Theta Nu Epsilon

[Fratitude]

I think you guys are talking about the more infamous Theta Nu Epsilon chapters that have usually been around for decades at various campuses. They operate as a fraternity in and of themselves and have their own fraternal character. Some merged with or became secret societies that are political but operate independently of any GLO coordinating function. Chapters have various names that they use as well as Theta Nu Epsilon (TNE.)

In terms of what they do on campus, they often as an underground coordinating body for fraternities, societies and sometimes sororities. Where this happens the fraternities may have a representative that they may guess is rep or several reps to TNE but the TNE members does not necessarily share their membership status with the rest of their frat, relying upon their own pull and personal relationships. Because of this normally only the most popular students, usually office holders of some sort, are selected to TNE. This is nothing new or wrong and at any rate, is publicly knows because of the Alabama chapter of Theta Nu Epsilon (The Machine/Skull and Keys.)

In the South they TNE is dominated by old row fraternities and traditionally exclude cultural and multicultural fraternities. In the West they are dominated by smaller, newer fraternities. In the East they incorporate secret society and sometimes independent members. In the Midwest there often isn't a particular distinction.

Even though the original constitution forbids it, some groups have admitted sorority members and non-Christian members, whether because of changing times or because they needed the votes for elections. Some coordinate with these non-traditional groups for election purposes and other agendas but do not bring them in as members.

Expansion is always a problem, usually occurring through personal relationships. Every once in a while a TNE site or messages pop up from some chapter to facilitate expansion. Several fraternity members will get together and...

Recognition has been a general problem but anyone who has descended from the group would, presumably know "which way does the wind blow from" so to speak, know the officers titles, and know some of the same Greek and English phrases even if other things like grips or things change (as they have for say, Freemasons). There is also a code, that has been passed around, and which may have changed by chapter. This code though it is intended mainly for internal business of chapters. It can be seen on some of the items sold publicly by collectors.

Most operate independently. There are chapters however that coordinate amongst themselves; others have competing claims to legitimate authority in a region or nationally. Some groups spring up with the support of TNE at another campus. Despite this lack of recognized nationalized organizational structure, TNE are said to have a very politically powerful alumni base in some regions.

The self styled "Alpha Chapter" at Wesleyan is an public, co-ed society, NOT a fraternity and NOT an inter-fraternity group. They have several websites and groups. Apparently they exist to meet new friends, etc, with no agenda.