Theta Xi is a national, collegiate social Fraternity. Our Chapter here at UNL is one of several Chapters nationwide. Fraternities are designed to serve as scholastic institutions that strive to promote academics and intellectual curiosity. However, what makes a Fraternity unique is that it implements a strong social component that encourages its members to live balanced lives, and it helps those members manage their time between school and other activities that employ spare time to advantage.

An associate is the proper term for what some other Fraternities call "Pledge". We do not use the term "Pledge" due to its derogatory connotation. An associate is a non-initiated member of the Chapter. The only differences between an associate and an initiate are the right to vote at Chapter meetings and the right to hold an executive office. This is because Chapter meetings are open to only initiated members because it utilizes our Ritual. However, we do have meetings open to everyone about every other week which you may attend to receive information and updates on the activity of the Chapter.

You're not a brother until initiation. You'll go through a seven week associate period first. This period starts at your associate ceremony sometime in the first couple weeks of school and ends upon initiation. We do this for several reasons. Associate members need time to become acquainted with the men they wish to call their fellow brothers. During this period, they also become educated in the principles, traditions, and history of the Fraternity. While structured very must like what you'd expect in a classroom, it is actually very interactive, exciting, and is not that difficult. It's guaranteed to be the best class you'll take at UNL! Academics, however, is probably the huge reason we take the time to wait. Typically we like to wait to get mid semester grade reports in before initiating. If a member doesn't have the grades, they might not even be attending the University the next semester anyway. Remember, the whole reason we go to college is to get an education.

You're expected to obtain at least a 2.75 GPA at your mid semester check in order to be initiated. We've recently boosted our GPA requirements because we strive to acquire a higher acdemic standard than any Fraternity on campus. Our house GPA goal is 3.5, but naturally the attainment of this goal begins during your first year.

We use a very effective tiered rent system, designed to maintain retention of active members. The current assessment is set at $2900 a semester for first year live-ins. This is still much cheaper than the dorms. However, each year you remain a live-in you receive a reduction bonus of $400 a semester. Here's how the rent works:

Year: $/Semester
1^st year live-in $2900
2^nd year live-in $2500
3^rd year live-in $2100
4^th year live-in $1700

In addition to your rent and board (lunch and dinner Mon-Fri), your membership dues are also tied into these assessments. These membership dues include the perks listed in the next question.

It costs $500 a semester to live outside the house but still retain membership. We call this a "Lincoln Man Status". Of course, this $500 goes towards a lot. Some of that goes toward the National Fraternity. Upon initiation, the Chapter is required to collect a one time payment of $290 from each associate member in addition to smaller annual dues. These dues grant you lifetime membership into the Fraternity, and we will pay all of them for you. Additionally, there are other dues to be paid towards Greek Affairs which we also take care of for you. The remainder of the dues goes into an activities budget, which consists of social, brotherhood, and intramural events. In addition, you are guaranteed a meal before Monday night meeting, and additional meals when the Chapter has group functions (such as rush events). When the weather is nice, we invite sororities over and barbeque out too. Remember, as part of your membership you also have access to the house and its resources at any time which include: laundry area, biz hub printer (which you'll have a free account to), wireless internet, and the library and its academic resources. Our operating budget is carefully assessed each year to ensure that all of your money is spent fairly and with each member's interests in mind.

Absolutely not. All the dues you pay, whether incorporated in your rent or as live-out member dues, go into dry activities where alternative forms of entertainment are provided. Additionally, the Chapter does not hosts or co-sponsor events where alcohol is present, with the exception of alumni banquets or homecoming, in which case only members who are 21 are allowed to enjoy alcoholic beverages.

Because we pride our scholastic as much as we do, we pay for all membership dues into honorary societies. We value the hard work that good grades require, it is therefore very important that we recognize and reward those members who excel in various academic fields. In addition, we have scholarships available through our alumni association:

The Association Scholarship

The Association Scholarship comes from an alumni scholarship fund that is supported by donations from various alumni. The scholarship is variable and depends upon your GPA. For each .1 you have above a 3.0 you receive $100 for that semester. So, if you have a 4.0, you'd receive $1000 for that semester alone. If you acquire the same GPA the following semester, you'll receive an additional $1000. The only catch is, is that you must complete the semester with at least 12 credit hours. We award these checks at a scholarship banquet in the fall. You are eligible to receive this scholarship if you live outside the Fraternity house as well. However, the amount is cut in half.

As mentioend above, our alumni association offers scholarships for those members with high GPAs. If you live outside the house, you'll receive $50 for each .1 you have above a 3.0. So, if you have 3.5 for two semesters you'll receive back half your yearly dues (so $500). If you have a 4.0, you will be paying nothing! As mentioned above, this scholarship is also extended to members who live in the Chapter house (but doubled!). And remember, you only have to pay membership dues if you do not live in the Fraternity house. Otherwise, you only pay rent.

We will cancel it for you! We will deduct the cost of its cancellation from your semester room and board. The specifics of the cancellation are determinant as to when you decide to live-in. Typically, the conditions are agreed upon by the Executive Board, just make sure to contact the President or Treasurer as soon as you can.

You'd actually be surprised how many people who join a Fraternity have thought the same thing. Some of our proudest members are guys who never intended to join a Fraternity but now love it. We don't believe in "frat boy" stereotypes. In fact, we discourage the usage of the term "frat" and prefer "fraternity" to always be used. Just about anyone can join our Fraternity if they are truly committed to continuing the high ideals and traditions of the brotherhood (check out the purpose).

As for parents, check out our parents page. Many girlfriends have the wrong pre-conceived notions about Fraternity life, and rightfully so when faced with nothing but the stereotypical examples in film and media. The important thing to realize is that you're not expected to change yourself when you join. The purpose of joining a Fraternity is to expand yourself and network with great people you'd otherwise not meet. We are not here as a substitute for your girlfriend. Whatever concerns you or she may have, feel free to express them and I'm sure we can answer your questions.