Men of Principle: The most important aspect of an expansion project is to find men who fundamentally believe in our mission: To build men of principle for a principled life. Quite simply, Beta is looking for the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the most well respected gentlemen, scholars, and leaders that universities have to offer.  Surrounding oneself with other Men of Principle is a commitment to hold oneself to a higher standard and to actively pursue the founding tenants of Beta Theta Pi. While we are celebrating 10 years of its existence, the Men of Principle Initiative still rings true to so many college men and alumni. Perhaps an old saying captures it best, “Times change, principles don’t!”

No interest Groups: Since the late 90’s, it has been Beta’s policy not to engage in the practice taking interest groups. Interest Groups are defined as groups of students already acquainted and interested in affiliating their “group” or local chapter with a National or International Fraternity. While it’s flattering and reassuring that students are excited to affiliate internationally, research has shown that many more factors need to be considered when making a decision to expand or recolonize. Simply knowing that men want to be Betas is not enough. Thus, once Beta commits to a campus, it is committing to an individual selection process where each potential member will be evaluated separate from his friends, acquaintances, or other affiliates. We feel this is the best way to ensure that each man not only believes in, but exemplifies Beta’s principles on a daily basis.

Colony Educator: Once the recruitment phase is complete, a full time Beta staff member will be onsite for the duration of the colony education process – usually 7 or 8 weeks. The colony education process is vital to the long-term success of the expansion. Beta Theta Pi values this responsibility as a top priority. The recruitment period is not viewed as a “hit and run,” leaving the Founding Fathers to educate themselves. Guidance, resources and support back up the colony steering them in the right direction to create a healthy, sustainable culture.    

Three to Four Man Recruitment Teams: Unlike many other fraternities, Beta dedicates three to four full time staff members for a period of 20-25 days to each of its expansion and recolonization projects. While this may seem like an excessive use of resources, under this model, Beta is better prepared to execute all of our recruitment strategies, build relationships with campus constituents and recruit and train a five person advisory team. Knowing it is so important to capitalize on the momentum of a recruitment period, Beta has really “doubled down” on its commitment to supporting an expansion or recolonization with the proper manpower. “It was especially exciting that they devoted four men to the expansion process for three weeks.  I have never had another fraternity devote that amount of attention to expansion in my 20 years.” – Melissa Flanagan, University of Dayton

All Men's Average and above: Beta recruits at or above the All-Men’s average on its expansion/re-colonization projects. No doubt this eliminates half the men on campus from being Betas, however, we are obligated to set the bar high as devotion to the cultivation of the intellect has been one of Beta’s pillars since inception. At the absolute minimum, Beta wants to say it is average academically.

Four Expansions per year: Knowing how hard it is to start or restart a chapter from scratch, Beta currently conducts about four expansions per year, trying to give each one the proper attention and support it deserves. More than recruiting new members, it is vitally important that we recruit and train at least a five person advisory team, educate and support local alumni, and garner support from faculty, staff, and the overall University Community.

Alumni Cultivation: While Beta has had impressive results re-starting chapters in the last 10 years, we know this success did not come without the continued involvement of active and supportive alumni! When opening a new colony, simply having an alumni base in the area is not enough. Beta sees it a responsibility to meet with area alumni and educate them on Beta Theta Pi today, the Men of Principle Initiative, Beta’s Award Winning Leadership Conferences, and the many opportunities to support the new colony. After clear expectations are agreed upon, Beta solicits many alumni to help support Betas newest colonies. Whether a chapter coming is to a campus for the first time, or it has a lasting history and is being reinstated after a leave of absence, there is opportunity for alumni to assist a local chapter by becoming formal advisors, being part of a house corporation or alumni association, assist with university relations, just to name a few.

For more information, please also see the Choosing Campuses page.