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While Indiana Collegiate DECA is a newly chartered association, we are excited to boast our six chapters. Regardless of size, competitiveness, or otherwise, each chapter offers something unique to its members. For this article, we asked each university to tell us a little bit about what makes their chapter unique. Here are four of our chapters’ stories. Butler University: Butler DECA’s executive team is currently working on expanding their chapter’s network by bringing in quality guest speakers and organizing company tours from the professional world in Indianapolis for the Fall and Spring Semesters! Additionally, Butler DECA plans to send many members to Engage in Tampa Bay, Florida, to continue its chapter’s commitment to developing future workplace leaders through competition and leadership development. Indiana University Bloomington: We’re aiming high at IU Bloomington Collegiate DECA this year, not just in membership, but in how we show up for students. With around 36,800 undergraduates at IU Bloomington, our chapter has an amazing opportunity to reach into nearly every corner of campus. Originating from the Kelley School of Business, a top-ranked business school, gives us a solid starting point, but we’re passionate about making DECA meaningful for everyone, whether you’re studying art, biology, education, etc. We’re working to create a welcoming space where students across all majors can grow, lead, and feel that DECA is part of their story. Indiana University Indianapolis: At IU Indianapolis, our DECA chapter is preparing for the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Currently, we are focusing on planning for our recruitment events for the incoming freshmen in the fall. We’re also exploring partnerships with other business-related student organizations on campus. By collaborating with them and encouraging their members to get involved with DECA, we hope to build a stronger and more connected business community at IUI. Allowing other business club members to exercise their areas of expertise in competition. On top of that, we may have the opportunity to host this year’s Fall Leadership Conference. We’re excited to be a part of the new Indiana Collegiate DECA Association and can't wait to see what happens this year! Purdue University West Lafayette: Purdue Collegiate DECA is excited to launch its Professional Mentorship Program this coming semester. Its goal is to connect Purdue students with experienced professionals across the country in order to give insight into the working field across various industries and professions. For just $18 a year, professional members can mentor future business leaders, share industry insights, and even judge competitions or speak at events held at Purdue. Students will get the opportunity to chat with their mentor one-on-one each month to gain valuable insights and build a connection. Written by Vice President - Peyton Wormer

One thing that makes the Indiana Collegiate DECA State Officer Team stand out is that each of us are chapter founders. Eric Bedrosian and Nelli McLeod founded Collegiate DECA Chapters at Butler University and Indiana University-Indianapolis, and Peyton Wormer is currently working on starting a chapter at the University of Notre Dame. We know what it’s like to be at square one- figuring out who to talk to, where to start, and how to get people involved. Whether you’re starting a brand-new chapter or working to reactivate an old one, the process takes effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started: 1) Secure a Campus Advisor. Your first step is finding a faculty or staff member at your university to serve as your chapter advisor. This person will help guide your chapter and act as a liaison between DECA Inc., the Indiana Collegiate DECA Association and your chapter. Advisors are often found in business schools, student affairs offices, or even career development offices. Tip: Find a professional who is passionate about student development. 2) Meet DECA Inc. Requirements. DECA Inc. requires chapters to have at least 10 members and 1 advisor in order to request to start a chapter. Additionally, the chapter will have to pay dues for its student members, advisors, alumni, and professional members. Tip: To see more specifics about the requirements and chapter request process visit “Bring DECA to Your Campus” on deca.org. 3) Obtain Approval From Your University. After meeting DECA Inc. requirements you will need to secure support and approval from your university. Every university is different, but typically this approval will come from your university’s student organization office, academic school, or dean. Tip: To see more helpful information and recommendations about starting a chapter see the Collegiate DECA Chapter Leadership Guide on deca.org. 4) Submit Official Request to Start a Chapter. Once you have received approval from all appropriate parties and have met DECA Inc. requirements you can submit a new chapter request form on deca.org. Tip: Make sure you have entered the correct state/province on the request form in order for the request to be directed to the appropriate association. 5) Membership. Once you have received approval, your chapter will be given access to the DECA Membership System, where your membership roster will be entered and dues will be paid. Be sure to pay DECA Inc. dues or your members are not recognized as official DECA members. Tip: Be on the lookout for membership and registration deadlines–these can be found in the Collegiate DECA ICDC Registration Guide or the Collegiate DECA Guide on deca.org. 6) Start Building and Promoting Your Chapter. With your chapter officially recognized, it’s time to grow your membership! Host call-out meetings, promote your chapter across campus, and collaborate with other clubs and organizations to reach more students. You can also begin planning for key events like the State Career Development Conference and the International Career Development Conference. Tip: Ideas and recommendations for promoting and growing your chapter can be found in the Collegiate DECA Chapter Leadership Guide. Indiana Collegiate DECA is continuing to grow, with new chapters starting and others reactivating across the state. As more students get involved, there are more opportunities to connect, compete, and develop professionally. DECA chapters bring a lot of value to campuses by providing a space for students to build leadership skills, explore career interests, and engage with a strong network of peers and professionals. The State Officer Team is available to support any student or advisor interested in starting or growing a chapter. Since each of us has experience with this process, we’re familiar with the steps and challenges and are happy to answer questions, share resources, or help however we can! Written by Vice President - Nelli McLeod

Summer break is already halfway over, and if you're thinking, “I can't wait for Collegiate DECA to be back in full swing!” - you're not alone. We couldn’t agree more. For those of you in chapter leadership, now is the perfect time to start gearing up for recruitment season. Here are a few ways your officer team can hit the ground running this summer and carry that momentum into the fall semester: 1) The Club and Organization Fair: The campus org fair is a tried and true way to engage more than just freshmen. Work with your student activities office to secure a prime spot this fall. Most schools provide the space, so now’s the time to start planning your display. Got a glass showcase? Bring it. Chapter-branded merch? Make sure your members wear it proudly during the fair, even if they’re just passing through. The goal: make DECA impossible to ignore 2) Freshman Business Class Presentations: One of the most effective recruitment methods we've used at Butler is presenting in first-year business courses. It’s a great way to connect the dots between what students are learning in class and the real-world skills they’ll develop through DECA’s competitive events program. Reach out to professors you’ve had before, or if your chapter is just starting, connect with your school’s business dean to find the right classes to target in those first few weeks. 3) Media Campaigns: It may seem simple, but don’t overlook the power of staying active on social media before the school year starts. Now is the perfect time to tease upcoming events, highlight chapter achievements from last year, and showcase what your members are up to this summer. Stay visible and let incoming students see the value of being part of your chapter. 4) Bring on the Speakers: One of DECA’s biggest draws for non-competitive members is the access to professionals. Use that to your advantage by organizing a speaker series featuring local business owners, alumni, and industry leaders. For added value, consider offering exclusive Q&A or networking time for paid members before opening the session up to the wider campus audience. It’s a great way to spotlight the benefits of full membership while still bringing in a crowd. Although all of these tactics are important, there are some other key reminders to help your chapter grow. Make sure that your marketing message for your chapter includes non-competitive membership opportunities or non-business major collaborations. While DECA is known to many as a business organization, DECA can be for anyone who wants to hone in on their leadership skills and to build their resume. In addition, make sure your chapter is active on campus. No matter what your members are out doing, have them wear merch during freshman orientation when possible, and make sure to highlight the impact your chapter has on campus to the community of incoming students. Start by finding your freshman “Class of XXXX” pages to see which students may have prior DECA experience and get the conversation rolling. Indiana Collegiate DECA is ready to see how your chapters Go the Extra Mile this year! It all starts right here and now in the prime of recruitment season. Best of luck, and always remember to reach out to your Indiana Collegiate DECA state officers for any questions. Written by President - Eric Bedrosian

Welcome to the newly chartered Indiana Collegiate DECA association! We’re thrilled to have you on board as we launch into our inaugural year. As the first-ever State Officer Team for Indiana Collegiate DECA, our mission is to ensure that every member, advisor, and chapter is informed, equipped, and ready to succeed in the year ahead. As we welcome new and returning chapters our our association this year, everyone needs to be up to date on what is to be expected. Below, we have broken down some of the basics in a Q and A style format to make sure each chapter member, officer, and advisor is up to speed on all things Indiana Collegiate DECA. What Does It Mean to Be a Chartered Association? As a chartered association of DECA, Indiana now enjoys several new rights and opportunities: Increased Representation: We now receive more voting delegates to help determine DECA’s future Executive Officer Teams. State-Level Conferences: We will host a State Career Development Conference (SCDC) ahead of ICDC, giving our teams a chance to sharpen their skills before the international competition, as well as a Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) in the early months of the year to prepare your chapter for success. Expanded Opportunities: As a chartered state, we’ll offer more leadership, educational, and professional development experiences across Indiana. Student Leadership: We can now elect a State Officer Team annually to lead, represent, and serve our association. What Stays the Same?  For chapters that were active before our official charter, you will experience the following: You’ll retain full control over your chapter’s local operations, including elections, events, and member selection. Marketing, recruitment, and branding will continue to be managed by your chapter leadership. Your chapter’s identity and autonomy remain firmly in your hands. What’s Changing? While much will feel familiar, here are a few key differences as we drive forward: Conference Participation Requirement: In order to compete at ICDC, all competitive events members must first participate in the Indiana Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference. There is no placement or score requirement at this time – this is simply a preparation opportunity. We will offer leadership development opportunities and welcome non-competitive members to join us for our state conference (more details to come!) Updated Membership Dues: Annual dues will now be $18 per member, up from $10. This increase ensures high-quality experiences, funding for state-level events, scholarships, and leadership development. The increase in dues ($8 per member) will stay within the association. Voting Rights: Chapters will now select delegates to vote in state officer elections. Indiana also receives additional voting power in DECA’s Executive Officer Elections. More details on delegate allocations to come. New Registration Process: You will now register for the Collegiate Fall Leadership Conference (FLC), State Career Development Conference (SCDC), and International Career Development Conference (ICDC) through Indiana Collegiate DECA. Information on costs, dates, and locations will be released soon. We can’t wait to see how Indiana Collegiate DECA makes its mark – starting with a strong presence at CICDC in Louisville, Kentucky this April.  Stay tuned to our Instagram page and email updates for important announcements, registration details, and leadership opportunities rolling out this summer. Let’s Go the Extra Mile together as we begin our Indiana Collegiate DECA journey! Written by President - Eric Bedrosian

Specifically among senior high school DECA members, we are often asked how the collegiate division relates to the high school. Transitioning from high school DECA to Collegiate DECA is a natural evolution in a DECA student’s academic and professional development. If you are interested in learning more about bridging the gap between the two divisions, read the following article to learn more about their similarities and differences, in addition to other important information to know. While both divisions of DECA aim to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management, the collegiate level strives to create resources for college students to be best fit for post-graduate programs and future careers. It is no secret that the high school division of DECA focuses on competition first, and this is a major difference for the collegiate division which prides itself on the noncompetitive resources it provides: internship, scholarship, and job opportunities. Secondly, one of the most noticeable shifts from high school to collegiate DECA is the style of competitive events. In high school DECA, many events focus on foundational business skills, often demonstrated through role-plays or written projects. These activities emphasize introductory-level knowledge and basic problem-solving. In contrast, Collegiate DECA events are designed to challenge students with real-world business problems requiring deeper critical thinking, stronger analytical skills, and polished presentations. Participants are expected to analyze complex case studies, develop data-driven solutions, and deliver professional presentations—often within a limited timeframe. Competitors in the collegiate division can do events in which they will have the opportunity to search the web and create an appropriate application of the knowledge that they have found in a presentation to their judges. Thirdly, how can high school seniors get involved in collegiate DECA early? Well, for those students who are 18 years or older, and are enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes in their high school, are often eligible to compete in competitive events at the collegiate level, including CICDC (Collegiate International Career Development Conference). Finally, if your university does not have a collegiate chapter, there are two possible ways to get involved. The first way is to become an independent member, without a chapter; to do this, you can go to deca.org/collegiat e  and click on the membership tab. The second way is to understand Collegiate DECA’s requirements, such as the minimum number of members, faculty advisor, permission from the university and registration with the national organization. The university permission can come from either the business department or from the university as a whole. To obtain recognition by your university you will need to submit a constitution, leadership structure, and plan chapter activities. Once approved by your school, register your chapter through the Collegiate DECA website, pay dues, plan more events, and grow your chapter. If done with care, a DECA chapter can be a great way to enrich your university’s campus and students. In conclusion, we all are aware of the impact that DECA has at the high school level, no matter if you were a competitor, SBE worker, or state officer. It is also true that DECA does not have to end after high school. No matter what you want out of your college experience, Collegiate DECA can create a tailored path for you. Written by Vice President- Peyton Wormer

As Indiana Collegiate DECA begins its first year as an association, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new lineup of chapter campaigns and awards designed to help your chapter go the extra mile- drive growth, strengthen leadership, and earn well-deserved recognition across the state! How it Works: To support your chapter’s success, campaigns are focused on key areas like membership outreach, community service, and campus impact. Each campaign challenges chapters to complete two out of three specific requirements that showcase your strengths and dedication. For awards, chapters, chapter presidents, and advisors have the chance to earn recognition by meeting all three requirements outlined for each award. These awards recognize the highest levels of leadership, growth, and commitment. You can find the full list of requirements and applications for both campaigns and awards on the Indiana DECA website- just head to the Collegiate tab and click on “Chapter Awards & Campaigns.” Chapter Campaigns Community Service Campaign  - Showcase your chapter’s dedication to giving back to the community by completing two of the following : At least 33% of your DECA members participate in a community service event Your chapter officer team completes a total of 30 service hours Your chapter hosts one or more community service events Membership Outreach Campaign  - Focused on expanding your chapter by completing two of the following: Increase student membership by 20% or more compared to the previous year Ensure that at least 10% of your chapter membership consists of non-business majors Recruit 5 or more Professional Members to support and engage with your chapter Campus Impact Campaign  - Demonstrate your chapter’s presence and influence on campus by completing two of the following : Co-host at least one event with another chapter or student organization on campus Present to first-year business classes and promote DECA through social media outreach Bring a community leader or business professional to campus and host a meeting or Q&A session open to students Awards Chapter of the Year Award - To be eligible for this award your chapter must meet all three criteria. Your chapter has been active for at least one full year prior to this application Your chapter has successfully completed at least one Chapter Campaign during the current academic year Your chapter has completed the Collegiate DECA Chapter Leadership Passport Program Chapter President of the Year Award - To be eligible for this award nominees must meet all three criteria. Nominated by a chapter advisor or chartered association advisor  Completed the Collegiate DECA Individual Leadership Passport during their term as chapter president  Led their chapter to at least 15% growth in membership during their term Advisor of the Year Award - To be eligible for this award nominees must meet all three criteria. Have served as an active Collegiate DECA advisor for at least one year prior to this application Attended the Indiana Collegiate State Career Development Conference during the current academic year Submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from either a fellow advisor or a chapter officer Submitting Your Achievements  All chapter campaigns and awards are to be submitted on the Indiana DECA website- under  Collegiate tab, on the Chapter Awards & Campaigns page. The website and application form lists the requirements and the deadline to apply.  Written by Vice President - Nelli McLeod