Mission and Objects

In 1879, Beta Theta Pi was the first college fraternity to publish its constitution. In 1997, the Fraternity's leaders implemented the Men of Principle initiative, redefining Beta's values in contemporary terms.

Mission Statement

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.

Nine Goals

These nine goals for Men of Principle describe the distinctive character of our Beta culture. 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 and represent the men we wish to become.

I. Cultivation of the Intellect
The achievement of intellectual excellence is an enduring object of Beta life. Commitment to the cultivation of the intellect requires the culture of the chapter to encourage and support academic achievement.

II. Leadership Development & Self Governance
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.

III. Commitment to Community
Beta Theta Pi 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.

IV. Member Education
Beta Theta Pi rejects hazing as a part of fraternity life, and emphasizes an educational experience which is morally uplifting and intellectually stimulating. The ongoing member education program teaches Beta ritual as the critical element of lifelong brotherhood.

V. Responsible Personal Conduct
Betas live by the highest standards of social conduct. 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.

VI. Chapter Advisors
A network of advisors is a chapter resource of inestimable value. Advisors can enrich the intellectual culture of the chapter, assist with the administration of chapter affairs and help instill as sense of lifelong brotherhood.

VII. Member Recruitment
The process of consistently identifying good men year after year is a critical responsibility of chapter leadership, calling for the implementation of a Member Recruitment Management system, with Recruitment Through Scholarship as a natural element of this goal.

VIII. Communication
Each chapter and the General Fraternity must address the specific communication needs of their constituents. These include alumni, college faculty and administrators, prospective members and parents.

IX. Lifelong Fraternal Brotherhood
Fraternal brotherhood is created and strengthened by the intensity and integrity of effort required for success and enriched by the shared responsibility for achievement that endures.