What is Rush?

Rush is a term used to describe the formal member selection process that all fraternities go through. During this period, which usually lasts one to two weeks, brothers and potential members get to meet one another at various events put on by the fraternity. The applicant will get an opportunity to learn about Theta Xi, get a house tour, meet its brothers and learn about the requirements of the Associate member period. If the prospective member is found qualified, he will be offered a bid for Associate membership into Theta Xi Fraternity. To be considered for a bid, be sure to attend one of the many rush events listed below.

 

Fall 2008 Rush Schedule:

  • 8/21/2008 - Meet N' Greet - 9 p.m.
  • 8/22/2008 - Meet N' Greet - 9 p.m.
  • 8/23/2008 - Closed Meet N' Greet - 9 p.m.
  • 8/26/2008 - Football - 5 p.m. (Sheridan Park, 910 S Aberdeen St.)
  • 8/27/2008 - Meet The Greeks - 11a.m. - 2 p.m. (UIC Eastside Quad/Lecture Center Plaza)
  • 8/27/2008 - Dodgeball - 8 p.m.  (UIC Student Recreation Facility, 737 S. Halsted St.)
  • 8/29/2008 - Meet N' Greet - 9 p.m.
  • 9/2/2008 - Bid Night - 8 p.m.
  • 9/4/2008 - Association Night - 8 p.m.

Contact Rush Chair Corey Van Oost (708) 256-4402 or President Neil Parikh at (630) 346-7799 for more information.

What are the qualifications for joining Theta Xi?
At Theta Xi, we are interested in rushing a diverse group of high quality men with great character and potential for leadership. We are not interested in boys who are looking to join an animal house. At Theta Xi, we put academics above all and all prospective members must maintain a 2.3 or above GPA. He must also be a person who has demonstrated service to the campus and the community.
 

What about hazing?
As an associate member, you will NEVER be hazed by any member of the Theta Xi fraternity. You will not be asked to wear funny costumes and/or get paddled on the behind. However, you are expected to participate in various memorable events where you will have an opportunity to learn more about the current brothers and the chapter. You will also be asked to learn about various facts that are important to our fraternity. The associate member period will last no longer than 63 days after which, if you are found fully qualified, you will be initiated in the bonds of brotherhood of Theta Xi. During your associate membership period, you will be allowed to enjoy all of the rights, privileges, amenities and responsibilities that current brothers enjoy. However, you will not attend closed meetings or be privileged to vote.
 

What will be expected of me as a member?
We expect that every member try his best to advance the ideals and prosperity of the fraternity to the best of his abilities. This includes (but is not limited to) attending open meetings, striving to maintain a 2.0 or above GPA, being active on campus in other organizations, respecting other members, recruiting more good men to the fraternity, and supporting Theta Xi as an alumni after their graduation.
 

How long is the associate member program?
We have a brief, no longer than 63 day, associate member period. This is a chance for new members to get to know the brothers and learn the history and traditions of our fraternity
 

What about academics?
Our fraternity was founded with the principle of its members achieving the highest academic standards. Theta Xi offers many resources that are not available in other organizations. We offer test files, study sessions, and the experience of older members who can help the younger brothers with scheduling their classes. The brothers regularly study together at various restaurants, coffee shops and libraries. In addition, there are always brothers present who will gladly assist you with proof reading a paper or solving a complex mathematical problem. At Theta Xi, you are expected to maintain a 2.5 or above GPA to rush Theta Xi and must maintain above a 2.5 GPA to remain active once you are a brother.
 

What are the benefits of joining Theta Xi?
Opportunities come from many facets when you are a Theta Xi brother. First and foremost is the companionship that one gains from being a member of such a large group. As listed above, there are also many leadership opportunities available for brothers to take part in. Besides the initial camaraderie, you also build a great networking base from current alumni in order to attain jobs, internships, and experience during your undergraduate years or when you are an alumnus. Theta Xi also has two philanthropies that it works closely with, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, offering personal growth through community service. Being a brother of Theta Xi means always having a home to come back to. The house is yours, the decisions are yours and the brothers are yours. Theta Xi is here to prepare you for success later in life.

Theta Xi is a gentlemen's fraternity (we said FRATERNITY, NOT "FRAT"). Unlike the stereotypes surrounding fraternities, we believe in treating women with the respect they deserve. Our chapter has adopted the core values of Service, Social Grace, and Self- Betterment as seen on the main page. We try very hard to escape the poor images pushed upon Greek Life from movies like Animal House or Old School.