What is Theta Tau?
Theta Tau is a professional engineering fraternity founded on October 15th 1904 at the University of Minnesota. Theta Tau is the largest (as well as the oldest) professional fraternity in the field of engineering in the nation. Over 28,000 members have been initiated over the years. With emphasis on quality and a strong fraternal bond, the Fraternity has chapters only at ABET accredited schools, and limits to fifty the number of student members in any one of its chapters across the nation.Back to Top
What is "rushing"?
Rushing is an open invitation for all eligible students to start the process of becoming a member of Theta Tau. It is a chance to meet the members and find out what "pledging" and the fraternity are all about.During rush, students are encouraged to stop by our rush table and introduce themselves to the members and ask any questions they may have about Theta Tau. If the student is interested, he/she may "rush"the fraternity by signing up as a perspective "pledge" of ThetaTau--there is still NO OBLIGATION to the student or the fraternity. Signing up simply indicates that the student is interested in the fraternity and would like more information. The student is invited to attend Theta Tau meetings to meet the members and see how the fraternity works. At the endof the rush period, the members of Theta Tau vote on who is allowed to take the next step towards becoming a member of Theta Tau. Upon a positive vote to have a student "pledge" Theta Tau, the student will be contacted and ASKED if he would like to "pledge" Theta Tau.
Back to Top
What is "pledging"?
"Pledging" Theta Tau is a continuing promise by the student to become an active member of Theta Tau. A "pledge" is a person who has made this promise and his/her promise has been accepted by all the members of Theta Tau.The "pledge period" lasts for the remaining 8-10 weeks of the semester. It is a time for all the active members of Theta Tauto get to know the students that are pledging AND for the students to get to know the members of Theta Tau and the background of Theta Tau at large. Throughout the pledge period, different requirements are asked of the pledges. At any point in the pledge period, any student may be removed from pledging at any time by either the student himself or Theta Tau with no obligations to either party thereafter. At the end of the pledge period, if the existing students have met all the requirements as asked of them, an anonymous vote is taken by the active members before any pledge is given the choice to accept membership into Theta Tau. Each student is voted on individually and must acquire a unanimous vote in favor of his/her membership.
Back to Top
Does Theta Tau haze?
Absolutely not. Hazing in any form is not allowed on the University at Buffalo campus. Theta Tau does not force its pledges to do anything that goes against his/her beliefs or general habits. For more information please visit the University at Buffalo's statement on hazing and the fraternity's policy on hazing.
Back to Top
What are the requirementsto pledge?
During the pledge period, pledges are expected to:- Not be a last semester senior or a first semester freshman (2nd semester freshmen are allowed)
There will be NO EXCEPTION to this requirement. - Sustain an Engineering GPA of no less than 2.0
Per the requirements of the School of Engineering.
There will be NO EXCEPTION to this requirement. - Get to know each of the active members
Proof of which will be shown by the signature of each member after a brief interview.
There will be NO EXCEPTION to this requirement. - Attend the weekly Theta Tau meetings
- Attend any Theta Tau sanctioned events
- Successful completion of general projects
- Successful completion of all pledge exams
There will be NO EXCEPTION to this requirement.
The members of Theta Tau understand that not all eventsand/or meetings can be attended 100% of the time. Therefore, what is expectedand required is that a student makes every effort to be as active as possible in his/her pledge period. In many cases, attending classes, homework and studying often times may conflict with the pledging schedule and therefore special considerations must be taken into account. A student's grades are always a first priority!
Back to Top
What are the requirements for membership?
You must first pledge,and if you meet all of the requirements for pledging,have successfully completed the pledging period and voted by the active members, you will be inducted into the fraternity as a member.
Back to Top
What are the benefits of membership?
There are many benefits to becoming a member of Theta Tau, not only are you a member of the nation's largest and oldest professional engineering fraternity, there are many chances for personal/professional advancement through a vast network of members and alumni. All of the members of Theta Tau are in the engineering field, thus making job hunting and networking very easy.
Some of the additional benefits here at Mu Gamma include a textbook library and test file, etc.,
Back to Top
How long does membership last?
Once you are initiated as a member of Theta Tau, membership is for life. It is very important to understand that commitment to Theta Tau does not end upon graduation. Many alumni turn around to serve as advisors to the local chapters wherever they reside.
Back to Top
How do you pronounce the Tau in Theta Tau?
Instead of Tau with a "owww" sound, Tau is pronounced with an "awww" sound.
Back to Top
I have more questions, where do Igo and who do I talk to?
You are welcome to visit the national Theta Tau page at www.thetatau.org, come to any of our meetings (every Monday 8:30PM at the 7th floor lab in Furnas Hall), email the Regent at ldc6@buffalo.edu or email the Rush chair at rjtomko@buffalo.edu.