About Us
Pillars
Intellect
Beta Psi Omega aims to extend beyond the normal realm of education and allows its members to approach learning with a unique attitude. We would like our members to learn how to think, not what to think, and learn to apply this knowledge in a variety of situations.
Service
We are a community based organization with the basic goal of helping students help themselves. In addition to serving the professional needs of students in the biological sciences, Beta Psi Omega extends its helping hand to other service based projects. Our service supports our community directly, Alex's Lemonade Stand is our national philanthropy organization.
Unity
Beta Psi Omega believes that the power of the sum is greater than the individual parts. The organization therefore aims to foster connections not only with its members, but with resources on campus, and the surrounding professional world as a whole. We are a proud group of individuals dedicated to helping one another be better students and professionals.
Diversity
This organization is a representation of the varied perspectives in the biological sciences. Since biology has such an eclectic foundation, we aim to expose students to this diversity within the field and within their career options. Therefore, there is no particular student template we are searching for, but rather students who simply love what it is that they do. We encourage all majors to be a part of this organization.
Proactivity
A key feature our members should embody is the ability to approach problems and issues constructively. We constantly seek improvement within the organization and within each other to ensure survival of the best and brightest versions of ourselves. If we can achieve that, it ensures that Beta Psi Omega is continuously improving and evolving.
History
Beta Psi Omega was first established at the University of Maryland - College Park on March 9, 2010 and was originally named Beta Iota Omicron. The founding sister, Divya Kulshreshtha, was frustrated that there were no professional resources available for students in the biological sciences who were pursuing careers in research, while there were ample resources available for students in health sciences and chemistry. This niche was filled when Beta Psi Omega was born. In the Spring of 2010, the fraternity became recognized by the Student Government Association and in Fall 2010, the first officers were elected into position. Their names were Nareh Issayans, James Booth, David Accame, Breonna Smith, Amy Carpenter, and Julie Adhya. They combined their visions and ideas with Divya’s to initiate the first pledge class in Fall 2010.
In the Fall of 2011, the members voted to change the name from Beta Iota Omicron to Beta Psi Omega, in order to improve campus recognition and marketability, as well as to better identify with the professional Greek community. It should also be of note that at the founding campus, University of Maryland, Biology classes are given the course name of “BSCI,” hence Beta Psi was a fitting name.
In the Summer of 2014, the National Board was founded by Kristen Fishler with the help of David Accame and James Booth. The duties of this board are to oversee the recruitment and development of new chapters, to discuss and vote on local and National Constitution improvements, and to organize National meetings and conventions. Alumni from all Chapters and colonies will be eligible for election to this board.
On September 12, 2014, a group of students at the California State University, Fullerton were initiated by the National Board into the Beta Chapter. On this day, Beta Psi Omega became a Nation-wide organization. Beta Psi Omega is the first Co-Ed fraternity on their campus.
Mission
The primary purpose of Beta Psi Omega is to help students help themselves. The overarching mission is to provide a supportive brotherhood for students pursuing careers in the biological sciences, and to further the advancement of biology as a science and a profession. The fraternity is committed to serving the needs of the students and thereby the community. Beta Psi Omega aims to provide passionate students with opportunities, insights, and guidance to success. The official colors of Beta Psi Omega are green and gold.
The fraternity thrives on five core pillars, detailed below. The fraternity seeks to uphold these pillars within its members, officers, and events. The fraternity is a tangible example of these pillars, which are exhibited to the general public. The five pillars of excellence are as follows:
Intellect: Beta Psi Omega aims to extend beyond the normal realm of education and allows its members to approach learning with a unique attitude. We would like our members to learn how to think, not what to think, and learn to apply this knowledge in a variety of situations.
Service: We are a community based organization with the basic goal of helping students help themselves. In addition to serving the professional needs of students in the biological sciences, Beta Psi Omega extends its helping hand to other service based projects.
Unity: Beta Psi Omega believes that the power of the sum is greater than the individual parts. The organization therefore aims to foster connections not only with its members, but with resources on campus, and the surrounding professional world as a whole.
Diversity: This organization is a representation of the varied perspectives in the biological sciences. Since biology has such an eclectic foundation, we aim to expose students to this diversity within the field and within their career options. Therefore, there is no particular student template we are searching for, but rather students who simply love what it is that they do. We encourage all majors to be a part of this organization.
Proactivity: A key feature our members should embody is the ability to approach problems and issues constructively. We constantly seek improvement within the organization and within each other to ensure survival of the best and brightest versions of ourselves. If we can achieve that, it ensures that Beta Psi Omega is continuously improving and evolving.