So, why should my son join ZBT Fraternity?
Zeta Beta Tau can help to personalize and expand your son’s college experience. We offer a group of supportive friends to assist in the adjustment to college life. We emphasize scholastic excellence and provide an opportunity to give back to the community through service projects by encouraging your son to participate in campus and community. ZBT is now over 100 years old and brings that wealth of experience to our undergraduate groups.
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How much does fraternity cost?
The initiation fee to become a member of Zeta Beta Tau is $310.00. Our initiation fee and other fees (over a four year period) fall at approximately the median for all national fraternities. The initiation fee is paid directly to the National Fraternity. Local fees vary from Chapter to Chapter. Please check with the local Chapter President on the current costs your son will be expected to pay. You can check out all of the ZBT National fees on the website.
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Will my son’s grades be affected?
ZBT takes scholarship very seriously. We emphasize to our undergraduate Brothers that their first priority is academics; fraternity is secondary to getting an education. We encourage Chapters to honor academic excellence and to design programs to improve performance.
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What about all the parties and drinking I hear about?
Zeta Beta Tau is a member of the Fraternity Risk Management Trust. As such, we have strict policies regarding open parties and underage drinking. We take great care to ensure that our Chapters protect themselves and their guests. We use every available opportunity to educate undergraduate members on holding safe and legal social events. Parents should also be supportive of responsible behaviors.
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How long is this pledge period I keep hearing about?
In 1989, Zeta Beta Tau abolished pledging. Adopting a non-pledging/non-hazing policy, ZBT now stands by its Brotherhood Program. Once your son receives his bid to membership, he must be initiated and have all initiation fees paid within 72 hours. Our Brotherhood program provides for education after your son has been initiated. There is no pledge period. The Brotherhood Program is a four year program which requires the same standards of all members, be they freshmen or seniors.
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What if I hear of pledging or hazing from my son?
As this behavior is against all ZBT policies and rules, and before anyone gets hurt, it is imperative that you contact ZBT’s National Office as soon as possible so that we may intervene. Hazing and pledging activities never start out with the intention to hurt someone, but that is what often becomes the consequence. We know from over 100 years of experience that pledging always leads to hazing in some form. We do not want to see anyone hurt.
You may contact ZBT at
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, Inc.
3905 Vincennes Road, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46268-3057
Phone: 317-334-1898
Fax: 317-334-1899
Email: zbt@zbtnational.org
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How can I stay involved with my son’s ZBT activities?
We encourage our undergraduate Chapters to keep parents informed and involved. Many Chapters have a Parents’ Club which works with the Chapter on various projects. Our experience has demonstrated that the most successful Chapters and undergraduates are ones with active parents and alumni. We are often looking for parents who would like to act as Chapter Advisors. If you're interested, be in touch with us.
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Should I visit my son’s Chapter?
Absolutely.
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Can I purchase ZBT gifts for my son?
Yes, visit the ZBT Store.
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I know quality young men that should be considered for membership. Who do I contact?
Click here and tell us about him/them.
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What else should I know about ZBT?
Here are some links which may answer some of your other questions:
- ZBT History
- ZBT Credo
- ZBT Staff
- ZBT Scholarships – Applying for
- ZBT Scholarships – Contributing to
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