Theta Chi to re-establish chapter at Rider University

Theta Chi, a Greek fraternity with roots that stretch back to 1856, has been selected this summer to re-establish a chapter at Rider University.

Plans are taking shape for Theta Chi to begin its recruitment of new members beginning in spring 2017. As part of the process, the fraternity will also place one of its national headquarters staff members on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus.

“We are confident that Theta Chi will challenge our students to better themselves and create a rich tradition of university pride and sense of community that will last a lifetime,” wrote Interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Cindy Threatt in an email to students, faculty and staff.

Theta Chi has 148 active chapters and 8,100 undergraduate members across the U.S. Since it was founded in 1856 at Norwich University in Norwich, Vt., the fraternity estimates it has had more than 180,000 members. Theta Chi had a chapter of Theta Chi on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus until 1992, when it lost recognition. Its chapter, Epsilon Rho, is the one being re-established now.

The process of bringing a new Greek organization to campus began in the fall of 2015 when a group of administrators and student leaders formed the Rider University Fraternity Expansion Committee. The committee eventually selected three fraternities as finalists, and after a process that included presentations on campus, Theta Chi was chosen to recolonize the Epsilon Rho chapter at Rider.

“Throughout this process, it was evident that Theta Chi was poised to provide the needed support for a new colony and active chapter at Rider,” Threatt says. “Specifically, they were selected for their strong membership development program, strength in national staffing, demonstrated alumni support, commitment to leadership development, and congruence with the Rider mission and vision.”

Greek Life has been part of Rider University since 1922. Today, the University recognizes 13 Greek fraternities and sororities. Established in the 1960s, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Phi Epsilon and Zeta Tau Alpha are Rider’s oldest Greek organizations. Although only about 10 percent of Rider undergraduates are involved in fraternities and sororities, when they are combined, Greek Life makes up the largest student group of the University.

“Fraternities and sororities offer students the opportunity to have a well-rounded college experience that combines social, philanthropic and academic engagement with social awareness and responsibility,” says Rider's Assistant Director of Campus Life for Fraternity and Sorority Life Amanda Eisele. “Being Greek is a lifelong commitment and our goal is to help develop good people who know how to take care of each other and keep each other safe.”

Academic achievement is a top priority for all Greek organizations at Rider, and the University requires that all potential new members have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and have passed 12 Rider credit hours. Some chapters have additional standards of membership.

Community service is another major aspect of being a member of the Greek community, with many fundraising and philanthropic events taking place throughout the year that benefit national charitable organizations. In 2013, Theta Chi began a partnership with the USO (United Service Organizations), a private organization that serves the men and women in the U.S. military and their families. As the fraternity’s official philanthropy, the USO receives money raised by the chapters of Theta Chi during each academic year.

Social activities are also a major draw for students interested in Greek life, and the fraternities and sororities of Rider host many events throughout the year for their brothers and sisters. Examples include Greek Week, intramural sports and formals.

“Greek life is an important aspect of the Rider University experience,” Threatt says, “and the addition of Theta Chi will give many more students the opportunity to participate in this aspect of college life.”