After being shut down in 2005, Beta Theta Pi fraternity is currently re-colonizing on Grounds with a renewed commitment to the traditional values of fraternity life and brotherhood.
The newly revitalized chapter has 20 founding fathers and has obtained a house near Grounds.
According to Beta member Keller Hardy, a third-year Commerce student who transferred from Virginia Tech, the University's chapter of Beta previously was disbanded for a variety of reasons.
"In 1997 the general fraternity instituted the Men of Principle Initiative, which promotes gentlemen, scholars and leaders, and they shut down over 60 chapters within the last 10 years," Hardy said, citing illegal Greek activities, not paying dues and dwindling numbers as reasons for closure.
The University's chapter had its charter officially revoked in fall 2005 after pledges were initiated, Hardy said. The chapter has not yet regained its status as a member of the Inter-Fraternity Council.
"We can re-colonize this year but we're not recognized by the IFC," Hardy said. "We're just a colony of the general fraternity."
Hardy added that all re-colonized Beta chapters will remain committed to the Men of Principle Initiative.
According to Phil Fernandez, the leadership consultant sent by Beta's general fraternity to oversee the re-colonization, the Men of Principle Initiative represents a commitment to getting back to the founding values and principles of Beta Theta Pi.
"What's great about coming back is we come in with a clean slate," Hardy said. He added that as founding fathers, the brothers of the first pledge class have the ability to shape the future of the fraternity.
According to Hardy, Beta has been holding informal recruitment throughout the fall through a rolling bid system. Spring recruitment will take place following regular IFC recruitment, after which all of the current founders will receive official membership.
To be eligible for recruitment, potential brothers must have a grade point average of 3.078, Hardy said, noting that the average GPA among the founders is 3.48.
"These men are driven academically, involved around Grounds and deeply committed to being men of principle," Fernandez said, adding that they are representative of the character traits the fraternity promotes.
Beta is returning to the University to reestablish traditional principles of fraternity life, according to Hardy.
"We really want to help this fraternity to represent what fraternities were originally like at U.Va," he said, noting that the University's chapter of Beta -- originally established in 1855 -- is one of the University's oldest fraternities.?
"We look at it as going back to olden days of Greek life, when men were respected on Grounds and treated women with respect," Hardy said. "It was about brotherhood rather than partying and alcohol, so we're trying to shed the frat stereotype."
Hardy added that the fraternity's new home, which former belonged to Delta Tau Delta fraternity, has been completely remodeled and will be a dry house. Hardy also noted that hazing will not occur within the new chapter.
According to Inter-Fraternity Council President Charlie Morgan, the re-colonization of Beta is a positive step.
"It's great to have another fraternity starting up, and it seems that they're going to add a lot to the Greek system," Morgan said.
According to Morgan, the new chapter has been in close contact with the IFC throughout the recolonization process.
"They're going about it in the right way ... which should make the transition easier if and when they decide to apply for membership," Morgan said.
Michael Citro, assistant dean of fraternity and sorority life, expressed optimism about the fraternity returning.
"We're greatly looking forward to their return to Grounds, and we're excited about the renewed partnership between the undergraduate chapter, the national organization, the University and alumni of Beta," Citro said.
Citro added that the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is working closely with the local chapter.
"We're making sure they're set up to succeed as a chapter here at the University," Citro said.
According to Fernandez, the next challenge will be to see what Beta will be like in five years once all the founders have graduated.
"Will we stay focused on the Men of Principles Initiative and continue to push the envelope, or will we become complacent?" Fernandez said. "That is the ultimate question,"
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