BΘP - Reestablishment Class Member Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much time do I need to commit? A: It depends on your role with the Fraternity. If you are president, vice president, etc., you will have different responsibilities than a committee member. Either way your responsibilities will require at least 4 hours of your time per week the first year.

Q: What is different about being a Reestablishment Class Member? A: You have the ability to create your own fraternity, rather than adapt to a culture that does not align with your beliefs. You have the ability to build your own positive experience and leave a legacy for those who will become members in the years after you graduate. Simply, immediate leadership opportunities exist instead of having to wait 2-3 years. Becoming a Reestablishment Class Member provides the chance to help bring positive change to the entire Greek community at your campus and breathe life into Beta Theta Pi.

Q: What opportunities are available for leadership development? A: Within Beta on your campus - 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), Leadership College at the General Convention and regional conferences.

Q: What support would Reestablishment Class Members receive from the General Fraternity? A: The newly established Beta colony 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 a General Fraternity education consultant in its first year and regular monthly visits its second year and beyond. The colony will also receive all of the Men of Principle resources including an annual kickoff retreat, mid-year retreat, as well as scholarships to UIFI, The Institute, and the Beta Wilderness Challenge.

Q: What do we have to do to be reinstated as a chapter? A: Fulfill requirements as set by our Board of Trustees, including at least 40 men initiated, housing arrangements, maintain financial stability, demonstrate academic excellence as a group, and completion of all requirements set by the chartering committee at our annual convention. A charter petition must be prepared, voted and passed by the General Convention.

Q: Why was the old chapter shut down? A: Because the men of the chapter were not living the values of the Fraternity. Their conduct was not becoming of Beta Theta Pi and as a result of their actions the chapter was closed at the request of the General Fraternity and the University.

Q: What do we need to concentrate on in the first year, second year? A: First year – Focus on becoming a recognized student organization, learn how to function as a chapter (running chapter meetings, writing a constitution and by-laws, holding officer elections, etc.), building bonds of brotherhood with fellow Reestablishment Class Members, recruits more principled gentlemen, work towards accomplishing the colony’s goals, and live out the values of the Fraternity in your daily actions. Second year / Third Year – Prepare the petition for chartering to be evaluated at the General Convention, set new Men of Principle goals and work to attain them throughout the year, recruitment of two pledge classes, educate new members, initiate the first pledge class following the Reestablishment Class Members and live out the values of the fraternity in your daily actions.

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, and Reestablishment Class Member groups embody our values. Internationally, many fraternities are moving in this direction. You can be a part of creating the exemplary Fraternity on campus, while creating friendships and bonds that will last throughout your life.

Q: What about alcohol free? Does that apply to us? Will we always be alcohol free? A: When the chapter has a house, it will be alcohol free. Every reorganized colony of Beta Theta Pi who has a chapter house is required to have an alcohol free facility by the Board of Trustees. This does not mean the chapter cannot have social functions with alcohol present, but the event must follow all guidelines of the Beta Theta Pi risk management policy and be hosted by a registered third party vendor away from the chapter house.

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 for their own chapters that are realistic, manageable and attainable.  The Men of Principle initiative encourages chapters to continually improve 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: Since the Reestablishment process takes more time than a typical fraternity, how can I be a good Reestablishment Class Member and still remain involved? A: The Reestablishment process does require work and time, but other commitments can enhance this experience and help with time management. The more involved the Reestablishment Class Members are, the easier recruitment and campus relations become.

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 above. The experience is strengthened by academics, and we mutually support and assist each other to excel in classroom.  Beta Theta Pi believes in  devotion to the cultivation of the intellect and thus the experience will not come at the expense of the student’s academic pursuits.

Q: If the General Fraternity and alumni will be selecting the members of the Reestablishment Class, how can we be sure the group will be to our liking? A: We have found that the process is conducive to finding members who believe in similar ideas and ideals.  Members find that it is a great learning experience to work together with men of diverse backgrounds. Also, you are welcome to meet all involved at any time.

Q: I love the ideas presented, but I am worried that I will be looked down upon if I choose to drink. A: Beta Theta Pi supports responsible behavior; it is one of the goals of the Men of Principle initiative. All members will be held accountable to the local laws and University regulations. We also encourage self-governance and believe the colony will know what decisions are befitting of Beta Theta Pi and all of its members.

Q: Why should I Go Beta? A: We believe life is about relationships. You will surround yourself with kind and intelligent people by “Going Beta.” This organization is full of opportunity.  It will enrich your life tremendously if you contribute and open yourself up to experience. A recent graduate offers his answer: “Beta is an extremely diverse organization that accepts people from extremely different groups. This is one of our strengths. The General Fraternity is extremely dedicated to helping the undergraduates and are 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 become my best friends and will continue to be so.” ~  Jason Roesler, Washington State ‘02