In addition to those attending in-person, we will allow members to attend, and participate, remotely via Zoom. With this new format, we are introducing two new ticket types for Convention. The remote participant ticket and the virtual ticket.

The remote participant ticket will allow those who are not able to attend Convention in person to participate in business sessions through Zoom. Those attending on that ticket will be able to introduce and debate legislation, question potential candidates for elected office and cast ballots. This ticket will cost the same as the in-person ticket. See the FAQ below for details on pricing.

The virtual ticket is for those who simply wish to watch Convention. Those on a virtual ticket will not be able to participate in debate or cast ballots. Importantly, Delegates and Alternates may not attend Convention using a virtual ticket. The virtual ticket will cost $30.

Theta Tau continues to take COVID-19 seriously.  Those who attend in person will be required to wear masks and socially distance in any indoor public spaces at the Convention hotel.  Masks will also be required at any outdoor events where social distancing is not possible.  Those who are unable or unwilling to wear a mask should not attend Convention.  Those who refuse to wear a mask while at Convention will be removed from the premises and no refund will be given.

In-person attendees will also be required to show proof of either full vaccination or a negative COVID test based on a specimen collected no more than 72 hours before departure for Convention.  We strongly encourage all of our members who are medically able to be vaccinated to do so as soon as possible, whether they are attending Convention or not.

Each chapter will have set aside on its behalf $1,000 from National Dues to be used as a Convention Savings Fund. This set aside will be prorated for new chapters installed during the biennium reflecting the number of terms that they paid dues at the chapter member rate instead of the colony member rate. The most efficient use of these funds is up to each chapter, but they must be used for Convention-related expenses (Convention Registration, lodging at designated host hotel during Convention dates, travel/transportation, meals, etc.) for Delegate, Alternate, and other student members attending Convention). Remote attendees may only request reimbursement for the cost of their registration.  Disbursements will only be made to the chapter, not to any individual.

Reimbursement will only be issued after the following have been completed:

1. The Convention Reimbursement Form must be submitted in the CMT and verified by the chapter’s Regent and Treasurer (this is all done electronically to eliminate wait times.)  The form must include receipts.
2. The Grand Scribe of their designee will submit to the Central Office a record of attendance at Convention.  Chapters who were not in attendance for the requisite meetings will not be reimbursed.

Reimbursement will be made as a credit on a chapter’s account prior to the beginning of the academic year.  If a chapter prefers the reimbursement to be made by check, that option must be selected on the form.  Please note that a physical check will deduct $1 from your reimbursement.

Exclusions from Reimbursement:

• Fraternity funds cannot be used to purchase alcohol; purchases of alcohol (such as with a meal) will be deducted from your reimbursement.
• Late fees are excluded from reimbursement.  We will reimburse only up to the regular registration amount ($275) for Convention registration.  If you register late, you are responsible for the extra cost.
• Excessive/ostentatious sums for travel (such as upgraded airfare, hotel suites, unreasonable costs for meals) will not be reimbursed.  It shall be at the discretion of the Central Office, with the oversight of the Grand Treasurer, to make such determinations.

Reductions from full Reimbursement:
A chapter must have a Delegate or Alternate in regular attendance at the National Convention to receive full reimbursement.  Deductions will be made linked to the percentage of time that is missed; 20% absence will result in a 10% penalty, 30% absence will result in a 20% penalty, etc, up to 50%.  Above 50%, the percentage missed will get the same percentage penalty.  Chapters who attend less than 25% of Convention will not be reimbursed.

Chapters that violate the Convention Risk Management Policy may be penalized up to 100% of their reimbursement at the discretion of the Grand Regent.