Starting a Chapter

Mu Beta Psi is dedicated to the promotion of music on campus and in the community, and to support music through service, recognition, and scholarship. Our Chapters sponsor events, perform service projects, and encourage fellowship among musicians. We welcome all musicians to our organization, whether they are a major or non-major, instrumentalist or vocalist, performer or hobbyist. We strive to achieve the Fraternity ideals of Music, Brotherhood, and Service.

Should you or your department be interested in starting a Chapter of Mu Beta Psi, there are some steps you can take right now to help start the process. The first step is to contact our National Vice-President of Expansion (NVPE), who will be able to provide additional information, as well as answer any questions you may have about Mu Beta Psi.

You can also begin investigating whether Mu Beta Psi would be a good fit at your school, by taking the following actions:

• Talk to at least one faculty member in your Music Department who you think would be an ideal advisor. If you are a faculty member, seek out another one. Mu Beta Psi requires two faculty advisors to be "on the roll" before a colony may begin training. (Both advisors do not have to be from the Music Department; we only ask that they retain an interest in guiding the Fraternity.)
  
  
• Investigate other groups at your school. If you already have a music organization or fraternity, can your campus support another? Is there a segment of your music population that is not served by existing groups?

• Seek out music students who are interested in being a part of the colony. We require at least fifteen (15) people begin the training process. However, it is strongly recommended you recruit at least 20 people; 25 to 30 is even better. Hold meetings with students and advisors to plan your next step(s). If you need material to help recruit students, the NVPE can provide flyers and brochures to assist your efforts.
  
  
• Schedule some time to speak to the administration of your Music Department about starting a Chapter of Mu Beta Psi. The NVPE can assist by providing discussion points, or even by meeting with your department. Also, contact your Office of Student Affairs (or equivalent body) to the requirements to be met when starting a new student organization on campus. Eventually you will need a letter of approval from this body, so it will help to start a relationship early. If you wish for Mu Beta Psi to send an individual letter of introduction to someone, please let the NVPE know.
  
  
• Define some goals that you wish your group to achieve, both short-term and long-term. Create a "mission statement". Be prepared to explain why your group thinks Mu Beta Psi belongs at your school.

• Gather together basic information about your school, including a short history, basic facts (student population, location, etc.), a school catalogue, and any interesting or unique facts about the institution.

These items will have you well on your way to colonizing. The colonization itself is a two-semester, two-phase process. It does require a firm time commitment from everyone involved--colonizing is complex, but not difficult. Whether you are ultimately granted a Chapter relies on the dedication of the students involved; but when you decide to colonize, you will have the support of the entire Fraternity behind you!