Beta Theta Pi - University of Texas

men OF PrinciPLe – reshaPing the Fraternity exPerience 2004 Housing and zoning changes drastically on west campus due to changes in real estate in Austin. Fall 2004 Phi Kappa Sigma's housing corporation is approached by a real estate developer to sell the fraternity house. The chapter is given notice that they will need to be out of the house by summer 2005. Summer 2010 Due to declining membership, spurred by lack of brother accountability, less than desirable living conditions, and poor alumni involvement – the chapter voluntary closes with the vision to once again return to the University of Texas. Rush produced zero members. The chapter made the decision to grow and bid everyone possible. More than 35 new men accepted bids; only seven brothers attended the camping trip for new pledges, so all 35 men dropped. Fall 2003 The chapter moves to an apartment complex, which it occupied until 2010. There is a constant struggle to fully occupy the apartment complex as it offered sub-competitive and undesirable housing for our members. Summer 2005 Fall 2015 - Phase I Beta Omicron recolonized at U.T., under Men of Principle initiative. The complex had approximately 18 rooms, 14 of which were used as housing. One apartment was used as the chapter room and another as a common room. For the majority of the time the chapter occupied the apartment complex, rooms had to be rented to non-members as well as members' girlfriends. Fall 2005- Spring 2010 A New Chapter Built on a Solid Foundation The new Beta Omicron will be built upon a revolutionary vision for the future of fraternity, the Men of Principle initiative. Having been first introduced in 1997, the program has been emulated by other fraternities across the nation as the elite model to ensure the success of the Fraternity and hold brothers to a higher standard. As a condition of recolonization at Texas, the new Beta Omicron will be held to the same high standards as all Beta chapters across the country. This includes recolonized chapters in Texas: Baylor, SMU, and TCU. Oklahoma State and Arkansas join the list as regional flagship schools that have flourished under the Men of Principle initiative. Men of Principle in Action What has changed since the introduction of the Men of Principle initiative in 1997? • The average chapter size has increased from 49 to 74. • The average chapter GPA has increased by 11%—2.83 to over 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. New Chapter Goals under the Men of Principle Initiative Cultivation of the Intellect • Chapter GPA above 3.0; 90%+ members in good standing Leadership and Self-Governance • Full delegation sent to all Beta Theta Pi General Fraternity events: General Convention, the Institute, UIFI, Beta Wilderness Challenge, and Futures Quest Commitment to Community • Beta Omicron will be a campus and community leader cultivating in our members the need to give back with their time and resources Member Education • The pledge education program will be submitted to the General Fraternity and include a no-hazing policy • Ongoing member education must incorporate weekly Men of Principle mission, vision, and goals and Beta rituals at initiation ceremonies, officer installations, and Chapter meetings Responsible Personal Conduct • Active Kai Committee governed by its constitution, bylaws, the Code of Beta Theta Pi, and Beta Theta Pi's Risk Management Policy Chapter Advisors • An active advisory team consisting of a Chapter counselor, recruitment advisor, pledge education advisor, risk management advisor, and financial advisor will meet quarterly Member Recruitment • Beta Omicron will recruit the brightest men Texas has to offer and help them develop into Men of Principle to become leaders far beyond the walls of their alma mater Fall 2018 - Phase II New Beta Omicron house to be acquired.

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