The Theta project was designed to combat the basic flaws seen in pledgeship.  It has been decided that there is too much waste in the present program of inducting new members into our fraternal organization and that drastic change is needed. The Theta Project will simplify the new member process and initiate a new program of self development of brothers throughout their entire college career, hopefully to be continued into the rest of their life. Being a good brother is a simple concept, but developing a person for the rest of their life is a feat, one which we hope to accomplish through hard work, dedication to a cause, and the help of our brothers.

We are the leaders of the Greek world in initiating a project like this. There have been other houses with an outlook similar to us. Sigma Phi Epsilon created a similar program called the Balanced Man Program (BMP). Sigma Phi Epsilon’s program focuses on the members being more balanced as individuals and as a group utilizing challenges, retreats and group activities to foster growth. The other similar program is Beta Theta Pi’s Men of Principle, which is similar, and shows a better path for their members. Both fraternities have had spectacular results from these programs.

The Theta Project Basics
The Theta project is a system of development consisting of 4 total stages a person must go through to become what we feel the ideal brother should be.  The initial stage, called the Orientation Stage, will take the place of pledgeship. Instead of degrading new members, and filling hours with information that could be presented more effectively in a shorter period of time, it will be an accelerated course. This stage will introduce the new member to Kappa Delta Rho, and the house itself.
New members in the Orientation Stage will learn the structure of Kappa Delta Rho; the offices and officer breakdown as well as an understanding of what each officer does, and his responsibilities and duties. The new member will also be taught about the structure of The Theta Project and their place in it. An important area of study included in this stage is the history of the Greek system as well as our houses own proud history. By the end of this stage a Kappa Mentor is needed, as well as getting a passing grade on the National Exam. The National Exam covers material presented during meetings as well as in the New Member book the Kappa Delta Rho Pathfinder. A mid semester GPA report of 2.3 is necessary to continue progression.

The Orientation Stage is overseen by the Orientation Leader. This position is established as a sub officer of the Junior Tribune. Upon review, this system puts the Junior Tribune into a more managerial position; the Junior Tribune is the Internal Vice President and new member education is only a small part of the internal affairs of the house. The Orientation leader is chosen by the Junior Tribune and has the qualities of a good brother that is meant to have including, but not limited to, himself developing as a brother, as well as maintains a respectable GPA at the university. Good appearance and a sense of pride in not only his accomplishments, but in the house as well. He should be at least a Kappa Member, preferably a Delta or Rho member, which will be explained later.

Once a New Member is through the orientation stage, his development as a brother is ready to begin. The next stage of development is the Kappa Stage, which is the first stage as an active brother of the house.

To move on from the Kappa Stage a new member must have written 3 goals; at least one house, and one personal, with emphasis on a clear line between short term and long term goals.  Paddle signatures, a symbol of acceptance shared for years by Greeks around the nation, must be accomplished to enter this stage. One signature from each active brother is needed as a requirement of moving on from this stage. The member in the Kappa stage also will need to recruit a Delta mentor, who is a member from the Delta or Rho stage, to help further their development.

During a brother’s development in the Kappa Stage, it is highly suggested that he be a committee member or hold a minor office, that he be on an intramural team and in at least one university club not associated with the house.  He should participate in at least one chapter visit and complete one House Project to better our home. This project would be with at least three other Kappa members. He should participate in at least three philanthropies. There are numerous Greek events as well as community work that can be done to help accomplish this. He should introduce at least 2 potential new members to the Senior Tribune. He should participate in “butter-ups” to include serenades specifically. He must also be a big brother for one member in the Orientation Stage.

The Kappa Leader is also a position appointed by the Junior Tribune, and is a member of the Delta or Rho Stage.  He is a respected member at large, and fits the standard of being a good brother. He meets the standards set by the Junior Tribune and excels above and beyond those.

The Delta Stage, the next stage in progression has similar requirements to progress to the next stage or development. A Delta Stage member must have 3 new or modified goals both house and personal. He must live in the house for some extended period of time, preferably at least one semester, if not more. He must construct and maintain a semester personal budget and construct and maintain a weekly schedule and track actual time usage. He must have been a big brother for a member in the Orientation Stage, or be a mentor for a member in the Kappa Stage, at some point in his development.  He must learn and will be tested on etiquette as prescribed by the chapter and the fraternity, which is explained in the Pathfinder. An opportunity such as an alumni dinner, formal, or initiation dinner are all great opportunities to be tested.

The Delta Leader is a member in the Rho Stage. The Delta Leader is chosen by the Junior Tribune and has the qualities a good brother is meant to have including he himself is developing as a brother, as well as maintains a respectable GPA at the university, as well as appearance and a sense of pride.  It is treated as a less formal, and is a liberal opportunity for personal growth. This stage is characterized by learning to push, and develop as a brother. This is where members learn to grow personally.  The duties of the Delta Leader as prescribed by the Junior Tribune are a basic keeping track of the progression of all Delta Group Members.

The 3rd and final stage of development is the Rho stage. It is the most prestigious stage a brother may achieve. This stage’s leader is the Pontifex, for all intensive purposes. It is focused on development of himself, as well as the house, and the junior members. Members in the Rho Stage must participate in house activities and maintain an active connection with all members of the house. They are expected to mentor and lead junior members of the house.  

Conclusion
The Theta Project is an exciting new program that we will be using to promote as a development tool for brothers.  The concepts are simple, and the goal is profound. A good brother is one that has a drive to better himself and his house. This program will provide the tools and perspective to push Kappa Delta Rho members to the point that they and we are ready for the lives we wish to lead as men and as brothers.