Beta Theta Pi - University of Kansas

A L P H A N U C H A P T E R O F B E TA T H E TA P I • L AW R E N C E , K A N S A S • S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 Alpha Nu's Letter OUR SEVEN VALUES: #1 Cultivation of the Intellect #2 Creating a Strong Pledge Class Bond #3 Becoming Gentlemen #4 Time Management Skills #5 Respect for the Hutt #6 Accountability #7 Soundness of Body and Mind G reetings, Alpha Nu alumni! As many of you know, I had the privilege of working closely with our alumni stakeholders, parents, chapter members, advisors, and the General Fraternity (Beta Theta Pi) throughout 2022 to prepare for a new operating plan independent of the University of Kansas. In early December 2022, Alpha Nu voluntarily withdrew its designation as a registered student organization at the University of Kansas and our membership in the KU Interfraternity Council. Alpha Nu continues to be a fully chartered chapter just as it has been in our 150-year history of brotherhood and excellence. This decision came after years of deliberate planning and fruitful discussions between many parties. We determined that this was the right time for Alpha Nu to separate itself from the administrative linkages and formal affiliations with the university. While similar action is being taken by more and more fraternities around the country, as well as right here at KU, our decision was based solely on our focus on creating the best possible future for Alpha Nu. This change allows us to better continue our pursuit of excellence and uphold our seven values: cultivation of the intellect, pledge class bond, becoming gentlemen, time management skills, respect for the Hutt, accountability, and soundness of body and mind. We have recently enhanced our support structure to ensure the best possible experience for our current, former, and future members. Formalization and expansion of an advisory board, consisting of our executive director, housing corporation president, new member education advisor, legal counsel, risk management advisor, event advisor, and a junior advisor, recently took place. Additionally, we have implemented an advisory council with representatives of Alpha Nu parents, the General Fraternity, and two faculty members at KU. Each of these boards regularly engages with our internal chapter leadership in a formal, efficient manner. On February 7, 2023, the Lawrence Journal-World published an article titled, "After 150 years, fraternity breaks away from KU; change means that Beta Theta Pi will continue operations but won't be governed by KU." A spokesperson for the University of Kansas stated, "While Beta Theta Pi as an organization will no longer be subject to certain expectations of affiliated groups, individual student members are still subject to the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities." The article also stated, "KU's reaction to Beta Theta Pi's breakaway has been different than how some universities have responded to fraternities separating at their school." Our team worked closely with administration officials at the University of Kansas to make this change as seamless and friction-free as possible. As students at KU and a charted chapter of Beta Theta Pi in good standing, Alpha Nu can still fully participate in intramurals, Rock Chalk Revue, and co-host events with other fraternities and sororities across campus. We are confident this change will allow Alpha Nu to better focus on new initiatives that improve the experience for its members and the Lawrence community. Yours in _kai_, Luke Rottinghaus '24 Fall 2022 Chapter President luke.r.rottinghaus@gmail.com Creating the Best Future for Alpha Nu C H E C K O U T THE FOURTH INSTALLMENT OF FOREVER ALPHA NU VALUES The Talent of Time Management O N PAG E 5

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