What is rush?

Rush is an opportunity for you to meet the brothers and to find out more about our fraternity. Rush consists of various social activities. It is free and there are no obligations.

At the end of the rush process, those to whom bids are extended can decide whether to pledge the fraternity.

Why rush?

Theta Tau is an organization that is equally interested in serving the community and school of engineering and in creating friendships amongst engineering students. Our rush events are designed to be fun and to give you a taste of our purpose and fellowship. The brothers are friendly and the food is free!

Why join Theta Tau?

Theta Tau is the University of Pennsylvania's professional engineering fraternity. It combines aspects of social fraternities, community-service organizations, technical societies, and honor societies to create a community where brothers can form life-long bonds, develop themselves professionally, and have meaningful social experiences.

Please see our About Us page for more details.

Who can rush?

For Fall rush, we are looking for sophomores and juniors. Freshman may only rush during the Spring semester. To pledge the Tau Gamma chapter of Theta Tau, students must:

  • be a full time student pursuing an ABET-accredited degree at the University of Pennsylvania
  • have the overall GPA required for graduation and be in good academic standing

Any tips for rush?

Rush is an opportunity for us to meet you and for you to meet us. As much as we may talk about the 'character' of the Tau Gamma Chapter, we are not looking for those with a particular personality; just come and be yourself.

What do my dues go toward?

Membership dues for Theta Tau are substantially lower than those of any competing fraternity or sorority. Dues are usually only a couple hundred dollars and have never been more than $250.

Part of your dues will go towards national fraternity charges to support strategic initiatives like expansion and the development of new programming. The balance will go to our chapter to support our events and activities that enrich our experience in the fraternity.

When is rush?

Spring Rush 2011 runs from January 24 to February 7.

Fall Rush for Theta Tau Tau generally occurs during late September and Spring Rush generally occurs late in January.

Flyers indicating Rush events will be posted around engineering and residential buildings during this time.

How do I rush?

All you have to do is come to our events and talk to us! Our rush process is separate from that of the Greek system, so you do NOT have to register with the Office of Greek Life.

Let us know you're interested by filling out a Rush Interest Form!

Can I be part of other organizations?

We encourage all members of our fraternity to participate in other clubs and activities on campus. There are no restrictions for joining other technical societies or honor societies - in fact, we encourage brothers to take advantage of these opportunities and distinctions.

You may also be a member of a social fraternity, as several of our members are, but we ask that you choose to pledge to their organization in a different semester in case two simultaneous pledges might be overwhelming.

What is pledging?

Pledging is an educational experience lasting from five to eight weeks. While we understand that academics take priority, pledges are expected to show honest effort and true commitment to the fraternity. We believe that pledging is a time for learning and forming life-long friendships within the fraternity. Hazing is illegal and there will be no hazing in our pledge process. At the end of the pledging process and after votes by all active members, invitations will be extended to the pledges for membership in the fraternity. Once you are initiated as a member of Theta Tau, you are a brother for life.