GreekChat.com Forums  

Go Back   GreekChat.com Forums > GLO Specific Forums > Beta > Beta Theta Pi


Register Now for FREE!
Join GreekChat.com, The Fraternity & Sorority Greek Chat Network. To sign up for your FREE account INSTANTLY fill out the form below!

Username: Password: Confirm Password: E-Mail: Confirm E-Mail:
 
Image Verification
Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

  I agree to forum rules 

» GC Stats
Members: 325,123
Threads: 115,503
Posts: 2,196,037
Welcome to our newest member, zsamulpitt5293
» Online Users: 1,038
2 members and 1,036 guests
AOIIalum, zsamulpitt5293
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-16-2012, 08:33 PM
JustplainEric JustplainEric is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Starting a Colony

I am a recently transferred Junior at California State University, Chico. I have been interested in Beta Theta Pi for a few years now, and have recently participated in the Rush Process here at my school. After having met all of the leaders and quite a few members of the current Fraternities here at Chico, I realized that the experience that I was looking to find through a Brotherhood is not truly offered by any of the Fraternities on my campus. I have not always been interested in Greek Life, but I have several friends who graduated before me that got me interested in the growth and opportunities that a Fraternity can offer me. When looking at different Fraternities I was first drawn to Beta, to be honest, because it is a Singing Fraternity. I was, however ultimately intrigued by the philosophy of Beta and it's emphasis using principle as a basis for learning and leading Brother's lives after they leave the Fraternity.
As I went through the Rush process a few weeks ago, I ultimately came to the conclusion that I was conforming to the idea of what I thought a member of a fraternity should be, and I was not being true to myself. The culture that I have seen through many Beta chapters is one that I feel like a Young Man can be himself without fear of ridicule or discrimination. As a Theater Major I have learned to be a great communicator, and to deal with all types of people. I was struck by my time in the rush process here at Chico, is that the culture of Fraternity here, is one that thrives on exclusion. It is my feeling that Brotherhood should be an experience that thrives on the differences that each Brother brings to the experience. If we, as members of a fraternity are expected to learn and grow, how can we only accept those that fit our own mold? Would this not impede our process of Learning and Growing as men of Principle?
I am interested in bringing the inclusion and culture that I have seen in many chapter of Beta to Chico. I am currently talking to a few Young Men who I believe would be interested in bringing this change about as well. However, I wanted to see what the process of starting a colony would involve.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-16-2012, 11:30 PM
knight_shadow knight_shadow is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Texas
Posts: 14,143
Quote:
Originally Posted by JustplainEric View Post
I am a recently transferred Junior at California State University, Chico. I have been interested in Beta Theta Pi for a few years now, and have recently participated in the Rush Process here at my school. After having met all of the leaders and quite a few members of the current Fraternities here at Chico, I realized that the experience that I was looking to find through a Brotherhood is not truly offered by any of the Fraternities on my campus. I have not always been interested in Greek Life, but I have several friends who graduated before me that got me interested in the growth and opportunities that a Fraternity can offer me. When looking at different Fraternities I was first drawn to Beta, to be honest, because it is a Singing Fraternity. I was, however ultimately intrigued by the philosophy of Beta and it's emphasis using principle as a basis for learning and leading Brother's lives after they leave the Fraternity.
As I went through the Rush process a few weeks ago, I ultimately came to the conclusion that I was conforming to the idea of what I thought a member of a fraternity should be, and I was not being true to myself. The culture that I have seen through many Beta chapters is one that I feel like a Young Man can be himself without fear of ridicule or discrimination. As a Theater Major I have learned to be a great communicator, and to deal with all types of people. I was struck by my time in the rush process here at Chico, is that the culture of Fraternity here, is one that thrives on exclusion. It is my feeling that Brotherhood should be an experience that thrives on the differences that each Brother brings to the experience. If we, as members of a fraternity are expected to learn and grow, how can we only accept those that fit our own mold? Would this not impede our process of Learning and Growing as men of Principle?
I am interested in bringing the inclusion and culture that I have seen in many chapter of Beta to Chico. I am currently talking to a few Young Men who I believe would be interested in bringing this change about as well. However, I wanted to see what the process of starting a colony would involve.
Go to Beta Theta Pi's website.

You say that you didn't think that brotherhood existed in the current fraternities. Bringing a new fraternity to campus doesn't bring new people to campus -- the same people currently rushing will be rushing if Beta Theta Pi comes to your school. Just something to keep in mind.
__________________
*does side bends and sit-ups*
*doesn't lose butt*

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-16-2012, 11:53 PM
Psi U MC Vito Psi U MC Vito is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: nasty and inebriated
Posts: 5,772
Also seeing if the school was open to expansion would be a good start as well.
__________________
And he took a cup of coffee and gave thanks to God for it, saying, 'Each of you drink from it. This is my caffeine, which gives life.'
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-17-2012, 01:03 AM
JustplainEric JustplainEric is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by knight_shadow View Post
Go to Beta Theta Pi's website.

You say that you didn't think that brotherhood existed in the current fraternities. Bringing a new fraternity to campus doesn't bring new people to campus -- the same people currently rushing will be rushing if Beta Theta Pi comes to your school. Just something to keep in mind.
I said I did not find what I was looking for out of Brotherhood. I have also talked to several other people who rushed who felt the same. I am not saying Brotherhood doesn't exist on this campus, it certainly does, but what I was looking for out of MY fraternity experience was not available in any of the current Fraternities offered.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-17-2012, 01:04 AM
JustplainEric JustplainEric is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito View Post
Also seeing if the school was open to expansion would be a good start as well.
Thanks! I have already done that, but the help is appreciated!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-17-2012, 01:57 AM
DubaiSis DubaiSis is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Back in the Heartland
Posts: 5,424
I don't too often worry about men and unicorns pooping rainbows, but I think you have an unrealistic idea of what a college fraternity is or will be at this school. You can give it a shot with a colony, but I would also suggest going back to those houses you thought weren't what you wanted and give them another chance, while being yourself.

And your perception of Beta is admirable, but just to be clear, chapters vary greatly. I'm sure there are Beta chapters that are dorks who can barely keep on campus and ones where they are huge d-bags living every negative stereotype of fraternity. This is not meant to insult Beta because this is true of every fraternity - there is no BEST fraternity out there from coast to coast. They all have admirable chapters and less admirable ones. And this is true of the ones you checked out already. As a junior, you might look at their national/alumni programs because since your undergrad life is on the wane, that part of the fraternity is going to become much more important in the near future.
__________________
"Traveling - It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. ~ Ibn Battuta
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-17-2012, 03:16 AM
knight_shadow knight_shadow is offline
GreekChat Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Texas
Posts: 14,143
Quote:
Originally Posted by JustplainEric View Post
I said I did not find what I was looking for out of Brotherhood. I have also talked to several other people who rushed who felt the same. I am not saying Brotherhood doesn't exist on this campus, it certainly does, but what I was looking for out of MY fraternity experience was not available in any of the current Fraternities offered.
So what will change on your campus if Beta Theta Pi decides to colonize?

As I said earlier, even if the national organization seemingly has all of the qualities you think you're looking for, the local chapter will still be made up of people on your campus. There likely won't be a massive paradigm shift just because a new GLO enters the scene.
__________________
*does side bends and sit-ups*
*doesn't lose butt*

Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Starting a Colony Ckley001 Introductions 9 02-05-2011 12:52 PM
Starting a colony trelyt226 Greek Life 5 02-17-2010 12:30 PM
Starting a new colony bellwisdom Sigma Chi 1 02-14-2008 08:23 AM
Starting a New Colony InterestedCat Chapter Operations 4 10-02-2007 10:59 AM



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:59 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.