Omega's in the News - Rattle - Sept. 1939
The below stories about Omega, its brothers or by a brother appeared in the July 1939 Rattle
To Publish Handbook of Theta Chi
Most important among Theta Chi's recent projects is the publication of the Handbook of Theta Chi Fra-ternity, which will be available this fall for distribution to undergraduate and alumni chapters, fraternity offi-cials, and others who are interested in chapter administration. Its pages are filled with valuable material which will go far in solving problems and in making the various officers of chapters familiar with their duties and expert in management of fraternity business.
A preliminary edition was success-fully used in connection with the 1939 convention. It had been compiled by National Marshal George W. Chapman, who as "dean of men" of that notable "university" convention was largely responsible for the plan-ning and the carrying out of the edu-cational program which gave Theta Chi its decidedly different convention, that was greeted with universal ap-proval by delegates and officers alike. Following the convention, criticisms of the handbook, which served as a text and reference book, were invited as well as suggestions for its revision. These were used by Marshall Chapman in his important task of editing. As a result, the product represents the best thinking and the most profit-able experience of Theta Chi leaders, alumni and undergraduate.
It is hoped that as soon as the chapters are supplied schools of in-structions will be organized under the direction of members who at-tended the convention so that all actives and pledges may be instructed in authentic Theta Chi procedure, policies, and principles. These schools will probably be held in connection with the chapter and pledge meetings, portions of the book being covered each week with occasional examina-tions to discover what material needs re-emphasis, repetition, and develop-ment. It is the feeling of some fra-ternity leaders that problem chapters would disappear if all those connected with them receive the proper instruc-tion and leadership.
George Chapman
The Handbook of Theta Chi Fraternity will include such chapters as: Functions of the Grand Chapter, The National Convention, The Na-tional Board of Trustees and Its Di-rection of the National Endowment Fund, The Executive Office and Its Services, The Regional Plan, Expan-sion, Practices, Customs and Policies of the Fraternity, The Raffle of Theta Chi, Other Theta Chi Publications, Public Relations, Chapter News Letters, The Objectives of Theta Chi Fraternity, The National Interfraternity Conference Fraternity Criteria, Chapter Organization, Bud-geted Membership, Rushing Manual, Pledge Training Manual, Scholarship Manual, Chapter's Manual, The Financial Supervisor, Fraternity Information, Alumnus Advisers, Amortization of Fixed Obligations, The Alumni Corporation, The Alumni Chapter, The Regional Counselor, The Regional Conference, Its Organi-zation and Operation and Convention Manual.
The book also contains much illustrative material in the way of forms, style sheets, and blanks. There is a rather complete directory.
The fundamental idea of the book is the providing of such material as will be needed by chapter and alumni officers, advisers, regional counselors, and others who may be concerned with the administration of fraternity affairs. As far as possible, questions which arise in carrying on the numerous activities have been anticipated and the desired information is given in a definite, concrete manner that will undoubtedly prove a godsend in many cases.
The binding of the book will be of flexible character, permitting the addi-tion of material from time to time or the substitution of revised chapters. In this way, it is hoped that both present and future needs will he adequately taken care of. The book is being produced in the Executive Office by use of the varitype duplicating machine, which was recently purchased and which is being used for the publication of The Confidential News, chapter letters, and various reports and communications.
One of the most valuable chapters is the analysis of the Objectives of Theta Chi Fraternity, which were adopted by the Grand Chapter, July 3, 1935, and the offering of rather concrete suggestions as to the carrying out of these objectives.
Omega Find Chi Omegas Good Fun
OMEGA CHAPTER was host to the Penn State chapter of Chi Omega May 3. for dinner and an informal dance afterwards. Thirty-five of the Chi-O's accepted the invitation, and at five o'clock the boys trooped up to the sorority en masse to escort the girls. After the long parade straggled back. there were general introduction, and the group picture was taken. Next came the dinner, enlivened by a spontaneous song contest between the boys and the girls. As soon as dinner was over. the victrola was started for dancing. All too soon, it seemed, eight o'clock came and the girls had to leave.
The previous month the Gamma Phi Betas were entertained in a like manner, and the social committee plans to invite other sororities this fall. These functions serve a twofold purpose. First, they develop a closer bond between the sororities and the fraternities, a thing which is lacking at Penn State. and, secondly, they function as a dating bureau for the actives and pledges.