McIntire School of Commerce: Activities and Organizations

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Advertising and Marketing Association (AMA) provides opportunities 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, 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 has the mission 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, a national professional honorary organization, recognizes the scholastic excellence of outstanding students in accounting, finance, and information technology. Invitations to membership are extended to master’s students and highly qualified third- and fourth-year bachelor’s students.

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. M.S. students in the top 20% of their class are also eligible for membership.

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

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.

Commerce Council is the undergraduate student government body within the McIntire School. It’s primary functions are to provide student representation to the dean and coordinate school-wide student activities including student/faculty events, community-building, mentoring, and networking socials.

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. The Consulting Group co-hosts a consulting case competition annually in the spring semester.

Enactus 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. Enactus aims to provide students at the University of Virginia with leadership experience and networking opportunities through our international organization.

Entrepreneurship Group at McIntire aims to create an atmosphere allowing 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 Markets 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 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 (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.)

Latino Student Network at McIntire is an undergraduate organization with the purpose of building a network of Latino students interested in business.

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 student at the University.

Sales & Trading Group at McIntire 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 (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.

Smart Woman Securities (SWS) seeks to educate women about the fundamentals of investment and finance. Through an intensive seminar series, investment project, mentorship program, and significant networking opportunities, SWS aims to create a cohesive, supportive environment for women to achieve financial confidence and explore new career fields.

Virginia Case Club (VCC) is a hub for anyone interested in business case competitions to meet and learn from one another, using its proprietary “E4” case program to teach members to excel at case competitions. Members receive rigorous training, extensive case practice and discussions, access to advice from experienced competitors, and above all, a fun and enriching learning experience.

Virginia Venure Fund seeks to educate University of Virginia students about the funding of start-ups and raising money as well as to give students an opportunity to actively hear ideas, evaluate projects, and invest money by both co-investing with established Venture Capital firms and credible Angel investors and by financing student run projects. The Virginia Venture Fund sponsors local entrepreneurship by funding projects and working with entrepreneurs to help their ideas develop into fruition.

Women’s Business Forum at McIntire prepares women for the challenges of today’s work environment through social events, academic seminars, panel discussions, and lectures. Women’s Business Forum provides support and encouragement for female students within the Commerce School so that they may better adapt and excel.