As you begin your college career, you are faced with many opportunities that will affect your life. The members of Beta Theta Pi are committed to helping you make the decision that is best for your future. Whether through academic excellence, community and leadership involvement, or simply our commitment to being responsible and honorable gentleman, Beta Theta Pi sets the standards for fraternity life here at Willamette University.
Beta Theta Pi has achieved unprecedented excellence at Willamette University. Universally known as gentlemen, scholars, and leaders on Willamette’s campus, we hold a strong presence that has lasted for many years since our founding here in 1947. We have accepted many awards for our outstanding programs that have given many young men opportunities to grow in brotherhood, tradition, and academic excellence. We are strongly committed to the cultivation of the intellect and commitment to giving back to the community, but perhaps our strongest principle is the aid and mutual assistance to others. It is this aid and assistance that build relationships that last a lifetime, well past your college experience.
I invite you to become acquainted with the men of Beta Theta Pi, for this is the best way to experience our fraternal life. Joining the Greek system is one of the best decisions you can make, and I hope you take membership in Beta Theta Pi into consideration.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones that you did do. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
Sincerely,
Ryan C. Moothart, President
Fraternity Advantages
* Friendship: In Beta Theta Pi, brothers are brothers for LIFE. When you live in a dorm, the people you meet very rarely become lifelong friends. In Beta, you will have 30+ people you will still be calling 30 years later.
* Scholarship: As a very diverse fraternity, there are many opportunities to be tutored in anything and everything. Need someone to help you with your O-chem exam? Go talk to Andrew. Need some help with Japanese homework? Go ask Steven. Doing better in school is easier when you have a network of brothers there to support you.
* Leadership: Beta has many opportunities within the chapter and outside the chapter to hone your leadership skills. On top of this, Beta alumni pay for members to go to award winning leadership conferences all over the US. We want our members to become great leaders!
* Athletics: We have a strong history of athletic participation. Over 80% of Betas participated in intramural and several members are on sports teams. From swimming to lacrosse to rugby, we have a very athletically diverse house.
* Social: No where else will you be able to meet so many people. No where else will you be able to expand your network so much. Beta offers a huge amount of chances to be social: BBQ’s, parties, dances, and dinners to name a few.
* Living Space: Beta has large rooms, our own living room, and a big-screen TV. When you live in Beta, it isn’t just another dorm space, you feel comfortable, and it really becomes your home away from home.
Pledge Process
The pledge program is meant to be a meaningful and fulfilling experience. It is something to look back upon and be proud. During the pledging process, you will develop a special bond with your pledge brothers, a bond that will last a lifetime. Through pledge education, you will learn the rich history of Beta Theta Pi and the values and principles that turn great men into Betas. This program is unique in that leadership core values are taught as part of the regular curriculum. Each of you will have the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills as leaders. The pledging process is a special and exciting time. The pledge program is designed to assist and allow you to reach your full potential now and in all your future endeavors.
Gamma Sigma Pledge Expectations:
* Pledges will maintain the highest levels of respect towards themselves, other members, and the house at all times.
* Pledges must finish the first semester of the pledge period with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
* Pledges must perform a community service project during the first semester of their pledge period.
* Pledges must be enrolled at Willamette University as a full-time student.
* Pledges must demonstrate principles of teamwork and leadership, which will be integrated into the pledge education curriculum.
* Each pledge will conduct himself in a manner becoming of a Beta.
* We have policies against hazing of any kind, believing that such practices diminish the dignity of the individual. We work hard to create an atmosphere of respect within our chapter, honoring each member for his beliefs and values.
If you have any questions about the pledge program, please contact ccochran@willamette.edu, pledge educator. We are always happy to talk with you.
Recruitment FAQ
Q: How much does it cost?
A: $100 Pledge Fee (one-time), $330.00 Initiation Fee (one-time). As a member, you will pay annual dues towards the maintenance of our chapter. Some of these costs can be offset by $100,000 in scholarships that are offered each year by the Beta Theta Pi Foundation. One in three who apply receive scholarships.
Q: How much time do I need to commit?
A: It depends on your role with the Fraternity. If you are chapter president, vice president, etc., you will have different responsibilities than a regular member. Either way, your responsibilities will require at least four hours per week the first year. If you choose to play on intramural teams and get involved in community service projects, the time will obviously increase. “The more time you put into the organization, the more you will get out of it.”
Q: What is different about being a Beta compared to other fraternities?
A: Beta is not a four-year commitment; it is a for-life commitment. We believe in the creed: “Once a Beta, always a Beta, everywhere a Beta.”
Q: What opportunities are available for leadership development?
A: Within the chapter - chapter officer positions, committee chairs and inter-fraternity representative positions. Within Beta Theta Pi - the John and Nellee Wooden Institute for Men of Principle, Beta Wilderness Challenge, Undergraduate Inter-Fraternity Institute (UIFI), the Leadership College at the General Convention and regional leadership conferences.
Q: What support does the chapter receive from the General Fraternity?
A: The chapter has a full advisory team consisting of a chapter counselor, risk management adviser, financial adviser, pledge education adviser and recruitment adviser. These advisers have completed General Fraternity adviser training and will support the chapter as mentors and advisers. In addition to receiving support from local advisers, the chapter will receive on-site assistance from an education consultant in its first year and regular monthly visits in its second year and beyond. The chapter will also receive all the Men of Principle resources including a kickoff retreat, mid-year retreat, and as scholarships to UIFI, The Institute, and the Beta Wilderness Challenge.
Q: How many Brothers are in Beta Theta Pi? How many men live in the chapter house?
A: 38 brothers are currently active members of our chapter. Approximately 28 currently live in the house.
Q: Are Brothers involved on campus?
A: Absolutely. It is an expectation that everyone in the house is involved in at least one other campus organization. We feel it is unhealthy for a person’s development ot commit only to one organization. Experience is the spice of life.
Q: What are the advantages of joining now, as opposed to next year?
A: If you can manage your time wisely and commit yourself to your academics and extracurricular activities, the fraternity experience should not be a problem to balance. Shape your habits and they will shape you. Why would you want to put off a life changing experience? Ultimately, we hope you consider membership when you are ready.
Q: Fraternities have a bad name, which is why I didn’t join to begin with. How will I not be associated with those stereotypes?
A: Fraternities are very idealistic in nature. We strive to battle the stereotypes and misconceptions on a daily basis. We find once the people / the community give us a chance, they realize that we are a great group of upstanding men. We are acutely aware that the actions of one can bring down the reputation of the whole. We have good accountability measures in place when things get on the wrong path. We believe our reputation is our most valuable asset and we work very hard to have great relationships with everyone with whom we come into contact.
Q: What is the social life like?
A: Different strokes for different folks. We have brothers who choose not to drink. We have brothers who go out three times a week. We preach balance, moderation and personal responsibility to everyone in social settings. From a chapter-programming standpoint, we organize several social events with sororities and other campus organizations. We plan ski trips, spring break trips, and everything in between. Beta Theta Pi is a men’s social fraternity, but we also understand that leadership, academics and community service go hand-in-hand with this idea.
Q: What is The Men of Principle Initiative?
A: The Men of Principle Initiative is a broad-based support mechanism that was created to help chapters strive to reach the vision of the Fraternity through the nine goals of the Initiative. It is not a cookie-cutter program, but instead challenges chapters and colonies to set their own goals that are realistic, manageable and attainable. The Men of Principle initiative encourages chapters to improve continually by setting goals and holding themselves accountable to reach those goals. It serves as an opportunity to live up to the founding principles of the organization.
Q: I am not sure I like the image of “Frat Guys”
We are friends, scholars, leaders, athletes, and gentlemen. We are committed to making a positive contribution to the university and to making our families and alumni proud. To answer your question, we do no like the “fratastic” Animal House image some individuals portray. We pride ourselves in being different and committed to the founding ideals of our fraternity.
Q: I need a lot of time for studies, and will be taking grad school tests next year (or some time). Will I be able to balance all of this?
A: Similar to the above, the experience is strengthened by academics, and we mutually support and assist each other to excel in classes. Beta Theta Pi believes in devotion to the cultivation of the intellect and therefore the experience will not come at the expense of the student’s academic pursuits.
Q: What are the requirements of being a member?
Please speak with the President, Pledge Educator, and Recruitment Chairman about membership and the responsibilities that come with joining Beta Theta Pi. We want to make sure you know what you are signing up for. We have done you a disservice if you do not know what the requirements are before accepting a bid from our fraternity. There are monetary commitments, time commitments and, most importantly, moral and social conduct commitments. We firmly believe we do not make Betas - we take Betas. If your values are in line with what we offer, the decision to join our organization should be simple.
Q: What has the fraternity done for you?
A: We could not imagine our lives without this organization. Please see “If it Weren’t for Beta Theta Pi.”
Q: What is the Fraternity’s stance on hazing?
We have policies against hazing of any kind, believing that such practices diminish the dignity of the individual. We work hard to create an atmosphere of respect within our chapter, honoring each member for his beliefs and values.
Q: Why should I “Go Beta” ?
“Hatfield, Smith, Collins, Bishop, Putnam, Doney, Cone, Goudy…they all did it. If I went Beta, I would be in a great company” -Andrew Clark, Willamette ‘09 (in reference to the nine buildings on the Willamette campus named for Betas).
"If I Hadn't Joined Beta..."
“I wouldn’t have had the confidence that I have today in my abilities to motivate, lead, organize, implement, communicate, and conceptualize.”
“I wouldn’t have serenaded a group of 80 women.”
“I wouldn’t have met my best friend.”
“I wouldn’t have felt the pride of being a ‘big brother.’”
“I wouldn’t have won an intramural championship.”
“I wouldn’t have lived and worked with so many different personalities in search of the same goal.”
“I wouldn’t have made it through my freshman year in college.”
“I wouldn’t have spoken in front of 700 people.”
“I wouldn’t have traveled across the United States and Canada with 15 of my brothers.”
“I wouldn’t have known that I could make a difference to so many people by working to help the Make a Wish Foundation, the United Way, or the Special Olympics.”
“I wouldn’t have battled a stereotype.”
“I wouldn’t have watched a sunrise with over 600 men I call ‘brother.’”
“I wouldn’t have attended the award-winning Institute, a five-day values based leadership experience in Oxford, Ohio.”
“I wouldn’t have known that I could put so much blood, sweat, and tears into something I love so much.”
