Comments: Bryan Heath


Top TeKE Sites



 

What is Tau Kappa Epsilon?

Why TKE?
Academics

The Pledge Process
Why join TKE?

How do I join TKE?
Does being a part of TKE require a lot of time?
What impact will joining TKE have on my grades?
What about pledging and hazing?
What kind of educational opportunity does TKE provide?


What is Tau Kappa Epsilon?

 

The Upsilon-Zeta chapter of TKE is part of Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Tau Kappa Epsilon is a social fraternity whose brothers are involved in an assortment of activities such as intramurals, Greek Life, Interfraternity council, all ROTC branches, campus sports teams, clubs, honor societies, and co-op programs just to name a few. Tau Kappa Epsilon strives off accepting diversity as being a virtue of its brothers.

 

As of May 31, 2003, 230,544 men have been initiated into our fraternity that holds approximately 270 active collegiate chapters and colonies throughout the United States and Canada. Tau Kappa Epsilon prides itself off our Educational Foundation that provides grants, scholarships, leadership training opportunities, and a leadership academy for its brothers.

 

“We believe that man is a social being. Intimate and frequent contact with our fellows is necessary to symmetrical development . . . We believe that at no other period in the life of a man is the time more opportune for the fostering of such qualities than during the years of his college career . . . We regard mental development as of vital importance, but of equal consequence is the acquisition of a knowledge of men and proper conception of their relation to one another. . . We maintain that exclusiveness is the direct antithesis of a true fraternity . . . We condemn the un-American policies of some of the leading college fraternities of the country in their attitude of contempt to all who are without the bonds of fraternities, regardless of character, ability or personal merits . . . As secrecy as employed to protect and perpetuate the sanctity of the family relation, so we enlist the advantage of secrecy to preserve inviolate the confidences and sanctities of the brotherhood . . . Toward other fraternities we believe we should maintain an attitude of dignity and respect, recognizing their merits and studiously avoiding their evils. We believe our relation to them, in a measure, competitive, and that we should endeavor to excel them in the fields of college activity . . . Finally, above all else, this fraternity stands for men. We deem sterling character and staunch uprightness to be necessary qualifications to membership in this fraternity.”

Excerpts of William Wilson, 1907 Declaration of Principles

We invite you to learn more about the history, beliefs, principles, academic possibilities, finances, expansion plans, and overall everything TKE at…http://www.tke.org/about_tke/
top

 

Why TKE?

What we believe in: “This fraternity stands for men.” Tau Kappa Epsilon believes that diversity only makes us stronger and does not discriminate between any of its members or candidates. We offer an open door approach to our pledge process, our academic policies, our finances, and our activities. We believe that anybody who genuinely ‘wants’ to be a ‘Teke’ and puts forth the effort necessary, should have the opportunity.
top

 

 

Academics

The Upsilon-Zeta chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon puts academics as one of the number one priorities of all its members and believes that to be an active, beneficial, and successful brother you must also have a successful academic career.

Question: Who is responsible for the academic aspect of TKE?

Answer: The Chaplain, also called the Hypophetes. This officer is responsible for assisting brothers and candidates with any academic difficulties and helps with obtaining tutors and/or speaking with professors to get them the help they need. This officer also provides scholarship opportunities and once a semester, reviews all the brothers and candidates grades.

Question: What policies are in place?

Answer: To be in good academic standing with the fraternity, a brother must maintain a minimum 2.5 SGPA. Brothers who drop below this standard are put on social probation and for the following semester work closely with the Chaplain to help improve their grades.

New candidates must hold a minimum 2.5 SGPA their pledge semester to be initiated. There are some outstanding circumstances that can come into play however overall this policy is strictly enforced.

Question: What does TKE offer new candidates (Pledges) to help them academically?

Answer: The Chaplain and Pledge Educator work together during their pledge semester to closely monitor their grades and progress. Candidates are required to turn in a copy of their class schedule and a copy of all major tests and quiz dates to the Chaplain who thus compiles the information into a complete calendar. Candidates share amongst each other their grades and problems so they they can work to help each other and are taught not to hide any areas in which they feel they are weak in. The benefit of a large fraternity is that were one brother is weak, another is strong and thus paired together they can help each other. This bond in diversity is what strengthens us.

Once a semester, candidates are required to get professors to sign-off and report their current grade to the Chaplain. This mid-semester review time also helps the fraternity to guide them in the direction they need to go.

Big Brothers, a process that is described the the Pledge Process section, also helps candidates by providing quiet areas to study or even helping them with upcoming test and quizzes.

Question: What does TKE offer brothers to help them academically?

Answer: All brothers are required to turn in a copy of their schedule at the start of each fall and spring semester. These schedules are compiled into a database that is posted so brothers can see who else has taken the class in the past and who is currently taking the course.   Brothers on social probation are required to attend mandatory study hours which are monitored by their peers. In some cases, brothers are also paired into groups of similar majors and classes so that they can work together to help benefit one another.  At the end of each semester, we request that brothers turn in old tests, quizzes, books, notes and papers so that they will be available for study by other brothers who might take similar classes.  The Chaplain is the most useful resource as he keeps all the brothers academic information on file and can speak with parents, professors, and advisors in the event that any brother needs assistance. He can assign a tutor or provide seminars for the chapter on areas that need improvement.
top

 

The pledge process

The Upsilon-Zeta chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon has a pledge process designed to lay the foundation for a successful and healthy chapter. How the candidates are taught about the ways of life in the Fraternity, and how they are taught to conduct themselves as good members and leaders, will have a tremendous impact on the future direction of the chapter.

Tau Kappa Epsilon’s Member Education Program continues to prepare each man for success in all areas of life. Education about the Fraternity, and the attributes for which it stands for; Scholarship, Character, Leadership, Teamwork, Service, and Brotherhood, must be taught continually to all members throughout their college careers and beyond. It is critical to realize that fraternal education does not stop upon initiation, but truly begins.
top

 

Why join TKE?

Joining a fraternity is an important decision. Although there are many available, try to find one that meets your individual needs. Find one that is respectful to the virtues of its members. Find an established organization that fosters academic and personal success.

Founded more than a century ago, Tau Kappa Epsilon considers men "not for wealth, rank, or honor; but for personal worth and character." TKE includes a very diverse membership, and is the largest college fraternity in the world, with locations at 270 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. Since 1899, more than 227,000 men have accepted the challenge of membership in Tau Kappa Epsilon. They are men of sterling character who have become leaders in their business and community.

Through our membership development and education programs, each Teke can achieve his personal best in all areas of college life, preparing him for success. The Fraternity requires all members to live up to a standard of excellence as found in our Declaration of Principles.

We believe that your Fraternity participation should be something you experience for a lifetime. After you graduate, many opportunities remain to stay involved in the Fraternity because the friends that you make, and the experience you gain, will last forever.

Our men embody the principles promoted by the Fraternity and are poised for success. They belong to TKE..."The Fraternity for Life."
top

 

How do I join TKE?

The first thing that you should do is check with the Greek Life office on your campus to see when rush for all fraternities takes place. If there are certain dates that you must follow, make sure that you follow them. If you do not, there is a chance that you could put the local chapter in jeopardy. If your campus does not have any certain times and has an open recruitment period, stop by and talk to some of the brothers. They will be more than happy to answer any of your questions that you might have about fraternity life. If you decide this is something that you would like to be a part of, let someone in the chapter know. Usually this person is the Rush Chairman or the President of the chapter. If you do not know them well enough, or do not feel comfortable telling them, let someone know that you are comfortable around. They will help guide you in the rest of the process.
top

 

Does being part of TKE require a lot of time?

Participating in any campus activity will require an investment of one's time. However, research has shown that when involved in campus activities, college students are more likely to graduate. They also say that their college experience was more satisfying because they were involved. Through fraternity involvement, you will learn how to balance your academic commitment, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
top

 

What impact will joining TKE have on my grades?

TKE is concerned about your grades and education as well. Every member’s first obligation is to the university and his studies and then to extra-curricular activities which include the Fraternity. TKE assists by offering scholarship programs which may include study partners, mentors, study hours, and time management workshops. During the new member education program, you will be around members who already know how to use campus resources that will benefit your academic experience and help you excel to your highest potential.
top

 

What about pledging and hazing?

All new members of TKE experience a new member education period. This education period takes place over 6 weeks and during this time the new members participate in a variety of events. They will learn about the university and the Fraternity, participate in leadership retreats, community service projects, and other activities that are designed to build friendships and teamwork among the new and old members of the Fraternity.
top

 

What type of educational opportunities does TKE provide?


There are 4 different major educational programs that are offered by TKE. It begins in the fall semester with the Province Educational Conferences (PECs) that are hosted by Grand Province Advisors (GPAs). Then Regional Leadership Conferences (RLCs) are next in the educational cycle. These conferences build on the functionality that is presented during the PEC's, and begin to integrate different topics. The Leadership Academies rounds out the educational cycle of Tau Kappa Epsilon in the summer. Conclave is our largest programming event. It in odd numbered years at a different location. At Conclave, a wide variety of programming and brotherhood opportunities are available.



Last revised: 2/11/2007
Comments: Bryan Heath; bheath2@angelo.edu

Upcoming Events:


September 27th, 2007
Weekly Meeting
9:00pm, RAS 100
Informal

September 29th, 2007
RamJam/Game
5:00pm, ASU vs. Midwestern
Go Rams!

September 30th, 2007
Pledge Meeting
9:00pm, Location TBA

September 17th, 2007
Co-Ed Football
6:00pm, Intramural Fields
Go Teke/Sigma Kappa!

October 1st, 2007
Co-Ed Football
6:00pm, Intramural Fields
Go Teke/Sigma Kappa!

October 1st, 2007
Special Events Comm. Meeting
7:30pm, HH 218

October 3rd, 2007
Men's IM Football
6:00pm, Intramural Fields
Go Teke!