MSOE Chapter of Triangle Fraternity

Potential Brothers

What is Triangle Fraternity?

In a word, Triangle is a "home," a family-like atmosphere. The word "fraternity" implies Brotherhood, a close group of friends sharing common interests that live together. Triangle provides an excellent place for students in technical fields to satisfy the many needs of college life.

Since the first social fraternity was founded in 1776, college fraternities and sororities have grown, built upon the foundation of serving the student and his or her Alma Mater. In the chapter home of the fraternity, there is an opportunity to supplement the teachings of the classroom. In Triangle, the student learns lessons of group living, personality and character development, in an atmosphere designed for fullest benefit to the individual.

Triangle, thus, provides a bridge between academic life and a career, as well as a foundation for success in the years after college.

Triangle limits its membership to students majoring in engineering, architecture, and the sciences. Thus, Triangle is unique in the North-American Interfraternity Conference, being the only member fraternity that selects its membership from these majors. This is done to draw together outstanding men with similar course work and career goals.

There are many reasons for joining a fraternity. The chief reason for joining Triangle is the friendship of the members you meet and come to know. Underlying it all will be the knowledge that you can follow the trail blazed by Triangle's outstanding members to leadership in the field of your choice.

You may ask, "What are Triangle's Greek letters?" Unlike most other social fraternities, Triangle does not have a Greek letter name. This is one point that makes Triangle stand out in contrast with other fraternities on its campuses. While some students may have problems sorting one name from another, Triangle is easy to recognize as the only national fraternity for students in Engineering, Architecture and Science.

Triangle has a lot to offer academically, socially, and athletically. Preparing yourself for your future career and achieving Academic success are your primary goal at the university. Even so, Social Participation provides an enhancement from the busy and challenging college curriculum. Athletics are important because they encourage physical ability as well as competition and cooperation.

Triangle understands the balance between these and strives to attain a level of excellence in each of the three areas while maintaining a friendly, comfortable atmosphere where lifelong friendships can be made.

(Description of Triangle from www.Triangle.org)

Pledging F.A.Q.

What are the requirements to join Triangle?
· As long as you're pursuing a degree in architecture, engineering, or science, you are eligible.

I meet the criteria and I'm thinking about joining. How do I know if Triangle is right for me?
· The single best way to find out is to drop by the house and hang out with us. Since as a member you will spend a lot of time at the house, you might as well find out if you enjoy yourself there.

I like Triangle. How can I join?
· We hold pledge classes up to 3 times a year. Contact the current RUSH Chair to see when the next time will be.

How expensive is Triangle?
· Pledging is relatively inexpensive, about $45 to start. This fee will help cover the costs of you pledge manuals, binders, and miscellaneous supplies. Once initiated, active fees vary, and are approximately $110 per quarter.

What are the advantages of being a Triangle Brother?
· The advantages are countless. There are the benefits that you can see, and those that can only be experienced as a member. Some of the obvious benefits that you will see personally are:
Brotherhood: The ability to become part of a specialized network of individuals that last a lifetime
Friends: A group of people that you can rely on for anything. This can include such thing like homework help, and personal issues.
The Chapter House: A great place to hang out and relax. A big advantage if you don't live on campus and don't want to face the commute when your up studying late.

What does the house expect of me?
· Just being and "active" member and taking an active role in assisting the house in events and cleanup. We also expect you to learn our Code of Ethics and try your best to live by it.

What can I expect from the house?
· Triangle will help to enhance your college experience. We are a group based on traditions and brotherhood. You will also share a common bond with every triangle member nationwide. You will undergo the same rituals that all Triangles have done for almost 100 years. The house is also a place to forever call your home.

What if I don't like it?
· There are no strings attached to the pledging process. If at any time, you feel that you don't fit in or it's too much work on your end, you may leave. Only YOU decide where and when you want to spend your time.

Is this for me?

Here are a few hints as you decide whether fraternities are for you . . .

Determine why you want to join:
Depending upon your interests and your needs, there may be only a few groups in which you would be most
interested. Every group will offer social, services, athletics and alumni events at different levels. Sit down and
list your priorities, so you can better match your needs to the offerings a group may have. Keep in mind that such priorities as athletics or leadership may not lead you to the intramural champion or most visible group on campus. You may find that a smaller chapter will allow you to be more involved than a much larger group might.

Go to as many groups as possible:
Try to visit each of the groups, even if you've heard, they have a bad reputation. The rumor-mill on campuses
is badly flawed and what is rumored to be a poor group one year can be a great group the next. Basically, you
should give everyone a chance to tell you what they have to offer. By the way, if one chapter is bad-mouthing
another, it's usually because they're jealous, not better informed. Look for a group who can talk about their own
accomplishments, not the inadequacies of others.

Meet as many guys at each chapter as possible:
Some chapters give a great first impression, but they may have some problem members hidden in a back room. You're going to have to be brothers with them all, so make an effort to meet everyone. If you don't like a bunch of the members, you're not going to be happy joining their chapter.

Ask many questions:
Don't expect them to know what you're looking for - ask questions! You're shopping for a group where you'll feel comfortable and be helped to reach your potential. Find out how they're going to help. Find out the costs. Do you have to live in the house? How long is the pledge program and how much time does it require each week? How will they help develop your leadership skills? What is their chapter GPA? Do they have scholarships? Can their alumni help you find a job? Etc. Get the answers before you pledge - you'll be much happier with your decision.

Find out about the National Organization:
A good national fraternity will make the difference between a four-year experience and a lifetime of involvement. What services does the national organization provide? Can they help you go to grad school? Do they have scholarships available? Are there alumni groups in cities where you might want to live? How can they help you? Are there dues to pay as an alumnus? Etc.

Rush can be a lot of fun:
You'll meet some great guys, and if you ask, may have all your questions about fraternities answered. At best,
you'll find the perfect group for you and start a lifelong association with your Fraternity. At worst, you won't join, but you'll have much better information about fraternities and what they can offer. Either way, you come out ahead.

If you have any questions, would like to learn more about fraternities in general, or Triangle specifically, please
don't hesitate to contact us.

Before you commit to joining a fraternity, you should ask the following questions:

· Why do you want to join a Greek organization? (If it is to party andact like Bluto on "Animal House" or Steve   Sanders on "90210," then please rethink your priorities - you can party and act foolish without joining a Greek   organization - and save yourself a lot of time and money before flunking out of MSOE... think about it).

· Do you understand you are joining this organization for life?

· Do you have the financial resources to pay for rent, food, and chapter dues?

· Will you have the time to participate in chapter leadership positions, chapter meetings, service events, 	  intramurals, and other chapter events?

· What is the GPA of the chapter?

· What is the GPA for the most recent new member class?

· What percent of the most recent new member class was initiated?

· Does the chapter disclose the contents of their pledge/new member program?

· Does the chapter tell you up front the date of initiation?

· What is the percentage of members involved in student organizations?

· What is the percentage of chapter members who graduate?

· If the chapter has a housing facility, is it well kept and clean? Do the members respect the property?   Do all members participate equally in cleaning the house?

· What alumni / alumnae connections are available through the organization?

· Will this organization help build your resume for a successful career after you graduate?

· Lastly, and perhaps most important, what group do you "fit in" with and feel the most comfortable around?

Code of Ethics

As a member of Triangle, I recognize my obligation to:
1. Observe the precepts of the Fraternity as set forth in the Ritual;
2. Accept cheerfully my full share of any task, however menial, involved in maintaining a chapter home;
3. Preserve and promote the chosen ideals of my Fraternity;
4. Pay all personal bills promptly and always live within my means;
5. Help create in my chapter home an environment in which enduring friendships may be formed;
6. Maintain a creditable scholastic record;
7. Promote the welfare of my profession;
8. Maintain my self-respect by proper conduct at all times;
9. Uphold faithfully the traditions and program of my Alma Mater;
10. Pay the price of success in honest effort.
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