Chapter ΚΔ Operations, Policy, & Practices

Colony History.  We were established at UTEP as an official colony of Theta Chi Fraternity on September 22, 2015.  Read the complete story here:

 

 

 

GPA (Grade Point Average).  Pledges are expected to keep their GPAs above at least a 2.5.  Our Chapter usually finishes the Fall and Spring Semesters with a strong Brotherhood GPA, ranking high among all fraternities, sororities, and undergraduates on campus.

 

Chapter Bylaws.  We’ve revised our old Colony Bylaws completely to an updated version incorporating all our International Headquarter’s mandates as well as UTEP’s  guidance.  You can read them at this this link:

 

​

​

 

 

Brothers' Meetings.  Weekly Chapter meetings are held every Monday evening in UTEP's Union Building East and all are expected to attend and participate.  Meetings are conducted using informal parliamentary procedures guided by Robert's Rules of Order.  Our "House," or rather meeting room (see Union Bldg East map at CONTACT Tab), time, and dress, or any changes, are announced beforehand each week.  One gavel knock means to sit or pay attention to business; three means to stand.  We stand when females enter our room until the President has us sit.  Brothers respond to their name being called at Roll Call with, “Here, Brother.”  One individual is designated as critic/observer to critique the meeting and relate his observations, good and bad, on how well that meeting progressed for the purpose of improving the meeting process and conduct of chapter business thereafter.  Just snap your fingers for a typical meeting Order of Business template:

 

 

​

 

Pledge Button.  Also called a "Pledge Pin,” it symbolizes membership in ΘΧ and is worn over the heart such as on the left lapel of a blazer.  Wear is reserved for formal/ceremonial affairs.  A red or other Theta Chi tie would also be worn on such occasions.

 

 

​

 

Brotherhoods & Socials.  These casual socials usually take place weekly at different venues (such as restaurants, sporting events, etc.) to strengthen friendships, serve as a break from school and official fraternity concerns, and get to know PNMs.

PNM.  Potential New Members are individuals who Brothers know or have recently met who have a genuine interest in and are qualified to join our fraternity.  You’re expected to actively foster and recruit such men and submit their names and phone numbers to the Recruitment Chairman.  (Recruitment is the equivalent of the sometimes used term Rush.)  You would then invite your PNMs to social Brotherhoods so all may meet them.  Later, after discussion at some future Brothers' Meeting, a majority vote would allow a bid (invitation) to be extended to some or all of them to join our Chapter.  New Members must then complete the Marshal's New Member Education Program.

 

Scholarship.  Since our fraternity takes academics seriously, the Scholarship Chairman maintains a binder in the Library in which brothers are expected to log in minimum Library hours weekly.  Failure to do so will result in a small individual fine.  He may also ask for GPAs at any time.    

​

Fraternity Badge.  Sometimes called “Brother’s Badge” and originally designed by assistant founder Egbert Phelps, it's worn by initiated members on the left side in the vicinity of the heart, at a distinctive angle, the long axis of the Θ bisecting the angle formed by the head and right shoulder or, in other words, so that the wearer's left sword points vertically to the ground.  The badge should only be worn at appropriate times and with suitable dress. When wearing a suit or jacket, the badge is worn on the shirt/inner garment and not on the lapel of the coat.  Chapter Guard for Badge.  Members may also wear a guard for their badge, consisting of the Greek letters representing their chapter. The guard is fastened to the badge by a small chain and can be worn above, at the same level, or below and to the left of the badge.

​

 

 

​

 

Recognition Pin.  This is a small gold button worn on the left coat lapel or other garment and may be a miniature reproduction of the official badge, coat of arms, or fraternity letters. 

 

 

​

​

Snapping Fingers.  In our Chapter (as in others), the standard clapping of hands/ applause has been replaced when we’re assembled by the tradition of snapping fingers to indicate agreement or approval.

​

​

​