Category:Chapter Size

Size of chapter is limited as per the Constitution, Article V, Section 3: "No chapter shall have more than 70 student members at any time. However, the Grand Regent shall have the power to waive this law temporarily when application is made in writing by the chapter. Furthermore, the Executive Council shall have the power to grant permission to exceed this limit for an extended period with biennial review when application is made in writing by the chapter." Obviously, a chapter must receive such permission in advance of a proposed initiation which might take it over the limit, and regardless of how far or how long.

Despite this limit, chapters are advised that the limit of 70 is not a number that they should fear to approach. The spirit of brotherhood is stronger, the fraternal experience more significant, and the benefits of membership in Theta Tau more distinct, with 40 or more brothers in a chapter than with 20 or so. Put another way: “Success has many fathers, and failure is an orphan.” Or, perhaps you heard the saying: “Everyone wants to be part of a successful organization.” No matter how you say it, they convey the same message and meaning. The old adage that we want “quality over quantity” is generally used as an excuse for failure. In truth, “quantity breeds quality” (not the other way around). Having more members and more candidates for membership gives each chapter the ability to be more selective whereas a small chapter with few recruits virtually always feels obliged to pin everyone who walks thru the front door.

The Fraternity has created a chapter size target for each chapter based on various objective or historical criteria. A chapter reaching its size target is awarded with certificate and check for $250. There are other awards for chapters over 40 members and those growing by at least 20%.