Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What opportunities are available for leadership development?
A: Within the chapter - chapter officer positions, committee chairs and inter-fraternity representative positions. Within Beta Theta Pi - The Institute for Men of Principle, Beta Wilderness Challenge, Undergraduate Inter-Fraternity Institute (UIFI), the Leadership College at the General Convention and regional leadership conferences.
Q: What support does the chapter receive from the General Fraternity?
A: The chapter has a full advisory team consisting of a chapter counselor, risk management advisor, financial advisor, pledge education advisor and recruitment advisor. These advisors have completed General Fraternity advisor training and will support the chapter as mentors and advisors. In addition to receiving support from local advisors, the colony will receive on-site assistance from an education consultant in its first year and regular monthly visits in its second year and beyond. The colony will also receive all of the Men of Principle resources including a kickoff retreat, mid-year retreat, and as scholarships to UIFI, The Institute, and the Beta Wilderness Challenge.
Q: How many Brothers are in Beta Theta Pi? How many men live in the house?
A: 50 brothers are currently members of our chapter. 32 currently live in the house
Q: Are Brothers involved on campus?
A: Absolutely. It is an expectation that everyone in the house is involved in at least one other campus organization. We feel it is unhealthy for a person's development to commit only to one organization. Experience is the spice of life.
Q: What are the advantages of joining now, as opposed to next year?
A: If you can manage your time wisely and commit yourself to your academics and extracurricular activities, the fraternity experience should not be a problem to balance. Shape your habits and they will shape you. Why would you want to put off a life changing experience? Ultimately, we hope you consider membership when you are ready.
Q: Fraternities have a bad name, which is why I didn't join to begin with. How will I not be associated with those stereotypes?
A: Fraternities are very idealistic in nature. We strive to battle the stereotypes and misconceptions on a daily basis. We find once people/the community, give us a chance, they realize we are a great group of upstanding men. We are acutely aware that the actions of one can bring down the reputation of the whole. We have good accountability measures in place when things get on the wrong path. We believe our reputation is our most valuable asset and we work very hard to have great relationships with everyone with whom we come into contact.
Q: What is the social life like?
A: Different strokes for different folks. We have brothers who choose not to drink. We have brothers who go out three times a week. We preach balance, moderation and personal responsibility to everyone in social settings. From a chapter- programming standpoint, we organize several social events with sororities and other campus organizations. We plan ski trips, spring break trips, road trips to our annual convention, etc. Beta Theta Pi is a menÕs social fraternity, but we also understand that leadership, academics and community service go hand-in-hand with this idea.
Q: What is The Men of Principle Initiative?
A: The Men of Principle Initiative is a broad-based support mechanism that was created to help chapters strive to reach the vision of the Fraternity through the nine goals of the Initiative. It is not a cookie-cutter program, but instead challenges chapters and colonies to set their own goals that are realistic, manageable and attainable. The Men of Principle initiative encourages chapters to improve continually by setting goals and holding themselves accountable to reach those goals. It serves as an opportunity to live up to the founding principles of the organization.
Q: I am not sure I like the image of "Frat Guys"?
A: We are friends, scholars, leaders, athletes, and gentlemen. We are committed to making a positive contribution to the university and to making our families and alumni proud. To answer your question, we do not like the "fratastic" Animal House image some individuals portray. We pride ourselves in being different and committed to the founding ideals of our Fraternity.
Q: I need a lot of time for studies, and will be taking grad school tests next year (or some time). Will I be able to balance all of this?
A: Similar to the above, the experience is strengthened by academics, and we mutually support and assist each other to excel in classes. Beta Theta Pi believes in devotion to the cultivation of the intellect and therefore the experience will not come at the expense of the student's academic pursuits.
Q: What are the requirements of being a member?
A: Please speak with the President, Pledge Educator, and Recruitment chairman about membership and the responsibilities that come with joining Beta Theta Pi. We want to make sure you know what you are signing up for. We have done you a disservice if you do not know what the requirements are before accepting a bid from our fraternity. There are monetary commitments, time commitments and, most importantly, moral and social conduct commitments. We firmly believe we do not make Betas. We take Betas. If your values are in line with what we offer, the decision to join our organization should be simple.
Q: What has the fraternity done for you?
A: Please see "If it werenÕt for Beta Theta Pi" link posted at the bottom of this page.
We could not imagine our lives without this organization.
Q: What is the FraternityÕs stance on hazing?
A: We have policies against hazing of any kind, believing that such practices diminish the dignity of the individual. We work hard to create an atmosphere of respect within our chapter, honoring each member for his beliefs and values.
Q: Why should I "Go Beta"?
A: "Beta is an extremely diverse organization that accepts people from widely divergent backgrounds groups. This is one of our strengths. The General Fraternity is firmly dedicated to helping the undergraduates and is there when needed. This organization's principles and the Men of Principle Initiative provide a great framework to make men into great men and finally, BETA is brotherhood. These have been my best friends and will continue to be so."
Rush Links
· Recruitment Application· Scholarship Application
· Advantages of Being a Beta
· Famous Betas
· Pledge Program
· Scholarship Policies
· FAQ's
· Leadership Experiences
· If It Weren't For Beta Theta Pi...