Standards for Colonization
THETA XI FRATERNITY
All True Men Chapter Chartering Standards
Members of the colony will strive at all times to be men of character who seek the truth in all undertakings and are committed to justice in their treatment of others. Further, all Chapter members will strive to recognize the pure essence of what is right over what is expedient, and they will demonstrate the ability to unite men in acknowledgement of our responsibilities to ourselves, to each other and to the Fraternity.
This is a lifetime quest for All True Men.
It is Theta Xi Fraternity's policy to expand its number of chapters on an orderly basis by admitting membership to qualified local fraternities and colonies in strong and growing four-year universities and colleges throughout the United States and Canada which welcome national fraternities.
The Grand Lodge, by policy, has set the following as minimum standards which are to be met by a colony prior to being admitted as a chapter of Theta Xi Fraternity:
A. MEMBERSHIP. The Colony shall have at least 30 members at the time of chartering with 24 or more members planning to return to the chapter the next school year. The colony shall elect, at a minimum, the key officers of president and treasurer for terms of one full year, to serve January through December.
B. ADVISOR. The colony shall have an advisor who is preferably a member of the faculty of the host institution.
C. SCHOLARSHIP. The colony should strive to maintain an average grade point average of .2 about the all-men’s average; and at the time of chartering shall have an average grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or be .2 above the all-men’s average, whichever is higher.
The colony shall develop and implement a written scholastic program, which shall include minimum scholastic requirements for membership-in-good-standing, holding an office or committee chairmanship (as outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws), and recognition for outstanding scholastic achievement.
D. FINANCES. The colony shall have an established budget and an accounting and reporting system, which demonstrates its ability to plan, operate, and control its finances. All accounts of the colony shall be in good standing.
E. GROWTH PLAN. The colony shall have adopted and placed into operation a two year plan (beyond the proposed chartering date) for its evolution and growth which is designed to maintain operations above the minimum standards of membership.
F. FRATERNITY POLICIES and ACCOUNTABILITY. The colony shall abide by all policies of the Fraternity, which shall include, but not be limited to: Theta Xi Fraternity’s Constitution and Bylaws, the Statements of Position, and the Risk Management policy. Colonies shall hold each member accountable for behavior that is inconsistent with the spirit of their Oath, or is unacceptable as stated in Chapter and/or Fraternity policy. Demonstration of compliance with each shall be required at the time of inspection.
G. FRATERNITY PROGRAMS. The colony shall implement all Fraternity programs. It shall strictly adhere to any programs mandated by a Convention, Grand Lodge, or the All True Men Contract. This shall include:
- Attending or hosting a yearly training event on recruitment based on More Good Men and conducted by a facilitator endorsed by the Headquarters staff.
- Utilizing the Alpha Nine Associate Member Core Education Program Alpha Nine for a period not to exceed seven weeks and promote a true Associate Member philosophy.
- Participating in Theta Xi’s Partners Advancing Leadership (PALs) mentoring program.
- Meeting and working to exceed Theta Xi’s Accreditation Standards.
H. ALUMNI RELATIONS. The colony shall demonstrate undergraduate/alumni interaction by ensuring member participation or attendance at Chapter or area alumni meeting or events.
The colony shall also have prepared newsletters about its development, activities, progress, and other items of interest to alumni. Such newsletters shall have been published or distributed via email at least twice each year and preferably once each academic term. Distribution should have been to all Theta Xi alumni located within 100 miles of the colony, and, if the colony exists for the re-establishment of a Chapter, distribution should also include all alumni of that Chapter.
The colony shall be responsible for conducting a Founders Day event, in commemoration of the founding of Theta Xi Fraternity, which should include alumni participation.
Where applicable, the colony shall maintain a clean and inviting chapter house.
I. SERVICE. The colony shall have participated annually in Theta Xi's National Philanthropy Projects (Multiple Sclerosis and Habitat for Humanity) and shall have participated in at least one other active community service program during each school year.
J. CAMPUS/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. At least 50% of colony Members shall provide leadership in campus or community organizations (not including intramural sports) during each academic year besides Theta Xi. (e.g., officer or event planner/chairperson in campus or community clubs, organizations, outreach programs, community service agencies, church, etc.).
K. INTRAMURAL SPORTS. The colony shall have participated, as a team, in at least two intramural sports each academic term.
L. NATIONAL & REGIONAL MEETINGS. The colony shall have been represented by at least four delegates at each regional and at least two delegates at each national gathering conducted during its colonization period.
M. LEADERSHIP EDUCATION. The colony shall broaden each individual’s leadership opportunities by providing regular training for members and guests in the areas of leadership (for example, leadership styles, ethics, communication skills, intervention skills, visioning, teambuilding, etc.), and recognizing members who attend leadership and educational workshops, and recognizing members who hold positions of leadership in the chapter and/or campus community.
N. The colony shall provide leadership education by hosting or attending annual workshops on the following topics: (1) academic success (e.g., time management, study skills, note-taking, writing skills, overcoming test anxiety),
(2) personal financial responsibility (e.g. personal budgeting/finance),
(3) health/wellness workshop (e.g., men’s health issues, stress management, physical fitness, exercise safety, nutrition, attributes of successful relationships). Workshops are to be viewed as educational opportunities for colony members and as recruitment opportunities for guests who attend.
O. PARENTS ORGANIZATION. The colony with initial assistance from Fraternity Headquarters, shall form, support and maintain a Parents Club.
The Grand Lodge may waive or revise any requirement listed above as deemed necessary to address unusual conditions or circumstances that will arise from time to time.
- When an Inspection Committee is required by the National Constitution and By-Laws, its membership shall include three initiated members: the Executive Director or another representative of the National Headquarters Staff and at least one of the following:
- If proximity and schedule permit, the Regional Director or the Assistant Regional Director of that region.
- If proximity and schedule permit, a member of the Grand Lodge.
- If proximity and schedule permit, a local active alumnus.
- If proximity and schedule permit, a representative of a local undergraduate chapter.
The Fraternity, by policy, shall assist colonies and local fraternities in meeting the Fraternity's standards.
Approved by the Grand Lodge of Theta Xi Fraternity on August 28, 1969, and revised on March 10, 1984; August 7, 1992; May 30, 1998, and August 5, 2006. All True Men criteria added on April 14, 2007.
