What Is Beta Theta Pi?
"Making Good Men Better Since 1839." Beta Theta Pi is a values-based social fraternity that was founded in 1839. This currently makes us the oldest secret society in existence and gives us a history rich in tradition. Our great fraternity has been dedicated to helping men become successful in all of their worthy endeavors through its focus on friendship, service to the community, and the development of intellect and confidence. To date, there are over 130 chapters across North America and over 160,000 initiated members who have enjoyed the "Beta experience."
The friends you will make at Beta Theta Pi are friends you will have for life. As far as social life goes, there is always something to do when you're a Beta. We have socials and serenades with sororities, play IFC sports, and have, brotherhood events and formal dances. Although fun is a big part of being a Beta, we believe that it is not as important as academics. There is always someone around the house to help you with your studies, suggest good instructors, and occasionally lend you a book or two for the semester. Brothers can also give you advice on classes, help open the door to numerous opportunities, and even help you find a job.
What are Secret Societies?
A secret society is an organization which holds in it rituals, or ceremonies, that are not known to anyone on the outside of the organization. Founded in 1839, when fraternities were illegal and being an active member in one would mean expulsion, our founders created many rituals which Betas from across the country still perform today. In some fraternities, and in the public's eye, rituals or ceremonies are associated with hazing and bad acts towards pledges. Know this.there is not one fraternity who's founders incorporated hazing into their ritual. Over time, hazing was introduced by members in the organizations as a right of passage. "Rituals" eventually became more and more extreme. We perform the rituals of our founders, one's which teach potential initiates the meaning of our fraternity and give us great principles for which to model our lives.Will I be Hazed?
Beta Theta Pi is nationally recognized, and is highly respected in the fraternity world for its uncompromising standpoint on hazing. At Beta Theta Pi, no potential initiate is ever forced to drink alcohol, do anything illegal, perform publicly humiliating acts, or put into a situation where their safety is put into jeopardy. At the Zeta Zeta chapter we believe in a completely positive pledge experience and put our efforts into developing young men into leaders on the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Campus.
What is Rush?
