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To find out about Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity traditions, click on a tradition below for information.
Chapter meetings
Open and close Chapter meetings in Ritual Form (see Ritual Book).
Use Roberts’ Rules of Order.
Order of Business:
Call to order
Ritual
Roll
Approve old minutes
Officer reports
Committee reports
Old business
New business
Announcements
Good and Welfare
Adjournment
Fraternity song
Other issues regarding meetings:
Confidentiality
Only Brothers and Advisors may be present
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Good and Welfare
The concept of Good and Welfare is a time-honored tradition in most fraternities and many other organizations. Near the end of Chapter meetings or other events, the President or other presiding officer will ask; “Is there any Good and Welfare?” This is an opportunity for any Brother, without regard to the usual rules of parliamentary procedure, to express himself on some topic of value to the membership. Many ZBT Chapters use the tradition of each Brother first saying “For the Good and Welfare of _______________ Chapter of Zeta Beta Tau . . . ,” and then making his comments.
Chapters should conduct Good and Welfare by allowing Brothers to speak in reverse order of seniority. The last speaker should always be the President, preceded immediately by any alumni present, preceded by other officers. Undergraduates visiting from other chapters should speak before anyone.
The Brother speaking is expected to be brief, positive and specific, to speak freely of confrontation, and to make his comments in the nature of a constructive observation. The Brothers listening are expected to be courteous and to refrain from engaging in rebuttal when their turn to speak comes. No Brother, other than the presiding officer, may interrupt a Good & Welfare speaker.
Good & Welfare is a time to thank, praise, congratulate, and share good times. It is not a time to vent anger, put someone down or disturb the peace of the Chapter. A good, Good & Welfare is a wonderful bonding event. Chapters that do it well look forward to Good & Welfare.
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What is esoteric (secret) in ZBT?
Password, pin meaning, handshake. Brothers may see the Ritual Book for explanations.
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The Fraternity song
Every Brother should be able to sing the Fraternity song. Some Chapters have developed groups which are skilled enough to sing in four-part harmony. For example, about 1984, the Alpha Tau Chapter (Franklin and Marshall College) developed their own group called the “Alpha Tones.” The National Office has available for sale a recording of the “Alpha Tones” singing the Fraternity song in four-part harmony.
The melody of the song dates back to the eighteenth century when, with the Latin title “Gaudeamus Igitur,” it was sung by students at German universities. Its lyrics were written by Maurice Zellermayer, Columbia, 1898, a founder of Zeta Beta Tau.
While there are three verses to the entire song, many Chapters are most familiar with only the first. Nevertheless, the other two verses are very beautiful and should not be forgotten.
It is appropriate to sing the Fraternity song at any joyous occasion. It is always sung at any ritual, following all Brotherhood meetings, often at parties, and often at songfests in which the Brotherhood is competing, singing a medley of songs.
There are numerous other songs available from the National Office just for the asking. One particular beautiful song, “My Brother, Here’s My Hand,” lends itself to many occasions.
A great part of the Fraternity experience centers on song, and officers should use every opportunity to employ songs wherever possible, as they will find it a Brotherhood bonding experience.
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Is it Nationals or National?
The correct reference of the National Office or National Fraternity is “National”. There is no such thing as Nationals. This would imply more than one office or organization.
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How are Chapters named?
Sequentially Greek letter order designation by chartering date. In the case of a revival, a chapter may choose the oldest chapter name of the previous pre-merger incarnation.
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What Greek names have never been used?
Beta Omicron (BO), Beta Sigma (BS) or double names, such as Alpha Alpha
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What’s the difference between an alumnus and alumni?
An alumnus is the singular masculine form. Alumni is the plural masculine form. Example, when you graduate, you will be an alumnus of ZBT.
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C., F. & S.,
Cordially, Fraternally, and Sincerely. This is the traditional way we close letters to and from Brothers in ZBT.
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ZBT’s chief staff officers
1st – George Macy (1924-29); Delta, Columbia, General Secretary
2nd – Lee Dover (1929-1960); Alpha Delta, USC, General Secretary
3rd – Barry D. Siegel (1960-1971); Beta Eta, Bowling Green, Executive Secretary
4th – James E. Greer, Jr. (1971-1998); Beta Pi, Cal State – Long Beach, Executive Vice-President
5th – Jonathan I. Yulish (1999-present); Lambda, Case Western Reserve, Executive Director
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Some sayings that we have used to describe ourselves
Powerhouse of Excellence
“A ZBT” and “a gentleman” are synonymous
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What is the ZBT flower?
We did not have one until the October, 2004 meeting of the Supreme Council where a motion to adopt the gold carnation as the Fraternity flower was passed.
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ZBT colors
Medium blue and white with gold as a trim
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Legacies
Chapters must always show special consideration for legacies because we owe our alumni nothing less.
Prime legacies – sons, grandsons, and Brothers of the same Chapter;
1st Priority legacies – sons, grandsons and Brothers of any ZBT Chapter;
2nd Priority legacies – cousins, brothers-in-law, nephews of any ZBT Chapter
According to Article III, section 5 of the National Constitution, a legacy will receive a bid if he receives the affirmative vote of more than 50% of the Chapter, present and voting. If he doesn’t receive a bid, the Chapter President must contact the legacy’s alumnus relative within 72 hours to discuss the Chapter’s decision.
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ZBT firsts
1898 – ZBT was the first fraternity founded for students who couldn’t get into other fraternities because of prevailing bigotry.
1989 – ZBT was the first fraternity to completely abolish pledging.
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“ZBT factoid”
Did you know that ZBT used to hold its convention in December, between Christmas and New Year’s? The awards banquet was strictly black tie and was held on December 29th, ZBT’s anniversary.
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Finger snapping
ZBTs show support or approval of something by snapping their fingers. Some have suggested that the practice grew from the fact that a fraternity man couldn’t use both hands to clap if he was holding a drink in one of them.
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Pin (Badge)
The ZBT Insignia
Wearing the badge of our Fraternity is a privilege and an honor; it is one method to identify a Brother. Tradition dictates that the Fraternity pin be worn in a particular manner. The diamond shaped pin is worn on a collared shirt, vest, or pullover sweater, over the heart (left breast). The pin is worn at an angle such that the top of the pin points toward the right shoulder. Wearing the pin on a lapel of a suit or sport coat is appropriate. The pin should not be worn on T-shirts, sweatshirts, or other apparel that would lessen respect for it.
The Fraternity pin is available in two forms: the original surrounded with pearls, and the more recent form without the pearls. Each initiate is provided with the latter at the time of his initiation. The more ornate and beautiful pin can be purchased through the National Office.
Guards for the pin are also available through the National Office. The guard (with or without pearls) is the Greek letter chapter designation in one or two letters. It is on a small chain which is then attached to the Fraternity pin. Besides displaying the Chapter, it also adds additional security to the pin, should the clasp come open.
Also available are small symbols of the various offices in the Fraternity. These are referred to in the vernacular as “dangles.” For example, a small gavel represents the President, a quill, the Secretary. These charms are hung from the chain connecting the Fraternity pin to the guard.
There are two kinds of lapel recognition pin available. One shows the crest of the Fraternity. The other, in gold, gives the ZBT letters diagonally. Either form is a great way to always identify yourself as a ZBT.
A smaller form of the Fraternity pin is also available, called the sweetheart pin. It is identical to the regular pin, except it is only about 50% of its size. If and when a Brother bestows this pin, he is continually charged with its safekeeping and proper use. Should the relationship end, the Brother should retain the pin.
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Some chapter and campus traditions
Serenading a sorority – particularly at a pinning.
Special awards and celebrations: Golden Apple Award to Best Professor, Man of the Year to a prominent alumnus, etc.
Historian’s scrapbook
President’s chair
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Roger Williams Day
In the early 1920s, the Zeta Beta Tau Supreme Council, during the presidency of Julius Kahn, first officially recognized the importance of a great American historic figure, Roger Williams, and declared Roger Williams Day to be an official ZBT holiday. An early English colonist, Williams was the founder of the Rhode Island colony and the town of Providence. He established the first principles of religious freedom in the New World.
Roger Williams (c. 1603—1683) was born in London, the son of a merchant tailor, and was educated at Cambridge. He immigrated to Boston in 1631 because his teaching of religious tolerance was considered unorthodox. Banished in 1635 by the Massachusetts General Court, he, with some of his followers, founded the town of Providence in 1636. Williams taught religious tolerance, freedom of worship and separation of church and state while still adhering to his own Christianity. All religious groups, including Jews and Quakers, were welcomed to the Rhode Island colony, enabling them to escape persecution in the other colonies. Throughout his life, he remained involved in public service, including serving the young colony as its president. Indeed, Roger Williams was a man far ahead of his time.
Roger Williams Day was originally celebrated on what was believed to be his birthday. Chapters held special events commemorating his life. A ZBT delegation, clergy and U.S. Senators and Representatives met at the marble statue of Roger Williams in the Capitol building, laid a memorial wreath at its base, and remembered the contributions of this great man. The day was celebrated, on and off, over the following decades. During the 1940s, the celebration date was changed to coincide with the National Conference of Christians and Jews’ National Brotherhood Week.
Roger Williams Day is observed by ZBT on the third Thursday of March. Chapters and Colonies are encouraged to honor Roger Williams, his contributions and his teachings of religious tolerance, freedom of worship, and the separation of church and state.
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