theta chi - resolute man

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AN INTRODUCTION TO

THE RESOLUTE MAN

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THE RESOLUTE MAN

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THE RESOLUTE MAN

January 8, 2016

Dear Brothers:

We are excited to introduce you to The Resolute Man!

The Resolute Man represents the future of Theta Chi Fraternity. For the first time in our history, we are defining the desired outcomes of membership in a measurable fashion. The requirements outlined within this introductory guide will provide you with a road map to get the most out of your Theta Chi experience. It will also prove a useful tool in explaining to those outside of the Fraternity (parents, college or university administrators, potential members) the leadership skills and knowledge Theta Chi imparts to its members.

This introductory guide outlines the basic requirements for an individual to pledge the Fraternity and the requirements for initiation (becoming a Theta Chi Collegian). Most excitingly, this guide illuminates a path by which initiated members can achieve a new distinction within Theta Chi Fraternity – The Resolute Man.

This guide is the first preview of The Resolute Man. The final version of The Resolute Man will be released at the 160th Anniversary Convention and 37th School of Fraternity Practices to be held July 22-26, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. Initiated members, both collegians and alumni, will have their first opportunity to begin their journey towards becoming a Resolute Man during the 2016/2017 academic year.

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We hope you will find this guide useful in understanding this exciting new initiative. Throughout the first six months of 2016, the Fraternity will feature The Resolute Man prominently during the Mid-Year Leadership Conferences and Summits and through our communication vehicles. You are invited and encouraged to pass along input and feedback in order to maximize the effectiveness of our final program.

Please contact the International Headquarters staff by phone at 317-848-1856 or by emailing [email protected] with any questions or input about The Resolute Man.

We look forward to making The Resolute Man a reality very soon!

Fraternally,

Richard D. Elder Michael MayerInternational President Executive Director

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Table of ContentsChapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4Area IArea IIArea IIIArea IV

Chapter 5

Introduction to The Resolute Man

The Theta Chi Pledge

The Theta Chi Collegian

The Resolute ManLeadership and Teamwork DevelopmentAlma Mater FirstSocial Competence and DevelopmentLife After Graduation

Final Application Procedures

Appendix IIAppendix III

Theta Chi Pledge Honor CodeTheta Chi Collegian Honor Code

Appendix I From Alumnus to Resolute Man

Area V Theta Chi for Life

THE RESOLUTE MAN

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CHAPTER ONE Introduction to The Resolute Man

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Welcome to The Resolute Man.

It is a pleasure to introduce you to a new and exciting era for Theta Chi Fraternity. The Resolute Man is a set of standards for defining what membership in Theta Chi Fraternity truly means. When you and your brothers fulfill the challenges outlined within The Resolute Man, your chapter will experience higher levels of engagement and achievement. When brothers seek to become The Resolute Man, they are not only striving to become a better Theta Chi, but also a better man.

Included within The Resolute Man are materials that enhance our individual and chapter levels of accountability. The Resolute Man includes Pledge and Collegian Honor Codes. Honor codes, while not new to Theta Chi, are being reintroduced via The Resolute Man as a means for chapters to develop baseline expectations for its members. It is encouraged to have your entire chapter sign these codes and then keep them on file as a reminder of our obligations to the Fraternity.

THE RESOLUTE MANINTRODUCTION TO THE RESOLUTE MAN

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Be The Resolute Man.

Finally, as Theta Chi Fraternity is a lifelong commitment for its members, alumni will also have an opportunity to become a Resolute Man. The Resolute Man will help recognize alumni who have made a significant contribution to the Fraternity on a local and international level.

Becoming a Resolute Man is a great honor for any Theta Chi. To get the most out of your fraternal experience, we encourage all members to strive toward this worthy challenge. Greatness is achieved through taking advantage of the opportunities before you.

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He has expressed a genuine desire to pursue membership and has pledged to uphold the traditions and standards of Theta Chi Fraternity.

The Theta Chi Pledge is a man seeking to learn about Theta Chi Fraternity so that he may fully commit himself to becoming a brother and a Resolute Man.

THE RESOLUTE MANTHE THETA CHI PLEDGE

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CHAPTER TWO The Theta Chi Pledge

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Be a male of honorable and moral character

Be enrolled and in good standing at an institution at which an active chapter exists

Not be a member of another fraternal organization similar in character to Theta Chi Fraternity

Have a 2.5 grade point average from high school if no college grade point average has been established

Have a 2.5 cumulative collegiate grade point average if a college grade point average has been established

Receive a formal invitation (bid) approved by a majority vote of an active chapter

Review and agree to live fully by Theta Chi Fraternity’s Pledge Honor Code (see Appendix II) -The Recruitment Chairman or Marshal will review the honor code with you to help you understand this commitment

Prerequisites to become a Theta Chi Pledge

THE RESOLUTE MANTHE THETA CHI PLEDGE

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Complete the Pledging Ceremony in the Public Ritual

Establish a myOX account through OmegaFi no later than 10 days after completing the Pledging Ceremony

Pay the pledge fee in full no later than 10 days after completing the Pledging Ceremony -Information on the current pledge fee can be obtained from the International Headquarters

Sign and uphold the Pledge Honor Code (see Appendix II)

Obligations of a Theta Chi Pledge

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He has completed all necessary obligations prescribed to a Theta Chi Fraternity Pledge. The Theta Chi Collegian is well versed in his Fraternity’s history.

The Theta Chi Collegian is an initiated member of Theta Chi Fraternity who has fully accepted the obligations of membership and is striving to become a Resolute Man.

THE RESOLUTE MANTHE THETA CHI COLLEGIAN

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CHAPTER THREE The Theta Chi Collegian

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Complete all of the following:

Attend an educational session about Theta Chi Fraternity History -Highlights can be found in the The Manual of Theta Chi Fraternity

Attend an educational session on the Theta Chi Collegian Honor Code (see Appendix III) -The Marshal will review the honor code with you to help you understand this commitment

Required Curriculum to become a Theta Chi Collegian (Requirements for Initiation)Education


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Attend an educational session on FIPG, Inc. and Theta Chi Risk Management Policies -FIPG stands for Fraternal Information and Programming Group -FIPG guidelines and all of Theta Chi Fraternity’s Risk Management Policies can be found in the Risk Management, Standards, and Insurance Manual located in the myOX Resource Center accessible through www.thetachi.org

Attend an educational session on The Resolute Man requirements -The Marshal will walk you through the information and answer any questions you may have

Attend an educational session on hazing prevention -This session can be facilitated by university staff, International Headquarters staff, or a trained volunteer -Most university Fraternity and Sorority Life offices will offer this session free of charge

Attend an educational session on responsible use of social media -This session can be facilitated by a trained volunteer, campus administrator, or member of the chapter -Resources on this requirement are available from the International Headquarters

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Memorize The Creed of Theta Chi Fraternity

Read The Constitution and Bylaws of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc. -Available at www.thetachi.org

Read your local chapter bylaws

Read The Manual of Theta Chi Fraternity

Satisfactorily pass an exam on The Constitution and Bylaws of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc. and The Manual of Theta Chi Fraternity -This exam can be found on myOX

Serve on a chapter committee or as a deputy to a chapter officer or committee chairman

Attend all chapter functions required by your chapter’s standards for initiated members -Exceptions are made for Ritual activities or meetings restricted to initiated members only

Identify a mentor who has obtained a bachelor’s degree

Experiences


What is a mentor in The Resolute Man?Your mentor will assist you in your journey to becoming The Resolute Man. He or she will provide you with valuable feedback and help to hold you accountable to The Resolute Man requirements.

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Obtain a vote of approval by the initiated members of the active chapter in accordance with The Constitution and Bylaws of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.

Pay the initiation fee in full no later than three weeks prior to scheduled initiation ceremony -Information on the current initiation fee can be obtained from the International Headquarters

Satisfy all financial obligations to your chapter

Sign the Theta Chi Fraternity Collegian Honor Code (see Appendix III)

Final Requirements for Initiation

Who can be a mentor?A mentor in The Resolute Man can be anyone with a post secondary degree who is committed to guiding you through your college career. It is up to you to pick the best candidate to serve as your mentor.

What are the obligations of the mentor?The mentor must be willing to regularly communicate with The Resolute Man candidate, meeting with the candidate at least once per academic term. The International Headquarters will provide all mentors with the necessary resources and guidelines to be successful.

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The Resolute Man is an initiated member of Theta Chi who possesses or soon will possess a bachelor’s degree and exemplifies our Fraternity’s values and ideals. The Resolute Man is all that Theta Chi brothers aspire to be.

THE RESOLUTE MANAREAS I-V

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CHAPTER FOUR The Resolute Man

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is a dedicated Theta Chi for Life

The Resolute Man

The Resolute Man…

possesses leadership skills and knows how to work in a team

has a passion for his Alma Mater

is socially competent

is prepared for life after graduation

THE RESOLUTE MANAREAS I-V

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The Resolute Man…

is prepared for life after graduation Collegians who become a Resolute Man will participate in a special Ritual Ceremony during his final academic term. During this ceremony, he will receive the insignia of The Resolute Man: a diamond-shaped guard that attaches to his Badge. Once received, he is entitled to wear the guard of The Resolute Man for life so long as he remains a member of Theta Chi Fraternity in good standing.

A Theta Chi Collegian is eligible to become a Resolute Man by completing the educational components, experiences, and commitments in each of the five competency areas as well as the requirements of the Final Application. Collegians may complete the requirements of the five competency areas concurrently and in any order. Alumni desiring to become a Resolute Man may do so by completing alternative requirements prescribed in Appendix I.

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The Resolute Man Guard

Teamwork and Leadership Development are key components of your professional and personal development. In this section you will learn to work with and for others to achieve great things. You will develop better self-awareness and recognize your strengths and weaknesses as a leader.

Area I: Leadership and Teamwork Development

Education


Attend a Theta Chi Fraternity Initiative Academy or another recognized leadership institute -Examples include the North American Interfraternity Conference’s (NIC) Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI), Futures Quest or IMPACT -Information on these conferences can be found at www.thetachi.org and www.nicindy.org -Scholarships for these events are available on a first-come first-served basis through The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity -Other leadership institutes may be acceptable to complete this requirement, please contact the International Headquarters for more information

THE RESOLUTE MANAREA I

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Complete three of the following:

Hold an elected or appointed office or chairmanship within your chapter for at least one term

Hold an elected or appointed office or chairmanship in a student organization other than Theta Chi -Examples include Student Government, Student Booster Club, Order of Omega, IFC, etc.

Hold an elected or appointed office or chairmanship in a community organization -Examples include Relay for Life, Race for The Cure, Big Brothers, etc.

Participate in collegiate or intramural sports or on an academic team

Lead or assist in the planning and execution of a chapter-wide goal setting retreat -Can be held on or off campus -The chapter should leave the event with a tangible action plan regarding reaching specific goals -Please contact the International Headquarters if you need assistance planning and executing a retreat

Experiences

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By following Theta Chi’s Maxim, “Alma Mater First, Theta Chi for Alma Mater,” you will develop a life-long relationship with your college or university and achieve academic excellence.

Area II: Alma Mater First

Education


Attend a session on your college or university’s history or take a guided or self-guided tour of your college or university

THE RESOLUTE MANAREA II

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Attend a meeting or presentation on how to remain involved and give back to your university post-graduation -Contact your alumni development office for assistance with this requirement -Be sure to ask how alumni can give back through volunteering or charitable giving -Many universities have committees and boards that alumni can serve on post-graduation -Examples include alumni association, homecoming planning, athletic support, and career networking

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Area II: Alma Mater First (continued)


Achieve a grade point average above the all-men’s average -Please contact your university Fraternity and Sorority Life office to obtain this benchmark

Join a club or organization outside of Theta Chi Fraternity -Example include Active Minds, Order of Omega, Student Government, Campus Activities Board, etc.

Attend a university athletic event

Attend an Interfraternity Council meeting (if one exists)

Attend a Student Government meeting

Attend a university-sponsored extracurricular program (not required for your degree work or enrollment) -Examples include field trips, guest speakers, art show, concert, etc.

Experiences

THE RESOLUTE MANAREA II

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Commitment


Work with your mentor to complete a written plan to support your college or university post-graduation either as a volunteer or in terms of financial support

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In this section you will learn to become more comfortable in social settings, practice public speaking, and gain understanding of professional standards of behavior.

Area III: Social Competence and Development

Education


Attend a fraternity recruitment educational seminar or program -Examples include Recruitment Boot Camp or other third-party fraternity recruitment programs -You may also attend recruitment sessions at any Theta Chi Fraternity leadership event or a session sponsored by your school’s Fraternity and Sorority Life office

THE RESOLUTE MANAREA III

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Experiences

Complete one of the following:

Organize a chapter event with another student/community organization

Give a 30-minute presentation to your chapter or other campus organization on a topic of personal importance

Attend an etiquette training educational session -Contact your university’s career services office for referrals

Attend a public speaking workshop or take a public speaking course

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Are you ready to leave college and become successful in your field of choice? Do you have what it takes to excel in a highly competitive workforce? A Resolute Man is able to navigate through interviews and professional development opportunities.

THE RESOLUTE MANAREA IV

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Area IV: Life After Graduation


Attend a dress for success seminar -A Men’s Wearhouse or JoS. A Banks located near your university may offer resources for this -Contact Men’s Wearhouse by emailing [email protected]

Attend an interview skills workshop -You may contact your university alumni office or career services office for resources -Any alumnus with management experience can also facilitate this program

Attend a personal financial literacy educational session -Any alumnus with finance or related experience can help facilitate this program -You may also contact your university’s college of business for resources

Attend a resume writing seminar or career networking event -Contact your university’s career services office for more information on what may be offered on your campus

Education

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Complete five of the following:

Attend a career or job fair

Participate in a mock interview with your career services office or a trained professional

Attend a professional association conference -If your major has an annual conference it is encouraged that you attend -This will provide valuable networking and educational programming for your future in the field

Create a LinkedIn Profile -There are many Theta Chi alumni groups that you will be able to utilize for networking and professional development

Attend a local city council meeting

Attend a session of your state or provincial government or United States Congress/Canadian Parliament

Successfully complete a student teaching, internship, or fellowship for your major

Register to vote

Experiences

THE RESOLUTE MANAREA IV-V

Area IV: Life After Graduation (continued)

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A Resolute Man is dedicated to keeping his brothers, friends, and family safe. He possesses skills above and beyond that of an ordinary fraternity man. In this area The Sacred Purpose Movement and other Theta Chi Fraternity partnerships are developed.

Area V: Theta Chi For Life

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Education


Complete a Ritual review session -The Ritual review can be found in the back of The Ritual of Theta Chi Fraternity and should be completed under the guidance of your Marshal

Attend a presentation about involvement in Theta Chi after graduation or a senior/alumni track at any regional or international Theta Chi Fraternity event

Attend an educational session on drug/alcohol abuse prevention and intervention

Attend an educational session on sexual assault prevention

Attend an educational session on hazing prevention

Attend an educational session on mental health issues

Attend an educational session on fire/life safety

Attend an educational session on nutrition and exercise


= Sacred Purpose Program Requirement

THE RESOLUTE MANAREA V

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Complete five of the following:

Attend a chapter advisory board, housing corporation, or alumni association meeting -If your chapter does not have one of these entities, please contact the International Headquarters for guidance

Attend a Theta Chi alumni networking event

Assist with the planning of a Sacred Purpose event for your chapter -Collaborate with your Vice President of Health and Safety in the planning

Assist with the planning of a USO philanthropy or service event -A USO Toolkit is available on myOX for Theta Chi chapters to utilize

Visit another chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, the Theta Chi International Headquarters, the Theta Chi Monument in Norwich, Vermont, or the Founders’ grave sites

Give a talk to a group of non-members regarding the benefits of fraternity membership

Experiences

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Commitment

Complete one or both of the following:

Complete a written plan to remain involved in Theta Chi after graduation

Make a commitment to join the GOLD Society (Graduate of the Last Decade) - The GOLD Society is the exclusive giving society for brothers who graduated within the past decade and commit to making a monthly gift of $18.56 in support of The Foundation Chapter -Contact the International Headquarters for more information on how to join the GOLD Society

THE RESOLUTE MANAREA V

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CHAPTER FIVE Final Application Procedures

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Final Application Requirements

After successful completion of The Resolute Man requirements, participants are required to submit final verification to the International Headquarters. Upon successful completion and evaluation, you will be contacted about the status of your application.

THE RESOLUTE MANFINAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES

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The application will include:

A cover letter and professional resume -The cover letter should address Theta Chi’s impact on your life thus far and how you anticipate it will impact your future career

Documentation of completion of all requirements of The Resolute Man

Documentation of your graduation or anticipated graduation within six months of your application

A letter of support from your Chapter President that also certifies that you remain a member in good standing. If you are the Chapter President, please submit a letter from your chapter’s Vice President

A letter of recommendation from your mentor

In order to become a Resolute Man, a collegian must submit an application to the International Headquarters at least two months prior to the intended date of his chapter’s Resolute Man Ceremony.

Applications will be reviewed by International Headquarters staff and approved, conditionally approved, or denied. Any individual whose application is denied may reapply only two more times by submitting supplemental information. An individual may appeal the decision to a committee designated by the Grand Chapter.

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There are avenues that alumni may pursue The Resolute Man distinction. The next section is dedicated to our alumnus members who wish to be recognized as Resolute Men. There are two paths for alumni: Volunteer Service and Support

THE RESOLUTE MANFROM ALUMNUS TO RESOLUTE MAN

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APPENDIX I From Alumnus To Resolute Man

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Be an initiated member of Theta Chi Fraternity in good standing

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Have a nomination form accepted and approved by the Executive Director of Theta Chi Fraternity

Volunteer Service Prerequisites

From Alumnus To Resolute Man Option 1: Volunteer Service


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Volunteer Service Education

Complete one of the following after July 1, 2016:

Attend a Theta Chi Fraternity International Convention

Be a featured guest speaker at an internationally sponsored Theta Chi Fraternity event

Attend a Theta Chi Fraternity alumni training event

Participate in an individual chapter adviser training session conducted by the International Headquarters staff or Counselor

Serve on faculty at a Theta Chi Fraternity regional or international event

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From Alumnus To Resolute ManOption 1: Volunteer Service (continued)Volunteer Service Experience

As a chapter adviser, faculty adviser, graduate adviser, or chapter advisory board member as verified by the Chapter President

As a member of the board of directors of a house or alumni corporation or chapter alumni association

As a Theta Chi Fraternity Counselor

As a board member of the Grand Chapter, The Foundation Chapter, Norwich Housing Corporation or as a member of a sub-committee thereof

As a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity International Headquarters staff

On a college or university governing board or subcommittee thereof

On a college or university staff in a role supporting Fraternity and Sorority Life

Serve actively for at least four years starting July 1, 2016 in one or a combination of the following roles.


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From Alumnus To Resolute ManOption 2: Support

Complete all of the following

Be an initiated member of Theta Chi Fraternity in good standing

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited host institution

Have a member of the International Headquarters staff, Grand Chapter, Norwich Housing Corporation or The Foundation Chapter complete an Alumnus Resolute Man Nomination Form

Support Prerequisites


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Support Education

Complete one of the following after July 1, 2016 (required for both options):

Attend a Theta Chi Fraternity International Convention

Be a featured guest speaker at an internationally sponsored Theta Chi Fraternity event

Attend a Theta Chi Fraternity alumni training event

Participate in an individual chapter adviser training session conducted by the International Headquarters staff or Counselor

Serve on faculty at a Theta Chi Fraternity regional or international event

Support Experience

Achieve lifetime giving to The Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity in excess of $10,000

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THE RESOLUTE MANTHETA CHI PLEDGE HONOR CODE

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APPENDIX II Theta Chi Pledge Honor Code

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By signing this document, you are committing yourself to the rules, regulations, and ideals of Theta Chi Fraternity throughout your pledgeship. Signing this document in no way compromises your individual civil rights or religious beliefs.

I, ______________________________, as a Pledge of Theta Chi Fraternity do hereby agree to the following:

To make my first priority achievement of a degree at my college or university

To uphold the ideals expressed in The Creed and to strive to incorporate them into my daily life

To properly prepare for and attend all ritual ceremonies

To learn and abide by The Constitution And Bylaws of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.

To learn and abide by the policies contained in The Risk Management, Standards, and Insurance Manual of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.

To learn and abide by the bylaws of the chapter from which I have accepted a bid

To meet all financial obligations to my chapter and the International Fraternity in a timely manner

To actively assist increasing chapter membership. I am obligated to participate in all recruitment efforts and planning sessions

Theta Chi Pledge Honor Code

THE RESOLUTE MANTHETA CHI PLEDGE HONOR CODE

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To maintain at least a 2.5 (out of 4.0) cumulative grade point average

To attend all brotherhood and goal-setting retreats

To neither participate in nor allow any member of my chapter to engage in or encourage any form of hazing

To neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of alcohol

To attend and participate in all chapter meetings, community service events, and philanthropic functions

To support the standards board of the chapter

To obligate myself to involvement in campus activities and organizations

To support and actively participate in the 8-week (or shorter) pledge education program followed by the immediate initiation of pledges

To confront and hold accountable any member who does not abide by this agreement set forth by Theta Chi Fraternity

Signature:____________________________________

Date:________________________________________

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THE RESOLUTE MANTHETA CHI COLLEGIAN HONOR CODE

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APPENDIX III Theta Chi Collegian Honor Code

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By signing this document, you are committing yourself to the rules, regulations, and ideals of Theta Chi Fraternity. Signing this document in no way compromises your individual civil rights or religious beliefs.

I, ______________________________, as a Collegian of Theta Chi Fraternity do hereby agree to the following:

To make my first priority achievement of a degree at my college or university

To uphold the ideals expressed in The Creed and The Ritual of Theta Chi Fraternity and to strive to incorporate them into my daily life

To properly prepare for and attend all ritual ceremonies

To learn and abide by The Constitution And Bylaws of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.

To learn and abide by the policies contained in The Risk Management, Standards, and Insurance Manual of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.

To learn and abide by the bylaws of the chapter of which I am a member

To meet all financial obligations to my chapter and the International Fraternity in a timely manner

To actively assist increasing chapter membership. I am obligated to participate in all recruitment efforts and planning sessions

To maintain at least a 2.7 (out of 4.0) cumulative grade point average

Theta Chi Collegian Honor Code

THE RESOLUTE MANTHETA CHI COLLEGIAN HONOR CODE

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To attend all brotherhood and goal-setting retreats

To neither participate in nor allow any member of my chapter to engage in any form of hazing

To neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of alcohol

To see that the chapter house is properly cleaned and maintained (if applicable)

To attend and participate in all chapter meetings, community service events, and philanthropic functions

To support the standards board of the chapter

To obligate myself to involvement in campus activities and organizations

To support and actively participate in the 8-week (or shorter) pledge education program followed by the immediate initiation of pledges

To confront and hold accountable any member who does not abide by this agreement set forth by Theta Chi Fraternity

To pursue becoming a Resolute Man of Theta Chi Fraternity

Signature:____________________________________

Date:________________________________________

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