What kind of grades do the members of Beta Theta Pi get?

Grades are our top priority and our goal is to be in the top 3 fraternities every semester. We ended the 2005-2006 school year third in grades with a 3.163. We have never fallen below the All-Men's, All-University, or All-Fraternity averages.

How long is your pledge program?

It is a 12 week program designed to acclimate pledges to college-level studying, fraternity history and brotherhood. It emphasizes academics, intramurals, fraternity history, songs, community service, and campus involvement.

What rules do you have for new members?

Fifteen study hours per week (Sunday through Thursday night from 7-10 pm ) are required for new members and other requirements include fraternity history tests, intramural participation, learning songs, and campus involvement.

Is there a grade requirement I must meet?

Beta was the first fraternity to require its chapters and individual members to obtain a 2.5 GPA each semester. Pledges who fail to meet the 2.5 minimum will not be initiated, and are allowed a second semester to meet the requirement. Actives who fail to meet the 2.5 minimum GPA are put on a probation that includes a loss of voting and social privileges.

How many pledges will be taken next fall?

Approximately 24

How active is your house in intramurals?

It is one of our top priorities and every year we vie for the fraternity intramural championship. We have won two straight championships in the past two years and set a new overall points record at Kansas State in the 2005-2006 school year. We are currently ranked first and look forward to capturing our third straight title.

How much will my house bill be each month?

Surprisingly, it is less expensive to live at Beta than in the residence halls. Also, Beta is well below the mean for fraternities in house bills. The house bill for the 2006-2007 school year will be around $2,300 a semester, and this includes room and board, cable (internet and TV), and 12 meals per week.

How many social functions do you have during the year?

We have 6-8 date parties along with sorority functions throughout the year. Pledge classes also participate in functions with sorority pledge classes. We also have an out-of-town formal each spring. This year it will be the weekend of April 29th at the Lodge of the Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Does Beta offer any scholarships?

Our chapter offers four $250 scholarships to incoming freshman, and our Gamma Epsilon Alumni Association awards members $250 for earning above a 3.5 semester GPA in the fall semester. Many actives also receive scholarships for holding chapter officer positions.

The Beta Theta Pi Foundation also offers scholarships to active, undergraduate Betas each year totaling close to $100,000. This year, approximately 66 scholarships are available ranging from $300 to $2,000. A number of K-State Betas apply for and receive some foundation scholarships each year, and a number of these scholarships are designated specifically for K-State Betas.

What are some advantages of membership in Beta as compared to other fraternities?

We strive to recruit potential members that exemplify the characteristics of other K-State Betas. By being a part of Beta Theta Pi our members are surrounded by other intelligent, social, well-rounded individuals with common goals. Also, we pride ourselves in our strong brotherhood, a huge advantage at a large university.

Do you have a housemother and cook?

Yes, both full-time. Our house mother, Bobbie Lonker, has been with us for 17 years, and our cook, Gertie Martin for 13 years. We are very lucky to have Mom Lonker and Gertie as they make Beta very much like a home.

Are there a lot of guys in the chapter with my major?

We have brothers in every academic college at K-State.

Do you take out-of-house pledges?

Yes, in special circumstances, such as second semester pledges, but we encourage living in-house, in order to avoid adjustments to different living environments and to increase brotherhood.

How involved is your fraternity in student government and other campus activities?

Betas can be found in everything from SGA to honoraries to campus-wide groups. We have an officer dedicated solely to obtaining information about and matching up brothers with campus involvement opportunities.

What is the living situation in your chapter?

Every new member will have a study room that is shared with three to four other men, in which they will each have a wardrobe and a study desk. Everyone in the house then sleeps in sleeping dorms. We have three sleeping dorms. The sleeping dorms are quiet and dark 24 hours a day so no one is kept up by a roommate who stays up late in their room.

What kind of time commitment is the fraternity?

As a pledge, the required time commitment is more than that for an average active member. Still, this commitment does not, and should not, interfere with school or other activities. Any pledge obligation, such as study hours or intramurals, is designed to assist our potential members in making the most of their first semester.

Beta is a lifelong commitment. Just ask any member. As Gamma Epsilon Betas we take pride in a 105 year tradition of excellence. To receive the full experience of college life and to continue to excel, we are very committed to scholastic achievement, involvement in campus organizations and philanthropic events, and intramural success. The achievement of these goals and the life principles by which we live hinges upon the commitment of each individual member.

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