizations' contracts, acts, or omissions.

Advertising and Marketing Association

The Advertising and Marketing Association provides students with the opportunity to learn about the advertising and marketing industries, as well as career paths in various areas of marketing through speakers, panels, and other events throughout the year. Within AMA is the UVA chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). Each year, AAF offers a nationwide intercollegiate case competition that provides the opportunity to apply classroom theory in the development of an actual ad campaign, including research, total media plan, and creative planning and execution. All interested students are welcome to participate.

Alpha Kappa Psi

Alpha Kappa Psi, the first professional fraternity in commerce, has the following objectives: to foster scientific research in the fields of commerce, accounting, and finance; to educate the public to appreciate and demand higher ideals therein; and to promote and advance in institutions of collegiate rank courses leading to degrees in business administration. Members are selected on the basis of scholastic standing and promise of high attainment in business.

Alternative Investment Fund at McIntire

The mission of the Alternative Investment Fund at McIntire (formerly Oceanus) is to train highly talented UVA students to be qualified investment professionals in the asset management industry. AIF aims to provide market-neutral absolute returns by conducting thorough research, rigorous risk management, and efficient asset allocation. With such performance, AIF intends to place club members in top-notch funds within the asset management industry.

Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi, a national professional honorary organization, recognizes outstanding academic achievement in the field of financial information and sponsors programs that assist in the development of all students enrolled in the Accounting, Finance, and MIT concentrations. Invitations to membership are extended to qualified third- and fourth-year students.

Beta Gamma Sigma

Beta Gamma Sigma is a national honorary society whose purpose is to encourage and reward scholarship and accomplishment among students of commerce and business administration. Third- and fourth-year Commerce students ranking in the highest 7 and 10 percent, respectively, of their class are eligible. 

Black Commerce Student Network at McIntire

The Black Commerce Student Network at McIntire provides African/African-American pre-Commerce and Commerce students with the necessary support and resources to ensure their success at the McIntire School of Commerce.

 Business Ethics Society

The Business Ethics Society promotes active and critical study, discussion, and analysis of applied business ethics and corporate social responsibility at the McIntire School of Commerce and the University of Virginia. *As a new organization, BES is a provisional-status group until fall 2012.

Commerce Council

The Commerce Council represents and supports undergraduate students in the McIntire School of Commerce by hosting and coordinating service and social events, outreach activities, and the Commerce Guides program.

Consulting Group at McIntire

The Consulting Group at McIntire educates students about various careers in consulting by working in real-life consulting situations and offering workshops to help students learn and refine case interview techniques.

Entrepreneurship Group at McIntire

The Entrepreneurship Group at McIntire aims to create an atmosphere that allows students to cultivate their entrepreneurial plans through interaction with like-minded peers, professors, and established entrepreneurs. Members are provided guidance into the entrepreneurial field through group facilitation, business plan presentations, and participation in entrepreneurial competitions. 

Global Connect at McIntire

Global Connect at McIntire is a network of international and exchange students within the Commerce School. Global Connect aims to establish an international alumni network for students and alumni to share information on jobs and careers in their chosen field. The organization provides mentoring and educational support for McIntire students who plan to participate in exchange programs or other initiatives abroad.

Global Markets Group

The Global Markets Group (formerly the Sustainable Investments Group) is a student organization whose members and officers collaborate in an open discussion about international trade and investments. The GMG is a strong proponent of educating its members on the financial markets and provides many opportunities for its members to learn and experience for themselves how to research, analyze, and pitch various companies and industries. GMG also competes in various national competitions and hosts a spring stock pitch competition of its own.
 

 Graduate Commerce Council

The Graduate Commerce (GCOM) Council exists to enhance the experience of all students enrolled in the McIntire School's master’s programs. The GCOM Council sponsors educational, social, community, and cultural activities. The council also builds a sense of community among McIntire graduate students, faculty, staff, and administration while also facilitating interactions with the Charlottesville community. The GCOM Council’s programs and events are designed to intentionally facilitate networking and professional development opportunities for graduate students. The community that is built among graduate students is intended to last beyond their tenure at the University.

There are two branches of the GCOM Council: an M.S. in Accounting branch and an M.S. in Commerce branch. Each GCOM Council branch elects five officers, making a comprised leadership group of two co-chairs and eight officers. Each program nominates and elects its respective officers on an annual basis. (New GCOM Council officers are elected early in the fall semester each academic year.)

Islamic Finance Association

The aim of the Islamic Finance Association is to become the hub for learning and innovation in Islamic finance for college students in North America. IFA aims to make this vision a reality by promoting an awareness and understanding of Islamic finance among college students, by developing forums that advance communication and innovation in the field, and by assisting students in accessing resources needed to pursue careers in the Islamic finance industry.

Information Technology Group at McIntire

The purpose of the Information Technology Group at McIntire is to provide a network for students who are interested in the field of information technology – including business analysis, consulting, IT-based innovation, and project management. Interested students should contact Professor Ryan Nelson or the IT Area Coordinator in the School of Commerce for more information, as this group is currently inactive. 

McIntire Investment Institute

The McIntire Investment Institute, one of the few student-run investment institutes in the nation, was started in 1994 with a $100,000 gift from John Griffin (McIntire '85). Its purpose is to teach students about investing by using real money; students handle all investment decisions. Participation in the institute is open to any UVA student.

Sales & Trading Group

The Sales & Trading Group explores sales and trading through extensive simulations, financial models, and mathematical analyses. It offers members the opportunity to attain an in-depth understanding of sales and trading models.

Student Entrepreneurs for Economic Development

Student Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) strives to assist NGOs worldwide by providing consulting services that incorporate best practices to help them achieve a greater level of efficiency. In doing so, SEED aims to help foster development in local communities and facilitate the efforts of budding social entrepreneurs at the University of Virginia.

Students in Free Enterprise

Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) assists small and medium businesses in emerging markets by providing educational support to help them realize corporate social responsibility practices and better position themselves for development. SIFE aims to provide UVA students with leadership experience and networking opportunities through our international organization.

Women's Business Forum at McIntire

The Women's Business Forum at McIntire provides an open forum to discuss issues that are unique to gender and to explore the challenges faced in work and family relationships. The group is open to all students.

Elected Representatives to University-Wide Councils