CONSTITUTION OF 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.
CREED OF THETA CHI:
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.
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:
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.
DEATH OF A MEMBER:
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".
DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS:
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.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD:
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.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
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.
EXPANSION:
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.
FINANCIAL SUPERVISOR:
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.
FOUNDATION CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY, INC.:
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.
FOUNDER'S BADGE:
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.
FOUNDERS DAY:
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."
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:
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."
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:
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.
FRATERNITY FLAG:
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.
FRATERNITY FLOWER:
The flower of Theta Chi Fraternity is the red
carnation.
FRATERNITY FOUNDERS:
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.
FRATERNITY PENNANT:
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.
FREEMAN, FREDERICK NORTON:
One of the founders of Theta Chi
Fraternity. Born March 2, 1839; died March 28, 1867.
FREEMAN MEMORIAL PLAQUE:
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"
GOLDEN GUARD OF THETA CHI:
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.
GOLDEN GUARD RECOGNITION BUTTON:
Official recognition button of the
Fraternity in gold, surrounded by an oval laurel wreath which can
be worn by members of the Golden Guard.
GRAND CHAPTER:
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.
GRAND CHAPTER BADGE GUARD:
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.
GRAND CHAPTER COMMITTEES:
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.
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:
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.
GRAND CHAPTER OFFICERS:
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.
GRAND CHAPTER SEAL:
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.
GRAND CHAPTER SERVICE PLAQUE:
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.
HAZING:
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 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":
The newsletter for house and alumni corporation officers in
Theta Chi Fraternity. "HC" is published six times each year by the
International Headquarters.
HISTORY OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
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.
HONORARY ACTIVE MEMBER:
An alumnus member who becomes a member of
an undergraduate chapter in times of local or national emergency.
HONORARY CHAPTER MEMBER:
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.
HONORARY MEMBER:
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.
INACTIVE CHAPTER:
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.
One of the stated goals of our expansion policy is to recolonize
and ultimately reinstall a large number of our inactive chapters.
INITIATE, INITIATED:
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".
INSTALLATION:
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.
The installation of an inactive chapter is known as a
reinstallation.
INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL:
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.
INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS:
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:
3330 Founders Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
46268-1333
(317) 824-1881
(317) 824-1908 FAX
ihq@thetachi.org
"KEEP IN TOUCH":
The alumni program slogan of the Fraternity.
Chapters are requested to use this slogan in their newsletters.
KEY MAN AWARD:
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.
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:
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.
LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION CONSULTANTS:
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.
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:
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.
LEWIS MEMORIAL TROPHY:
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.
MEMBER AT LARGE:
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.
MEMBERSHIP CARD:
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.
MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE:
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.
MEMORIAL SERVICES:
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.
MEN SINCE '56:
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.
MOTHER'S CLUB:
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.
MOTHER'S DAY:
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.