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Phi Kappa Tau Membership Manual

PHI KAPPA TAU MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

  • Membership Orientation Program details mentioned but not transcribed.

  • The date of initiation, assigned badge number, and names of officers involved are personal entries for new initiates.

MEMBERSHIP MANUAL DEDICATION

  • The 28th edition of the Membership Manual is dedicated to the four honored Founders of Phi Kappa Tau:

    • Dwight Ireneus Douglass (1884-1940)

    • Clinton Dewitt Boyd (1884-1950)

    • William Henry Shideler (1886-1958)

    • Taylor Albert Borradaile (1885-1977)

  • A message of hope is given that their vision for the organization will continue to flourish on college campuses and in the hearts of its members.

  • Quote by Jack L. Anson (Colgate '47):
    "Fraternity is understanding, it is recognition, it is a joining with men, in common enterprises… It is an attitude."

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Highlights various sections of the Membership Manual:

    • Living the Creed-Expectations

    • Origins of Phi Kappa Tau

    • Founding history including significant dates and events.

    • Organization-related information including officers and councils.

    • Awards and recognition.

    • Membership expectations and responsibilities.

    • Appendices containing additional information.

THE CREED OF PHI KAPPA TAU

  • Text of the creed:
    "Phi Kappa Tau, by admitting me to membership, has conferred upon me a mark of distinction in which I take just pride… I shall try always to discharge the obligation to others which arises from the fact that I am a fraternity man." - Roland Maxwell, Southern California '22

WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  • Carl Steven Hartman's Welcome:

    • Celebrating 100 years of brotherhood.

    • Mission Statement emphasizes commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership, and exemplary character.

    • Commitment to lifelong bonds of friendship and alumni involvement.

    • Encouragement for alumni to remain active in the fraternity's growth and community.

PHI KAPPA TAU MISSION STATEMENT

  • Mission Statement:
    "To champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character."

BROTHERHOOD, FELLOWSHIP AND FRATERNITY

  • Discussion on the virtues of fraternity: understanding, acceptance, and selflessness.

  • Stress on the role of fraternities in fostering connection amongst men on campuses.

  • Emphasis on the need for review and renewal of fraternity principles amidst modern criticisms.

ORIGINS OF PHI KAPPA TAU

  • Background on the founding:

    • Notable events from 1906 during creation of the Non-Fraternity Association.

    • Story of the first meeting involving key figures like Douglass and Shideler, detailing the meeting at Dean Hepburn’s office.

    • Historical context of fraternities emerging from earlier student societies (e.g., Phi Beta Kappa).

FOUNDING OF PHI KAPPA TAU

  • Explanation of how organizational ambitions evolved into formally recognized fraternity.

  • First Founders' Day Celebration.

  • Various milestones leading to the fraternity's establishment and adoption of its name, Phi Kappa Tau.

  • Detailed timeline of events marking development from 1906 to 1911.

MEMBERSHIP MANUAL INSIGNIA & SYMBOLS

  • Discussion on the Phi Kappa Tau insignia and proper etiquette for use.

    • The importance of badges, coats of arms, the fraternity flower, and colors.

LIVING THE CREED

  • Main Expectations of Members:

    • Commitment to academic excellence, financial responsibility, respectful behavior, leadership.

    • Encouragement of community service and participation in fraternity activities.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND HAZING POLICY

  • Strict adherence to policies regarding alcohol, drug use, and hazing.

  • Definitions and regulations of hazing, emphasizing respect and safety for all members.

AWARDS INITIATIVES

  • Overview of chapter and individual awards, including recognition for academic success, community service, and exemplary conduct.

PHI KAPPA TAU'S FOUNDERS AND HALL OF FAME

  • Celebrates contributions of outstanding individuals to the fraternity's legacy.

  • Lists notable alumni and their achievements.

PHI KAPPA TAU CHAPTERS

  • Directory of Phi Kappa Tau chapters across the United States, their founding dates and locations.

NATIONAL CONVENTIONS & GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

  • Description of the organizational structure including governance, council, and convention processes.

  • National Presidents' list depicting leadership evolution over the years semantically tied to fraternity milestones.

INCORPORATING VALUES IN DAILY LIFE

  • Encouraging members to embody the fraternity’s values through personal actions and decisions in their academics and social lives.

SONGS OF PHI KAPPA TAU

  • Lyrics to fraternity songs, adding a dimension to the cultural experience of membership.

This examination of the Membership Manual gives insight into the rich history, values, and infrastructure of the Phi Kappa Tau brotherhood. Each section emphasizes the fraternity's commitment to character building, leadership, and community engagement, echoing the spirit of its honorable founders.