Prospective Members
What is Theta Tau?
Theta Tau is the nation's oldest and foremost professional engineering fraternity. With forty chapters at top engineering universities across the United States, more than 28,000 people (both men and women) have joined Theta Tau since its inception in 1904. Theta Tau is a National, Professional, Co-ed, Engineering Fraternity. Being a member of a fraternity that is composed exclusively of Engineers gives the student a many great advantages There is almost always someone who has had that awful class before you, and probably has an old test, homework, or at least advice on how to study for the final. In addition, hanging out with your brothers who are going through the same curriculum can sometimes provide relief from those stressful occasions. One of the goals of Theta Tau as stated in its purpose is to develop professionalism in its members. We do this with speakers from engineering and other relevant fields, plant trips, and other activities. The numerous contacts and friendships made in the fraternity are can be invaluable throughout a college career and for the rest a person's lifetime. The Psi Beta Chapter of Theta Tau, established at the University of Texas at Austin in 1991, is a diverse, energetic group of about fifty engineering students engaged in a wide variety of social, campus, professional development and community service activities. Members are given unique opportunities to develop key leadership and communication skills as committee chairs and officers. Being a member of Theta Tau Fraternity offers distinct advantages over membership in a local organization. Some of these benefits are: recognition, lifetime membership, interaction with great people, awards, stability, publications, financial assistance, and leadership training. Above all, the Fraternity promotes lasting friendships and a lifetime of brotherhood.
How do I join?
Like other fraternal organizations, membership into Theta Tau will come only after you have proven that you will be a valuable member of the organization. First you rush, then you must go through the pledging process.
What is Rush?
RUSH is a three-week period at the start of each semester when Theta Tau recruits prospective members. During Rush there are several on-campus information sessions during which prospective pledges are introduced to the chapter and invited to ask questions about the fraternity and the pledging process. There are also weekly social events designed to give "rushees" further insight into the chapter and meet active members to find out if Theta Tau is for them. Go to the Rush Page
What is Pledging?
Professional fraternities such as Theta Tau are characterized by their commitment to high professional ethics and the bond of fraternal fellowship. The Pledge Semester is a time when prospective members ("pledges") are educated in the purpose, history, and traditions of the Fraternity. The Theta Tau Pledge Semester is a fun time to meet new friends and learn about the gears that keep the Fraternity running. At the end of the semester, those who have distinguished themselves are invited to membership.
What are the requirements of pledging?
During the pledge period, pledges are expected to:
- Sustain an Engineering GPA to maintain in good standing with the University.
- Get to know each of the active members.
- Attend the weekly pledge meetings.
- Attend Theta Tau events.
- Successfully complete general pledge projects.
- Pay a one time pledging fee (less than one-tenth of that required by some Greek Fraternities and Sororities).
How much time does Theta Tau require from me?
We have events throughout the week and on the weekends. Events are not mandatory, but you'll find that the more time you put into Theta Tau the more you can personally get out of it. Your level of participation is a personal decision.
Does Theta Tau haze?
No. The Fraternity's overall commitment to professionalism and fellowship strongly forbids all forms of dangerous or degrading activities which fall into the category of "hazing". Theta Tau does not force its pledges to do anything that goes against his/her beliefs or general habits.
Is Theta Tau an honor society?
No. Although we promote academic achievement, the minimum required GPA is to be in good standing with the University.
How do you pronounce the "Tau" in "Theta Tau"?
Good question. In your physics or math classes, "Tau" probably rhymes with "how" or "cow". However, in our name, "Tau" rhymes with "saw" or "law".
Other useful information
You can find out more about Theta Tau by visiting The Theta Tau National Website WWW.THETATAU.ORG.
I have more questions!
We'd be happy to answer them for you. You can e-mail any of our officers, whose contact info can be found here.