Rush FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BETA
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Epsilon Lambda is the most affordable Beta chapter in the nation. We have the lowest Chapter Dues of any other house.
Pledge Semester (First Fall Semester)
**Please keep in mind, This is the most expensive semester in Dues while being a member**
$60 General Fraternity - Insurance
$125 General Fraternity - Pledge Fee (one-time fee)
$243 General Fraternity - Initiation Fee (One-time fee upon initiation)
$120 Epsilon Lambda Chapter - Semester Dues (Pledge Rate)
(Due upon Pledging = $305)
(Due upon Initiation = $243)
Total for Pledge Semester = $548 ("Due upon Pledging" + "Due upon initiation")
Active Semesters
$60 General Fraternity - Semester Insurance
$65.50 General Fraternity - Semester Fee
$8.50 General Fraternity - Heritage Fund Semester Fee
$250 Epsilon Lambda Chapter - Semester Dues
(Total for Each Active Semester = $384)
In-House Rent Rates
$360-$485 Rent - per month (depending on room type)
Some of these costs can be offset by $100,000 in scholarships that are offered each year by the Beta Theta Pi Foundation. One in three who apply receive scholarships! You may also apply NOW for our chapter's leadership Scholarship by Clicking Here.
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Q: How much time do I need to commit?
A: It depends on your role with the Fraternity. If you are chapter president, vice president, etc., you will have different responsibilities than a committee member. Either way, your responsibilities will require at least four hours per week the first year. If you choose to play on intramural teams and get involved in community service projects, the time will obviously increase.
“The more time you put into the organization, the more you will get out of it.”
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Q: What is different about being a Beta compared to other fraternities?
A: Beta is not a four-year commitment; it is a for life commitment. We believe in the creed: “Once a Beta, always a Beta, everywhere a Beta.”
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Q: What support does the chapter recieve from the General Fraternity?
A: The chapter has a full advisory team consisting of a chapter counselor, risk management advisor, financial advisor, pledge education advisor, and recruitment advisor. These advisors have completed General Fraternity advisor training and will support the chapter as mentors. Our advisors are prominent members of the Kansas City community, and are very helpful in providing advice and direction. Beta Theta Pi also provides leadership resources to all members. The Keystone Conference, UIFI, Beta Wilderness challenge, and The Institute for Men of Principle are just a few of many opportunities Betas have to improve their leadership skills.
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Q: How many Brothers are in Beta Theta Pi? How many men live in the chapter house?
A: 55 brothers are currently members of our chapter. 32 currently live in the house. We are the largest house at UMKC as well as the only house on campus.
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Q: What are the advantages of joining now, as opposed to next year?
A: If you can manage your time wisely and commit yourself to your academics and extracurricular activities, the fraternity experience should not be a problem to balance. Shape your habits and they will shape you. Why would you want to put off a life changing experience? Ultimately, we hope you consider membership when you are ready.
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Q: Fraternities have a bad name, which is why I didn't join to begin with. How will I not be associated with those stereotypes?
A: Fraternities are very idealistic in nature. We strive to battle the stereotypes and misconceptions on a daily basis. We find once people/the community, give us a chance, they realize we are a great group of upstanding men. We are acutely aware that the actions of one can bring down the reputation of the whole. We have good accountability measures in place when things get on the wrong path. We believe our reputation is our most valuable asset and we work very hard to have great relationships with everyone with whom we come into contact.
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Q: What is the social life like?
A: We have brothers who choose not to drink. We have brothers who go out three times a week. We preach balance, moderation and personal responsibility to everyone in social settings. From a chapter- programming standpoint, we organize several social events with sororities and other campus organizations. We plan ski trips, spring break trips, road trips to our annual convention, etc. Beta Theta Pi is a men’s social fraternity, but we also understand that leadership, academics and community service go hand-in-hand with this idea.
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Q: Q: I am not sure I like the image of “Frat Guys?”
A: We are friends, scholars, leaders, athletes, and gentlemen. We are committed to making a positive contribution to the university and to making our families and alumni proud. To answer your question, we do not like the “fratastic” Animal House image some individuals portray. We pride ourselves in being different and committed to the founding ideals of our Fraternity.
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Q: I need a lot of time for studies, and will be taking grad school tests next year (or some time). Will I be able to balance all of this?
A: Similar to the above, the experience is strengthened by academics, and we mutually support and assist each other to excel in classes. Beta Theta Pi believes in devotion to the cultivation of the intellect and therefore the experience will not come at the expense of the student’s academic pursuits. Our chapter grades show that we uphold this every semester! For example, we had a 3.464 in Fall 2009 & 3.538 in Spring 2010 of this past academic school year!
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Q: What is the fraternity's stance on hazing?
A: We have policies against hazing of any kind, believing that such practices diminish the dignity of the individual. We work hard to create an atmosphere of respect within our chapter, honoring each member for his beliefs and values
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Q: What are the requirements of being a member?
A: Please speak with the President, Pledge Educator, and Recruitment Chairman about membership and the responsibilities that come with joining Beta Theta Pi. We want to make sure you know what you are signing up for. We have done you a disservice if you do not know what the requirements are before accepting a bid from our fraternity. There are monetary commitments, time commitments, and, most importantly, moral and social conduct commitments. We firmly believe we do not make Betas. We take Betas. If your values are in line with what we offer, the decision to join our organization should be simple.
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Q: Why should I “Go Beta”?
A: Beta is an extremely diverse organization that accepts people from widely divergent backgrounds groups. This is one of our strengths. The General Fraternity is firmly dedicated to helping the undergraduates and is there when needed. This organization’s principles and the Men of Principle Initiative provide a great framework to make men into great men and finally, BETA is brotherhood. These have been my best friends and will continue to be so.
