Why Join Theta Chi Fraternity?

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Theta Chi Fraternity. Becoming a member and contributing your time and talents to our brotherhood may be the best decision you make while in college, and we applaud your efforts to make the most informed decision.

Since its founding in 1856 at Norwich University, Theta Chi has grown to more than 219 chapters and colonies across the United States and Canada; and has initiated more than 160,000 brothers. This section of our website is dedicated to helping men like yourself learn more about our values, members, and programs. You will also find information you may not have thought about when considering which fraternity is right for you, and you will want quality information to make an educated decision.

Becoming a member of Theta Chi is more than just becoming part of a club. It provides you with the opportunity to be involved with an international brotherhood spanning over 150 years, to refine your personal and social skills, to develop a sense of belonging and fellowship in a college environment, and to jump-start your success after college. It also encourages you to broaden your college experiences through leadership programming, intramural events, academic support, inter-Greek events, regional conferences, and international conventions.

The journey towards full membership in Theta Chi may have already begun for you, and we hope that Theta Chi ends up being the right fraternity for you. If there is information not covered in this website, or if you wish to speak with someone directly regarding your desire to join Theta Chi please contact the Recruitment Chairman of Theta Chi at Bradley University, Adam Baldwin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rush?

The term "RUSH" is often used as a more appealing substitute for the phrase "New Membership Recruitment." Rush refers to the primary membership recruitment in which each fraternity participates over a three week long period. During Rush, fraternities generally set up a calendar of events designed to attract students interested in what fraternity life has to offer. Prospective members have the chance to get to know as many fraternities as desired throughout Rush, and towards the end of the week, they will potentially receive a bid from each fraternity. Rush Week occurs during the start of each semester.

What is a bid?

A bid is the general term to describe a formal invitation to pledge a fraternity. At the end of the formal Rush Week, prospective members are given bids from up to 5 fraternities. Should the prospective new member accept his invitation for membership, he will be formally pledged into the fraternity.

Will pledging hurt my grades?

Scholarship is the most important cornerstone of Theta Chi. As our maxim states "Alma Mater First, and Theta Chi for Alma Mater." Theta Chi has had one of the highest freaternity GPA on campus for the past six semesters.  Theta Chi also consistently surpasses the all-men-average GPA of Bradley University. . 

Does Theta Chi haze pledges or members?

Theta Chi was founded on non-hazing principles; that being said, Theta Chi at Bradley University does not haze any of its members. The following is an excerpt taken verbatim from our New Member Ceremony.  "I can assure you that this will not in any way restrain you from serving your Alma Mater loyally, or living as a valued citizen, and as an honorable gentleman."

Does Theta Chi assist with my pledge dues?

Financial burdens should never prevent a brother from experiencing everything the fraternity has to offer. Should a brother experience financial difficulties, the treasurer can work with the brother to figure out a payment plan. Alumni have also been known to step in to assist brothers who may be experiencing financial struggles.

Will I have enough time for pledging while I'm a freshmen in college?

Absolutely!  The Theta Chi new member education program is designed to work around your schedule.  Theta Chi will never interfere with your academic priorities. As a new member, you will only be required to put in two hours per week during your pledging process. One of these hours goes towards your new member education while the hour goes towards chapter meeting attendance. 

How long is the pledge program in Theta Chi?

Theta Chi has one of the shortest pledge programs at Bradley University. While many other fraternities at BU have pledge programs that last for 4+ months, Theta Chi fraternity operates on a 4-1-4 schedule. This means that the new members will spend the first four weeks learning the history of the fraternity. They will then have their Initiation Week (also referred to as "I-Week"). After being initiated, the new brothers of Theta Chi will have four weeks of Continuing Education in which they learn how to become better students, better leaders, and better men.

Do I have to consume alcohol as a pledge of Theta Chi?

Theta Chi Fraternity abides by Illinois State law as well as our national constitution and by-laws.  Underage drinking is illegal and will not be included as a part of the pledging process of Theta Chi.  Also, any form of forced alcohol consumption is a blatant violation of our Zero-Tolerance Hazing Policy.

Our Motto: Theta Chi's motto "The Helping Hand" signifies the importance we place on helping our community. Theta Chi is the only national fraternity whose motto deals with philanthropic principles.

Our Maxim: Theta Chi's maxim "Alma Mater First, and Theta Chi for Alma Mater" signifies the idea that the men of Theta Chi put academic obligations before any fraternal obligations.

No Hazing: Theta Chi is a fraternity of Gentlemen and has a zero-tolerance hazing policy. New members of Theta Chi will never be asked to perform any acts that could be deemed unbecoming of a gentleman.

Leadership Opportunities: Theta Chi Fraternity offers many leadership opportunities that will help you develop skills that will be useful for the rest of your life. To help cater to these opportunities, Theta Chi Fraternity hosts several yearly leadership conferences open to all members of the fraternity.

Scholarship Programming: As brothers, we help each other succeed in the classroom. We have programs that help those who are struggling and reward those who are doing well. These include in-house tutoring programs as well as maintaining study files and records of university courses.

Our Alumni: Our alumni are very active in the chapter providing us with with many resources and opportunities. They also manage the house and make upgrades and repairs that are needed.

The New Member Program: We take pride in our new member program. You will learn everything there is to know about Theta Chi including our history, founding principles, and chapter operations. The purpose of the new member education program is to ensure that all members of Theta Chi are capable of one day leading the chapter as a whole.

Life Long Brothers: The friendships that you form here at Theta Chi will last a lifetime!

Did You Know?