Brotherhood Intake Process

THE BROTHERHOOD INTAKE PROCESS.
The ‘Intake Process’ is one of the most, if not THE MOST, important part of an individual’s development within IOTA PHI THETA FRATERNITY, INC®. True, the Intake Process is a ‘testing’ period, but it is, more importantly, a LEARNING EXPERIENCE for the potential Brother. It is of the utmost importance to correctly educate the potential member as to the Philosophy, Ideals, and History of the Fraternity. With this in mind, the Intake Period should be looked upon as an ‘Educational Program’. It is through this type of ‘program’ that the Principles of the Iota Brotherhood should be presented to the intakes. The Intake Process should be set up on a goal-oriented schedule, with specific objectives to be met before the progress can be made. It must be understood, however, that the primary responsibility for the new member class progress toward these objectives lies with the Brothers’ use on CONSTRUCTIVE PRESSURE and RELEVANT ASSIGNMENTS; these are ESSENTIAL towards meeting Fraternity goals.
  “It only takes a few weeks to pledge but it takes a Lifetime to be a Brother”.
That phrase is heard time and time again within the Brotherhood of Iota Phi Theta and it is one of our rallying points. Although it is slightly outdated by the fact that Iota Phi Theta has moved away from “pledging” to a “Brotherhood Intake Process”, the spirit is still the same. Quite simply, the process you undergo before becoming a Brother is secondary to the responsibility you accept once you become a Brother. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. is more than a Fraternity; it is a concept … a way of life. By joining Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.®., you are agreeing to always strive for excellence in all facets of your life – academically, professionally, and personally. Furthermore, you are committing to consistently strive to be the best despite any and all obstacles. This concept has its roots in the Founding of the organization. When Iota Phi Theta was founded, there were already a number of fraternities in existence. Our Founders chose to strike out in a bold new direction and this was not easy. It took a special breed of men to go against the grain and to stand tall for what they believed. They were sustained by the strength of their convictions and the soundness of the Concept of Iota. Today, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.® is growing by leaps and bounds and as we seek to further the growth of Iota, we are looking for Men who have this same boldness and strength of conviction.
The Brotherhood Intake Process.
Under the direction of the National Director of Intake and the Regional Brotherhood Intake Coordinator (s), all intake activities during any authorized intake cycle will take place in the presence of the State Director (or his designee). An intake workshop will be convened. The Intake Workshop involves three weekends known as Brotherhood Developmentweekends. You will be advised of the date, time and place of the intake workshop upon review and approval of the membership intake application. Below is a brief description of the weekend activities.. Brotherhood Development activities are held on a Friday from 6 pm to 11 pm and on a Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm.. Friday’s Program: includes presentations by the intake management team (IMT) and participating alumni chapter overseeing an undergraduate chapter. The Presentations will involve the introduction of chapters, brothers and candidates in attendance. A review of the fraternity’s history, national initiatives, regional programs/signature events and activities, discussion of national / regional and chapter requirements regarding financial obligations, risk management policy and procedures, transition to a graduate chapter, discussion of expected members/individual participation, responsibilities and commitment and distribution of information to candidates.. The State Director (or his designee) will administer the No2Hazing Course during the first Brotherhood Development weekend, scheduled by the Regional Brotherhood Intake Coordinator. The State Director (or his designee) will administer the National Examination during the third Brotherhood Development weekend, scheduled by the Regional Brotherhood Intake Coordinator. Saturday Program: The candidates and participating brothers will jointly take part in a community service/outreach project. The project MUST highlight one of the fraternity’s national initiatives.
“BIP” Refund Policy.
There is a non-refundable National administrative fee of $135 included in the membership fees. All candidates must pay initiation fees via the IOTA B.I.P. Application Database. Refunds must be requested and received by the Regional Polaris within 10 days of a candidate not completing the Brotherhood Intake Process. The Fraternity will acknowledge a refund as a partial payment of the initiation fee.  If a refund has been requested and not been received within 30 days of the request, please contact the Regional Brotherhood Intake Coordinator. The application submission fee is non-refundable. Please note, this fee is not included in the Initiation Fee. Intake Cycles: Fall BIP opens August 15 each calendar year. Planning Documents must be submitted by November 10 of each calendar year. Fall BIP closes the Thursday prior to the chapter’s Regional Meeting date. Spring BIP opens January 15 each calendar year. Planning Documents must be submitted by March 10 of each calendar year. Spring BIP closes the Thursday prior to the chapter’s Regional Meeting date.