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frame|thumb|Crest of Zeta Tau Alpha

The Beta Delta chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity was founded on March 18, 1926 at Miami University in Oxford, OH and is currently presided over by Alexandra Quast. The founders of Zeta Tau Alpha intended that it be identified as a "fraternity" to distinguish it from "sororities," which are sisterhoods organized to be associated with men's fraternities. The Beta Delta chapter is committed to the Five Principles of the Greek Community: Scholarship & Learning, Service & Philanthropy, Leadership, Community, and Brotherhood & Sisterhood. There are currently over 150 active ZTA sisters at Miami University.

Traditions
The innermost meaning of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity have remained unchanged from its founding in 1898 through the preservation and respect for rituals.

Founder's Day is celebrated every year on October 15th by individual members and chapters. On this day, turquoise and gray ribbons are worn under the ZTA badge to show each member's commitment to the founding ideals of the fraternity. The "Zeta Prayer" is sung on this day when Zetas gather.

Panhellenic Association
The Panhellenic Association (also known as "Panhel") includes 19 nationally known sororities The Beta Delta chapter is part of Panhel, which coordinates activities that encourage common interests of all Miami University sororities. Panhel provides a variation of programs and activities for its members, such as educational programs, health programs and community service opportunities and serves as the communicative body between sororities, campus organizations and community leaders. Panhel also sponsors and coordinates the Miami University Sorority Recruitment program. The Panhellenic Association seeks to offer personal enrichment and knowledge to all members of the Greek Community at Miami University. Its influence is crucial to sorority life and promotes a stronger Greek Community.

Recruitment
After Winter Break, many first-year women and an increasing number of second- year women interested in joining a sorority return a week earlier than other students to begin Formal Recruitment. Formal Recruitment consists of four "rounds": Open House, First Round, Second Round and Preference Round. In order to be eligible for Formal Recruitment, women must fulfill several requirements: They must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of classes and they must have a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.6. These requirements must be met at the end of the semester before participating.

Housing
All first year women who join a sorority are required to sign an on-campus housing agreement for their second year and they are required to live in the sorority corridor. The ZTA corridor and suite is found in Minnich Hall.

Symbols
Colors – The colors of Zeta Tau Alpha are turquoise blue and steel gray. The significance of these colors is explained in the Initiation Service.

Coat of Arms (Crest) – Only initiated members may use this in any manner, which is dignified and in good taste. The ritualistic meaning of the Coat of Arms is secret and is revealed to each member at the time of her Initiation.

Bunny – The Bunny is a local symbol unique to the Beta Delta chapter of ZTA.

Crown – The five-pointed Crown is an official symbol of the Fraternity. The significance of the five points is revealed to each member upon her Initiation. Many examples of crown artwork can be found within ZTA, and all are acceptable as long as the crown contains exactly five points.

Flower – The flower of the Fraternity, chosen by Founder Ruby Leigh Orgain, is the white violet. Its symbolic meaning is explained in the Initiation Service.

Banner – The banner of the Fraternity is rectangular and made of turquoise and gray satin. It bears the letter “A,” the word “Themis” in Greek, and a burning torch. The meaning of the banner is secret, but it may be hung in a place that is visible to anyone entering a chapter house, lodge, suite or chapter room.

Badge – The badge of the Fraternity is a small, black, enameled shield super-imposed upon a gold shield, bearing a five pointed crown with the letters ZTA arranged around it, and below it the word “Themis” in Greek.

Philanthropy
frame|thumb|ZTA's Philanthropy Zeta Tau Alpha is dedicated to breast cancer awareness. In the fall, the Beta Delta chapter hosts a kickball tournament called "Kickin' for the Cure." All students and faculty are invited to participate in the tournament. Each team is charged an entry fee which is donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, dedicated to fighting breast cancer. The chapter also hosts "Think Pink Wear Pink Day," which is designed to spread awareness throughout Miami's campus. The day is advertised throughout the month of October and on the chosen day, people are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. Members of the fraternity are also scattered around campus in various locations to pass out information about breast cancer, pink ribbons and self-mammogram instruction cards. This past year, the chapter designed pink sports bras and black boxers which each have the phrase "Support the Cure" on them, as well as hosting a bowling tournament called "Bowling for Boobs." All proceeds beyond the cost of production/hosting are donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Defining Purpose
"The purpose of Zeta Tau Alpha is to intensify friendship, promote happiness among its members, to perform such deeds, and to mould such opinions as will conduce to the building up of a purer and nobler womanhood in the world."

The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha
To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and ennoble our lives; to be true to ourselves, to those within and without our circle; to think in terms of all mankind and our service in the world; to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind, remembering that since the thought is father to the deed, only that which we would have manifested in our experience should be entertained in thought; to find satisfaction in being, rather than seeming, thus strengthening in us the higher qualities of the spirit; to prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served; to seek understanding that we might gain true wisdom; to look for the good in everyone; to see beauty, with its enriching influence; to be humble in success, and without bitterness in defeat; to have the welfare and harmony of the Fraternity at heart, striving ever to make our lives a symphony of high ideals, devotion to the Right, the Good, and the True, without a discordant note; remembering always that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was Love, the greatest of all things. -Shirley Kreasan Strout

Open Motto
"Seek the noblest."

Executive Council
President Alexandra Quast VP of Programming Jen Schufrieder VP of New Member Education LeeAnne Cornyn VP of Membership & Recruitment Stephanie Walker Panhellenic Delegate Meghan Hughes Treasurer Kelly Hasselfeld Secretary Amy Davenport Historian Laura Zenni Ritual Chair Allison Hurt