Talk:Theta Chi

Chapter link table

The chapter link table is done in html format. It should be redone. Tables done on wiki are completely different from html and can be edited simply. The html format just adds to the confusion for those who want to later edit it. --† Ðy§ep§ion † ^{Speak your mind} 20:52, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

The chapter link table, in fact, should be removed entirely. It dwarfs the article and adds almost nothing to it; furthermore, the links are all accessible through thetachi.org. —Cryptic (talk) 13:55, 21 February 2006 (UTC)

Good point. Or, it could be added as a link to another page. BME 00:23, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

I think when people look at the fraternity articles on Wiki, they are more interested in the history and acomplishments as well as the notable people of the organization. I never found it helpful when people keep adding chapter links to fraternity and sorority articles when as Cryptic pointed out, they can be easily accessed through the main website. People are more interested in content than just mere lists. Just my two cents. --† Ðy§ep§ion † ^{Speak your mind} 01:23, 4 March 2006 (UTC)

Distinguished Alumni listings

Since more and more alumni were being added in random order, I organized them into categories. What do you guys think? BME 00:49, 23 September 2005 (UTC)

In the last few weeks, many "alumni" have been added to the page. Some of these, such as Bob Woodruff, are not confirmed! Several entries, Bob Woodruff, DJ Skribble, etc. cannot be verified in the Theta Chi alumni database. Please cite your sources or these names will be removed. BME 19:35, 22 May 2006 (UTC)

I have heard from Theta Chi IHQ that Bob Woodruff is, indeed, an alumnus so his information can stay on the page.BME 22:41, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

I moved Distinguished Alumni list to its own page. It was getting huge, so I thought it merited its own listing.Andyparkerson 17:54, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

Is there a reason why Carmelo Anthony is listed as an alum?? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 148.87.19.202 (talk) 16:51, 26 March 2010 (UTC)

I don't know, but since his article didn't mention his status, I've removed him. —C.Fred (talk) 19:47, 26 March 2010 (UTC)

Creed

When a quotation is broken into several paragraphs, open quotation marks go at the beginning of each paragraph, but a close quotation mark goes only after the last paragraph. — Walloon 02:34, 19 June 2006 (UTC)

Motto

Helping Hand vs. Assisting Hand edits. Can we stop changing this every other week? Seriously this has been changed at least 3-4 times in the last month alone. Initiated members know what term is taught in the ritual. Perhaps one way to resolve this is to list it as "Helping Hand/Assisting Hand" in the article. BME 08:24, 12 November 2005 (UTC)

I tend to agree, for what its worth. If we can't agree, as it appears, we might as well clear up the debate and list both. Quiller ^talk

The fraternity's motto is in Greek, thus neither "The helping hand" or "The assisting hand" are the "official" mottos. But both are accurate translations of the Greek phrase. I don't understand the petty editing wars between the two translations. — Walloon 16:20, 11 November 2006 (UTC)

I had added the following text, "motto: θηρόποσα Χείρ" with a footnote of "The Greek motto of Theta Chi is θηρόποσα Χείρ, which has been variously translated as 'An Assisting Hand' or 'A Helping Hand.'" I like it, but people keep changing it to either "An Assisting Hand" or "A Helping Hand." I had been reverting the changes, but I'm going to leave it as "An Assisting Hand." Either one is right, so I suppose it doesn't matter which one is up there. I might add the footnote to "An Assisting Hand," but leave the translation there. Andyparkerson 10:51, 11 April 2007 (UTC)

The "Motto Editing Wars" (assisting hand vs. helping hand) is getting very ridiculous!!! I would like to propose locking out editing of this Theta Chi website from unregistered Wikipedia users. BME 19:12, 15 May 2007 (UTC)

I don't think it's too bad. Yes, it seems to change about once a month, going from "helping" to "assisting" hand back back again. It's silly, but I don't think it's bad enough to semi-protect the page. It hardly rises to the level of an edit-war. It's more like people new to the page, who feel that one way or the other is preferred, and never check to read the discussion page. The hope is that more will be gained by people adding to the site than is detracted from by people reverting the motto. Semi-protection is the wrong move here. -- Andyparkerson 04:18, 16 May 2007 (UTC)

However, the motto is not completely openly declared. I do note, however, that the phrase "Helping Hand"—capitalized—appears on the Theta Chi website "About" page.I've left the most recent change to the motto intact but requested a citation that it's official. —C.Fred (talk) 00:53, 18 January 2010 (UTC)

The translation in the Ritual of Theta Chi Fraternity is "An Assisting Hand." This is how Freeman & Chase translated it in 1856 and I would say that you can't get more "official" than that. The original Constitution of Theta Chi mandated that the motto was to be kept secret; thus when Schrenk used the phrase "Helping Hand" into the Creed, it was actually a way to avoid spelling out the actual motto. The practice of keeping the motto secret was discarded when the motto was added to the banner of the Coat of Arms. The "About" page on the Theta Chi website [1] has been updated and now reflects the the official translation of the Greek words as it appears in the Ritual of Theta Chi Fraternity. Dmallen1776 (talk) 14:39, 19 March 2010 (UTC)

I don't think it gets any more straightforward than that: the primary source, who can determine what the "real translation" of the motto is, changes the translation on the page we've been citing as a source. It's going to take some profoundly superior sourcing to overcome that, so barring another change on the About page, I think "An Assisting Hand" is the preferred translation. —C.Fred (talk) 15:52, 19 March 2010 (UTC)

Alcohol-free housing

I have removed this paragraph from the article:

It must also be noted that alcohol-free housing (AFH) has been a topic of debate. Anti-AFH constituents argue that instead of joining fraternities, many potential new members are deciding against Greek Life, and live off-campus with friends, where such stringent policies don't apply. In addition, many believe that mandated prohibitions such as AFH do not in fact teach the undergraduate members any sort of personal responsibility. AFH proponents, however, point to higher academic performance, improved cleanliness of chapter houses and recruitment of higher quality men. In fairness, it must also be pointed out that there are instances of high academic performance, clean chapter houses and quality members in non-AFH fraternities.

With the accretion of pro- and anti-AFH arguments, this is rapidly becoming an online debate about AFH. Such a debate does not belong in the Theta Chi article. — Walloon 21:12, 21 November 2006 (UTC)

SDSU Drug Bust

I think that it's better to move the information about this drug bust from the main Theta Chi page to a Wikinews page. I have done so, and have linked to it under the section Theta Chi Today. Andyparkerson (talk) 21:45, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

Hi, I don't want to suggest big brother style censorship but additions or links to the article(s) on this unfortunate story should not be added to this page. OX is already taking a beating on CNN, Yahoo, MSNBC, you-name-it. Why here too? Can you please remove that link? BME (talk) 22:48, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

That goes completely against what Wikipedia stands for. You want it removed because it shows your Theta Xi in an unfavorable light? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.106.151.70 (talk) 23:01, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

There should be some mention of the scandal, but it should be as little as possible. The scandal involves one chapter of an international fraternity, and not a systemic problem in the whole fraternity. I think the link to the wikinews page is sufficient, and necessary. In time, when the news gets old and no longer relevant, we can remove the wikinews link. Any other opinions? Andyparkerson (talk) 23:35, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

Fair enough. I agree that it is OK to link the wikinews page for a while then remove it when the firestorm burns out. Love and respect. BME (talk) 01:37, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

Another vote that the SDSU drug bust relates to certain individuals at a certain chapter. It tells us nothing in general about Theta Chi Fraternity, which is what this article should be about — the fraternity as a whole. — Walloon (talk) 09:22, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

The vandalism to this page is getting out-of-control (look at the Creed right now). I have already used up my "3 edits per day" quota. BME (talk) 20:53, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

This story should be covered in the wikipedia article. To say that it does not belong here because it is in the wikinews article goes against precednet. Saying that it should not be covered because it is "unfortunate" is totalyy POV. 137.53.241.2 (talk) 19:52, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

So what's the difference between this and what's on the Pi Kappa Psi page or even the Pi Kappa Alpha page? There are no links to some wiki news there. There seems to be a HUGE double standard here by members who don't want to see this organization in a negative light. Considering this got both national AND international headlines, it deserves inclusion. Those who keep deleting this are absolutely not within right to keep on doing so.

This happened in May. It has since been removed, and reverted. A case can be made either way. It is, in its essence, a news piece, and not meant for long-term inclusion on the article. The question now becomes how long is too long, or how soon should it be removed. Clearly, some people think that now is too soon. And that is a valid opinion. If nothing new comes from this bust, such as fraternity dealings, revocation of the charter, or reorganization, I think it would be hard to argue that this should be left here more than six months. Quite possibly it could be removed sooner than that. Any thoughts? Andyparkerson (talk) 17:15, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

The May news was restored today by 71.106.149.132. As it is now nearly six months old, may it be safely removed and kept removed? A More Perfect Onion (talk) 13:35, 24 October 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, and it was removed by 70.190.150.51 a month ago without explanation and no one said anything. Nice to see favorable bias is still strong on here. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.106.149.132 (talk) 19:42, 26 October 2008 (UTC)

I didn't start watching this page until last week. At any rate, the question stands: Is news of a single chapter from this past May worth keeping in the article on the international fraternity, or worth removing? A More Perfect Onion (talk) 13:37, 27 October 2008 (UTC)

Here is my vote to remove it! This section of old news adds no value to the overall article. BME (talk) 23:10, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

Here is my vote not to remove it. Although I'll change my mind if people who are not members and who don't have an obvious bias for Theta Chi say otherwise. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.106.149.132 (talk)

I would appreciate the editor's reasoning on why they support keeping this news (see: WP:NOT#NEWS). Whether positive or negative, as currently presented the news item covers a single chapter from nearly six months ago. Off the top of my head, if the incident continues to affect the international fraternity, then it would be worth retaining in the article (though not as "recent news"). A More Perfect Onion (talk) 12:48, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

If the "recent news" is gone it should at least be noted somewhere. The biggest drug bust in San Diego County history and news which made national/international headlines in which more members of Theta Chi were expelled than any other fraternity in SDSU is not worth keeping?? If you think this should be forgotten all of a sudden, I suggest you head down to SD where the ramfications of their actions have greatly affected not only the Greek system and school community but county policy as well. --71.106.149.132 (talk) 15:49, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

The drug bust is duly documented at Operation Sudden Fall and noted at the SDSU article. The talk page for Operation Sudden Fall refers to a news report from August that says the cases were closed out. I see no further relevance to the international fraternity from the drug bust. A More Perfect Onion (talk) 16:29, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

Phi Kappa Psi, Lambda Phi Epsilon, Delta Zeta. Phi Kappa Psi only involved one person. Delta Zeta's problems weren't even legal in nature. Yet all controversies are related to individual chapters. What's with the HUGE double standard here? Why don't people just admit that they don't want this on here because they don't want this organization presented in a bad light? Cases closed? That doesn't mean anything. Any crime can be considered closed and yet are still notable and worthy of inclusion in Wikipedia. Why not delete pretty much all the crime related articles on Wikipedia? They're closed casese aren't they? --71.106.149.132 (talk) 17:13, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

Then how do you suggest presenting the news to show that it is relevant to the international fraternity? -- A More Perfect Onion (talk) 19:49, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

71.106.149.132, your reasoning is well...no comment. This is old news, can we move on please? The San Diego Union Tribune doesn't even mention this story anymore. Other than your apparent obsession with Theta Chi and the SDSU Drug Bust what are your contributions on Wikipedia? Let's keep it on the page for at least 100 yrs. Sorry for my ill-humored sarcastic tone, but these petty "edit wars" over this story are just getting ridiculous. BME (talk) 22:28, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

So basically, since I don't have a "logged in" account, you think I'm "new"? I've been editing Wikipedia for a very long time. Not just with this IP address but with many. I just choose not to have an account. Is that some kind of crime? I know more about Wikipedia guidelines and policies than you think. How about this one : Conflict of interest? As you mentioned previously you said this "unfortunate story should not be added to this page". My so called "apparent obesession with Theta Chi" only rivals your extreme conflict of interest and bias by being part of Theta Chi and don't want to see any bad news regarding this fraternity. And how exactly is my reasoning being questioned when you don't even answer how is that bad news concerning Phi Kappa Psi, Lambda Phi Epsilon, Delta Zeta and even Kappa Kappa Gamma are still on the page but not on this one? You don't answer the double standard issue. A previous user was the one who removed the info without any explanation, yet no criticism is directed to that user. "The San Diego Union Tribune" doesn't mention this story anymore? So basically archives and documenation are worth nothing now? --71.106.149.132 (talk) 16:38, 1 November 2008 (UTC)

• We have no consensus on this issue, and I do not see any consensus being reached on our own. I suggest all three of us place a call to the Mediation Cabal for independent guidance. --A More Perfect Onion (talk) 14:37, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

I Alumni Brother MPB thinks that because of false allegations from law enforcement top officials namely the torch (AKA Earl Morris) against myself over a matter of alledged color of socks, the kind you wear on your feet, and an arrest that exsists in no files in any state or nation. That any allegations made against my brothers based on personalities of a few. Should never bring a chapter to a halt. Infact the the grand chapter needs to return the chapter to full status and continue the program. In leadership a few that stray will always happen. However Leadership is a path of many. Many law enforcement types admire the leadership style of Alexander the Great however please note that Alexander only offered money to get those to follow. While on the ethical and moral side Alexander the Great was devoid of any ethical or moral leadership or values. Hence Earl Morris's statement "All people are criminals just haven't been caught yet." Mean's he Earl Morris is a criminal incharge of training Law Enforcement. Take my advice as you will, but just because a minor issue arrises, is opportunity to grow and learn. Alma matter first, nothing is to be learned unless you build from the experience. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.6.136.82 (talk • contribs) 10:14, 19 January 2009 (UTC)

Before calling in the cabal

(Semi-arbitrary section break to delineate. Also, a call to the fraternity project's talk page is likely to bring in some fresh eyes.)

I'd not looked at this article in depth until now, but after reading through it, I'll agree that the drug bust has undue weight in the article. It should not, IMO, be it's own top-level heading.

However, it is still worth mentioning in the article: it is something which an independent reader could want information about (and possible come to the article about); it is the main fraternity mentioned at Operation Sudden Fall, so it should have the most extensive coverage of any of the fraternity articles; and, given the suspension of the $4m building project, it is relevant to national/the fraternity as a whole.

My suggestion is to remove the Recent Media Attention entirely and instead insert the following text as the third paragraph of Theta Chi Today, with necessary citations moved over in the process.

In 2008, the Gamma Theta chapter was one of six fraternities at San Diego State University targeted by Operation Sudden Fall. Two members of the fraternity were arrested during the drug investigation, and the university suspended the chapter. Pending the outcome of the investigation, Theta Chi's national offices suspended construction of a new $4 million house for the chapter.

This provides coverage of the matter in sufficient level for the article while pointing the reader to the article with more in-depth coverage. Is this a reasonable compromise? —C.Fred (talk) 17:43, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

Your suggestion to post a note on the Fraternity & Sorority project talk page is a good idea, and is duly noted. And as it happens, already acted upon. :)

I'll agree to the suggested change. Thanks for the proposal. --A More Perfect Onion (talk) 19:14, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

I second C. Fred's suggestion, it will make the article flow better and please all parties. Jrssr5 21:08, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

I agree. --71.106.149.132 (talk) 02:54, 4 November 2008 (UTC)

Comment: A More Perfect Onion posted a note concerning this article on the WP:FRAT page. The article on Phi Kappa Psi had an issue with chapter controversies beginning over a year ago, concerning a University of Virginia incident, and recently this same SDSU incident. The matter was taken to Mediation, and was decided in favor of keeping the controversy section in the article, due to NPOV. Just because the matter does not make Theta Chi look good, or is an "old story" is irrelevant in this matter. It still is important in the encyclopedic nature of Wikipedia, and as such an article about Theta Chi. Also the title of "Recent Media Attention" seems biased to me. Samwisep86 (talk) 22:52, 4 November 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for the information on the previous discussions regarding Phi K Psi. I'm glad I raised the note to the project, as it brought in some good reviewing. --A More Perfect Onion (talk) 13:53, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

me = causal wiki reader, do not feel it is my right to edit articles of importance. Having said that I think (and I scouted the top of the page and didn't see anything relevant to adding new sections) we should, of course, include both the negative news stories and the positive, with a list of philopanthric events sponsored by chapters of Theta Chi around the world. For example, my chapter, Beta Theta, at Drexel U. in Philadelphia, every year holds a '"Gus" Open' golf tournament to raise money for leukemia, since one of our brothers joined chapter Eternal from it. Dave 07:27, 10 August 2010 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Davesilvan (talk • contribs)

Phelps and Chi Psi?

The article says Egbert Phelps, is considered to be the "assistant founder" for lending his help and advice to Freeman and Chase although he was never an undergraduate member himself (he was a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity). Anyone have any info on what school Phelps attended? Because Chi Psi's list of Alphas doesn't list Norwich as having a chapter.--Vidkun (talk) 15:35, 4 November 2008 (UTC)

According to the Theta Chi HQ website (under History or Encyclopedia sections) Phelps "transferred to Union College in Schnectady, New York in 1854 and became a member of Chi Psi Fraternity. Union College is often referred to as the "mother of fraternities" with six national fraternities founded on the campus, including Chi Psi in 1841. It is thought that this influenced Phelps to continue his interest in Theta Chi even after he transferred from Norwich." BME (talk) 23:20, 4 November 2008 (UTC)

Alumni article title

Asking here for wider audience: I see that what would otherwise be List of Theta Chi alumni (or, for comparability with other fraternities, List of Theta Chi members) is titled Distinguished Alumni of Theta Chi Fraternity. This implies that "Distinguished Alumnus" is a title that can be granted by the fraternity. What's the distinction between a typical alumnus and a Distinguished Alumnus? —C.Fred (talk) 15:17, 7 March 2010 (UTC)

Fame. Notoriety. I know the Tidy Bowl man was a theta chi. :) another was an astronaut... Dave 07:28, 10 August 2010 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Davesilvan (talk • contribs)