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The Objectives of Theta Chi Fraternity were adopted by the
Grand Chapter in 1935. Our Objectives present our goals as
a Fraternity, define and explain the relationship of Theta
Chi to other organizations, and set forth expectations for
undergraduate and alumnus members and chapters. The preamble
clearly states the purpose and mission of the Objectives and
the importance which we in Theta Chi attach to the Objectives.
In the latest edition of The Manual of Theta Chi, we have
changed and updated some terms and definitions found in the
Objectives to conform to our organization and modern usage.
The Objectives can be arranged into four groups relating to
personal, social, cultural and financial subjects.
Preamble
To make Theta Chi Fraternity a positive force for constructive
and continued development of the highest type of citizenship
among its members and to perpetuate the fundamentals of the
Fraternity, the following Theta Chi Objectives are established
for attainment by the individual members and the various chapters.
1. The Fraternity. To recognize that the fraternity,
ever an independent institution, is a valuable part of higher
education, cooperating at all times with the college or university
with which it is associated, to make the chapter serve as
a campus home to the members, while they are undergraduates
and when, as alumni, they return to campus for visits; to
render a definite service as a means of helping undergraduates
to develop and mature; to provide experience in making and
enforcing regulations for mutual forebearance and cooperation
while living together, in selecting leaders, and in participating
in other democratic processes, as excellent preparation for
life after graduation, and to provide the opportunity for
making life long friendships, which is one of the most valuable
assets of college life.
2. Obligations. To impress upon each member
an appreciation of the fact that the privileges and honors
of brotherhood in Theta Chi carry with them obligations and
duties to be properly performed, and to inspire in all members
a sense of responsibility which will serve them well in their
involvement in family, civic and community life following
graduation.
3. Code of Conduct. To develop a definite practical
code of conduct for fraternity members which will reflect
the ideals of our founders, and by compliance with that code
our members will set an example of true gentlemanly conduct
that will be recognized in the campus and community. The code
will include absolute honesty in our interaction with others,
respect for all persons and property, a responsible attitude
in the conduct of all individual and chapter events, a commitment
of service to the campus and community, and assistance to
those less fortunate.
4. Chapter House. For those chapters with houses,
to establish the house as a fraternity home for members, pledges,
alumni and guests. The appearance and upkeep of the house
and the property are critically important to the image of
the chapter and are key factors in the evaluation of the chapter
by the campus community. All members should be involved in
the maintenance and cleaning of the house.
5. Chapter Government. To establish in chapter
operations and government the principles of democracy, to
encourage involvement and participation by all members, to
develop disciplinary standards and to administer the operations
of the chapter in an efficient and businesslike manner.
6. College Cooperation. To communicate and
work closely with representatives of the college or university,
recognizing that our maxim, "Alma Mater First, and Theta
Chi for Alma Mater" emphasizes the significance and importance
of the host institution in Theta Chi Fraternity for each of
our chapters. This cooperation includes regular meetings with
the Greek Advisor or other administrators, and working to
assist the college or university in maintaining and enhancing
relations with the chapter and the Greek System.
7. Pledging Standards. To base the standards
for the selection of new members on character, the qualities
reflected in our Creed and our Ritual, and potential for development
as an active and involved brother in Theta Chi Fraternity.
The pledge education program must also reflect those qualities,
and positive and constructive methods are utilized in teaching,
instructing, and leading our new members.
8. Scholarship. To strive to maintain a chapter
grade point average which is above the All Men's Average on
campus and to provide members and pledges with support, encouragement
and recognition for academic excellence. If the chapter has
a house or other facility, to provide an area equipped for
study and an atmosphere which encourages academic achievement,
with quiet hours, a tutor system, reference books, and other
forms of assistance. To identify a Faculty Advisor and to
have that person work with members and pledges on a regular
basis.
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9. Activities. To encourage all members and
pledges to involve themselves in campus activities or organizations.
This enhances the leadership skills of members and emphasizes
our mission on campus to serve alma mater.
10. Library. To develop a library for use by
members and pledges which includes reference and resource
books, supplementary volumes for textbooks, and the great
works of literature, as well as current news and special interest
magazines and periodicals.
11. Alumni. To sponsor at least two events
for alumni each year and to publish, with the assistance of
the alumni board, a newsletter at least three times each year.
12. Chapter Meetings. To conduct meetings in
an efficient and expeditious manner, while allowing for the
intelligent interchange of opinions and ideas and encouraging
the participation of all members. Chapter meetings should
also be a time for reflection upon the chapter and the Fraternity,
and all members should have the opportunity to voice their
feelings at the end of the meeting.
13. Interfraternity Council. To take an active
and energetic role in the campus interfraternity council through
regular representation at meetings, holding offices, and providing
leadership through participation in and support of interfraternity
events and activities. The interfraternity council can have
an extremely positive impact upon the campus and community,
and Theta Chi Fraternity has an obligation to provide support
and leadership for the IFC. Chapters must also strive to uphold
all interfraternity council policies and regulations, supporting
the larger brotherhood of all chapters on campus.
14. Interchapter relations. To develop and
encourage positive relationships with other chapters and colonies
through retreats, meetings, regional activities and visits.
15. Conferences and Conventions. To be represented
by a delegation of members at all national and regional events,
including regional conferences and regional retreats, the
National Convention, and the Chapter Leadership Conference.
16. Guest Night. To designate one evening each
week as guest night, at which a member of the faculty or administrative
staff, an undergraduate leader, or a citizen from the community
will be present at dinner and present a brief talk to the
members and pledges.
17. Mother and Father. To invite and encourage
involvement in the chapter by the mothers and fathers of all
members and pledges. This can be accomplished through clubs
for mothers, fathers, or parents, by scheduling special events
for parents, and by sending a newsletter or the chapter newsletter
to all parents.
18. Chapter Endowment Fund. To create an endowment
fund for use in emergency situations and for loans to deserving
undergraduate members.
19. Cash Operation. To operate the chapter
on a sound financial basis with timely payment of bills, collection
of fees, dues and receivables, and a balanced budget.
20. Chapter Credit. To establish a good credit
rating for the chapter by prompt payment of all bills or scheduled
payments. It is to be understood that the national fraternity
is not responsible for debts incurred by an undergraduate
chapter.
21. House Ownership. In recognition of the
important role that a house, lodge, residence hall floor or
other central living or meeting place may play in the development
of a chapter, all chapters without a house or other designated
meeting place are encouraged to identify a property or place
for that purpose.
22. Internal Cooperation. To maintain a high
degree of cooperation and communication with the Grand Chapter,
the International Headquarters, the Regional Staff, Leadership
and Education Consultants, and other members of the Official
Family of Theta Chi Fraternity.
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