Frequently Asked Questions

What is the criteria to join?

• Any regularly enrolled, undergraduate male student of John Carroll University is eligible to be considered for membership provided he is not a member of any similar social fraternity or association, and he meets the necessary academic requirements depending on his most recent association with John Carroll:
• Those entering as first-time college students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 from their high school career.
• Continuing students at John Carroll must have a minimum semester GPA of 2.850 in their most recently completed academic semester and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.850.
• Students transferring to John Carroll from another bachelor’s degree-granting institution must meet the same requirements set forth for a continuing John Carroll student.
• Perhaps most importantly, potential new members must possess the character and values we demand from our brothers. Your values should be in line with our publicly stated core values, and you must be willing to make the commitment to act in accordance with those values at all times.
• The chapter does not discriminate in membership selection, initiation, chapter operations, or other activities of the Fraternity based upon any person’s race, color, creed, religious affiliation, age, ability, ethnic background, culture, privilege, sexual orientation, political ideology, national origin, citizenship, marital status, or any other illegal basis.

I am not sure I like the negative image of being a “frat guy.” How will I not be associated with those stereotypes?

• We don’t like the image of being “frat guys,” either. And to be brutally honest, you probably will be associated with negative stereotypes at first, especially with family members or friends at home. However, we find that once people give us a chance, they realize we are a great group of upstanding men, and we don’t fit the “Animal House” stereotypes. Beta Theta Pi is different.
• We are gentlemen, leaders, and scholars committed to living out a specific set of core values and making a positive contribution to the university and surrounding community. We want to make our professors, friends, alumni, and families proud of who we are and what we stand for. The character of our members is our greatest asset, and we work hard to hold each other accountable and form lasting relationships with all whom we come into contact.

What kind of time commitment is associated with becoming a member?

• It all depends on your level of involvement with the chapter. For instance, if you elect to run for a position on the executive board, your time commitment will be much greater than if you have a less intensive leadership role or refrain completely from accepting a position. It is reasonable to expect that you will need to commit to a minimum of 4-5 hours per week for Beta, which can vary depending on events occurring that week, the time of year, and the position you hold in the fraternity.
• Many Betas are extremely active on campus or have rigorous course loads, and we understand that many of those interested in Beta have similar interests and involvement. We prioritize academics, and we support each other in those pursuits. However, we ask our members to practice good time management so that they can enjoy and benefit from the complete experience of being a brother of Beta Theta Pi. You get out of the experience as much as you put in.

My parents are hesitant about Greek Life. What should I tell them?

• Many parents have a sense of fear when their sons begin exploring fraternity life. This is a common and understandable emotion, and one that was initially felt by those who are now our most vocal parent supporters. However, in their time as Beta Parents, they have found that Beta Theta Pi is not a stereotypical fraternity. Rather, this is an organization that is life-giving in the best of ways.
• The men in our chapter have the support and guidance of a full advisory team, consisting of Beta alumni and university professionals, who are here to mentor and advise the members. Brothers have myriad opportunities to develop their leadership potential through award-winning programs supported and orchestrated by the General Fraternity. Betas excel in the classroom, achieving a chapter-wide GPA higher than the all-male campus GPA. And we give back to our community, working alongside organizations like The Power of Will.

Hazing seems like something I wouldn't enjoy. Do you haze?

• Plain and simple, Beta Theta Pi does not haze. We are a group of men bonded into brotherhood; however, we refuse to accomplish this in the stereotypical way of hazing. The JCU Chapter Risk Management Policy clearly states our strong opposition to such practices. We believe in building up men of principle, not tearing them down.
• If you have questions, talk to recent initiates about their experience. They can confirm that as a chapter, we work hard to create a positive atmosphere of respect between brothers and new members.