FAQ’s
How has Phi Tau dealt with COVID – 19?
The Beta Phi Chapter has adjusted to the Covid- 19 pandemic, Now being masked and physically distant in the chapter house is behind us. Also still being successful in having the biggest pick-up class in 2020 and 2021. Fraternity Life at Westminster is thriving at Westminster College.
The Chapter House is open to those who aren’t brothers of Phi Tau. This is due to the college’s policy during the pandemic. We are able to have recruitments events and hang out, parties are back open at this time. We can also meet on campus and virtually for Developing Men of Character into Men Of Distinction.
Joining The Beta Phi Chapter Of Phi Kappa Tau is better now than it has been in years, our numbers are going up and we have a solid brotherhood even during a world pandemic.
Does Phi Tau Haze?
Westminster College and Phi Kappa tau have a strict NO HAZING policy. Even though the past isn’t good in fraternities we show that our chapter is for brotherhood, leadership, networking, and friends for life.
If we see a brother hazing someone, it is immediately stopped and addressed with the full extent of our by-laws and it is seen that whoever did it is shown and taught the basics of our chapter. Phi Tau has always been a safe place for all identities.
We are a fraternity community at Westminster College all four chapters thrive for making people feel welcome. Hazing is something of the distant past.
Why join a fraternity?
You may think I’m already in the Arts, Sports, Stem, Medical, Business, Communication, History, Language, or a Club. A fraternity is much more than just another organization or Major on campus.
Joining a fraternity is for life, being around your brothers, bonding at the chapter house, making memories with your friends outside of your major, and building your networking on campus with others you probably would never meet.
All alumni that have graduated from our chapter have had great memories from Westminster college with brothers. When you become a brother you are a brother to all 80+ chapters across the United States. Phi Taus are everywhere you look. Leroy Chiao Astronaut, Actor Paul Neuman, Senator Mitch McConnell.
What is our Philanthrophy?
In 1988, our esteemed alumnus and actor Paul Newman, Ohio ‘43, founded Hole in the Wall Gang Camp on a 300-acre piece of land in Connecticut. Now an international organization known as SeriousFun Children’s Network, this camp was designed as a place where children with terminal or life-threatening illness could escape their medical conditions for a little while to just be kids and, in Paul’s own words, “to raise a little hell.” Today, SeriousFun camps have served over 1,000,000 children in 20 different countries – all free of charge. Phi Kappa Tau has been formally partnered with SeriousFun for over 25 years. In that lifetime, we’ve raised $1.6 million dollars.
What is a Phi Tau party like?
A Phi Tau Registered party is a safe environment in the house, you need to be on the guest list to get in, you also need to have a school ID or Drivers license to prove you are old enough to consume alcohol in the house.
The brothers do not supply any alcohol to visitors of the house. There is also a strict policy of nothing more than 15% alcohol in the house. If you are over 21 at a party you wear a wristband provided by the brothers to show you are legally allowed to consume alcohol.
If you are under 21 you are still permitted in the house to party without consuming alcohol. We do not go over our fire code limit and all of the exits are labeled in case of an emergency.
What is Phi Tau’s Policy on Drugs and Alchohol?
Phi Kappa Tau has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and smoking on the chapter house property. Any alcohol above 15% ABV is not permitted in the Chapter House. We do not promote drinking at Phi Kappa Tau.
Is it worth paying to be in a fraternity?
There are many things you can pay for on-campus in organizations what you are paying for is chapter dues, keeping up the house (utilities), and the experience of doing community service events, philanthropy, social events, giving back to the college community.
Where is the Chapter House? Who can live there?
The Chapter house is located at 311 Maple Street New Wilmington Pa, 16142. We have the closest house to campus, the biggest house, and the most diverse chapter out of all four fraternities on campus. Check out the “Chapter House” tab.
Brothers who are Juniors and Seniors can live in the house.
Sophomores can live in the house if they hold an executive position in the fraternity. (President, Vice President, Treasurer, House Manager, or Risk Manager).
Why do I have to have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA to join?
Just like the college and sports teams, Phi Kappa Tau has academic standards to join and be an active member of the chapter. To pick up our fraternity you need to have at least a 2.5 GPA. While you are a member the Scholarship chair and other brothers ask how you are doing throughout the semester because we care very much about your academic excellence and future. With the chapter always having above a 2.7 average to stay active on campus. You need to keep a certain GPA to participate in recruitment, parties, and other events.
Academics are always first.
Are you required to live in the chapter house?
No, you can choose whichever living arrangements you want while attending Westminster College. Living in the Chapter House is cheaper than living on campus and you also don’t need to purchase a parking pass. We also have an In House Meal Plan with a cook. We have many amenities that are readily available to you that the school cannot offer. For Example, a full industrial kitchen, free parking, your own single room without having to move your things out until you graduate. A full-sized pool table and a private basketball court and fire pit that is always available.
More brothers in the house make finances cheaper for the chapter.
Why can’t I join my first-semester freshman year?
According to the Student Handbook and (IFC) Interfraternity Council By-laws.
Any Potential New Member shall meet the following GPA requirement in order to be accepted as a New Member by any Member Fraternity:
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A minimum college GPA of 2.5, 2nd-semester Freshman or any Upperclassmen.
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1st semester Transfer Student needs at least 10 Valid credits and a 3.0 from the prior university.