Zeta Beta Tau
Beta Tau Colony
ZBT Beta Tau

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this going to cost me anything and if so, what do I get for my money?
A. This is a common very important question. ZBT does have a one time initiation fee of $310. It seems like a lot now, but the money is put to good use.

First and foremost, you get to be a ZBT!

ZBT spends $1.08 on Chapter related servicing and materials for every $1.00 collected in undergraduate fees. This extra money is from our alumni and other charities that donate towards the continued excellence of ZBT.

Other advantages as per the home office are:
  • Chapter exemptions from various Federal, State and Local taxes. The Fraternity's tax exemption covers Chapters.
  • Liability and property insurance at reduced group rates.
  • Lists and Labels of Chapters and area ZBT alumni; bulk mail postage rates for newsletters, recruitment mailings, etc.
  • Scholarships through the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, Inc. Scholarships are awarded on base of merit and need.
  • News about the fraternity: "The Deltan" and "Good and Welfare"
  • Student Loans, on an emergency basis through the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, Inc.
  • Chapter Loans, on an emergency basis.
  • Recruitment Assistance. Rushees will not join because of ZBT, but the good name of ZBT brings a lot of them to you.
  • Crisis Management: when "it hits the fan," somebody knows what to do.
  • Alumni Brothers, knowledgeable and caring, who serve as advisors.
  • "Know how:" Regional and National Conference to show you how to succeed.
  • Ideas - hundreds of practical ideas for social, campus and community events.
  • Problem solvers - a professional National Staff and volunteer alumni to help solve Chapter problems.
  • "Failure Insurance" for your chapter - Although we can show you how to prevent it from happening, we can not stop you from failing. We can Guarantee, if you fail, we will do everything we can to get your chapter revived.
  • Contributions to Zeta Beta Tau Foundation, Inc. on a tax deductible basis from alumni to assist Brothers/Chapters.
  • A tradition of over 100 years of a great fraternity. A wonderful name and reputation.
  • Brothers everywhere - an international organization.
  • Credentials of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity membership - member pin, member card and certificate.
  • Lifetime membership - it is always great to be a ZBT!


Q. Why should I join ZBT at SUNY Plattsburgh when there are all those other bigger fraternities?
A. It's true that there are larger and somewhat more successful fraternities on campus at Plattsburgh, but our fraternity has a few characteristics you won't find elsewhere.

For one thing we are a no-pledging fraternity. Not only because it's not sanctioned by the main office, but many of us would not have joined if there was pledging. The way ZBT works is that if you are interested in joining, by all means come talk to us and see what we're all about. In ZBT we're friends first, brothers second, subordinates NEVER!

With ZBT, we're building a new history with Plattsburgh State, helping to be the foundation for what will be a new Powerhouse of Excellence in the College and Local community. So after hanging with the guys, should you decide this is the type of fraternity experience you want, your membership is endorsed by a brother within the fraternity and then approved by the rush committee and finally granted by a vote.


Q. What is the emphasis of ZBT's activites?
A. ZBT is traditionally a fraternity emphasizing the growth of the individual and of the chapter in the community. To this end, community service is expected of all brothers at a minimum of 10 hours each semester.


Q. When can I rush for ZBT?
A. ZBT holds an open rush program. We are always accepting new brothers into the fraternity at all times. Check the Rush Section for more information about rushing ZBT Beta Tau.


Q. Is there a ZBT house?
A. Not yet... A few of the brothers live off campus at 117 Brinkerhoff St. right next to Chuck Wagon. It's there that meetings, barbecues and other events are hosted. Other brothers live in various parts of on-campus, and off.
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Contact: Webmaster - Kevin Hanselman