From Delta Upsilon Internationals:
What is the purpose of Delta Upsilon?
The purpose of DU is to Build Better Men with an understanding of our Founding Principles by creating and implementing products and programs that teach leadership, service, and respect for others.
What is the history of Delta Upsilon?
On the evening of November 4, 1834, 30 students - ten from each of the three lower classes at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts - "all good men and true," met in the Freshman Recitation room in West College Hall. Where they formed the Social Fraternity of Williams College, today known as Delta Upsilon Fraternity.
What are the principles of the Fraternity?
Since 1834, the Four Founding Principles of Delta Upsilon International Fraternity have been and remain today: The Promotion of Friendship, The Development of Character, The Diffusion of Liberal Culture, and The Advancement of Justice. Additionally, the Fraternity's motto is "Dikaia Upotheke" which translates into "Justice, Our Foundation."
What makes Delta Upsilon so unique when compared to other fraternities?
The biggest distinguishing feature of Delta Upsilon is our founding philosophy of non-secrecy. As a non-secret fraternity, we take particular pride in inviting family, friends, faculty, and other special guests to our ceremonies. It is important that throughout the college experience, the positives of fraternity life be shared with those we care about the most. Delta Upsilon is proud of its open and progressive nature and enjoys the opportunity to communicate that pride to others. There will not be a single activity that you won't be able to tell friends or family members about openly and honestly.
How many members does Delta Upsilon have?
Since our founding we have initiated more than 110,000 men and currently have nearly 65,000 living alumni worldwide and approximately 3,000 undergraduate members in nearly 90 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. DU Chicago currently has 16 members.
Does the Fraternity allow hazing?
Absolutely not! In a brotherhood as open and caring as ours, hazing has no place. Delta Upsilon's no-hazing policy states that no chapter, colony, undergraduate member, alumnus, or employee shall conduct hazing activities. Our pledge education program has many basic goals that will begin the foundation for a successful college career, valuable life - skills, and a beneficial fraternal experience that is not related to any type of hazing.
What educational opportunities will you provide me?
The Fraternity has produced a wealth of informational and educational resources for you including our newest initiative, FourWord. FourWord is a flexible and self-directed individual development program. What makes this Delta Upsilon program unique from any other fraternity programs is the focus on the Four Founding Principles and the life lessons associated with those principles. Specific learning objectives are provided for each of the four Fraternity principles - but you will decide what you will want to learn and experience to achieve those objectives. You will be in control. Other educational programs include a lecture from one of the faculty held in our chapter house, study sessions with the brotherhood, and a vast library containing most of the books that you will need in your undergraduate career.
Does Delta Upsilon have any minimum grade point average requirements for its pledges and members?
DU International recognizes that there are academic variations from campus to campus, and Delta Upsilon defers to each campus and chapter to establish aggressive and ambitious academic standards. Brothers are required to maintain favorable academic standing at the school at which the chapter is established, and if members do not fulfill the values and mission of the Fraternity, our chapter is expected to address the situation. In all cases, Delta Upsilon strives to develop an educational response that will facilitate the desired change in academic performance.
Will the Fraternity help with job placement after I graduate?
With a worldwide network of nearly 65,000 living alumni it is likely that there are a significant number of Delta Upsilon alumni volunteers who would be pleased with recommending or hiring you for employment after graduation. Being a member of Delta Upsilon will expose you to an incredible number of highly successful DU alumni who are leaders in all areas of business, education, arts, sciences, politics, technology, and numerous other fields.
How many weeks is the pledge process and what does it involve?
Once you pledge the Fraternity, you will participate in the chapter's pledge education program. This new member orientation will take approximately six to eight weeks and is designed to provide him all of the knowledge he needs to be a productive member of the University and the Fraternity. During your pledgeship you can fully expect to have the opportunity to participate in all chapter activities-chapter meetings, social events, intramural sports, educational programs, human service projects, and more. Delta Upsilon's newest members are accorded the same rights and responsibilities as any undergraduate member or alumnus of the Fraternity. They are also taken on Brotherhood Chats with every member of the fratnerity. These can be as simple as help with homework, playing a game, or going out to dinner.
