www.BetaThetaPi.org | www.JHU.edu

 Home | The Brothers | Men of Principle | Pledging to Beta Theta Pi | Our History | Contact Us

 
Men of Principle
Beta Theta Pi already is, and will continue to be be the exemplary standard for collegiate fraternal societies.

Through the Men of Principle Initiative, Beta will have successfully implemented policies and programs to achieve these objectives:
  • Betas will be universally known as friends, gentlemen and scholars.
  • Beta Theta Pi will be acclaimed and respected by the academic community.
  • Beta Theta Pi will be endorsed by parents who will advocate membership for young men.
  • Betas will be in high demand by leaders of business, government and the professions.
  • Beta Theta Pi will engender bonds of friendship and brotherhood which create a lifelong commitment to serve and support the Fraternity.

How we will reach our Mission and Vision?

One: Cultivation of the Intellect

The achievement of intellectual excellence is an enduring object of Beta life. Men of Principle calls for the implementation of a comprehensive program of mentoring and incentives which will foster academic excellence. Men of Principle sets specific annual chapter goals which relate to the all-men's GPA and the all-fraternity GPA. Perhaps of greater importance, commitment to the cultivation of the intellect in broader terms requires that the life style or culture of the chapter encourage and support academic achievement.

Two: Leadership Development & Self Governance

Implementation of Men of Principle is dependent upon a continuing flow of responsible and talented leadership. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each chapter to identify future leaders, provide for their education and training, give them progressive leadership experiences, and help them assume positions of leadership within the chapter, the host academic institution and community.

Three: Commitment to Community

The Mission Statement of Men of Principle includes responsible citizenship as a key element. Men of Principle calls for a commitment by the chapter and by each member of the chapter to make a meaningful contribution to his university, fraternal and local community. There is flexibility for chapters and members to choose a philanthropic interest and make an investment of time, talent and resources for the benefit of others.

Four: Member Education

Beta Theta Pi rejects hazing as a part of fraternity life. The Men of Principle initiative emphasizes an educational experience which is morally uplifting and intellectually stimulating. Member orientation and education are aligned with the Mission and Vision of the Men of Principle initiative. The education of prospective Beta members includes an understanding of the Mission, Vision and Goals of the Men of Principle initiative as well as participation in the work plans for implementation. Also required is a knowledge of Beta history, lore and The Code of Beta Theta Pi. The ongoing member education program teaches Beta ritual as the critical element of a distinctive and enduring lifelong experience of brotherhood.

Five: Responsible Personal Conduct

Being men of principle requires Betas to live by the highest standards of social conduct. In recognition of the devastating effect that alcohol and illegal drugs have on our brotherhood, the Men of Principle initiative relies on the chapter to introduce and sustain a responsible alcohol management policy in accordance with local laws and rules of the host institution. The elimination of substance abuse through education, intervention, mutual support and progressive sanctions calls for and imposes the highest level of chapter self-governance, monitoring and discipline.

Six: Chapter Advisors

A network of advisors is a chapter resource of inestimable value. Faculty advisors can enrich the intellectual culture of the chapter. Advisors on chapter governance can assist with the administration of chapter affairs. Alumni advisors can help instill a sense of lifelong brotherhood and the importance of brotherhood to lasting friendships. Men of Principle calls for building a comprehensive plan which attracts and welcomes chapter advisors and then employs those advisors as a team in the programs of implementation.

Seven: Member Recruitment

The Mission Statement says that Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to building men of principle. The process of consistently identifying good men year after year is a critical responsibility of chapter leadership. Men of Principle calls for the implementation of a Beta Member Recruitment Management system. Member recruitment management is a logical sequence of events. Recruitment through scholarship is a natural element of this goal, as it also relates closely to the cultivation of the intellect of our members.

Eight: Communication

Men of Principle goals and action plans contain multiple references to the need to communicate. This communication is directed toward all of our constituents and is most effective when done proactively. Our primary constituents are: alumni, college faculty and administrators, prospective members and parents. Each of these groups will be interested and involved in the action plans for Men of Principle. Each chapter and the General Fraternity must address the specific communication needs of each constituency.

Nine: Lifelong Fraternal Brotherhood

It would not be difficult to argue that the goal of lifelong Beta brotherhood should be the first goal of Men of Principle. It is no less important because it is placed here. Rather, fraternal brotherhood is created and strengthened by the cumulative impact of the Men of Principle initiative. The systemic effect of Men of Principle serves to inspire a unique character of lifelong Beta brotherhood, one that is tested by the intensity and integrity of effort required for success and enriched by the shared responsibility for achievements that endure.

.