Beta Theta Pi - MIT

What is the Men of Principle initiative? In the late 1990s Beta Theta Pi embarked on a strategic mission to realign our chapters and members with the founding values and ritual of the Fraternity. While not a specific program or set of ac- tivities, the resulting initiative was a philosophical commitment to higher standards of conduct and accountability. Through part- nerships, educational programming and local self-governance, the Men of Principle initiative has transformed Beta Theta Pi and re- stored us to a position of leadership within the fraternal world. What has changed since the introduction of the Men of Principle initiative? Here is a quick list of some significant changes within the past 12 years: • The average chapter size has grown from 49 to 62. • The average chapter GPA has increased from 2.83 to 3.12. • Beta Theta Pi has strengthened advisor support per chapter from 1.9 to 4.6. • The number of leadership development experiences available to undergraduates has expanded from a dozen to more than 1,600 annually. • Implementation of Standard Chapter Operating Expectations has raised the bar for all chapters. • Nearly 70 chapters have been disbanded by institutions, local alumni and the General Fraternity and more than 45 have been (re)started. Cultivation of the Intellect Each member will be expected to maintain his GPA above the all- men's average on campus. Additionally, the Beta Upsilon Chapter is required to achieve a GPA not less than 2.7 each semester and have an academic assistance plan incorporated into the constitu- tion and bylaws. Leadership and Self-Governance A full delegation will be sent to leadership development programs, including the General Convention, the John and Nelly Wooden Institute, Keystone Regional Leadership Conferences, UIFI, and Future's Quest. The Chapter will also have a Kai Committee (ju- dicial board), independent of the executive committee, with es- tablished guidelines in the Chapter bylaws. Member Education The pledge education program must be submitted and approved by the district chief and include a no-hazing policy. The program incorporates weekly Men of Principle mission, vision, and goals, as well as rituals that must be observed in initiation ceremonies, officer installations, and Chapter meetings. Responsible Personal Conduct The Chapter will be committed to standards of social conduct, which are guided by principles of urbane, civil, courteous and re- sponsible deportment. BETA THETA PI I M A S S A C H U S E T T S I N S T I T U T E O F T E C H N O L O G Y PAGE 3 the future of beta upsilon

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