ACTIVE CHAPTER SERVICE AWARD:
An award, authorized by the Grand Chapter for chapters to present each year to the undergraduate member selected by the chapter as, "The brother who has contributed most to the welfare of the chapter."

"ALMA MATER FIRST AND THETA CHI FOR ALMA MATER":
A maxim used in Theta Chi to emphasize our academic mission.

ALTER AWARD, THE:
The Howard R. Alter, Jr. Award for Chapter Excellence is the highest award for chapters in our fraternity. Named in honor of Howard R. Alter, Jr., Omega/Pennsylvania State '41, who served Theta Chi as National President from 1962 to 1966, as Executive Director from 1968 to 1984, and who currently serves as Executive Director Emeritus and as an officer of the National Board of Trustees. The award is given to those chapters which demonstrate excellence in overall operations. A committee reviews applications submitted by chapters for this honor. Chapters receiving this honor receive a certificate and the name of the chapter is engraved on a plaque in the International Headquarters.

ALUMNA:
A female graduate of a college or university. The plural form of alumna, when describing two or more women who graduated, is alumnae.

ALUMNI:
Two or more alumnus members. Sometimes used incorrectly in describing a single male graduate of a college or university.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:
An organization of alumni from a chapter, often combined with an alumni corporation or house corporation.

ALUMNI AWARD:
The third highest honor that is bestowed by the Fraternity. This award must be authorized by the Grand Chapter and is presented to alumni, or in exceptional cases to undergraduate members, who have made meritorious contributions at a local, regional or national level of Theta Chi Fraternity. The Alumni Award with ruby is presented by the Grand Chapter.

ALUMNI CHAPTER:
A group of alumni in a particular locality which has been recognized and granted a charter by the Grand Chapter. Theta Chi currently has 18 active alumni chapters and 66 inactive alumni chapters. Most chapters meet monthly for lunch and have special events during the year, such as a Founders Day celebration.

ALUMNUS ADVISOR:
An alumnus elected by an undergraduate chapter and approved by the Grand Chapter to serve as chapter advisor. The term of office is three years.

ALUMNUS, ALUMNUS MEMBER:
A member who has completed his undergraduate academic career.

APPLAUSE:
In many chapters the standard clapping of hands has been replaced at meetings by snapping fingers.

APPRECIATION AWARD:
An award authorized by the Grand Chapter in 1946 to recognize outstanding service to Theta Chi Fraternity by a woman.

BADGE OF THETA CHI:
Pursuant to legislation approved at the 54th Anniversary Convention held in 1910, the badge of Theta Chi "shall be worn at all times on the left side in the vicinity of the heart, and no prepatory, class or other fraternity pin shall be worn in the same locality."

Legislation from the 69th Anniversary Convention, held in 1920, provides that, "The Fraternity badge shall be worn at a distinctive angle, the long axis of the 0 bisecting the angle formed by the head and right shoulder." A more practical instruction provides that the badge is worn so that the left sword points vertically to the ground.

The badge should only be worn at appropriate times and with clothing consistent with displaying the badge. When wearing a suit or jacket, the badge should be worn on the shirt and not on the lapel of the coat.

BY-LAWS OF THETA CHI:
Published by the Grand Chapter, and available through the International Headquarters. All pledges are required to read and become familiar with the National By- Laws of Theta Chi Fraternity before initiation.

CHAPMAN LIBRARY:
A historical display area located in the conference room of the International Headquarters, dedicated to Past Executive Director George W. Chapman, Omega/Pennsylvania State '32, and containing books by Theta Chi authors.

CHAPTER GUARD FOR THE BADGE:
Members are permitted to wear a guard for their badge, consisting of the Greek letter or letters designating the chapter. The guard is fastened to the badge by a small chain. The guard can be worn above, at the same level or below and to the left of the badge.

CHAPTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE:
A leadership conference held on odd-numbered years during late July or early August. The CLC, as it is known, is specifically designed to provide officers and members with leadership experience, skills and techniques for use in their chapters and colonies. The first Chapter Leadership Conference was held in 1985. The next Chapter Leadership Conference, CLC V, will be held in 1993.

CHAPTER NAMES:
Chapters are designated by a letter or letters of the Greek alphabet, assigned in order from Alpha through Omega. In Theta Chi, the same two letters are not used to designate a chapter (Alpha Alpha, Beta Beta), thus each series of chapters after our single letter series has 23 chapters.

The Theta Chi chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity designation was set aside through legislation approved at the 132nd Anniversary Convention in 1988, for use as a special chapter to honor individuals who were not members of our fraternity. An individual selected shall be of "good character who can be expected to be a credit to Theta Chi Fraternity, and by his conduct and actions can be expected to labor for the advancement, interests and welfare of Theta Chi Fraternity, but for reasons acceptable to the Grand Chapter has not previously become a member of Theta Chi Fraternity."

The first and thus far only initiate into Theta Chi Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity has been Bruce D. Slivinske, of East Brunswick, New Jersey. Bruce was the older brother of our late Executive Vice President, Dale A. Slivinske. Brother Bruce Slivinske was initiated into Theta Chi Fraternity on May 3, 1990, in the former executive office in Trenton, New Jersey.

CHAPTER NEWSLETTERS:
It is recommended that all chapters publish, on a regular schedule, a chapter newsletter to be sent to all chapter alumni, to the Grand Chapter, National Board of Trustees, the International Headquarters, the appropriate members of the Regional Staff, parents of members, and other chapters.

CHAPTER NUMBER:
All Theta Chi chapters are numbered, beginning with Alpha Chapter as #1, according to the order in which the chapters were installed. As of April, 1992, Theta Chi Fraternity had installed 199 chapters.

CHAPTER PRESIDENT'S KEY:
An insignia of office to be worn by chapter presidents. A key is presented at installation to the new chapter by the Grand Chapter, and the key is to be worn by each succeeding chapter president. Many chapters purchase and present a smaller version of the key to a chapter president when he completes his term of office. The key may be ordered through the International Headquarters.

CHARTER:
The formal certificate issued by the Grand Chapter to new or reinstalled undergraduate chapters or alumni chapters. The charter contains the names of the undergraduates or alumni who formed the original group which petitioned the Grand Chapter for recognition as a chapter. It contains language relating to the rights and responsibilities of the chapter. It also provides that the chapter "shall remain subject to the Grand Chapter and shall conform to all requirements of the Constitution."

In the event a chapter is reinstalled after being declared inactive, the original charter is returned to the chapter, and a miniature version of the charter, containing the names of the new group of men who recolonized the chapter, is also provided.

CHASE, ARTHUR:
One of the two founders of Theta Chi Fraternity, who was born on October 21, 1835, and died on November 20, 1888.

CHASE MEMORIAL PLAQUE:
A plaque placed at the grave of Arthur Chase at the cemetery in Claremont, New Hampshire.

CHI THETA:
The organizational name which is used occasionally by colonies of the fraternity.

CITATION OF HONOR:
A certificate authorized by the Grand Chapter through the International Headquarters for presentation to members for outstanding service to the Fraternity. It is also used to honor men who are not members of Theta Chi Fraternity and women for outstanding service to the fraternity movement.

COAT OF ARMS:
Sometimes mistakenly called the crest, the Fraternity Coat of Arms is described in heraldic phraseology, as:
"Or on a bend gules, a nowed serpent between two swords, points downward, pale wise, all of the first. On an Esquire's helmet the crest an eagle displayed Or". The crest is actually the eagle,a part of the Coat of Arms.

COLLEY MEMORIAL TROPHY:
A trophy representing distinguished undergraduate service to alma mater, fraternity and chapter. The Colley Award is presented annually to an undergraduate member chosen by a Grand Chapter committee. The original trophy was presented by Frederick W. Ladue, Iota/Colgate, in memory of Reginald E.F. Colley, Phi/North Dakota State, who was a member of the Grand Chapter from 1925 to 1926. Each chapter is encouraged to submit a nominee for the Colley Award each year. The recipient of the Colley Award receives a certificate and his name is engraved on the plaque at the International Headquarters.

THE COLONIST:
A newsletter for colony members in Theta Chi Fraternity, published six times each school year through the International Headquarters.

COLONY:
A group organized at a college or university for the purpose of petitioning the Grand Chapter for a charter. A colony begins as an interest group, and is then granted recognition as a colony by the Grand Chapter. Members are encouraged to wear the letters and name of Theta Chi once the interest group is officially recognized as a colony. Under current practices, colony members may not be initiated into the fraternity until the date of installation. Our colonies must meet a variety of requirements before petitioning for a charter, including a minimum size of 45 members.

CONFIDENTIAL NEWS:
Used for many years as the official newsletter by the Executive Office for chapters and the Official Family. It has been replaced by Men Since '56: The Chapter Leadership Newsletter for Theta Chi Fraternity.

CONSTITUTION OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
Published by the Grand Chapter, and available through the International Headquarters. All pledges are required to read and become familiar with the Constitution of Theta Chi before initiation.

CREED OF THETA CHI:
Written by Frank H. Schrenk, Kappa/Pennsylvania '12, the Creed has become an important part of our traditions and an expressive means of stating our ideals and objectives as a fraternity. The Creed should be recited in a serious, level voice. It should not be chanted, shouted, or yelled. Brother Schrenk's name, chapter and year of graduation are not part of the Creed and should not be recited at the end of the Creed.

Many chapters use the Creed as a teaching device for new members. New members are asked to analyze, with their Big Brothers, each phrase and to note the significance of the use of three terms or words throughout the Creed, and to apply the words and concepts to our fraternity in the 1990s.

CROSSED SWORDS, THE:
The Risk Management and Standards newsletter of Theta Chi Fraternity. Published six times each year through the International Headquarters for chapter officers, alumni and house corporation officers, and the Official Family.

DEATH OF A MEMBER:
Our National Legislation provides that, "In the event of the death of a member of an undergraduate chapter or the Grand Chapter, each undergraduate member shall wear his badge over a square field of black ribbon for a period of one week. In the death of an active member, only chapter brothers will wear the black ribbon".

DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS:
A directory of alumnus members was published in 1981 and in 1988. A third directory is scheduled to be published in 1993. All alumnus members whose addresses are on file with the International Headquarters are contacted and will be included in the directory. Copies of the directory can be purchased from the publishing company. The directory is divided into chapter sections by Greek letter order, by geographical area, and alphabetically.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD:
This award is the highest honor in Theta Chi Fraternity. It was authorized and established by the Grand Chapter on December 12, 1938. It may be presented to those members of the Fraternity who have made distinguished contributions on a national scale to the lasting good and welfare of Theta Chi Fraternity.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
An alumnus selected and appointed by the Grand Chapter to operate the International Headquarters and to administer the affairs of the Fraternity. In turn, the executive director hires employees to assist him in these duties. The International Headquarters staff works at the direction of the National President and the Grand Chapter, and they are compensated as employees of the Fraternity.

EXPANSION:
The term used to describe the addition of colonies and new chapters to our Fraternity. Standards for expansion were adopted by the Grand Chapter in 1991 in order to facilitate the process of selecting campuses at which we would like to be represented.

FINANCIAL SUPERVISOR:
Also referred to as the Financial Advisor, this alumnus is appointed by the house or alumni corporation to supervise the financial operations of the undergraduate chapter.

FOUNDATION CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY, INC.:
The Theta Chi Foundation Chapter was incorporated under the laws of the State of Indiana on October 16, 1953. It is a private educational foundation. It received a charter from the Grand Chapter, and exists to accept gifts, bequests and contributions in order to provide scholarships and grants to Theta Chi undergraduate and graduate students. The founder and first president of the Foundation Chapter is Past National President Sherwood Blue, Alpha Iota/Indiana '26.

FOUNDER'S BADGE:
The badge originally owned by Arthur Chase, one of the founders of Theta Chi Fraternity. It is similar in design but slightly larger than the badge we use today. A facsimile of the Founder's Badge is presented by the Fraternity to each national president as he assumes office. The original Chase badge is on display in the International Headquarters.

FOUNDERS DAY:
Our Constitution provides that, "All undergraduate chapters should, if possible, observe the evening of the tenth day of April as Founders Day. This anniversary of the founding of Theta Chi Fraternity should be celebrated as the several chapters may deem proper; except that at nine o'clock of that evening, if an undergraduate chapter is in secret session it shall stand, and in unison and in low voice, repeat the third oath of the Fraternity; if however, the observance is a public affair, all activities shall cease for two minutes, one minute before and one minute after the hour of nine."

Many chapters and alumni chapters celebrate Founders Day with a special dinner and an opportunity for all present to reflect upon their memories of their chapter or Theta Chi in general. Our colonies are also encouraged to recognize and celebrate this day. Some chapters and colonies perform "The Founding of Theta Chi Fraternity" as included in The Manual.

FRATERNITY BADGE:
Our Constitution provides that, "The badge shall be a rattlesnake which, shall be bent so as to form the Greek letter Theta. The rattlesnake's head shall be on the upper right-hand side near the center of the letter, and its tail shall pass around by the head behind the neck down half way to the letter. It shall then come in sight and pass across, forming the bar of the Theta. It shall be of gold, chased (decorated by engraving or embossing) in an appropriate manner. The eye of the snake shall be a precious ruby. This shall be surmounted (placed below, in this usage) by two swords placed satyr (sometimes referred to as saltire, which means a cross formed by two diagonal members) ways points downwards, thus forming the Greek letter Chi, these are also to be of gold. The name of the owner shall be engraved on the back of the badge, also the letter (or letters) signifying the chapter to which he belongs."

Rubies, pearls, and diamonds only may be used as ornamental jewels in the manufacture of the Theta Chi Fraternity badge and only in ways approved by the Grand Chapter. When jeweled, the jeweling shall be crown set.

Our badge is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a pin. The historical and proper term is badge.

FRATERNITY COLORS:
The colors of the Fraternity are military red and white. In 1909 the Grand Chapter designated, as the standard fraternity color, the same shade of red that is used in the flag of the United States of America.

FRATERNITY FLAG:
At the 64th Anniversary Convention, held in April of 1920 in New York City, the following specifications for a flag were adopted:
"Size 6 feet by 9 feet, made of fine wool bunting, doubled and sewed back to back, white field with 8-inch red border; Greek letters 0X, coiled rattlesnake and 1856 appliqued on both sides in fine finish felt." Two flags are offered for sale through the International Headquarters:
A 6' x 9' flag and a 4' x 6' flag. Theta Chi is one of only a few national fraternities that uses a double thickness flag with the letters and other insignia sewn on the cloth.

FRATERNITY FLOWER:
The flower of Theta Chi Fraternity is the red carnation.

FRATERNITY FOUNDERS:
Frederick Norton Freeman, Alpha/Norwich 1857, and Arthur Chase, Alpha/Norwich 1856, are considered the founders of Theta Chi Fraternity. Freeman is considered to be the founder, Chase the co-founder, and Egbert Phelps, who later became a member of Chi Psi Fraternity at Union College, is considered an assistant founder.

FRATERNITY PENNANT:
Made of fine French felt, white background at the head and red background at the point; a coiled rattlesnake in red felt applique and machinery embroidered on a white field. The Greek letters Theta and Chi in white on a red field; ribbon ties; in sizes as follows:
18 by 42 inches or 12 by 36 inches. Approved by the Grand Chapter on June 7th, 1928.

FREEMAN, FREDERICK NORTON:
One of the founders of Theta Chi Fraternity. Born March 2, 1839; died March 28, 1867.

FREEMAN MEMORIAL PLAQUE:
A plaque erected at the grave of Frederick Norton Freeman at the cemetery near Plainfield, New Hampshire. It bears the following inscription:
"Frederick Norton Freeman, class of 1857, co-Founder of Theta Chi Fraternity at Norwich University, April 10, 1856. Unveiled by the 75th Annual Convention of Theta Chi Fraternity, August 29, 1931"

GOLDEN GUARD OF THETA CHI:
Composed of those members of the Fraternity who have been members of Theta Chi or their preceding local fraternity for a total of fifty years or more. Membership is honorary and without expense. Golden Guard certificates are available through the International Headquarters. The certificates are engraved on gold paper and bear a red seal.

GOLDEN GUARD RECOGNITION BUTTON:
Official recognition button of the Fraternity in gold, surrounded by an oval laurel wreath which can be worn by members of the Golden Guard.

GRAND CHAPTER:
The Grand Chapter is the administrative, executive and judicial head of the Fraternity. It is composed of eight members whose class shall have been graduated from college at least six years. Members are elected by delegates to the National Convention, for a four year term, and can serve two consecutive terms. The members are volunteers.

GRAND CHAPTER BADGE GUARD:
Present and past Grand Chapter members are privileged to wear, as a guard for their badge and as a symbol of their office or former office, a specially designed small gold eagle with wings spread over crossed swords and snake. The guard is attached to the badge by a small chain.

GRAND CHAPTER COMMITTEES:
The Grand Chapter may establish committees to assist in the operation of the Fraternity and to address specific issues, concerns or needs. The committees also provide opportunities for alumnus members to become involved in the Fraternity and to share time and expertise on behalf of Theta Chi.

The Grand Chapter currently has 21 different committees. The committees and their responsibilities range from the Alter Award, Alumni, Convention Credentials and Financial Management to Historical Archives, Leadership Education, Legal Affairs, Regional Plan, Risk Management and Standards, Ritual and Scholarship. The National Advisory Committee is made up of all past national presidents and plays a key role in honoring alumni.

GRAND CHAPTER JEWEL:
Sometimes referred to as a medallion, the jewel is a small, gold colored disc bordered with a laurel, with crossed swords and snake with a ruby eye. It is worn with a red ribbon. Present and past Grand Chapter officers wear the jewel at meetings, conventions, and other formal Theta Chi or interfraternity events. National Board of Trustees members also receive and wear the jewel.

GRAND CHAPTER OFFICERS:
The officers of the Grand Chapter, in order of precedence, are the National President, the National Vice President, the National Secretary, the National Treasurer, the National Counselor, the National Marshal, the National Chaplain, and the National Historian. The president and vice president are elected by the delegates to the national convention after elections are held for the Grand Chapter. The other six offices are then filled by elections within the Grand Chapter.

GRAND CHAPTER SEAL:
The corporate seal of the Grand Chapter is kept at the International Headquarters and used to emboss all official documents, such as charters and membership certificates. The seal has a reproduction of the official badge in the center and around the badge are the words, "Fraternity Founded 1856", and "New York". In an outer circle on the seal are the words, "Grand Chapter Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc. 1923". The year refers to the year in which the Grand Chapter was incorporated in the State of New York.

GRAND CHAPTER SERVICE PLAQUE:
A special plaque bearing the Fraternity Coat of Arms and an engraved plate noting the years of service and office(s) held by a member of the Grand Chapter. It is presented by the Fraternity to members of the Grand Chapter in recognition of their service upon their retirement from office.

HAZING:
Illegal and unlawful practices usually associated with pledging. Theta Chi Fraternity subscribes to the definition of hazing contained with the Fraternity Executives Association Statement of Position on Hazing and Pre-Initiation Activities, which can be found in this Manual. The definition encompasses physical, mental or psychological and emotional hazing, all of which are forbidden. Questions regarding the definition of hazing, and positive practices to eliminate and replace hazing, can be directed to the International Headquarters staff.

The terms "hell week" or "hell night",relating to activities involving new members, are antiquated and sadly misrepresentative. The terms communicate every possible negative connotation that fraternity chapters can be associated with in the education of new members. These terms have no place in any fraternity, and especially in Theta Chi Fraternity.

Over 35 states have now passed criminal statutes to punish those who involve themselves in hazing practices. Many young men have died or have been injured as a result of hazing, and a number of major lawsuits have been filed against undergraduate members and alumni by undergraduates or their families as a result of hazing.

A number of men's fraternities have drastically reduced or eliminated their pledge education programs in order to eliminate hazing. Colleges and universities which have abolished men's and women's fraternities on their campuses cite hazing practices as the primary concern and basis for that action.

Theta Chi Fraternity first enacted legislation regarding the prohibition of hazing in 1920, and has reiterated and reinforced that stance through additional legislation and by disciplining individuals and chapters for hazing practices. Our Fraternity has suspended members, and reorganized and closed chapters involved in hazing practices.

"HC":
The newsletter for house and alumni corporation officers in Theta Chi Fraternity. "HC" is published six times each year by the International Headquarters.

HISTORY OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
Edited by former Executive Secretary Robert H. Hoge, Rho/Illinois '24, and published in 1927 by the Fraternity. This book is now out of print. A few copies are on display in the International Headquarters.

HONORARY ACTIVE MEMBER:
An alumnus member who becomes a member of an undergraduate chapter in times of local or national emergency.

HONORARY CHAPTER MEMBER:
An undergraduate or alumnus member of the Fraternity who, by vote of an undergraduate chapter other than his own, has been made an honorary member of that chapter. As a practice, all undergraduate and alumnus members of the fraternity who participate in the installation or reinstallation of a chapter become honorary members of that chapter and receive a certificate for that purpose.

HONORARY MEMBER:
A person of distinction may be elected to honorary membership in the Fraternity by a unanimous vote of an undergraduate chapter provided the Grand Chapter approves, and that the person is not a member of a similar Greek letter fraternity.

INACTIVE CHAPTER:
A chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity of which the charter has been suspended or revoked by the Grand Chapter, and which is no longer recognized as an active chapter. The reasons for the suspension of a charter range from disciplinary, such as hazing, repeated risk management violations, or anti-social conduct, to consistently low membership which cannot support the chapter or the house, or the closing of the institution, as has occurred at Parsons College in Iowa and Tarkio College in Missouri.

One of the stated goals of our expansion policy is to recolonize and ultimately reinstall a large number of our inactive chapters.

INITIATE, INITIATED:
The term used to describe a member of the Fraternity, and the proper term to describe the fact that he has become a member. Theta Chi Fraternity does not recognize such terms as, "activated", "activation", "brotherize", or "brothered up".

INSTALLATION:
The ceremony through which a colony is installed as a chapter in Theta Chi Fraternity. Installations are normally held on a Saturday, with the initiation of all members into Theta Chi in the morning, followed by the installation of the chapter in the afternoon. All undergraduate and alumnus brothers who participate in the installation ceremony are made honorary members of the chapter. A banquet to celebrate the new or reinstalled chapter is held in the evening.

The installation of an inactive chapter is known as a reinstallation.

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL:
Most campuses utilize an interfraternity council as the governing organization for all men's fraternity chapters. Our Theta Chi chapters and colonies are expected and encouraged to take a strong, active leadership role in their campus interfraternity councils. The role of interfraternity councils has become even more important in the 1990s with campus- wide risk management policies and the need for coordinated, unrestricted rush programs.

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS:
The headquarters of the Fraternity provides support and services to all undergraduate and alumnus members and organizations and our volunteers at all levels. The headquarters is currently located at:

3330 Founders Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
46268-1333
(317) 824-1881
(317) 824-1908 FAX
thetachi@gandlf.uindy.edu

"KEEP IN TOUCH":
The alumni program slogan of the Fraternity. Chapters are requested to use this slogan in their newsletters.

KEY MAN AWARD:
Theta Chi Fraternity recognizes those undergraduate and alumni members who attend all required sessions at the School of Fraternity Practices or the Chapter Leadership Conference with a Key Man Certificate. The term "Key Man" was developed to reflect the training that a member received at the School or CLC, which he then can share with his chapter and region.

The Key Man with "E" Award was developed for the 24th School of Fraternity Practices held in 1988 at the National Convention. Those undergraduate and alumni members who attend extra credit leadership sessions, held in the early morning or late evening, receive a Key Man certificate with a seal decorated with an "E", reflecting extra effort and excellence.

A Key Man key can be purchased from the International Headquarters to wear or display.

LADUE MEMORIAL FUND:
Established by Past National President Frederick W. Ladue, Iota/Colgate '12 during World War II, to provide an emergency fund for loans to chapters. The Ladue Memorial Fund is administered by a committee appointed by the Grand Chapter. Loans are made to chapters in cases of great necessity or emergency. The Ladue Fund is supported through a portion of each pledge registration fee. Applications and assistance are available through the International Headquarters.

LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION CONSULTANTS:
Our Leadership and Education Consultants are employed by the International Headquarters. They are recent graduates who serve Theta Chi in a most important role, by visiting chapters and colonies across the United States. Their duties include counseling and advising officers and members, working on a variety of problems and challenges, preparing reports describing their visits and following up with alumni, Greek Advisors, and Official Family members during and after their visits.

Our Consultants must be extremely dedicated, organized and motivated brothers. They participate in an extensive training program at the International Headquarters during the summer and then visit chapters and colonies from late August to May, with a vacation in December. As paid professional staff members of Theta Chi, they represent our Fraternity in a variety of situations and circumstances.

Applications for the position of Leadership and Education Consultant and information are available from the Director of Chapter Services in the International Headquarters. The interview process for the Consultant staff begins each January, and hiring decisions are completed by April.

LEGISLATION OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
A compilation of all legislation approved by the Conventions of Theta Chi Fraternity. Our pledges are expected to read and review our legislation prior to their initiation into Theta Chi Fraternity. The newest edition of The Legislation will be published in September, 1992.

LEWIS MEMORIAL TROPHY:
The Sidney Ann Gilpin Lewis Memorial Trophy was presented to the Fraternity in 1938 by James G. Lewis, Alpha Xi/Delaware, in memory of his daughter. The Lewis Award is presented on an annual basis by the Grand Chapter to that chapter which has made the greatest progress in the previous year. The award is usually given to chapters which have recovered from extremely low membership and operational levels.

MEMBER AT LARGE:
A member who belonged to a chapter of Beta Kappa which was orbecame inactive following the merger with Theta Chi in 1942, or an initiated member of a colony which was not installed as a chapter. A decision was made in 1990 to abandon the practice of allowing members of colonies to be initiated prior to installation or reinstallation of the chapter.

MEMBERSHIP CARD:
A durable plastic membership card approved at the 1990 Convention which includes the name of the member, his chapter, roster number and date of initiation into Theta Chi Fraternity. The card is sent to each newly initiated member once his initiation fee and E-1 form are received along in the International Headquarters. The cost of the card is included in the initiation fee.

MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE:
The certificate of membership, sometimes referred to as a shingle, which is sent to each new member after his initiation fee and E-1 form are received in the International Headquarters. The cost of the membership certificate is included in the initiation fee.

MEMORIAL SERVICES:
A memorial service is conducted at the beginning of each National Convention by the National Chaplain for those members who joined the Chapter Eternal in the time since the previous Convention. Undergraduate chapters are requested to send the names and year of graduation of all deceased members to the International Headquarters by June 1st of the Convention year so that those names may be read at the service.

MEN SINCE '56:
The chapter leadership newsletter for Theta Chi Fraternity, which contains information, ideas, programs and updates for and about our chapters and colonies. Men Since '56 is published nine times each year through the International Headquarters.

MOTHER'S CLUB:
Chapters are encouraged to organize a Mother's Club, made up of the mothers of undergraduate members and pledges. Most Mother's Clubs meet once each year, usually during an event held for mothers. Many of the clubs contribute items to improve the appearance of the chapter house.

MOTHER'S DAY:
Theta Chi Fraternity may have been the first national fraternity to publicly recognize Mother's Day and to recommend that all chapters observe this day(the second Sunday in May)each year in an appropriate manner. Our Fraternity made this official in 1920. Alpha Gamma chapter at Michigan was the first to begin this custom. Recognition of Mother's Day includes having the mothers of undergraduate members and pledges as guests at the chapter.

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
The National Board of Trustees was formed in 1927 to receive, hold, invest and conserve the National Endowment Fund of Theta Chi Fraternity. The National Endowment Fund was started in 1927 to assist our chapters by making loans available to chapters with alumni or house corporations for the purchase or repair of chapter houses.

The Board consists of five alumnus members of the Fraternity, appointed to office by the Grand Chapter with the advice and consent of the National Convention. The term of office is five years, and members can be reappointed for a second consecutive five year term. Members of the National Board of Trustees are volunteers.

The five officers of the National Board of Trustees are the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and counselor.

The National Endowment Fund is supported through a portion of each initiation fee, alumnus endowment contributions, life subscriptions to The Rattle, gifts, bequests (gifts of personal property through a will), devises (gifts of land or real property through a will), and any other monies transferred to it.

Loan applications and assistance are available through the International Headquarters.

NATIONAL INTERFRATERNITY CONFERENCE:
An association of men's national fraternities. Founded in 1909, the NIC maintains a headquarters in Indianapolis and serves to promote and further the interests of member fraternities. A yearly meeting is held in December in conjunction with the Association of Fraternity Advisors.

The legislative body of the National Interfraternity Conference is the House of Delegates, although the Conference has no actual legislative control over its members. Theta Chi Fraternity has been a member of the National Interfraternity Conference since 1912 and has consistently supported the goals and objectives of the NIC through membership and leadership.

NECKTIE:
The official necktie of Theta Chi Fraternity is a club tie with tri-color coat of arms. Ties are available from the International Headquarters.

NORWICH UNIVERSITY:
The institution at which Theta Chi Fraternity was founded. Originally located in Norwich, Vermont, the university moved to its current location in Northfield, Vermont, in 1866. The move to Northfield was made after a fire destroyed all university buildings, including the Old South Barracks, in 1866.

In 1960, Norwich University abolished all fraternities and our Alpha chapter was closed. The university displays some of our historical items in the library on campus, and the role of Theta Chi Fraternity in the development of the university is included in orientation courses.

OBJECTIVES OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
The twenty two objectives of our Fraternity were adopted by the Grand Chapter in 1935. The Objectives were developed as a means of clearly establishing our goals and relationships with others as a national fraternity. Theta Chi was one of the first national fraternities to adopt and publicize our objectives. The Objectives can be divided into four categories:
Personal, Social, Cultural and Financial.

OFFICIAL FAMILY:
A term used to describe present and past members of the Grand Chapter and National Board of Trustees, current members of the Regional Staff, and the International Headquarters staff.

OLD SOUTH BARRACKS:
The site of the founding of Theta Chi Fraternity on April 10, 1856. Located on the campus of Norwich University, Norwich, Vermont, the Old South Barracks was completely destroyed by fire, along with other university buildings in 1866.

PETITION:
A document submitted by a colony to the Grand Chapter. The petition is the final step in the approval process required for a colony to be installed or reinstalled as a chapter in Theta Chi Fraternity. If approval is granted by the Grand Chapter, and two of the three nearest chapters also recommend that the colony be granted chapter status, copies of the petition are sent to all active chapters. A three-fourths vote of the chapters responding to the petition is required for approval.

If a colony is established on a campus at which a Theta Chi chapter once existed, the petition need only be approved by the Grand Chapter for the colony to be reinstalled as a chapter.

PHELPS, EGBERT:
Although he was never an undergraduate member of Theta Chi Fraternity, Egbert Phelps is considered to be our "assistant founder" for lending his help and advice to Brothers Freeman and Chase before and after our founding. Phelps attended Norwich University from 1852 to 1854, and was a member of the class of 1856. He is credited with developing the name of our fraternity and the design for our badge.

Phelps transferred to Union College in Schnectady, New York in 1854 and became a member of Chi Psi Fraternity. Union College is often referred to as the "mother of fraternities" with six national fraternities founded on the campus, including Chi Psi in 1841. It is thought that this influenced Phelps to continue his interest in Theta Chi even after he transferred from Norwich.

Egbert Phelps was born on December 8, 1835, and died on July 26, 1916. He is buried in Joliet, Illinois. He was posthumously made an honorary member of Theta Chi Fraternity at the 83rd Anniversary Convention on April 22, 1939, in Champaign, Illinois.

PLEDGE:
In Theta Chi, a male student who has pledged himself or agreed to join the Fraternity. Several fraternities now use the term "Associate Member" for new members. Five men's national fraternities have eliminated pledgeship in favor of initiation soon after rush is completed, with a member development program following initiation which involves the entire chapter.

PLEDGE BUTTON:
An insignia worn at appropriate times by men who have pledged Theta Chi Fraternity. Our pledge button is a small metal oval, red in color, with a white edge, and crossed diagonally with white stripes forming an "X".

The pledge button should be worn with an appropriate shirt, sweater or more formal dress. It should always be worn over the heart, and not on a belt, pantleg, shoe or sock. The pledge button was adopted to be worn much as our badge is to be worn, symbolizing membership in Theta Chi. Unlike our badge, the pledge button may be worn on the lapel of a suitcoat or blazer.

It was not adopted to be burdensome, or to become part of a rigid requirement that it be worn at all times. Our button should be worn with respect for and an understanding of the Fraternity which it represents.

PUBLICATIONS:
Theta Chi Fraternity has a number of publications for undergraduates and alumni.

The Rattle:
The magazine of Theta Chi Fraternity, published by Theta Chi Funds for Leadership and Education, Inc., two times each year.

Men Since '56:
The Chapter Leadership Newsletter of Theta Chi. Published nine times each school year.

The Colonist:
A newsletter for colonies of Theta Chi, published five times during the school year.

The Crossed Swords:
The risk management newsletter of Theta Chi, published five times during the school year.

HC:
The House and Alumni Corporation Newsletter: published six times each year for presidents and secretarys of our house and alumni corporations.

Other publications include Chapter Operations Manuals for chapter and colony officers, the Colony Manual, the Marshals manual, the workbook for use with the Manual of Theta Chi, and the Songs of Theta Chi. The International Headquarters also maintains a supply of the Constitution, By-Laws and Legislation of Theta Chi, our Ritual books, and roster books.

THE RATTLE OF THETA CHI:
The magazine of our Fraternity, published by our public foundation, Theta Chi Funds for Leadership and Education, Inc., twice each year.

RECOGNITION BUTTON:
A small button which is worn on a coat lapel. The recognition button comes in three forms. The official recognition button is a small reproduction of the official badge. A second version is a miniature coat of arms, while a third version utilizes the fraternity letters.

REGION:
A geographical division of North America developed to enhance the operation of the Regional Plan. In 1990, modifications were made to the existing regions to allow for seventeen regions. The regions are identified by Roman Numerals. Each region contains a number of chapters and is administered by one or more volunteer Regional Counselors.

REGIONAL CONFERENCE:
An annual meeting of members and pledges from all chapters and colonies in a given region. Our conferences are designed to be one day, drive in and drive out events with chapter operations leadership sessions, general sessions and meetings with members of the Official Family and individual chapters and colonies. Many conferences offer the Man Mile Award to chapters bringing the largest number of men the longest distance, as well as other recognition awards.

The Regional Conference is the most important event for a region. Host chapters are expected to put forth a great deal of time and effort into organizing and publicizing the conference. The conference provides most of our members with the only opportunity they will have to interact with members and pledges of all other chapters and colonies in their region, and to meet members of the Grand Chapter, the National Board of Trustees, and other representatives of the Official Family.

REGIONAL COUNSELOR:
An alumnus volunteer, appointed by the Grand Chapter on a yearly basis, who is charged with the responsibility to work with and assist chapters and colonies in his region. Our Regional Counselors are an integral part of the Regional Plan, and spend many hours each year visiting, helping and counseling our undergraduates, organizing and attending regional conferences, and participating in national events such as the Convention and the Chapter Leadership Conference.

Members interested in serving on the Regional Staff should contact the International Headquarters for an application form and information. Theta Chi Fraternity is always in need of alumnus volunteers for these important positions. Many of our Regional Counselors are recent graduates who have relocated with their new jobs and want to make a contribution to Theta Chi through involvement.

REINSTALLATION:
The installation ceremony for a chapter which was inactive and recolonized. The same ceremony is used for installation of a new chapter and reinstallation of an inactive chapter. The colony of an inactive chapter submits a petition to the Grand Chapter for reinstallation, and the petition does not require approval from other undergraduate chapters once the Grand Chapter has approved the petition.

REORGANIZATION:
The reorganization of a chapter takes place as a result of problems within the chapter which cannot be resolved through probation, alumni involvement or other sanctions or procedures. A reorganization is a very serious action, and is normally taken as a last and final effort to resolve problems before the charter of the chapter is suspended.

A chapter is reorganized through several procedures. A membership review is often conducted, officers are sometimes removed from office, and new policies, procedures and guidelines are imposed to make certain that changes are made and improvement can be documented. A reorganization is based upon the concept that the problems in the chapter cannot be resolved without these steps. A membership review takes place with individual interviews of all members and all pledges, conducted by representatives of the Regional Staff, the International Headquarters staff, and the alumni corporation. In some situations, all members are suspended prior to the interviews. They are then interviewed if they want to be included in the new group. Members are always interviewed to determine if they will support and uphold new standards in the chapter.

Without exception, a chapter which has been reorganized is placed on probation, and requirements and procedures are developed with the members to assist the chapter in changing and improving. In some cases, the officers step down and new officers are elected or appointed by the Alumni Probationary Committee.

A reorganization is an extremely difficult process, and the decision to reorganize a chapter is reached only after exhausting all other alternatives.

Reorganizations have been conducted because of problems with hazing, drug usage, risk management concerns, critically low membership, consistently poor chapter operations, or a combination of some or all of these factors.

RITUAL:
A confidential publication of Theta Chi Fraternity, containing the initiation and other ceremonies. Each chapter, when installed or reinstalled, receives a new set of Ritual books for use in meetings, initiation, and other formal events.

ROSTER BOOK:
The record book, provided to each chapter at installation or reinstallation, which is the permanent record of all initiated members of the chapter. The chapter secretary is charged with the responsibility to maintain the Roster Book and promptly and correctly enter information regarding each initiate within 24 hours of initiation.

The roster number is a number assigned to each new initiate. Numbers are assigned in ascending order and equal the total number of men initiated into the chapter since installation.

Under a new program which will be put into practice in 1992, roster numbers will be assigned at the International Headquarters. This will eliminate numerous errors, problems and confusion when roster numbers are skipped, or the same number is assigned to two different members. However, the chapter will continue to determine the order of assignment. That information will be provided to the International Headquarters, and roster numbers will be assigned on that basis.

Many chapters have developed a seniority system using roster numbers, based upon the grade point average of the initiates or other factors. This, in turn, becomes useful in a variety of situations. For example, room requests in a chapter house may be filled by seniority, or the opportunity to move out of the house if there are a sufficient number of members to fill the house. The assignment of roster numbers by the International Headquarters will not affect this practice, in any way.

SCHOLARSHIP CERTIFICATE:
A silver certificate presented by the Grand Chapter to all chapters which have a grade point average above the All Men's Average on their respective campuses for the preceding academic year. Data is collected for this competition by the International Headquarters, as many colleges and universities maintain these records and send the information to each headquarters.

Scholarship is a primary objective of Theta Chi Fraternity. Scholarship programming in a chapter may range from a formal tutor system involving all members and pledges to quiet hours, guest speakers, the establishment or development of a good resource library, study areas with desks and chairs, and a minimum grade point average to be initiated into our Fraternity to competition among members and scholarships, recognition plaques and special dinners.

SCHOOL OF FRATERNITY PRACTICES:
Held as part of our Convention since 1939, the School of Fraternity Practices will celebrate its 26th anniversary at the 136th Anniversary Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in August of 1992.

The School of Fraternity Practices is a three day program of workshops, general sessions, small group meetings and presentations covering all aspects of chapter operations and issues facing Theta Chi and all men's fraternities today.

SILVER LEGION OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY:
Composed of alumni of our Fraternity who have been members of Theta Chi for at least twenty five years. This includes members of local fraternities which were installed as Theta Chi chapters, and who have met the 25 year requirement. Membership is honorary and granted without application.

SILVER LEGION CERTIFICATE:
A certificate engraved on silver paper which can be awarded to members of the Silver Legion. The certificates are available from the International Headquarters.

SILVER LEGION RECOGNITION BUTTON:
The official recognition button of Theta Chi Fraternity. The button is silver in color and surrounded by an oval laurel wreath, and is to be worn by members of the Silver Legion.

STANFORD SCHOLARSHIP TROPHY:
A large plaque presented to the chapter which records the highest grade point average in the fraternity each school year. The plaque was given to the Grand Chapter by our Alpha Epsilon/Stanford University chapter, and is named in honor of that chapter. The name of the chapter receiving the award is engraved on the plaque. A formula is utilized to properly gauge academic performance for each chapter, regardless of the grading system used on campus. Regrettably, our Alpha Epsilon chapter was declared inactive in 1988.

SWEETHEART PIN:
A smaller reproduction of the official badge which members are permitted to give to mothers, wives, sisters and fiancees.

THETA CHI FOR LIFE AWARD:
This award was authorized and established by the Grand Chapter in 1976, and is the second highest award of Theta Chi Fraternity. It is named in honor of Past National President Earl D. "Dusty" Rhodes, who is known as Mr. Theta Chi. Brother Rhodes, who is an alumnus of our Delta/RPI chapter, was the first recipient of this award in 1976. The award recognizes those who devote a lifetime of outstanding service to Theta Chi Fraternity.

THETA CHI FUNDS FOR LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION, INC.:
Theta Chi Funds for Leadership and Education, Inc., is our public foundation and was incorporated under the laws of the State of Indiana in 1986. It accepts gifts and bequests (gifts through wills) and an annual fund raising drive is conducted by mail, telemarketing, and other means. Voluntary contributions have now risen to over $200,000 each year.

In 1989, a special fund was established within Theta Chi Funds to provide scholarships to undergraduate members of our fraternity. The fund was named in honor of our immediate past Executive Director Dale A. Slivinske, Gamma Sigma/Duke '68. Brother Slivinske joined the Chapter Eternal on August 28, 1989, and left a substantial amount of his estate to begin the fund. Other contributions from members and many interfraternal friends of Brother Slivinske have brought the fund to almost $100,000, and scholarships are now awarded on an annual basis from the fund.

The income from Theta Chi Funds is used for a variety of educational programs and projects in our Fraternity, including sponsorship of the School of Fraternity Practices, the Chapter Leadership Conference, our Regional Conferences, educational facets of visits by our Leadership & Education Consultants, scholarships and internships.

THETA CHI MONUMENT:
This monument was dedicated at the 75th Anniversary Convention in 1931, held at Norwich, Vermont. Made of Vermont granite, it displays a bronze tablet with the following inscription:
"On a site 200 feet northeast of this monument in the Old South Barracks of Norwich University, Frederick Norton Freeman, '57, and Arthur Chase, '56, founded Theta Chi Fraternity at 9 p.m., April 10, 1856".