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 • FA L L 2 0 2 3 Alpha Nu's Letter OUR SEVEN VALUES A s a national fraternity, Beta Theta Pi has always been anchored in a set of values that have served as the foundation in the broader mission to "develop men of principle for a principled life." At the national level, these are articulated as "cultivation of the intellect, responsible conduct, mutual assistance, integrity, and trust" and have clearly served Beta well over the decades. Many years ago, Alpha Nu sought to build off these core national values and create our own framework for instilling these principles into our young men with further definition and clarity. That is the origin of the seven values we have been covering in this space over the past few issues. In this edition of the newsletter, we are covering another Alpha value: accountability. In many respects, this is a keystone of the entire program. Without individual and group accountability, the environment and probability of success for our broader goal of developing men of principle is at risk. I am taking a different approach to sharing the importance and approach to instilling another one of these seven values. Following is a Q&A discussion with our current pledge trainer, Alexander Whitley '25, from Palm Desert, California. Alexander is an amazing individual and leader. As pledge trainer, Alexander leads our new members through our rigorous new member program and, in doing so, he maintains a keen focus on achieving the primary goal of ensuring these values are fully instilled in these young men early on in their journey as members of Alpha Nu and Beta Theta Pi. Enjoy the dialogue. Q: From your perspective as a leader in the house, and a pledge trainer in particular, what are we as Alpha Nu Betas trying to accomplish by instilling these values in new members? A: These are seven values that we genuinely believe help to grow, better, and strengthen young men into one day becoming great men, on the inside and out. Being able to fully understand just what these values mean and let them grow from within oneself is what is so important. This eventually enables these young men to execute our values to their fullest potential, and it shows clearly within each and every one of our members. Throughout pledgeship, freshmen study in seven different rooms, and each room is devoted to one value. During their time in these rooms, they are meant to learn not just what that room value is, but how to implement that value into their life as well. Q: When we talk about the accountability value, what do we mean? How does it manifest itself in an Alpha Nu? What do you see in guys that are living up to this value? What kind of changes do you see as guys go through pledgeship in this respect? A: When it comes to the accountability value, there are a few main areas that are focused on. For example, holding oneself accountable and acknowledging that this needs to happen in order to see improvement. Many times, it may be easy to shrug a responsibility off and not think twice about it. However, we tend to focus on not letting this happen, and showing the importance as to why not letting it happen is beneficial. In other words, holding yourself accountable. When translating this to everyday existence, it can change one's personal life and is easily translated to one's work life for the better. There is one other main area we focus on as well, and this is holding others accountable for their actions; more specifically, your pledge brothers and other members of the house. This can be harder to learn and implement, as this means having to go out of your way to make sure someone else is doing what needs to be done. This is an area where I learned the most and has helped me to become a better leader. Q: Can you give me some specifics of what goes on in a room that is devoted to this value? A: Accountability is looked at as the most important and highest regarded of these seven values. Thus, this tends to be the most important room to be in. When learning in this room, and learning the value that accountability holds, it becomes apparent that there is usually a lot more one can do, from grades to friendships. The active members of the house that live in that room (known as Caddy House) tend to be extremely accountable people and are known to maintain high standards for pursuing excellence. They are constantly showing ways and talking through ways that help to make them accountable people. Doing this helps to ensure that when a freshman goes through this room, they can learn to implement these actions and habits into their lives as well. Many times, we start to see them hold their pledge brothers accountable for their actions, or lack thereof, which in turn makes you a great friend and pledge brother. We also see them holding themself accountable, which shows success in this room. As this starts to happen, it is very easy to see improvement in all aspects of life. Cultivation of the Intellect Creating a Strong Pledge Class Bond Becoming Gentlemen Time Management Skills Respect for the Hutt Accountability Soundness of Body and Mind 1 3 5 2 4 6 7 Lessons in Accountability A CONVERSATION WITH PLEDGE TRAINER ALEXANDER WHITLEY '25 (Continued on page 2)

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