ACTIVE CHAPTER:
A group of undergraduates at an institution which
has been granted a charter and installed by the Grand Chapter.
Undergraduate chapter is the appropriate term.
ACTIVE CHAPTER SERVICE AWARD:
An award, authorized by the Grand
Chapter for chapters to present each year to the undergraduate
member selected by the chapter as, "The brother who has contributed
most to the welfare of the chapter."
"ALMA MATER FIRST AND THETA CHI FOR ALMA MATER":
A maxim used in Theta Chi to emphasize our academic mission.
ALTER AWARD, THE:
The Howard R. Alter, Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence is the highest
award for chapters in our fraternity. Named in honor of Howard R. Alter,
Jr., Omega/Pennsylvania State '41, who served Theta Chi as National President
from 1962 to 1966, as Executive Director from 1968 to 1984, and who currently
serves as Executive Director Emeritus and as an officer of the National
Board of Trustees. The award is given to those chapters which
demonstrate excellence in overall operations. A committee reviews
applications submitted by chapters for this honor. Chapters
receiving this honor receive a certificate and the name of the
chapter is engraved on a plaque in the International Headquarters.
ALUMNA:
A female graduate of a college or university. The plural
form of alumna, when describing two or more women who graduated,
is alumnae.
ALUMNI:
Two or more alumnus members. Sometimes used incorrectly
in describing a single male graduate of a college or university.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:
An organization of alumni from a chapter, often
combined with an alumni corporation or house corporation.
ALUMNI AWARD:
The third highest honor that is bestowed by the
Fraternity. This award must be authorized by the Grand Chapter and
is presented to alumni, or in exceptional cases to undergraduate
members, who have made meritorious contributions at a local,
regional or national level of Theta Chi Fraternity. The Alumni
Award with ruby is presented by the Grand Chapter.
ALUMNI CHAPTER:
A group of alumni in a particular locality which
has been recognized and granted a charter by the Grand Chapter.
Theta Chi currently has 18 active alumni chapters and 66 inactive
alumni chapters. Most chapters meet monthly for lunch and have
special events during the year, such as a Founders Day celebration.
ALUMNUS ADVISOR:
An alumnus elected by an undergraduate chapter and
approved by the Grand Chapter to serve as chapter advisor. The
term of office is three years.
ALUMNUS, ALUMNUS MEMBER:
A member who has completed his
undergraduate academic career.
APPLAUSE:
In many chapters the standard clapping of hands has been
replaced at meetings by snapping fingers.
APPRECIATION AWARD:
An award authorized by the Grand Chapter in
1946 to recognize outstanding service to Theta Chi Fraternity by
a woman.
BADGE OF THETA CHI:
Pursuant to legislation approved at the 54th Anniversary Convention
held in 1910, the badge of Theta Chi "shall be worn at all times
on the left side in the vicinity of the heart, and no prepatory,
class or other fraternity pin shall be worn in the same locality."
Legislation from the 69th Anniversary Convention, held in 1920, provides that, "The Fraternity badge shall be worn at a distinctive angle, the long axis of the 0 bisecting the angle formed by the head and right shoulder." A more practical instruction provides that the badge is worn so that the left sword points vertically to the ground.
The badge should only be worn at appropriate times and with clothing consistent with displaying the badge. When wearing a suit or jacket, the badge should be worn on the shirt and not on the lapel of the coat.
BY-LAWS OF THETA CHI:
Published by the Grand Chapter, and available through the International
Headquarters. All pledges are required to read and become familiar with
the National By- Laws of Theta Chi Fraternity before initiation.
CHAPMAN LIBRARY:
A historical display area located in the
conference room of the International Headquarters, dedicated to
Past Executive Director George W. Chapman, Omega/Pennsylvania State
'32, and containing books by Theta Chi authors.
CHAPTER GUARD FOR THE BADGE:
Members are permitted to wear a guard
for their badge, consisting of the Greek letter or letters
designating the chapter. The guard is fastened to the badge by a
small chain. The guard can be worn above, at the same level or
below and to the left of the badge.
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE:
A leadership conference held on odd-numbered years during late
July or early August. The CLC, as it is known, is specifically
designed to provide officers and members with leadership experience,
skills and techniques for use in their chapters and colonies.
The first Chapter Leadership Conference was held in 1985.
CHAPTER NAMES:
Chapters are designated by a letter or letters of
the Greek alphabet, assigned in order from Alpha through Omega. In
Theta Chi, the same two letters are not used to designate a chapter
(Alpha Alpha, Beta Beta), thus each series of chapters after our
single letter series has 23 chapters.
The Theta Chi chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity designation was set aside through legislation approved at the 132nd Anniversary Convention in 1988, for use as a special chapter to honor individuals who were not members of our fraternity. An individual selected shall be of "good character who can be expected to be a credit to Theta Chi Fraternity, and by his conduct and actions can be expected to labor for the advancement, interests and welfare of Theta Chi Fraternity, but for reasons acceptable to the Grand Chapter has not previously become a member of Theta Chi Fraternity."
The first initiate into Theta Chi Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity was Bruce D. Slivinske, of East Brunswick, New Jersey. Bruce was the older brother of our late Executive Vice President, Dale A. Slivinske. Brother Bruce Slivinske was initiated into Theta Chi Fraternity on May 3, 1990, in the former executive office in Trenton, New Jersey.
CHAPTER NEWSLETTERS:
It is recommended that all chapters publish,
on a regular schedule, a chapter newsletter to be sent to all
chapter alumni, to the Grand Chapter, National Board of Trustees,
the International Headquarters, the appropriate members of the
Regional Staff, parents of members, and other chapters.
CHAPTER NUMBER:
All Theta Chi chapters are numbered, beginning with
Alpha Chapter as #1, according to the order in which the chapters
were installed. As of April, 1992, Theta Chi Fraternity had
installed 199 chapters.
CHAPTER PRESIDENT'S KEY:
An insignia of office to be worn by
chapter presidents. A key is presented at installation to the new
chapter by the Grand Chapter, and the key is to be worn by each
succeeding chapter president. Many chapters purchase and present
a smaller version of the key to a chapter president when he
completes his term of office. The key may be ordered through the
International Headquarters.
CHARTER:
The formal certificate issued by the Grand Chapter to new
or reinstalled undergraduate chapters or alumni chapters. The
charter contains the names of the undergraduates or alumni who
formed the original group which petitioned the Grand Chapter for
recognition as a chapter. It contains language relating to the
rights and responsibilities of the chapter. It also provides that
the chapter "shall remain subject to the Grand Chapter and shall
conform to all requirements of the Constitution."
In the event a chapter is reinstalled after being declared inactive, the original charter is returned to the chapter, and a miniature version of the charter, containing the names of the new group of men who recolonized the chapter, is also provided.
CHASE, ARTHUR:
One of the two founders of Theta Chi Fraternity, who
was born on October 21, 1835, and died on November 20, 1888.
CHASE MEMORIAL PLAQUE:
A plaque placed at the grave of Arthur Chase
at the cemetery in Claremont, New Hampshire.
CHI THETA:
The organizational name which is used occasionally by
colonies of the fraternity.
CITATION OF HONOR:
A certificate authorized by the Grand Chapter
through the International Headquarters for presentation to members
for outstanding service to the Fraternity. It is also used to
honor men who are not members of Theta Chi Fraternity and women for
outstanding service to the fraternity movement.
COAT OF ARMS:
Sometimes mistakenly called the crest, the Fraternity
Coat of Arms is described in heraldic phraseology, as:
"Or on a
bend gules, a nowed serpent between two swords, points downward,
pale wise, all of the first. On an Esquire's helmet the crest an
eagle displayed Or". The crest is actually the eagle,a part of
the Coat of Arms.
COLLEY MEMORIAL TROPHY:
A trophy representing distinguished
undergraduate service to alma mater, fraternity and chapter. The
Colley Award is presented annually to an undergraduate member
chosen by a Grand Chapter committee. The original trophy was
presented by Frederick W. Ladue, Iota/Colgate, in memory of
Reginald E.F. Colley, Phi/North Dakota State, who was a member of
the Grand Chapter from 1925 to 1926. Each chapter is encouraged
to submit a nominee for the Colley Award each year. The recipient
of the Colley Award receives a certificate and his name is engraved
on the plaque at the International Headquarters.
THE COLONIST:
A newsletter for colony members in Theta Chi
Fraternity, published six times each school year through the
International Headquarters.
COLONY:
A group organized at a college or university for the
purpose of petitioning the Grand Chapter for a charter. A colony
begins as an interest group, and is then granted recognition as a
colony by the Grand Chapter. Members are encouraged to wear the
letters and name of Theta Chi once the interest group is officially
recognized as a colony. Under current practices, colony members
may not be initiated into the fraternity until the date of
installation. Our colonies must meet a variety of requirements
before petitioning for a charter, including a minimum size of 45
members.
CONFIDENTIAL NEWS:
CONSTITUTION OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
CREED OF THETA CHI:
Many chapters use the Creed as a teaching device for new members.
New members are asked to analyze, with their Big Brothers, each
phrase and to note the significance of the use of three terms or
words throughout the Creed, and to apply the words and concepts to
our fraternity in the 1990s.
CROSSED SWORDS, THE:
DEATH OF A MEMBER:
DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS:
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
EXPANSION:
FINANCIAL SUPERVISOR:
FOUNDATION CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY, INC.:
FOUNDER'S BADGE:
FOUNDERS DAY:
Many chapters and alumni chapters celebrate Founders Day with a
special dinner and an opportunity for all present to reflect upon
their memories of their chapter or Theta Chi in general. Our
colonies are also encouraged to recognize and celebrate this day.
Some chapters and colonies perform "The Founding of Theta Chi
Fraternity" as included in The Manual.
FRATERNITY BADGE:
Rubies, pearls, and diamonds only may be used as ornamental jewels
in the manufacture of the Theta Chi Fraternity badge and only in
ways approved by the Grand Chapter. When jeweled, the jeweling
shall be crown set.
Our badge is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a pin. The
historical and proper term is badge.
FRATERNITY COLORS:
FRATERNITY FLAG:
FRATERNITY FLOWER:
FRATERNITY FOUNDERS:
FRATERNITY PENNANT:
FREEMAN, FREDERICK NORTON:
FREEMAN MEMORIAL PLAQUE:
GOLDEN GUARD OF THETA CHI:
GOLDEN GUARD RECOGNITION BUTTON:
GRAND CHAPTER:
GRAND CHAPTER BADGE GUARD:
GRAND CHAPTER COMMITTEES:
The Grand Chapter currently has 21 different committees. The
committees and their responsibilities range from the Alter Award,
Alumni, Convention Credentials and Financial Management to
Historical Archives, Leadership Education, Legal Affairs, Regional
Plan, Risk Management and Standards, Ritual and Scholarship. The
National Advisory Committee is made up of all past national
presidents and plays a key role in honoring alumni.
GRAND CHAPTER JEWEL:
GRAND CHAPTER OFFICERS:
GRAND CHAPTER SEAL:
GRAND CHAPTER SERVICE PLAQUE:
HAZING:
The terms "hell week" or "hell night",relating to activities
involving new members, are antiquated and sadly misrepresentative.
The terms communicate every possible negative connotation that
fraternity chapters can be associated with in the education of new
members. These terms have no place in any fraternity, and
especially in Theta Chi Fraternity.
Over 35 states have now passed criminal statutes to punish those
who involve themselves in hazing practices. Many young men have
died or have been injured as a result of hazing, and a number of
major lawsuits have been filed against undergraduate members and
alumni by undergraduates or their families as a result of hazing.
A number of men's fraternities have drastically reduced or
eliminated their pledge education programs in order to eliminate
hazing. Colleges and universities which have abolished men's and
women's fraternities on their campuses cite hazing practices as the
primary concern and basis for that action.
Theta Chi Fraternity first enacted legislation regarding the
prohibition of hazing in 1920, and has reiterated and reinforced
that stance through additional legislation and by disciplining
individuals and chapters for hazing practices. Our Fraternity has
suspended members, and reorganized and closed chapters involved in
hazing practices.
"HC":
HISTORY OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
HONORARY ACTIVE MEMBER:
HONORARY CHAPTER MEMBER:
HONORARY MEMBER:
INACTIVE CHAPTER:
One of the stated goals of our expansion policy is to recolonize
and ultimately reinstall a large number of our inactive chapters.
INITIATE, INITIATED:
INSTALLATION:
The installation of an inactive chapter is known as a
reinstallation.
INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL:
INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS:
"KEEP IN TOUCH":
KEY MAN AWARD:
The Key Man with "E" Award was developed for the 24th School of
Fraternity Practices held in 1988 at the National Convention.
Those undergraduate and alumni members who attend extra credit
leadership sessions, held in the early morning or late evening,
receive a Key Man certificate with a seal decorated with an "E",
reflecting extra effort and excellence.
A Key Man key can be purchased from the International Headquarters
to wear or display.
LADUE MEMORIAL FUND:
LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION CONSULTANTS:
Our Consultants must be extremely dedicated, organized and
motivated brothers. They participate in an extensive training
program at the International Headquarters during the summer and
then visit chapters and colonies from late August to May, with a
vacation in December. As paid professional staff members of Theta
Chi, they represent our Fraternity in a variety of situations and
circumstances.
Applications for the position of Leadership and Education
Consultant and information are available from the Director of
Chapter Services in the International Headquarters. The interview
process for the Consultant staff begins each January, and hiring
decisions are completed by April.
LEGISLATION OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
LEWIS MEMORIAL TROPHY:
MEMBER AT LARGE:
MEMBERSHIP CARD:
MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE:
MEMORIAL SERVICES:
MEN SINCE '56:
MOTHER'S CLUB: MOTHER'S DAY:
Used for many years as the official newsletter
by the Executive Office for chapters and the Official Family. It
has been replaced by
The Chapter Leadership
Newsletter for Theta Chi Fraternity.
Published by the Grand
Chapter, and available through the International Headquarters. All
pledges are required to read and become familiar with the
Constitution of Theta Chi before initiation.
Written by Frank H. Schrenk, Kappa/Pennsylvania
'15, the Creed has become an important part of our traditions and
an expressive means of stating our ideals and objectives as a
fraternity. The Creed should be recited in a serious, level voice.
It should not be chanted, shouted, or yelled. Brother Schrenk's
name, chapter and year of graduation are not part of the Creed and
should not be recited at the end of the Creed.
The Risk Management and Standards newsletter
of Theta Chi Fraternity. Published six times each year through the
International Headquarters for chapter officers, alumni and house
corporation officers, and the Official Family.
Our National Legislation provides that, "In the
event of the death of a member of an undergraduate chapter or the
Grand Chapter, each undergraduate member shall wear his badge over
a square field of black ribbon for a period of one week. In the
death of an active member, only chapter brothers will wear the
black ribbon".
A directory of alumnus members was published
in 1981 and in 1988. A third directory is scheduled to be
published in 1993. All alumnus members whose addresses are on file
with the International Headquarters are contacted and will be
included in the directory. Copies of the directory can be
purchased from the publishing company. The directory is divided
into chapter sections by Greek letter order, by geographical area,
and alphabetically.
This award is the highest honor in
Theta Chi Fraternity. It was authorized and established by the
Grand Chapter on December 12, 1938. It may be presented to those
members of the Fraternity who have made distinguished contributions
on a national scale to the lasting good and welfare of Theta Chi
Fraternity.
An alumnus selected and appointed by the Grand
Chapter to operate the International Headquarters and to administer
the affairs of the Fraternity. In turn, the executive director
hires employees to assist him in these duties. The International
Headquarters staff works at the direction of the National President
and the Grand Chapter, and they are compensated as employees of the
Fraternity.
The term used to describe the addition of colonies and
new chapters to our Fraternity. Standards for expansion were
adopted by the Grand Chapter in 1991 in order to facilitate the
process of selecting campuses at which we would like to be
represented.
Also referred to as the Financial Advisor,
this alumnus is appointed by the house or alumni corporation to
supervise the financial operations of the undergraduate chapter.
The Theta Chi
Foundation Chapter was incorporated under the laws of the State of
Indiana on October 16, 1953. It is a private educational
foundation. It received a charter from the Grand Chapter, and
exists to accept gifts, bequests and contributions in order to
provide scholarships and grants to Theta Chi undergraduate and
graduate students. The founder and first president of the
Foundation Chapter is Past National President Sherwood Blue, Alpha
Iota/Indiana '26.
The badge originally owned by Arthur Chase, one
of the founders of Theta Chi Fraternity. It is similar in design
but slightly larger than the badge we use today. A facsimile of
the Founder's Badge is presented by the Fraternity to each national
president as he assumes office. The original Chase badge is on
display in the International Headquarters.
Our Constitution provides that, "All undergraduate
chapters should, if possible, observe the evening of the tenth day
of April as Founders Day. This anniversary of the founding of
Theta Chi Fraternity should be celebrated as the several chapters
may deem proper; except that at nine o'clock of that evening, if
an undergraduate chapter is in secret session it shall stand, and
in unison and in low voice, repeat the third oath of the
Fraternity; if however, the observance is a public affair, all
activities shall cease for two minutes, one minute before and one
minute after the hour of nine."
Our Constitution provides that, "The badge shall
be a rattlesnake which, shall be bent so as to form the Greek
letter Theta. The rattlesnake's head shall be on the upper
right-hand side near the center of the letter, and its tail shall
pass around by the head behind the neck down half way to the
letter. It shall then come in sight and pass across, forming the
bar of the Theta. It shall be of gold, chased (decorated by
engraving or embossing) in an appropriate manner. The eye of the
snake shall be a precious ruby. This shall be surmounted (placed
below, in this usage) by two swords placed satyr (sometimes
referred to as saltire, which means a cross formed by two diagonal
members) ways points downwards, thus forming the Greek letter Chi,
these are also to be of gold. The name of the owner shall be
engraved on the back of the badge, also the letter (or letters)
signifying the chapter to which he belongs."
The colors of the Fraternity are military red
and white. In 1909 the Grand Chapter designated, as the standard
fraternity color, the same shade of red that is used in the flag
of the United States of America.
At the 64th Anniversary Convention, held in April
of 1920 in New York City, the following specifications for a flag
were adopted:
"Size 6 feet by 9 feet, made of fine wool bunting,
doubled and sewed back to back, white field with 8-inch red border;
Greek letters 0X, coiled rattlesnake and 1856 appliqued on both
sides in fine finish felt." Two flags are offered for sale through
the International Headquarters:
A 6' x 9' flag and a 4' x 6' flag.
Theta Chi is one of only a few national fraternities that uses a
double thickness flag with the letters and other insignia sewn on
the cloth.
The flower of Theta Chi Fraternity is the red
carnation.
Frederick Norton Freeman, Alpha/Norwich 1857,
and Arthur Chase, Alpha/Norwich 1856, are considered the founders
of Theta Chi Fraternity. Freeman is considered to be the founder,
Chase the co-founder, and Egbert Phelps, who later became a member
of Chi Psi Fraternity at Union College, is considered an assistant
founder.
Made of fine French felt, white background at
the head and red background at the point; a coiled rattlesnake in
red felt applique and machinery embroidered on a white field. The
Greek letters Theta and Chi in white on a red field; ribbon ties;
in sizes as follows:
18 by 42 inches or 12 by 36 inches. Approved
by the Grand Chapter on June 7th, 1928.
One of the founders of Theta Chi
Fraternity. Born March 2, 1839; died March 28, 1867.
A plaque erected at the grave of Frederick
Norton Freeman at the cemetery near Plainfield, New Hampshire. It
bears the following inscription:
"Frederick Norton Freeman, class
of 1857, co-Founder of Theta Chi Fraternity at Norwich University,
April 10, 1856. Unveiled by the 75th Annual Convention of Theta
Chi Fraternity, August 29, 1931"
Composed of those members of the
Fraternity who have been members of Theta Chi or their preceding
local fraternity for a total of fifty years or more. Membership
is honorary and without expense. Golden Guard certificates are
available through the International Headquarters. The certificates
are engraved on gold paper and bear a red seal.
Official recognition button of the
Fraternity in gold, surrounded by an oval laurel wreath which can
be worn by members of the Golden Guard.
The Grand Chapter is the administrative, executive
and judicial head of the Fraternity. It is composed of eight
members whose class shall have been graduated from college at least
six years. Members are elected by delegates to the National
Convention, for a four year term, and can serve two consecutive
terms. The members are volunteers.
Present and past Grand Chapter members
are privileged to wear, as a guard for their badge and as a symbol
of their office or former office, a specially designed small gold
eagle with wings spread over crossed swords and snake. The guard
is attached to the badge by a small chain.
The Grand Chapter may establish
committees to assist in the operation of the Fraternity and to
address specific issues, concerns or needs. The committees also
provide opportunities for alumnus members to become involved in the
Fraternity and to share time and expertise on behalf of Theta Chi.
Sometimes referred to as a medallion, the
jewel is a small, gold colored disc bordered with a laurel, with
crossed swords and snake with a ruby eye. It is worn with a red
ribbon. Present and past Grand Chapter officers wear the jewel at
meetings, conventions, and other formal Theta Chi or
interfraternity events. National Board of Trustees members also
receive and wear the jewel.
The officers of the Grand Chapter, in order
of precedence, are the National President, the National Vice
President, the National Secretary, the National Treasurer, the
National Counselor, the National Marshal, the National Chaplain,
and the National Historian. The president and vice president are
elected by the delegates to the national convention after elections
are held for the Grand Chapter. The other six offices are then
filled by elections within the Grand Chapter.
The corporate seal of the Grand Chapter is kept
at the International Headquarters and used to emboss all official
documents, such as charters and membership certificates. The seal
has a reproduction of the official badge in the center and around
the badge are the words, "Fraternity Founded 1856", and "New York".
In an outer circle on the seal are the words, "Grand Chapter Theta
Chi Fraternity, Inc. 1923". The year refers to the year in which
the Grand Chapter was incorporated in the State of New York.
A special plaque bearing the
Fraternity Coat of Arms and an engraved plate noting the years of
service and office(s) held by a member of the Grand Chapter. It
is presented by the Fraternity to members of the Grand Chapter in
recognition of their service upon their retirement from office.
Illegal and unlawful practices usually associated with
pledging. Theta Chi Fraternity subscribes to the definition of
hazing contained with the Fraternity Executives Association
Statement of Position on Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities,
which can be found in this Manual. The definition encompasses
physical, mental or psychological and emotional hazing, all of
which are forbidden. Questions regarding the definition of hazing,
and positive practices to eliminate and replace hazing, can be
directed to the International Headquarters staff.
The newsletter for house and alumni corporation officers in
Theta Chi Fraternity. "HC" is published six times each year by the
International Headquarters.
Edited by former Executive
Secretary Robert H. Hoge, Rho/Illinois '24, and published in 1927
by the Fraternity. This book is now out of print. A few copies are
on display in the International Headquarters.
An alumnus member who becomes a member of
an undergraduate chapter in times of local or national emergency.
An undergraduate or alumnus member of the
Fraternity who, by vote of an undergraduate chapter other than his
own, has been made an honorary member of that chapter. As a
practice, all undergraduate and alumnus members of the fraternity
who participate in the installation or reinstallation of a chapter
become honorary members of that chapter and receive a certificate
for that purpose.
A person of distinction may be elected to honorary
membership in the Fraternity by a unanimous vote of an
undergraduate chapter provided the Grand Chapter approves, and that
the person is not a member of a similar Greek letter fraternity.
A chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity of which the
charter has been suspended or revoked by the Grand Chapter, and
which is no longer recognized as an active chapter. The reasons
for the suspension of a charter range from disciplinary, such as
hazing, repeated risk management violations, or anti-social
conduct, to consistently low membership which cannot support the
chapter or the house, or the closing of the institution, as has
occurred at Parsons College in Iowa and Tarkio College in Missouri.
The term used to describe a member of the
Fraternity, and the proper term to describe the fact that he has
become a member. Theta Chi Fraternity does not recognize such
terms as, "activated", "activation", "brotherize", or "brothered
up".
The ceremony through which a colony is installed as
a chapter in Theta Chi Fraternity. Installations are normally held
on a Saturday, with the initiation of all members into Theta Chi
in the morning, followed by the installation of the chapter in the
afternoon. All undergraduate and alumnus brothers who participate
in the installation ceremony are made honorary members of the
chapter. A banquet to celebrate the new or reinstalled chapter is
held in the evening.
Most campuses utilize an interfraternity
council as the governing organization for all men's fraternity
chapters. Our Theta Chi chapters and colonies are expected and
encouraged to take a strong, active leadership role in their campus
interfraternity councils. The role of interfraternity councils has
become even more important in the 1990s with campus- wide risk
management policies and the need for coordinated, unrestricted rush
programs.
The headquarters of the Fraternity
provides support and services to all undergraduate and alumnus
members and organizations and our volunteers at all levels. The
headquarters is currently located at:
Indianapolis, Indiana
46268-1333
(317) 824-1881
(317) 824-1908 FAX
ihq@thetachi.org
The alumni program slogan of the Fraternity.
Chapters are requested to use this slogan in their newsletters.
Theta Chi Fraternity recognizes those undergraduate
and alumni members who attend all required sessions at the School
of Fraternity Practices or the Chapter Leadership Conference with
a Key Man Certificate. The term "Key Man" was developed to reflect
the training that a member received at the School or CLC, which he
then can share with his chapter and region.
Established by Past National President
Frederick W. Ladue, Iota/Colgate '12 during World War II, to
provide an emergency fund for loans to chapters. The Ladue
Memorial Fund is administered by a committee appointed by the Grand
Chapter. Loans are made to chapters in cases of great necessity
or emergency. The Ladue Fund is supported through a portion of
each pledge registration fee. Applications and assistance are
available through the International Headquarters.
Our Leadership and Education
Consultants are employed by the International Headquarters. They
are recent graduates who serve Theta Chi in a most important role,
by visiting chapters and colonies across the United States. Their
duties include counseling and advising officers and members,
working on a variety of problems and challenges, preparing reports
describing their visits and following up with alumni, Greek
Advisors, and Official Family members during and after their
visits.
A compilation of all
legislation approved by the Conventions of Theta Chi Fraternity.
Our pledges are expected to read and review our legislation prior
to their initiation into Theta Chi Fraternity. The newest edition
of The Legislation will be published in September, 1992.
The Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Memorial Trophy
was presented to the Fraternity in 1938 by James G. Lewis, Alpha
Xi/Delaware, in memory of his daughter. The Lewis Award is
presented on an annual basis by the Grand Chapter to that chapter
which has made the greatest progress in the previous year. The
award is usually given to chapters which have recovered from
extremely low membership and operational levels.
A member who belonged to a chapter of Beta Kappa
which was orbecame inactive following the merger with Theta Chi in
1942, or an initiated member of a colony which was not installed
as a chapter. A decision was made in 1990 to abandon the practice
of allowing members of colonies to be initiated prior to
installation or reinstallation of the chapter.
A durable plastic membership card approved at the
1990 Convention which includes the name of the member, his chapter,
roster number and date of initiation into Theta Chi Fraternity.
The card is sent to each newly initiated member once his initiation
fee and E-1 form are received along in the International
Headquarters. The cost of the card is included in the initiation
fee.
The certificate of membership, sometimes
referred to as a shingle, which is sent to each new member after
his initiation fee and E-1 form are received in the International
Headquarters. The cost of the membership certificate is included
in the initiation fee.
A memorial service is conducted at the beginning
of each National Convention by the National Chaplain for those
members who joined the Chapter Eternal in the time since the
previous Convention. Undergraduate chapters are requested to send
the names and year of graduation of all deceased members to the
International Headquarters by June 1st of the Convention year so
that those names may be read at the service.
The chapter leadership newsletter for Theta Chi
Fraternity, which contains information, ideas, programs and updates
for and about our chapters and colonies. Men Since '56 is
published nine times each year through the International
Headquarters.
Chapters are encouraged to organize a Mother's Club,
made up of the mothers of undergraduate members and pledges. Most
Mother's Clubs meet once each year, usually during an event held
for mothers. Many of the clubs contribute items to improve the
appearance of the chapter house.
Theta Chi Fraternity may have been the first national fraternity to
publicly recognize Mother's Day and to recommend that all chapters observe
this day(the second Sunday in May)each year in an appropriate manner.
Our Fraternity made this official in 1920. Alpha Gamma chapter at Michigan
was the first to begin this custom. Recognition of Mother's Day includes
having the mothers of undergraduate members and pledges as guests at
the chapter.