Beta’s Men of Principle initiative is not a localized idea; rather it is a message that transcends cultures and resonates on any campus, especially at San Jose State! The message is simple: times change, principles don't. Entrepreneurial in spirit and ambitious at heart, we are recruiting men who believe in the mission and vision of the organization. It is our goal to align our chapter and (by that extension) the General Fraternity with the ideals set forth by our eight founding fathers in 1839. Our recent success with being recognized as the "Most Outstanding Fraternity" on campus, two years in a row, coupled with the General Fraternity's 171 years of tradition, leadership and commitment to excellence, Beta Theta Pi has proven, time and time again, to be what college men today are looking for in a fraternity experience.

Leadership Development

Not only are there leadership positions to hold in each chapter, but Beta is also committed to developing its members into the leaders of tomorrow. In 2008, over 1,600 Beta undergraduates attended one of our award-winning leadership development programs, for example:

Beta has received 11 international awards since 1999 for outstanding leadership development programming

Academics:

• Highest chapter minimum grade expectation in the fraternal community (2.7 GPA)
• One of eleven inter/national fraternities with above a 3.0 GPA (3.03)

Roll of Honor:

The rolls of Beta Theta Pi include more than 80 Rhodes Scholars, 200 members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 23 State Governors, six Congressional Medal of Honor winners and 11 current CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies.

Brotherhood and Education:

By participating in symbolic ceremonies, learning and singing many of the Beta songs, and understanding the context of Beta Lore, Betas learn what it means to be a Beta and experience deep bonds of friendship through a 100% positive education process.

Risk Management:

• Clear guidelines and expectations regarding responsible personal conduct, alcohol and drug abuse, and hazing and sexual assault.
• Our members enjoy one of the lowest liability insurance premiums of any fraternity at $120 per year per member.

Beta Theta Pi Foundation

• Recently completed a $20.1 campaign (upon launching in 2003, the largest in fraternal world history)
• More than $400,000 was awarded in scholarships and sponsorships to undergraduate Betas in 2008
• $83,000 awarded in tuition scholarships annually

Beta’s pioneering spirit:

• First college fraternity founded west of the Allegheny Mountains (August 8, 1839)
• Oldest continuously published college fraternity magazine (1872)
• First college fraternity to publish an open constitution for public distribution (1879)
• First fraternity to be founded in 15 states – more than any other fraternity
• First fraternity established on more than 35 campuses – more than any other fraternity
• First fraternity to establish a chapter west of the Mississippi River (1866)
• First fraternity to have general officers (1872)
• First fraternity to create alumni chapters (1867)
• First fraternity to have a General Convention (1842)
• First to host an Interfraternal event and meeting (1848)
• First fraternity to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for a chapter (1984)
• First fraternity to adopt a 2.5 minimum GPA for each member (1997)
• First fraternity to adopt a 2.7 minimum GPA for a chapter (2006)