Brothers,
It has been an exciting and meaningful semester for the Xi Chapter as we officially return to Grounds and begin rebuilding Theta Chi at UVA.
Over the past year, our undergraduate leadership worked closely with the University, Theta Chi Nationals, and our alumni advisors to complete the requirements necessary for reinstatement. This process included appealing the chapter’s termination decision to both the University and Nationals, two processes which jointly required numerous meetings with officials, at least three hearings, the production of over 50 pages of evidence, arguments, and pleas, the amending of the constitution and bylaws of the University’s Intra-Fraternity Council, and countless hours of sweat from our undergraduate and wonderful alumni brothers.
In addition, the undergraduates produced more than 15 pages of documents for the Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs outlining the infrastructure and procedures we will implement to ensure a safe and healthy chapter environment free of hazing, as well as measures that the University can take to promote a stronger anti-hazing culture. As part of this commitment, the Xi Chapter has established an anonymous feedback and reporting portal for members, and we will provide written and verbal reminders of this resource to the chapter each semester through May 2028. We have also introduced a new anti-hazing chair position, and now require our Chaplain to take an oath affirming his resolve to prevent any hazing in the chapter. In addition, all active members are participating in mandatory educational programming with the Gordie Center at UVA, focused on hazing prevention and student well-being.
With our reinstatement approved, the chapter moved quickly into recruitment this spring. We are proud to report a very successful rush. Due to our dedication over the past year, the Xi Chapter inducted 42 young men as official pledges. Out of the roughly 800 students who rushed this year, 437 showed interest in joining Xi Chapter. We selected less than 10% of them–and still have a pledge class more than double the school average. This success stands testament to the continued strength of our brotherhood and the dedication we all have toward its advancement; and none of it could have been accomplished without the generous and overwhelming support, guidance, and effort given by you all.
With the addition of this new class, Xi Chapter now has more than 65 undergraduate members, providing a strong foundation as we rebuild the brotherhood and reestablish our presence on Grounds.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our alumni network throughout this process. The opportunity to bring Theta Chi back to UVA is something we take seriously, and we are committed to building a chapter that reflects the values and traditions that make our chapter special.
Fraternally,
Wyatt Townsend (Col class of ’27)