Beta Theta Pi - MIT

BQP Beta Upsilon Chapter Restoring the Tradition of Excellence W hile we are certainly proud of our historic achievements, we are all too aware that Beta Upsilon recently experienced trying times. In the early 2000s, the Chapter experienced a failure in recruiting strong members and was involved in a number of minor risk management violations. A group of alumni worked tirelessly with the Chapter to improve its operations, to develop a successful recruitment strategy and mentored Chapter officers to effect positive change in the overall membership. Ultimately, these efforts were not successful, and after numerous conversations with the General Fraternity, MIT, and Chapter alumni, the Beta Upsilon alumni leadership made the decision to close the Chapter. For the first time in 97 years, Beta Theta Pi was not present at MIT. However, Beta's absence from campus was intended to be a short one. Throughout the discussions with MIT, the Beta Upsilon Association shared with the Institute its intentions to implement the General Fraternity's revolutionary Men of Principle initiative upon the Chapter's return. In 1997, Beta Theta Pi embarked on a strategic mission to realign its chapters and members with the founding values and ritual of the Fraternity. While not a specific program or set of activities, the resulting initiative was a philosophical commitment to higher standards of conduct and accountability. Through partnerships, educational programming and local selfgovernance, the Men of Principle initiative has transformed Beta Theta Pi and restored the Fraternity to a position of leadership within the fraternal world. What has changed since the introduction of the Men of Principle initiative in 1997? • The average chapter size has increased from 49 to 67. • The average chapter GPA has increased by 11%—2.83 to 3.15 on a 4.0 scale. • Ninety chapters have been disbanded by institutions, local alumni and the General Fraternity and nearly 70 have been (re)started. • Beta Theta Pi has increased advisor support per chapter from 1.8 to 7. • The number of leadership development experiences available to undergraduates has increased from a dozen to more than 1,600 annually. With the Men of Principle initiative, Beta gives a new voice to the enduring values of our Fraternity. Our Mission To develop men of principle for a principled life. Our Vision Every member will live Beta Theta Pi's values. Core Values To build lasting bonds of friendship and brotherhood, Beta calls for: • Mutual Assistance – Betas believe that men are mutually obligated to help others in the honorable labors and aspirations of life. • Intellectual Growth – Betas are devoted to continually cultivating their minds, including high standards of academic achievement. • Trust – Betas develop absolute faith and confidence in one another by being true to themselves and others. • Responsible Conduct – Betas choose to act responsibly, weighing the consequences of their actions on themselves and those around them. • Integrity – Betas preserve their character by doing what is morally right and demanding the same from their brothers. Beta Theta Pi offers a positive membership experience, calling on men to become leaders and giving them the tools they need to do so. "Having been rushed the summer before entering college, Beta offered a bridge to the great unknown. Then as an undergraduate, Beta meant the support of newly formed friendships, the feeling of family, the sharing of interests, especially humor and sports. As I think about my Beta experience, I realize the Fraternity gave me a lasting set of values, memories, and friendships that persist even in the face of infrequent contact, in some cases, literally fifty years!" –SteveYeretsky '59

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