The Men of Principle initiative was established in 1997 to reaffirm Beta Theta Pi's principles and obligations. February 1997, the Board of Trustees established a Strategic Vision Steering Committee made up of men and women to study the issues in the Greek Community and make a plan for the future. Holding dear to the principles and obligations in which Beta was founded, a plan from the committee was established after ten months of deliberations and studies. To focus collegians and alumni on the principles in which Beta was founded, the Mission and Vision was created as the guiding lights for the men of Beta. To aid in chapter programming, the committee set-up guideposts known as the Nine Goals, this came together with the Mission and Vision to become the Men of Principle initiative.

I am a Man of Principle
I believe in the power of the mind, cultivating
my own intellect and the minds of others.
I respect leadership, lead when called upon
to do so, and help to prepare the leaders who
will come after me.
I willingly lend my talents and abilities to
the service of my community.
I recognize and respect the worth of each person,
refusing to take part in activities that undermine
the dignity of others or myself.
I choose to act responsibly, weighing the
consequences of my action on those around me.
I speak honestly and listen actively.
I seek the company of other men of principle,
extending them the bonds of brotherhood.
I build bridges, not walls.
I am a Beta.

Vision

      Beta Theta Pi will be the exemplary standard for collegiate fraternal societies. Through implementation of Men of Principle, 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.

Top

Mission

      Beta Theta Pi is dedicated to building 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.

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

Cultivation of the Intellect
Beta membership encourages individual and chapter support of the academic mission and provides opportunities for co-curricular learning and personal growth.

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

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.

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

Top

Goals

      These nine goals describe the distinctive character of Beta's Men of Principle Initiative. They flow directly from the Mission Statement and anticipate the Beta Theta Pi Vision. While these goals are listed in numerical order, they are in fact interrelated and of equal value. There is no hierarchy. No single goal is more or less important than the others. They work together systematically. Reading them in sequence gives a sense of systematic wholeness, of how they relate, fit together and mutually support one another. The programs relate specifically to the goals. When successfully implemented, the cumulative effect will be the achievement of the Mission and Vision in Men of Principle chapters.

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.

Leadership Development and 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.

Commitment to the 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.

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 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 experience of brotherhood.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 systematic 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.

Top