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Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society
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Model 12-Week Membership Process Schedule

Jump to Week: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4-6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12                              Other schedules: 12-week alternate | 10-week | 10-week alternate

Week 1
  • Order candidate materials online.
  • Request a list of scholastically eligible students from the appropriate person or department.
  • Request a list of parent's names and addresses for dean's letter to parents.
  • Compose the letter from dean to parents or family members with the dean's approval.
    (current sample dean's letter)
  • Choose dates for chapter activities and reserve rooms for these functions.
Week 2
  • Receive list of scholastically eligible students.
  • Submit Report of Eligibility through the online system.
  • The ENTIRE top 1/5 of seniors and top 1/8 of juniors MUST be listed, including members!
  • Indicate whether students are members or were previously elected - NOT both.
  • Mailor email the Report of Eligibility for graduate students, alumni, and eminent engineers to HQ, including required dcoumentation.
  • The Report of Eligibility of these candiates CANNOT be submitted through the online system.
  • Receive eligibility acknowledgment email from Headquarters (HQ).
  • Make sure eligibility acknowledgment has been received before holding the election of candidates.
  • Send orientation invitation letter and information brochures to eligible candidates.
  • Mail the letter from the dean and information brochures to parents or family members of candidates.
Week 3
  • Conduct orientation meeting (show video, CD, PowerPoint show, distribute brochures).
  • Follow up with students who do not respond or attend orientation!
  • Receive eligibility acknowledgment email from Headquarters.
  • Invite members (including District Directors, advisors, dean, and alumni) to attend initiation.
Week 4, 5, 6
  • Conduct candidate character evaluations and participation in projects.
Week 7
  • Hold an election of candidates meeting.
  • Submit a Report of Election and e-cards online.
  • Indicate whether each student was elected or rejected.
  • If elected – whether each student accepted or refused.
  • Use the proper code for rejections or refusals!
  • Have electees fill out catalog cards online.
  • Keys, certificates, and membership cards are ordered ONLY after catalog cards are submitted!
  • Allow 3 weeks for delivery of keys and certificates.
  • Continue participation in projects.
Week 8
  • Receive initiation approval email from HQ!
  • This is a constitutional requirement, and failure to receive approval can result in probation and a $50 fine!
  • Continue participation in projects.
Week 9
  • CALL HQ if approval email has not been received.
  • DO NOT wait until the last minute as approval MUST be received from HQ before initiation.
  • DO NOT initiate anyone without approval!
  • Choose and notify the initiation team.
  • Check Ritual and initiation equipment and supplies.
  • Verify supply of ribbon for keys, order if necessary.
  • Check that equipment is in safe working order.
  • Call HQ for help with repairs or replacement.
  • Continue participation in projects.
Week 10
  • Remind members (including District Directors, advisors, dean, and alumni) to attend initiation.
  • Hold initiation rehearsal.
  • Continue participation in projects.
Week 11
  • Receive keys and certificates; This is a result of planning ahead and makes the ceremony more meaningful.
  • Sign certificates.
  • Hold a formal initiation ceremony.
  • This is what all the hard work is for, '... to mark in a fitting manner.'
Week 12
  • Advertise the names of initiates in the school newspaper or by posting an announcement.
  • Submit the Report of Final Action online.
  • Indicate whether students were initiated, not initiated, or postponed.
  • Initiates are NOT officially members until HQ receives this report and copy of roll book signatures!
  • Email or mail a copy of roll book signatures.
  • Each initiate's name should be printed beside their signature.
  • Mail initiation fees to HQ or call 800/TAU-BETA to pay by credit card. Request invoice if school requires it.
  • Inform HQ of Advisory Board action regarding postponements.
  • Replenish supplies for the next term.
  • GOOD JOB!

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