What is Rush?

Put simply, rush is the process by which Greek organizations recruit new members. Formal Rush usually takes place for one week each Fall and Spring, when a number of different recruitment activities are planned around a fixed schedule. Theta Xi also holds Continuous Rush, which just means that we are always looking for outstanding gentlemen to join our chapter, at any time during the year.

 

Rush is a trial period that does not constitute any commitment between the fraternity and the rushee.  When you rush, you might meet a few new friends, you might meet your lifelong Brothers, or you might simply enjoy some good food and conversation with acquaintances you'll never see again, but the experience is unquestionably unique and enjoyable for all involved.  Whether you enter college intending to rush, whether you are just now learning what rushing entails, or whether you stand resolutely opposed to all things for which you believe fraternities stand, there is nothing to lose by seeing what rush is all about, and in all likelihood, you will be pleasantly surprised. 

 

What happens when I join a Fraternity? Is it like in the movies?

"Animal House" and more recently, "Old School" were very funny movies, but they were extremely bad for the image of fraternities. Furthermore, some inferior fraternities have actually tried to live up to the poor image that these movies promoted, in the hope that this will attract college students to join. Theta Xi is not one of these fraternities, and we are actively working to restore the reputation of college fraternities among members of the public.

When you join Theta Xi, you will never be hazed, mistreated, embarrassed, forced to consume alcohol, perform meaningless tasks, or in any other way be treated as anything less than a Friend and Brother. We will never ask you to do anything unless we are doing the same thing, right there beside you.

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Will dues money be spent on alcohol?

No. Our operating budget is carefully prepared each year to provide the most amount of money possible toward events and philanthropies.

 

Who are Theta Xi’s as individuals?

Unique. The brothers come in equal proportions from the fields of Engineering, Business, and the Arts and Sciences. Outside of the classroom, each of our members shares his strengths and talents with the brotherhood and in turn, benefits from the opportunity to learn from the expert knowledge of each of his brothers.  Regardless of what you want to do, there is a good chance someone here knows how to do it.

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Aren't I "buying" my friends by joining a fraternity?

You have probably heard that by joining a fraternity, you are simply buying your friends. But how does that differ from going to college, paying your tuition and housing, and becoming friends with the guys on your residence hall or apartment floor? A residence hall/apartment assignment gives you little choice in the matter. Wouldn’t you rather make your own decision?

Fraternities give you the ability to surround yourself with like-minded men who are driving towards similar goals. By joining Theta Xi at ASU, we will help you grow, mature, and ultimately have a more well-rounded college experience!

 

What about scholarship and academics?

Doing well academically should be the primary goal of everyone in school, and we stress that fact. On the ASU campus, a Theta Xi is more likely to have better grades than someone who is not a Theta Xi. We also maintain one of the highest GPAs in the Fraternity system. Each semester, awards are given to the men of our chapter with the highest and most improved GPAs. At no time does the Associate Member period take precedence over academics; busy schedules are accommodated. Additionally, the Theta Xi Foundation offers a range of scholarships to the most outstanding undergraduate members at ASU and throughout the country.

 

Do you have requirements to join?

Yes, we have several requirements, including:

 

• GPA: Prospective members must have a high school or college GPA of 2.75 or greater to be considered for membership.

• Leadership: You must have demonstrated evidence of your leadership abilities. This can be in the form of an Eagle Scout rank, community service, National Honor Society, sports clubs, or anything else that you feel can demonstrate your ability to become one of the future leaders of our fraternity.

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What kind of commitment are we talking about?

Like anything else worth doing, you only get out what you put in. Men that aren't willing to take responsibility for themselves as well as others will not be asked to join Theta Xi. During the Associate Member period, the formal time commitment is no more than three hours a week; however, we expect that anyone interested in becoming a part of Theta Xi would demonstrate his interest by coming to our events or dropping by the chapter house to study, eat, or socialize with us. Furthermore, the financial viability of the chapter depends on every man fulfilling his one-year pledge to live in the chapter house (unless an exemption is granted by the Executive Board). Unlike most rental agreements, this lease is made with ASU, not an off-campus landlord. This means our rates are competitive with the local housing market, and the lease is flexible; there is no requirement to live over the summer. amenities include high-speed internet, free laundry, a comprehensive meal program, and convenient access to the Tempe campus.

 

Will I have time to study, and will the fraternity have an effect on grades?

You will have time to study with the fraternity. During the week, we set aside one hour in the evening when the brothers will get together in the library and study. During this session, you will have the opportunity to get academic help from our brothers if need be; we are always willing to help out with academic issues when needed. Additionally, our scholarship chairman keeps track of grades for each individual brother and continually ensures their academic success. These steps will help ensure that we will have a positive impact on your grades. If you are willing to put forth the effort, we have confidence that your grades will be higher, especially compared to someone who is not in Theta Xi.

 

Do fraternities haze?

No. Theta Xi is a strictly non-hazing organization. New members and old members do the same amount of work. The Associate Member program does nothing that will compromise your morals, nor will it force you to do anything you aren't comfortable doing. Theta Xi promotes leadership, team-building, and brotherhood, not physical or mental harm. We believe that hazing anyone is unacceptable and completely contrary to the concept of brotherhood. In fact, Theta Xi has joined with over 20 other men's and women's groups across America to establish a 24-hour a-day hotline to anonymously report concerns about hazing at any Theta Xi Chapter.  The hotline is toll-free and the number is 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

Theta Xi has established a core membership education program that is designed to orient him to the Fraternity’s history, organizational structure, policies, and responsibilities. A summary of the program is available for your review.

 

Aren't all fraternities like Animal House?

No. Don't believe everything you see in the movies. The Greek system can do a lot of positive things for the community and for you. Greek students often get higher grades than students who live in the residence halls or in individual apartments, and Greek students have a higher retention and graduation rate. A fraternity could also help you develop leadership skills and life-long friendships. Also, the Greek community helps the entire community by sponsoring philanthropy and community service projects. Being Greek can help you become a well-rounded person and that's what employers want to see.

 

Will it help me become a better man?

Theta Xi promotes a well-rounded lifestyle. So, if you take advantage of the beneficial activities that Theta Xi offers, you will become a better man as a result of your membership in Theta Xi. The Fraternity strives to provide leadership training and opportunities within the chapter by promoting each brother’s active involvement in campus and community clubs and organizations.

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Will my parents have opportunities to be involved in my college experience?

Absolutely! The fraternity hosts events of its own during ASU's Family Weekend which occurs in the Fall of each year. During this weekend, your parents will get a chance to meet those who are involved with the fraternity, including undergraduate brothers, alumni, and chapter advisors. They'll also get a chance to participate in events with the fraternity in addition to events that the university is hosting.  Other than these events, parents and family members are welcome to stop by at any time.

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