Beta Theta Pi
Tips for the
Pledge Educator
The position of pledge educator is crucial for the success of a chapter or colony. It
is your charge to educate the pledges not only on fraternity songs and lore but also the
values Beta Theta Pi holds fast to. Below are tips that can help ensure the success of your
pledge education program.
1) The basis of all pledge education should be the values of Beta Theta Pi. Start by using
the Objects of Beta Theta Pi. The Objects is an open statement of the Fraternity’s true
purpose. It was published in 1879 so non-members could understand the aim of Beta
Theta Pi. This should be shared and stressed with the Pledges.
2) Review and understand the ritual. Since the basis of the program should be the ritual,
the pledge educator should have a good understanding of it. Read over the ritual and
think on how the values and principles of Beta Theta Pi are being transmitted to the
pledges. Further before each ceremony review the entire ceremony, especially your
speaking parts.
3) The pledge education program should be absent of all forms of hazing; mental,
physical, and emotional. Hazing is not only against the law but it contradicts Beta
Theta Pi’s ritual and founding principles.
4) There is a difference between making something difficult for the sake of being
difficult or making something challenging for a purpose. Being challenging can
provide good learning opportunities. Be challenging but stay within the framework of
the ritual.
5) Be the ultimate role model. The brother that the pledges will look to the most is you.
If your behavior is proper and you are a model citizen they will recognize this,
however if you are acting out of line and representing the fraternity in a poor way
they will see this as well. Remember their minds are easily molded and what they see
as a pledge is how they will most likely act as a member. In simpler words, Live the
Ritual… Everyday.
6) Have fun. The pledge education period is a time to build strong relationships with the
pledges. Pledges would not desire membership if they are not having fun. The pledge
program can be lengthy and tedious for the pledges, keep them upbeat about the
program and becoming a brother. Have fun social activities and brotherhood building
events.
7) Remember that while pledges do not yet wear the Badge of Beta Theta Pi they do
bear the name. They too are a representation of the Fraternity and the chapter. They
should understand this point. Further they deserve the same respect that members
hold for each other. It is vital that the pledges feel like a part of the chapter even if
they are not yet initiated.
8) Include them in discussions that affect the direction of the chapter. They will be the
next generation to carry Beta’s banner. Their input should be considered in the
decision making process, even if they are given no formal voting power.
9) Utilize your resources. Most likely there is a person on campus who is there to help
fraternities better themselves. Use the person when you have questions or concerns.
They have good ideas and examples of how to better the pledge education process.
Further Beta Theta Pi has many brothers on staff that is capable of helping you with
betterment of the pledge program. The person that you will most likely see is the
education consultant who will travel to your campus at least once a semester.
10) Include the chapter in the pledge education process, keeping in mind that there will be
people who want to deviate from the program. Have a few at pledge class meetings,
set up events with different pledge classes in the chapter. This will allow brothers to
get involved and connect with the pledges.
11) Ask brothers and pledges for feedback. They are a good resource that is often
untapped. Further by asking for feedback it can help improve your chapter while also
including them in the process.
12) Chapter and Pledge Class Mentality or Chapter vs. Pledge Class Mentality. The
chapter and pledge class should bond together. It is more important to create strong
chapter unity rather than pledge class unity. Often pledge classes only act as a pledge
class, creating four smaller groups within a larger group. By increasing chapter unity
the chapter will have more fun, increase productivity, and develop stronger
relationships.