Become a Beta

Beta Theta Pi, often referred to simply as “Beta,” is a men’s college fraternity dedicated to developing men of principle for a principled life. Our brotherhood aids the individual, builds the Fraternity and strengthens the host academic institution through lifelong devotion to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and responsible citizenship. Making the decision to join Beta Theta Pi will change your life and provide a lifetime of loyal friends and career opportunities.

All members share the common belief in mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life, devotion to the cultivation of the intellect, unsullied friendship and unfaltering fidelity. This lasting bond of friendship is cultivated by being a part of a group of individuals who share the same goals and values, constantly supporting each other in the pursuit of social, moral and cultural excellence.

Lifelong Friendship

Bonded by oath and ritual, Betas form lifelong bonds of trust and friendship which are the foundation of the Fraternity’s mission.

Responsible Leadership

Betas participate in a system of self-governance, bound by trust and responsibility, which nurtures the development of social and leadership skills.

Commitment to Community

The experience of being a Beta encourages men to serve their university, fraternal and local communities.

Cultivation of the Intellect

Membership encourages individual and chapter support of the academic mission and provides opportunities for co-curricular learning and personal growth.

Responsible Social Conduct

Beta Theta Pi is committed to standards of social conduct which are guided by principles of urbane, civil, courteous and responsible deportment.

Interested in Joining?

Click on the button below to fill out our online interest form.

 

Online Interest Form

Joining Beta has given me the opportunity to develop my leadership ability and take it to the next level. Beta has offered me a true preparatory test of expressing to others what it means to be a gentleman, leader and scholar. I have gained the confidence to adapt quickly to new challenges, think more critically and stand for the principles I deeply believe in. I have also been given the greatest gift of meeting a group of guys that I have grown extremely close with.

Chris DiNapoli, John Carroll ’09

Our Fraternity is the family we choose, not the one we are given. This choice is what makes our Beta Family so special.

Chris Ramnarine, Toronto ’11

Every student at a university, whether you grew up down the street or on the other side of the world, has left home. The Beta Family offers a comfortable environment to become the best possible version of yourself within the care of your brothers.

Andy Hanson, Pacific ’13

Membership Process

Membership in Beta Theta Pi is based on finding men who believe and live by the same set of fraternal values. These values, the Fraternity’s objects, are the basis for recruitment, pledging and a lifelong membership in Beta Theta Pi.

Recruitment

Formal recruitment is usually a one or two week period at the beginning of each semester hosted by the local Interfraternity Council (IFC). Most fraternities will host events and provide the opportunity to meet members and learn about the organization’s values. However, you don’t necessarily need to participate in formal recruitment to join Beta Theta Pi. Informal recruitment lasts all year and you should seek out Betas on your campus anytime to learn more about the Fraternity. Beta Theta Pi isn’t for everyone. The Fraternity seeks to extend membership to a select few individuals who maintain a lifelong devotion to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct and responsible citizenship. By joining Beta Theta Pi, you commit yourself to a high standard that all members are expected to meet.

Pledging

Chapter pledging programs are designed to orient new members to Fraternity history, traditions and practices while preparing each future brother for a lifetime of fraternal brotherhood. The primary objective of a pledge program is to produce informed, enthused and principled new members ready to step into leadership roles. Beta Theta Pi has no place for programs that create artificial probation, second-class citizenship or hazing. Every chapter is required by Standard Chapter Operating Expectations to submit a written pledge program to be certified annually as 100% positive.

Initiation

Initiation is a special ceremony where the deepest symbolic meaning of the Fraternity is revealed and the full privileges of membership are extended to new members. While the ceremony has taken different forms, more than 180,000 members have been initiated since 1839. For all members in Beta Theta Pi, it is the beginning of a lifetime of friendship, learning and personal growth.

Lifelong Friendships

Beta Theta Pi is not just a four year experience. It is an lifelong experience that will develop lasting bonds of friendship and brotherhood. From undergraduate leadership opportunities to local alumni associations and General Conventions, the lifelong bonds of Beta brotherhood are inescapable. Learn more about how Betas remain involved after graduation.