Q: What kind of organization is Theta Tau?
A: Theta Tau is a professional co-ed engineering fraternity. The purpose of Theta Tau is to develop and maintain a high standard of professional interest among its members, and to unite them in a strong bond of fraternal fellowship. We separate ourselves from being a social fraternity because we do not haze our pledges and we encompass a professional common goal. We hold lots of social events, such as broomball and camping, and we know how to have fun! Just take a look at our photo gallery.

Q: Do I have to be an engineer to join Theta Tau?
A: Yes, you need to be in one of the following engineering majors while you are a pledge:

Aerospace Engineering (AE)
Agricultural and Biological Engineering (AgE)
Bioengineering (BioE)
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE)
Computer Science (CS)
Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Engineering Physics (EP)
Engineering Mechanics (EM)
General Engineering (GE)
Industrial Engineering (IE)
Materials and Science Engineering (MatSE)
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE)

Once you are initiated into Theta Tau, you are a member for life even if you switch majors.

Q: Is Theta Tau an honors society?
A: Although we promote scholarship and require a certain GPA for initiates, Theta Tau is not an honors society.

Q: Why should I consider Theta Tau?
A: What makes Theta Tau great is our development of the whole student. The area between social fraternity and honors society allows us to create an environment where students can grow academically and professionally, as well as socially. Professionalism is pinnacle, yet at the same time we look to create a social environment to develop very marketable interpersonal skills.

Q: What is "Rushing"?
A: "Rushing" is an open invitation for eligible students to learn about becoming a member of Theta Tau. Rush is usually held during the first few weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters. During this time you will see signs posted saying "Rush Theta Tau." Theta Tau holds Rush events where we give out pizza, go bowling, BBQ, tailgate or other similar activities. During this time you first meet the members of Theta Tau, and they get to meet you. The purpose is to let the brothers of Theta Tau know you are interested in joining. You also learn about the fraternity and the upcoming pledge cycle, so you can make an informed decision about joining. During the two rush weeks, students are encouraged to come to as many rush events as possible. Also during rush, students should introduce themselves to the members and ask any questions they may have about Theta Tau. At the end of the rush period, the members of Theta Tau choose who will receive an invitation to continue on to the pledge process.

Q: What is a "bid" and how do I receive one?
A: A "bid" is a formal invitation to pledge a fraternity. Bids are given out to rushees who have shown potential of being a good member of Theta Tau. To receive a bid, come out to the rush events as possible. Really get to know the current members as the chances of receiving a bid increases by doing so. Immediately after the rush events, be sure to submit the "Intent to Pledge" form on our website. The members will hold a meeting to determine which rushees may move on to the pledging process. If the members decide to allow the rushee to continue to the pledging process, that rushee will receive a bid.

Q: What is "Pledging"?
A: "Pledging" Theta Tau is a continuing promise by the student to become an active member of Theta Tau. After the rush cycle ends, Theta Tau members have a meeting, and give out bids to those people who they feel will make valuable members of the organization. If you receive a bid, be proud that the brothers have placed faith in you; although there is still much to be done before becoming a member. First, you must choose to accept the bid. The pledge period lasts for about 6 weeks. During the Pledge cycle you learn some history about the fraternity, important Theta Tau facts, and you bond with your fellow Pledge brothers and soon to be Theta Tau brothers. Each pledge session roughly lasts about an hour. Throughout the pledge period, different requirements are asked of the pledges. As a pledge class you learn teamwork, professional development, and what it means to be a member of Theta Tau.

Q: Are there any requirements to be initiated into Theta Tau?
A: Yes, we have several requirements:
1) Attend the weekly pledge sessions. Contact the pledge marshall if you have conflicts.
2) Pay the pledge fee on time. Please see the question about fees below.
3) Complete the pledge project. The pledge marshall will let you know more about it later.
4) Pass the National and Local Pledge Exams. A score of 80 or higher on both exams is needed for initiation.
5) Attend initiation.

Q: What are "big brothers"?
A: A big brother is a member of Theta Tau assigned to act as a mentor to a pledge. Big brothers help the pledges adjust to Theta Tau and offers any advice they may have about courses, the fraternity, and other things.

Q: Are there any fees?
A: Yes, as with most student organizations on campus, there are initiation and member fees. The initiation fee is roughly $60 dollars, which covers your initiation badge as well as cost of materials. This fee is paid only one time (the semester you initiate).

The membership fee is roughly $100 per semester. This fee covers cost of materials, a T-shirt, as well as national fees. This is a fairly reasonable price as most social fraternities on campus charge $500-1000 per semester. However, if you have concerns with the fees, contact the treasurer and a payment plan could be arranged.

Q: What is "hazing" and will I be hazed?
A: Absolutely not. Theta Tau has a strict no-hazing policy. Our chapter defines "hazing" as an action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off campus or fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Any action taken to intentionally hurt the individual, degrade them, or humiliate them will not be tolerated. Our chapter believes that everyone who joins our organization is equal, no matter if they joined 4 years ago, or yesterday. We also believe that hazing destroys the bonds of brotherhood, rather than uniting them.

Q: Is there a Theta Tau house on campus?
A: Because we are a new chapter, we do not have an official house yet. We are, however, renting a house right now and 11 of our members currently live there. The address is 1103 South Busey Ave. (Corner of Busey and Ohio). This is located one block east of the McKinley Health Center and the Illini Grove.

Q: May I still join Theta Tau if I am already in another fraternity/sorority?
A: Yes, as long as the other fraternity or sorority is not a competing fraternity with Theta Tau. The competing fraternities are: Alpha Chi Sigma, Alpha Omega Epsilon, Alpha Rho Chi, Kappa Eta Kappa, Phi Sigma Rho, Scarab, Sigma Beta Epsilon, Sigma Phi Delta, Sigma Rho, and Triangle.

Q: What are the requirements?
A: There are several requirements.
1) Must be at least 18 years old
2) Overall GPA 3.2 (Before Initiation; Maintaining GPA of 2.5).
3) Must be an Engineering Student and currently progressing onto the field.(Once you are a member of Theta Tau, you are a member for life, even if you switch majors in the future.)
4) Must not be an active member of a competing fraternity.
5) Must show an active role within the College of Engineering.