The Beta chapter at the University of Illinois was founded in February, 1902. The General Fraternity, which has 146 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, was founded at Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio, on August 8, 1839.

The objects of Beta are the promotion of the moral and social culture of its members, the establishment of confidence and friendly relations among the universities and colleges of the United States and Canada, and the building up of a fraternity which recognizes mutual assistance in the honorable labors and aspirations of life, devotion to the cultivation of the intellect, steadfast friendship, and fidelity as objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort.

Betas consider the fraternity responsible for a positive contribution to the primary functions of the colleges and universities, and therefore under an obligation to encourage the most complete personal development of its members-- intellectual, physical, and social.

Therefore, Betas declare that:

1. the objectives and activities of the fraternity should be in entire accord with the aims and purposes of the institutions at which it has chapters.
   
    
2. the primary loyalty and responsibility of a student in his relations with his institution are to the institution, and that the association of any group of students as a chapter of a fraternity involves the definite responsibility of the group for the conduct of the individual.
   
    
3. the fraternity should promote conduct consistent with good morals and good taste;
   
    
4. the fraternity should create an atmosphere which will stimulate substantial intellectual progress and superior intellectual achievement;
   
    
5. the fraternity should maintain sanitary, safe, and wholesome physical conditions in the chapter house;
   
    
6. the fraternity should inculcate principles of sound business practice both in chapter finances and in the business relations of its members.
   
    

Beta Theta Pi will be the exemplary standard for collegiate fraternal societies. Through implementation of Men of Principle, Beta will have successfully implemented policies and programs to achieve these objectives:

1. Betas will be universally known as friends, gentlemen and scholars.
   
    
2. Beta Theta Pi will be acclaimed and respected by the academic community.
   
    
3. Beta Theta Pi will be endorsed by parents who will advocate membership for young men.
   
    
4. Betas will be in high demand by leaders of business, government, and the professions.
   
    
5. Beta Theta Pi will engender bonds of friendship and brotherhood which create a lifelong commitment to serve and support the Fraternity.
   
    

Sigma Rho chapter of Beta Theta Pi expects that its members be well-rounded gentlemen active in the academic, social, and extra-curricular life of the University. Respect for one's self, the members of the chapter (pledges and actives alike), the property and dignity of others, and members of the University faculty and family is the basis of all other expectations, which include a minimum of two years' in the chapter house; active participation in chapter affairs while living outside the chapter house, prompt and timely discharge of financial obligations, and execution of legally binding affiliation and housing contracts.

Beta Theta Pi pledges to inspire its members to reach their highest potential. We want each Sigma Rho Beta and his family to be proud of his affiliation with the Fraternity. Please contact Jeff Tock, the Chapter Advisor, or any member of the Board of Directors of the alumni association, known formally as the Beta Theta Pi Building Association, if you have questions or concerns.

Beta does not expect to pledge men who are not serious about the primary reason they are attending the University of Illinois — becoming educated, well-rounded men prepared for a successful life as a productive member of society. Binge drinking, hazing, and "animal house" behavior are not welcome. None contribute to achieving the goals of the fraternity, but rather destroy the atmosphere necessary for meaningful study and supportive brotherhood.

Beta nationally has not chosen to go "dry" in all of its chapters; rather, Beta relies on alcohol education and encouragement of responsible conduct by its individual members. Beta recognizes that an alcohol-free environment is more conducive to productive study, however, and therefore, alcohol and substance-free houses are an integral part of the Men of Principle initiative described below and a goal worthy of every chapter.

Beta Theta Pi has undertaken a serious approach to fraternity life today with the Men of Principle initiative, designed "to strengthen the individual, the Fraternity and the host academic institution through a lifelong commitment to intellectual excellence, high standards of moral conduct, and responsible citizenship." The Men of Principle initiative - its mission, vision and goals - is explained in the Men of Principle section of the Beta Theta Pi General Fraternity website , which may be accessed via the link on the Sigma Rho homepage, and has been extensively covered in The Beta Theta Pi magazine.

This initiative is not a quick fix for chapters which may have neglected the Fraternity's founding values; rather, Men of Principle presumes that the Fraternity will recruit young men who are ready to dedicate themselves to Beta's historic principles while aligning their lifestyles with standards that merit the respect of their families, their fellow students, their schools, and the community at large. A lengthy yet fulfilling process, Men of Principle calls for a higher degree of participation not only from alumni, but also from parents of undergraduate members and pledges. The men of Sigma Rho invite parents to become involved in their sons' chapter as they strive to live up to the Beta principles. Creating a parent association at the chapter is one component of the initiative. Parents' associations keep parents of undergraduate members involved and informed in Beta Theta Pi. We invite parents of our members to become active in our Beta experience. Parents' association resource materials are available by calling the Administrative Office of the General Fraternity in Oxford, Ohio, at 1-800-800-BETA.

After successfully piloting the initiative in three chapters in 1998, the Men of Principle initiative has been expanded to 20 fully-partnered chapters and colonies for 2000-01, while numerous other chapters have adopted a number of the goals en route to becoming partnered as well. Sigma Rho has not yet elected to fully participate in the Men of Principle initiative, but several of the components have been put into practice by the chapter, such as increased alumni support and advisors, elimination of hazing during the pledge and initiation process, and timely financial and activity reporting to the General Fraternity. Please visit the Men of Principle initiative on the General Fraternity's web site to learn more.

Also, the Beta Theta Pi Foundation offers some $100,000 in annual scholarships. More than 7,000 Betas and friends supported Beta's essential educational and leadership programs this past year, all of which were created to enhance the undergraduate experience.

Beta Theta Pi parents are committed to supporting the Beta experience. Through special events, consistent communication, and resource development for leadership opportunities, a Beta Theta Pi Parents Association seeks to develop strong friendships that promote a foundation of support for Beta sons.

The Dads' Club of Sigma Rho meets on Dads' Day Weekend in the fall of each year. The current president of the Dads' Club is _______________________, who can be reached at___________________________ or by email at ________________________________.

The Mothers' Club of Sigma Rho meets on Mothers' Day Weekend in the spring. The current president of the Mothers' Club is________________________, who can be reached at ____________________________ or by email at _________________________________.

While the undergraduate experience is the focus of any incoming member, the Beta experience continues long after leaving campus. One of the advantages of becoming a member of an active international fraternity is the nationwide network of brothers who stand ready to assist and counsel throughout one's lifetime. The friendships developed in college are augmented by additional relationships resulting from participation in alumni activities across the United States and Canada. Thus, the motto: "Once a Beta, always a Beta, everywhere a Beta."

Please contact any member of the chapter or any alumni advisor or officer. All are listed on the website, www.illinoisbeta.org, or contact the Administrative Office of Beta Theta Pi in Oxford, Ohio, at 1-800-800 BETA , or visit the website at www.betathetapi.org.