What is a BPIA Collegiate Chapter?

A BPIA Collegiate Chapter is a campus-based student body formally approved by BPIA’s national Board. Even if the university’s own recognition process is still pending, a Board-approved chapter is authorized to represent BPIA, host programs, build membership, and advance the organization’s mission on campus.

What if our campus isn’t ready for a full chapter yet — can we still get involved?

Yes. If your campus isn’t ready for a full chapter, you can start with one of several alternative structures:

• A Working Group under BPIA’s guidance — small group building interest and momentum.

• An Interest Group / Collective — engaging students around global affairs and BPIA-aligned topics while you prepare to apply for chapter status.

• A Committee under an existing student organization (e.g., a BSU or multicultural org) — hosting BPIA-aligned programming while working through official chartering at your institution.

How do I apply? 

Begin by completing the Prospective Collegiate Chapter Interest Form on the BPIA website. From there, BPIA’s Collegiate Council will guide you through the application process, leadership formation, and next steps — including optionally joining a Virtual Info Session.

Submit this prospective collegiate chapter interest form. 

How long will it take for me to be approved as a chapter?

Proposals are reviewed by the BPIA Board on a monthly basis. The timeline varies by campus readiness. Most groups complete the process in one to three months, depending on leadership capacity, documentation, and whether additional university paperwork is required.

What resources does BPIA provide to new chapters?

Any group of students interested in global affairs, international engagement, civic leadership, or BPIA’s mission can form or join a chapter — regardless of major, year, or background. All prospective chapters must meet BPIA’s standards for governance, leadership, and alignment with mission before being approved by the Board.

Do we need official recognition from our university to be a BPIA Chapter?

Not necessarily. BPIA recognizes a chapter once it’s approved by the BPIA Board — even if formal institutional recognition at the university is still in process. ❝Disclaimer❞ on the site notes that some listed chapters may still be “in the process of obtaining official campus recognition.” 

Yes. Eligible chapters and recognized entities may apply to the BPIA Collegiate Fund for various support categories: event grants (panels, conferences, mixers), leadership-development scholarships (conferences, study abroad, training), and innovation mini-grants (student-led projects aligned with BPIA’s mission).

A minimum core team is required:
• President
• Vice President or Deputy Lead
• Treasurer or Finance Lead
• Secretary or Operations Lead
Chapters may add roles (Events, Communications, Membership, Policy) based on size and goals.

 Chapters may host panels, speaker sessions, networking mixers, skills workshops, career sessions, social fellowship activities, cultural diplomacy events, service projects, and partnership programs with other campus groups. All activities must align with BPIA’s mission.

Chapter members should be active BPIA members through the national membership system. Some chapters may choose to collect small internal dues to support campus activities, but this is optional and determined by chapter leadership.

Yes. Chapters are encouraged to partner with BSUs, Model UN associations, multicultural organizations, professional societies, and policy institutes on campus to broaden engagement and visibility.

The Collegiate Council provides onboarding, training, chapter development resources, leadership mentorship, monthly office hours, programming templates, and access to national BPIA networks and opportunities.

Chapters are primarily designed for undergraduate students, but graduate students may participate depending on the university’s rules. Alumni may serve as advisors or mentors but not as officers.

Chapters must notify the Collegiate Council so BPIA can update records, support new officers, and ensure continuity. Leadership transitions must follow the chapter’s bylaws and BPIA guidelines.

Chapters must: • Submit an annual report

• Participate in national collegiate activities when possible

Yes. Chapters that violate BPIA guidelines, fail to meet minimum standards, misuse branding, or become inactive may be paused or discontinued by the BPIA Board until issues are resolved.

, or join an upcoming information session listed on the website.

You still have several options.
• You can choose to appeal your school’s decision if their policies allow it. Many institutions offer a second review or an appeals committee.
• You can continue operating as a Working Group, Interest Group, or a Committee under another student organization (such as a BSU) while you build momentum and prepare for resubmission.
• You can still submit your materials to BPIA for recognition as an official Collegiate Chapter.
BPIA Board approval is separate from your school’s internal process, which means your group can be recognized by BPIA and begin receiving support, guidance, and access to national programming even while campus approval is pending or paused.

Chapters often continue to thrive through one of these pathways until the university grants full recognition. Let the Collegiate Council know your status so we can support next steps.

If your campus allows an appeal, prepare a clear and well organized packet. You may want to include:
• A concise appeal letter addressing the specific reasons for denial
• A clarified mission statement showing how your group adds value to campus life
• A list of proposed officers and committed members
• Examples of planned programs, service activities, or educational events
• Confirmation that your group has national backing through BPIA
• Any corrections or updates requested by the student activities office
• Optional letters of support from faculty, staff, or partner organizations

BPIA’s Collegiate Council can help you strengthen your appeal and make sure your materials align with university standards.

Many campuses require multiple steps, semester-long review periods, or strict documentation for new student organizations. If your school’s process is lengthy, you still have options to stay active and connected to BPIA while you wait.
• You can form a Working Group or Interest Group to gather students, host programs, and build visibility.
• You can operate as a Committee under an existing student organization (such as a BSU, international affairs club, or multicultural office).
• You can submit your materials to BPIA for national recognition now, even while your school approval is pending.
Once recognized by the BPIA Board, your chapter can receive support, join national programs, access resources, and use the BPIA name while continuing your campus approval process.

This dual-track approach helps you build momentum, prepare stronger university documentation, and keep members engaged during long waiting periods.