Theta Xi Fraternity News

This Bulletin that includes news and announcements, upcoming deadlines and required submissions and information about how to access and process various reports and other items officers and advisors will need throughout the year.  Please bookmark this page for easy reference later.

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Here's what's included:
  • The "Fall Packet Of Information" (Upcoming Deadlines - all due by September 15th)
    • Order Associate Member Pins and Quests Now
    • 08-09 Payment Plan Selection Form - Choose Your Plan!
    • Fall Membership Reports - The New Online Version
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The Fall Packet Of Information
All Items Below Are Due By September 15th...

To help everyone stay organized, all of the Fall 2008 Reports are due on the same date - September 15th!  Hopefully, this will cut down confusion on what is due when...  Those reports (and the link to submit them) are...
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Understanding the 2008-2009 Fees and Payment Plans

We've prepared a Fees and Payment Plan explanation (in .pdf format) to help you understand exactly how your chapter/colony's fees are determined and what they cover.  Along with showing all the factors that are used to determine your Chapter Services Fee and Risk Management Assessment, it also summarizes the three payment plans available for 2008 - 2009.

Contact the headquarters staff if you have any questions that may not be answered in this bulletin.
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Requesting Permission To Initiate... 1-2-3
(Avoiding Fines For Unauthorized Initiations)

Making sure your chapter/colony avoids fines Unauthorized Initiations ($50 per man) is actually pretty easy. It just requires that everyone involved is aware of the procedures and doesn't forget a step in the process. In fact, it's as easy as 1-2-3... and 4.

  1. REPORT YOUR NEW AM's - Immediately following the Associate Member Ceremony, report each AM's name and contact information online using the Associate Member Report Form which is available on the HQ Forms section of the Theta Xi website.
  2. REQUEST PERMISSION TO INITIATE - At least ONE WEEK BEFORE each man is initiated make sure to complete the Initiation Report which is also available on the HQ Forms section of the Theta Xi website AND submit each man's initiation fee ($290 per man or $315 if you want to include a badge.) This payment can be made by check or submitted online using a credit or debit card but payment MUST be received before permission will be given.
  3. RECEIVE PERMISSION TO INITIATE - After the Initiation Report AND payment have been received, you'll receive an email from HQ giving you permission to initiate. If you have't received this email within 48 hours before initiation, contact TX HQ by email or phone (800-783-6294). Remember - You are NOT allowed to initiate new members until you have received permission.


  4. HAVE NEW INITIATES COMPLETE FORM A - Within 48 hours of the initiation, send completed Form A's for all new brothers to Fraternity Headquarters. These forms are required to order shingles and Life Membership Cards.


As always, if you have question or or not sure if you have permission, always feel free to contact any staff member at headquarters for assistance.

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"Greek Life Edu" And What It Means To You...
(Other Than A $10 Credit Per Man On Your Bill For Each Man That Completes The Program)

GreekLifeEdu is a new program for all undergraduate brothers!


Theta Xi is pleased to provide GreekLifeEdu, an unbiased, science-based curriculum that aims not to preach but rather to teach the facts about alcohol, hazing and sexual assault.  It will empower brothers to make well-informed decisions, and provides simple strategies to assure the safety of brothers and their friends.

Interactive exercises and online learning activities are designed to help undergraduate brothers avoid situations and behaviors that might compromise one’s safety, and also challenge preconceived social norms.

Every undergraduate brother is urged to take the course this 2008-09 year.  To encourage participation, each chapter’s Risk Management Assessment will be reduced by $10 for each brother who successfully completes the program prior to December 15, 2008. 

Associate Members will take the course as a part of the required Alpha Nine Core Education Program.

More details about the program, including how to access the course and deadlines to qualify to $10 credits will be coming soon and prior to September 15.

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Alpha Nine: Core Program for New Member Education
REVISED SUMMER 2008!

Watch for the new and improved Core Program materials, available on the website within the coming days.  The program is more “user friendly” and easier for the new member educator (and other officers) to lead.  The new update includes teaching tips for each of the six education sessions, preparation tips, and suggestions for utilizing big brothers, chapter officers, alumni and campus officials to run a successful membership education program.


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The New And Improved Officers Guides – UPDATED SUMMER 2008!!

(Your Best Resource For Keeping The Chapter Organized)

Theta Xi’s Guide for Officers includes a “job description” and set of resources for every leadership position in the chapter, including the seven executive offices and committee chairmen.  What’s new about the Guides?  They are now available as office-specific resources, Guide for Presidents, Guide for Vice Presidents, etc.  Watch for the newly revised set of guides, available on the website soon.

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Chapter Visits...
Making The Most Of Your Consultant's Visit

So you've received an email or a phone call letting you know one of the staff members has scheduled a visit to your chapter or colony.  Now what?

Believe it or not, he's not coming to "bust you"...  The consultants actually are coming to help.  Yeah, you have to make room on the couch or find time to meet with him.  You might even have to entertain him for a night, but you'd be surprised how much support and help he can provide you even during the shortest of visits.

In order to help chapters make the most of their year, our consultants will be focusing on the Accreditation Standards during their visit.  Along with having lots of resources and ideas to help chapter and colonies improve in areas where they are not accredited this year, they also have the knowledge and experience of visit chapters all across the country - chapters who may be facing similar challenges or have come up with ways to improve on your weaknesses.

Here are three things to help you get ready for your upcoming visit...
  • Chapter Visit Schedule - Take a look to see if and when your chapter or colony is scheduled for a visit and which staff member is coming.

  • "How To Make The Most Of The Consultant's Visit" - This short brochure (.pdf format) helps you prepare for the upcoming visit and cuts down on the amount of time needed to get you, your brothers and the consultant up to speed when he gets there.

  • Accreditation Action Plan (Word 03 format) - Although only chapters/colonies that are not accredited this year are REQUIRED to complete this form, it's a great tool for any chapter wanting to improve its Annual Report Performance.  List your plans and strategies for improving in areas where your chapter is not accredited this year along with notes on what you're doing to maintain in areas where you already are.
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Time To Review Our Positions...

As we begin the school year, it's a great time to review the Statements of Position at one of your first chapter/colony meetings.

    Statements of Position on:
    - The Use Of Alcohol
    - Risk Management
    - Little Sisters Organizations
    - Human Dignity
    - Fraternity Expansion


                                  Statements of Position on Hazing


                                  Statements of Position on Fraternity Values
 
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"What Form Do I Need So I Can...?"

If you need to report something to HQ, there's a good chance you can do so online.  From reporting new Associate Members, to requesting permission to initiate those AM's; from making online payments to submitting your Fall Membership Report; all are online.  Visit the HQ Forms section of ThetaXi.org to find the full list of choices.

Along with forms, www.thetaxi.org also has a large amount of other information.  Here's a .pdf listing for many of the additional resources you can find on the website.

If you can't find what you're looking for, contact HQ at txhq@thetaxi.org or 800-783-6294.
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"I Never Received The Stuff I Ordered.  What Should I Do?"

Unfortunately, far too often at Fraternity Headquarters we hear chapter and colony officers say, "We never received the items we ordered.  How come you didn't ship them."  Although there is always a chance the Post Office may have lost a package, the fact is we hear this comment a LOT more times than is realistic.

Chapter houses can get busy and hectic.  Chapters without houses face the challenge of keeping everything organized so everyone has access to the stuff they need.  It's natural that items can be received and then misplaced.  Unfortunately, there's always a cost to replace those missing items.

To help make sure you receive your order in a timely, organized manner, Headquarters is introducing a new shipping and handling option and policy.

Now when you place an order for items shipped directly from HQ (badges, pins, Minute Books, Quests, etc.) you will have two options for shipping and handling.

Shipped via US Postal Service (USPS)*
- As always there will be no charge for this option; HOWEVER, if the chapter/colony reports that the items were never received, the chapter/colony will be responsible for the cost to replace the items.

Shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS)*
- Although there will be a flat $9.95 shipping cost for any item(s) shipped using this method, HQ will guarantee delivery and will replace missing item(s) at no charge.

  * Because of their type, size or supplier, some items (such as flags, robes, stoles, spirit suits, etc.) will require shipping via UPS and the appropriate shipping and handling charges will automatically be added.
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Upcoming Events!  Time To Start Making Plans To Attend...

Theta Xi Fraternity and Theta Xi Foundation have set the dates and locations for our three biggest events for the year...

REMEMBER - Every chapter is required to have representatives at EACH of the events below.  Start making your plans now - Registrations will be opening soon!  We'll let you know when...

  • Presidents Academy - January  16-19, 2009 (MLK weekend) in St. Louis - For all Spring Semester Presidents


  • Rising Stars Academy - January 16-19, 2009 (MLK weekend) in St. Louis - Open to all brothers initiated in 2008


  • District Leadership Academies - February 28, 2009 in eight different locations across the country - Open to all brothers and alumni across the country


  • 145th Anniversary Convention - August 6-10, 2009 in Chicago at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort - One delegate and one alternate delegate from each chapter/colony - Open to all brothers, alumni and guests - Watch more details coming soon!

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"Who Do I Conact For Help With...?"

Headquarters is here to support you and your chapter.  While anyone in the office will be able to assist you or direct your call to the appropriate person, this list of Whom To Call will probably save you some time getting in touch with the right person.  It also has the mailing address and telephone numbers for Theta Xi Fraternity Headquarters.