To the Resident Advisors of Bethany,

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying this holiday season at Bethany. I am the Director of Expansion and Recruitment for Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, headquartered in Oxford, Ohio. Beta Theta Pi was founded in 1839 and is currently on over 120 campuses over North America. In the past several years, we have undertaken a paradigm shift from the “stereotypical” fraternity experience and have sought to battle the negative image fraternities have. Our Men of Principle initiative strives to bring together men of the highest quality to build a true fraternal experience. We have a focus on leadership, academics, values, and a commitment to the community.

Some of the ways in which Beta is “different” include:

1) The chapter house will be dry, allowing no alcohol. Dry chapter houses have higher GPAs, higher recruitment numbers, and offer a positive, clean environment.
2) We will not recruit with alcohol. Our Brotherhood is based on values, not alcohol.
3) There is no hazing of any sort. We believe that hazing is a sign of a struggling chapter and is found nowhere in our ritual, education, or chapter.
4) We require that all members maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA.
5) We put a large emphasis in working with the community as each Beta is committed to at least 10 hours of service a semester.

I am contacting you because Beta is returning to Bethany this coming January and we have been working with the college to make this a success. We have a strong advisory team consisting of alumni living in the Bethany area who are committed to leading these men once the General Fraternity has finished the initial recruiting period.

I offer these words to ensure you that Beta will be a strong presence on campus and have the support necessary to remain a positive influence. Beta is working to battle the negative stereotype that fraternities have. We are a fraternity, not a frat.

As Resident Advisors, you all have the unique position of working with so many undergraduates at Bethany and I am contacting you for this reason.

As we seek to find the highest quality of student and gentlemen on campus, I would like to meet with those men who live in resident halls as well as yourselves at some point the week of January 15^th. Perhaps your hall has a weekly meeting or gathering.

If I would be able to meet your residents, please let me know. Again, we have been working very closely with the college and have the support of many leaders on campus including President Buck Smith and Director of Student Life Elizabeth Shelly.

We are committed to helping build Bethany’s entire community and we need your help. Pleas let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

-JB-

JB Scherpelz, Miami '05 | Director of Expansion and Recruitment
Beta Theta Pi Foundation & Administrative Office | Brennan Hall 5134 Bonham Road, P.O. Box 6277 Oxford, Ohio 45056 | Office: 513.523.7591 ext 227| Mobile: 513.255.1715 | www.betathetapi.org