Frequently Asked Questions About Rush

What kind of grades do the members of Beta Theta Pi get? Grades are our top priority and our goal is to be in the top 3 fraternities every semester. We ended the Spring 2008 semester first in grades with a 3.24. We have never fallen below the All-Men's, All-University, or All-Fraternity averages.

How long is your pledge program? It is a 12 week program designed to acclimate pledges to college-level studying, fraternity history and brotherhood. It emphasizes academics, intramural's, fraternity history, songs, community service, and campus involvement.

What rules does Beta have for new members? 15 study hours per week (Sunday through Thursday 6:30 - 9:30pm) are required for new members and other requirements include fraternity history tests, intramural participation, learning Beta songs, and campus involvement.

Is there a grade requirement I must meet? Beta was the first fraternity to require its chapters and individual members to obtain a 2.5 GPA each semester. Pledges who fail to meet the 2.5 minimum will not be initiated, and are allowed a second semester to meet the requirement. Active members who fail to meet the 2.5 minimum GPA are put on a probation that includes a loss of voting and social privileges.

How many pledges will be taken next fall? We will be taking 20 to 26 pledges depending on the room in the house.

How active is Beta in intramural's? We were 3rd over all in intramural's 2007-'08. It is one of our top priorities and every year, we regularly make it to the playoffs in many different sports including football, basketball, soccer, and softball.

How much will my house bill be each month? Surprisingly, it is less expensive to live at Beta than in the residence halls. Also, Beta is well below the means for fraternities in house bills. The house bill for 2007- 2008 school year will be around $2,400 a semester which includes room and board, cable (internet and TV), and 12 meals a week, cooked by Paula.

How many social functions do you have during the year? We have 4 -6 date functions along with sorority functions throughout the year. Pledge classes also participate in functions with sorority pledge classes. We have a fall cruise at lake Coeur D'Alene during early October. We also have parties such as our Barn Dance and our giant end of the year White Trash party.

Does Beta offer any scholarships? Our chapter offers FOUR $250 scholarships to incoming freshman, and our Gamma Gamma Alumni Association awards over $6,700 in scholarships to deserving members. Many actives also receive scholarship for holding chapter officer positions. The Beta Theta Pi Foundation also offers scholarships to active, undergraduate Betas each year totaling close to $100,000. This year, approximately 66 scholarships are available ranging from $300 to $2,000.

What are some advantages of membership in Beta as compared to other fraternities? We strive to recruit potential members that exemplify the characteristics of other Idaho Betas. By being a part of Beta Theta Pi our members are surrounded by other intelligent, social, well-rounded individuals with common goals. Also, we pride ourselves in our strong brotherhood, a huge advantage at the university. We constantly have one of the largest memberships in the greek community because of it.

Do you have a cook? Yes, Paula has been our house cook since 2006, and we have no plans of ever getting rid of her. She cooks Monday though Friday providing us with lunch and dinner and a breakfast bar for the mornings.

Are there a lot of guys in the chapter with my major? We have brothers in every academic college at Idaho. Ranging from Criminal Justice to Business to Engineering to Agriculture to even Art and Journalism, chances are there is a member with the same major that can give you guidance. Check the Bios for everyone's major.

How involved is your fraternity in student government and other campus activities? Betas can be found in everything, from ASUI to honoraries to campus-wide groups. We have an officer dedicated solely to obtaining information about and matching up brothers with campus involvement opportunities.

What is the living situation in your chapter? Every new member will have a study room that is shared with two or three other men, in which they will each have a wardrobe and sofa. Everyone in the house sleeps in a sleeping dorm. We have four sleeping dorms. The sleeping dorms are quiet and dark 24 hours a day so no one is kept up by a roommate who stays up late in their room.

What kind of time commitment is the fraternity? As a pledge, the required time commitment is more than that for an average active member. Still, this commitment does not, and should not, interfere with school or other activities. Any pledge obligation, such as study hours or intramural's, is designed to assist our potential members in making the most of their first semester. Beta is a lifelong commitment. Just ask any member.

As Gamma Gamma Betas we take pride in a 105 year tradition of excellence. to receive the full experience of college life and to continue to excel, we are very committed to scholastic achievement, involvement in campus organizations and philanthropic events, and intramural success. The achievement of these goals and the life principles by which we live hinges upon the commitment of each individual member.