FAQ
What kind of organization is Theta Tau?
Theta Tau is a Co-Ed Professional 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.
More for information, check out our Central Office Website!
What are the requirements?
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of initiation
Minimum GPA 2.5
Must be a current engineering student of good standing
Must not be an active member of a competing organization
Is Theta Tau an honor society?
Although we promote scholarship and require a certain GPA for initiates, Theta Tau is not an honor society. Still, it is a professional organization like ACM, IEEE, UPE, ASME, and more.
Is Theta Tau Co-Ed?
Yes. Theta Tau is a Co-Ed National Professional Fraternity; we recruit high-achieving men and women. Theta Tau has been Co-Ed since the late 1970’s.
Is Theta Tau a Social Fraternity?
We separate ourselves from being a social fraternity because we emphasize professionalism as a common goal. Nonetheless, we hold many social events, such as intramural sports, camping, and fraternity potluck dinners, all of which foster brotherhood.
Why should I consider Theta Tau?
What makes Theta Tau great is the development of its members.
The area between social fraternity and honor society allows us to create an environment where students can grow academically, professionally, and socially.
Professionalism is paramount, yet at the same time we don’t forget about the fundamental, social aspect of brotherhood; we ultimately help each other become well-rounded men and women.
Theta Tau is a strong professional and social network that will last for life.
What if I cannot make it to events due to conflicts?
PNMs and members are highly encouraged to attend their respective meetings and activities. However, school comes first.
As we are all students, we recognize the importance of having time to study. If a class or review conflicts with a meeting or activity, academics have top priority.
If you know you are going to absent, pledges should contact the PNME; members should contact the Scribe.
What is Recruitment?
Recruitment is an open invitation for eligible students to learn about becoming a member of Theta Tau. Recruitment is usually held during the first few weeks of the fall and spring semesters.
Theta Tau hosts Recruitment events that provide opportunities to meet the members of the chapter. 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 PNM process so you can make an informed decision about joining.
During recruitment, you are encouraged to come to as many recruitment events as possible. You should introduce yourself to the members and ask any questions they may have about Theta Tau. At the end of the recruitment period, the members of Theta Tau choose who will receive a bid to continue on to the PNM process.
What is “hazing” and will I be hazed?
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. Hazing is 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.
What is the PNM process?
Becoming a Potential New Member, or PNM, of Theta Tau is a continuing promise by the student to become an active member of the fraternity. If you choose to accept an extended bid, you will undergo the PNM process.
During this time you learn some history about the fraternity, important Theta Tau facts, and you bond with your fellow PNM brothers and soon to be fraternity brothers.
Each PNM session lasts about an hour. Throughout the PNM period, different requirements are asked of the PNMs.
As a PNM class you learn teamwork, professional development, and what it means to be a member of Theta Tau.
Are there any fees?
Yes. As with most student organizations on campus, there are initiation and member fees.
The initiation fee is $75 dollars, which covers your initiation badge as well as the cost of materials. This fee is paid only one time (the semester you initiate). The member dues are $660 a year or $55 a month.
This fee covers the cost of materials, a T-shirt, as well as national fees. If you are concerned about paying the fees, contact the treasurer and a payment plan can be arranged.
How do I correctly pronounce the “Tau”?
Good question. In your physics or math classes, “tau” probably rhymes with “how” or “cow,” which is the correct pronunciation of the modern Greek letter.
Our name, “tau” rhymes with “saw” or “law,” which is the pronunciation of the classical Greek letter.