To assert it's principles and obligations, Beta Theta Pi set out in February of 1997 to create the Men of Principle Initiative. 10 months later, it was born. Every new chapter of Beta Theta Pi must embrace this initiative and follow its strict rules and guidelines. This is a mission statement summarized with nine goals which outline what the men of Beta Theta Pi stand for. These nine goals are:

1. The Cultivation of the Intellect
The first goal outline's the fraternity's desire to encourage and promote the intellectual growth of every member, and is one of the most important concepts in the fraternity. With this goal comes mentoring and incentives to foster academic achievement, and is itself promoted by the fraternity having a minimum GPA (2.5 nationally; 2.75 at Iowa).

2. Leadership and Self Governance
To maintain its principles, Beta needs to keep bringing new men into its brotherhood who are natural born leaders. Beta also helps make natural leaders better leaders through conferences, programs, and responsibilities. Leaders of Beta Theta Pi go on to be leaders in their communities, nations, and the world.
 

3. Commitment to Community
Common to most Greek organizations, Beta is very intent on giving back to the community and does so through philanthropic events and other community service projects. Our chapter visits a youth center to play basketball with underprivileged kids almost every week and sponsors a yearly fund raiser for a chosen philanthropy.

4. Member Education
This goal applies mostly to pledges, as education of active members falls under the first goal. Beta Theta Pi has no tolerance at all for hazing, and enrichment of pledges is all educational. Pledges are expected to know a lot of basic information about the fraternity and must be familiar with its history and where it is headed in the future.

5. Responsible Personal Conduct
A man of principle does not act irresponsibly in society, and related to this, for the betterment of the community and fraternity, all Beta chapters are required to maintain a house devoid of alcohol and drugs.

6. Chapter Advisors
The Men of Principles initiative requires each chapter to have advisors who assist the members with guidance in various aspects and leadership positions within the chapter. Our chapter has won awards for our quality and quantity of advisors who will help guide our chapter into greatness.

7. Member Recruitment
To keep a fraternity filled with the world's greatest leaders, active recruitment is necessary. With successful recruitment, the best men available will be found and proudly wear the Beta Badge. It is up to the individual chapters to recognize great men and bring them into this sacred brotherhood, and they do an outstanding job.

8. Communication
Beta Theta Pi values communication greatly. Communication is greatly important in maintaining a healthy, strong organization, and also in promoting the values that will bring lasting greatness and prosperity to the fraternity.

9. Lifelong Fraternal Brotherhood
Last, but quite certainly not least, is Lifelong Fraternal Brotherhood. The men who call each others brothers in __kai__ don't break their bonds upon graduation. This is evident in the huge number of alumni chapters. The men who are together in this fraternity stick together, and participate in each other's weddings, and maintain friendships for a lifetime.