Beta Theta Pi - University of Missouri

A Publication of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi The Zeta Phi Inside: Alumnus Spotlight 2 Help Us Recruit New Zeta Phis 2 Excelling Across the Board 3 SPRING 2018 Implementing Positive Chapter Changes Through Challenges, Fraternity Takes Action for a Better Zeta Phi T he 2017 calendar year ended with mixed results for Zeta Phi. On the positive side, the chapter and new members once again placed first in grades among fraternities. Overall, the men in the chapter are respectable young men who will be successful and contribute in a positive way to the chapter and their communities. Both the chapter and the house corporation continue to be in a strong financial position. On the other less positive side, the chapter had some disciplinary issues last fall that are not in keeping with the best tradition of Zeta Phi. There were two incidences in the first semester, which the University deemed to be hazing related, so the chapter was placed on disciplinary probation. Changing Times, Changing Environments As we have indicated previously in this newsletter, the environment on the Missouri campus is much different than many of us experienced. The University has become a lot more involved in Greek life, which in turn will have its impact on Zeta Phi. To make it more challenging, the acceptance of adult supervision by young men has changed; the involvement, and sometimes over- involvement, of the young men's parents is a different dynamic than 20 years ago. In short, much has changed since many of us were in college or even had children in college. Reviewing and Reworking Current Programs While it is easy to criticize the University for its intrusion into our world, much of what goes on in today's fraternity life is not acceptable behavior. In this regard, Zeta Phi is not free from guilt in areas such as new member training, consumption of alcohol, and risk management. There are some systemic changes that must be made to the new member training program and alumni are working with the General Fraternity, University, and chapter officers to implement those changes. Some of these changes will reach down into the recruitment program to ensure that future members understand what is acceptable behavior and what is not. On a more balanced view, the issues Zeta Phi is dealing with are not uncommon in the fraternity world across the country. Dedicated to Recruiting Young Men of Character Fortunately, we are still recruiting bright young men, have involved alumni in the process, retain a long history of excellence, and are in a strong financial position. All of these traits give us a head start in dealing with the current environment. However, it will still be challenging to satisfy the demands and desires of all the representatives at the table—young 18- to 22-year- old men, their parents, the University, the General Fraternity, and the public at large. I ask all of our alumni to give their support to the changes that are needed and, if asked, to lend assistance to the current advisory team. In _kai_, John M. Hillhouse '69 Secretary House Corporation hillhouse@drlb.net

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