Recruitment occurs at Boston University twice a year--once a semester. Zeta Beta Tau participates in the InterFraternity Council's recruitment period in each semester and follows the guidelines setforth by the IFC governing council.
We are constantly updating this site, so please check out our Recruitment Schedule section for upcoming events--or e-mail zbt@bu.edu with questions and requests for more information about our organization!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Go Greek?
Joining a fraternity may be one of the biggest decisions of your college career. While joining a fraternity, or ZBT for that matter, may not be the best fit for everyone, it is too big of an opportunity to simply pass up without exploring. A brotherhood experience is very unique—and fraternities are able to provide a great mix of bonding, leadership, social events, athletics, academics, and service and philanthropic opportunities. Being in a fraternity in college also exposes individuals to real-world leadership roles that help brothers learn what it is like to lead an organization. Finally, fraternities provide a life-long resource of connections that help you constantly move forward towards your own goals.
Why Join ZBT?
Zeta Beta Tau at Boston University does not conform to just one stereotype. Over the years, we have maintained a collection of many unique individuals who come together for a common purpose and experience. We judge incoming members on their character, ambitions, qualities, and ability to fulfill the duties and requirements we maintain as an organization. Because of this, we will always have room for inspiring individuals who aspire to be leaders—which sets us apart from many of the larger stereotypical groups at BU.
What is Recruitment?
Recruitment is an established and moderated process by the IFC at BU during which fraternities recruit new members. The IFC is in charge of advertising what periods recruitment takes place—and moderates the rules and regulations of the process to ensure a safe, fair, and fun experience for all students looking to go Greek.
How Do I Join? Where Should I Start?
Best way to get started is to just meet the brothers We are always open to new potential members. If you’d like to come for one of our formal rush events, check our recruitment schedule page for the next activity, or you can just give us an e-mail at zbt@bu.edu!
I have a friend who is interested in Fraternities, how do I get him to look at ZBT with me?
Bring him by! No better way to introduce him than to have him meet the brothers, ask questions, and learn about our brotherhood!
Do You Pledge or Haze?
ZBT has a strict non-pledging and non-hazing policy! We will never force you to consume alcohol or do any extraneous activities or any other type of embarrassing harassment. This is a national ZBT policy—and enables us to establish stricter standards as an organization instead—leading to a more productive and positive experience over the years you are involved.
Is ZBT a Jewish Fraternity?
ZBT was founded as a Zionist (Jewish) youth society in 1898 because Jewish men were not welcomed by most fraternities. 1954, ZBT was a leader in the fraternity world by eliminating all impediments to membership based on religion, race and national origin. Given our roots, we now pride ourselves on be a fraternity that welcomes all men of quality while being proud of our heritage. A potential member will never be turned down because of his race, creed, color, national origin, or religion.
What kind of things do you do for social activities?
We try to have at least one social event planned for every week during the semester. These activities range everywhere from annual parties, to Fraternity-Sorority social events, to fraternity-wide trips on the weekend.
What are your Philanthropies and Community Service Projects?
The three largest philanthropies we have every year are Get On The Ball, Safer Sex Party, and volunteering with the BU Hillel House events. Look under our Philanthropy page for more information.
Do you have any Scholarship opportunities?
Yes! ZBT national has both need based and achievement based scholarships. They are fairly easy to get. Many of the brothers who apply will be awarded scholarships! Most scholarships are for one thousand dollars but can be as much as $20,000.
My Parents don’t want me to join a fraternity? What should I do?
Often parents have the misconception that a fraternity is nothing but a drinking club that will hinder their child’s university education. We have many college aged young men and adult advisors that can give your parents a call and inform them what a fraternity is truly about. Also, we encourage parents to come by the house and check it out in person. Often a visit and a face to face conversation with an advisor will change the minds of even the most stubborn parents.
What kind of commitment should I expect?
You get out what you put in! The more time and effort put into our organization the more you will strengthen the brotherhood and appreciate the fraternity. To give an estimate on the amount of time that is expected of a new member during their initiation semester and each semester thereafter, our program requires at least 5 hours of commitment a week.
What is the difference between Fraternity Men and Frat Boys?
Frat Boys is seen as a derogatory term. It implies a lack of maturity and embodies all the negative aspects of Greek life. That is why we call ourselves Fraternity Men. This implies that the we are a mature group of young men that are part of a professionally run brotherhood.
How much money am I looking at to be part of the house?
Although the prices are always changing; expect to pay about $600 every semester for dues, including costs for special events above and beyond dues. Their is no separate fee for initiation. Our prices may seem high at first sight, but when compared to other fraternities at BU they are very reasonable.
A part of our dues go to our national organization and pay for administrators, advisors, and scholarships. The rest helps fund our diverse programming. Think of your dues as an investment. One you make over four years and then you get the dividends the rest of your life. Fraternity is forever.