The Wooden Institute is Beta Theta Pi’s hallmark leadership program. It is a transformative experience offered over several days in Oxford, Ohio. Seventy-five collegians from across North America attend each session and learn the skills necessary to become effective and capable chapter leaders. Attending the Wooden Institute will broaden your horizons and challenge you to think “outside the box.” Visiting the Administrative Office will amaze and inspire you. Everything you learned in the “Son of the Stars” comes to life. There is no better location than the Fraternity’s founding place to recommit yourself to the Principles and Obligations of Beta Theta Pi.

While at the Wooden Institute, you will take part in large and small groups which include experiential activities, leadership development topics, goal setting, and a deep dive into Beta’s Ritual and history through activities like a tour of Oxford and an in-depth Ritual discussion. You’ll also engage in conversation with fellow members, reflect on your membership in Beta and be creative as you talk through different aspects of leadership.

Each evening after programming, we will offer optional “Beta Time” to connect with Betas from across North America through games, conversation and late-night snacks. After the final session, all attendees are expected to remain in their assigned buildings and not explore Oxford late at night.

• 75 collegiate members from chapters across Beta’s Broad Domain.
• Eight Beta alumni serve as facilitators.
• Eight Friends of Beta serve as facilitators.

The total cost of Wooden Institute per attendee is $750, but you are only responsible for up to a non-refundable $130 registration fee — register early to lock in a lower rate of $99! This registration fee is billed on your chapter’s bill after you attend Wooden. Your chapter can then decide to cover the fee or bill you the registration fee as part of your local dues. The Beta Theta Pi Foundation will provide you with a sponsor who will cover the remainder of your $750 total. This price pays for meals, lodging and the four-day experience in Oxford, Ohio.

Note: If you fail to attend after registering for the event or you cancel your registration after May 9, you will be responsible for paying the full $750 registration cost.

If you are registered and can no longer attend, you should first search for a substitute to attend in your place. Reach out to events@beta.org to work through a solution as soon as possible! If you are unable to find a replacement and cancel your registration after the deadline (May 15) or fail to attend the event, you will be responsible for paying:

• $375 for canceling OR
• $750 for being a no show

The John and Nellie Wooden Institute for Men of Principle takes place in the birthplace of Beta Theta Pi, Oxford, Ohio! The experience engages participants in different areas of Oxford, including Beta’s Administrative Office, the Alpha chapter house and Miami University’s campus.

You can fly, drive or take the bus!

Flying: Attendees flying in should arrive at Cincinnati Airport (CVG) no later than 11:00 a.m. on the first day of their session. Shuttles will be available at designated times, which will be announced closer to your session. (Note: there is an hour-long ride to Oxford from the airport).

Bus: Attendees who want to take the Greyhound bus to Miami University should ensure they arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. on the first day of their session. Shuttles will be available to pick you up at the drop-off location on campus.

Driving: Attendees who are driving should arrive at the site no later than 12:30 p.m. on the first day of their session.
Note: Drivers will not need use of their vehicles during the entirety of Wooden sessions.

Attendees are responsible for their travel. However, check in with your chapter to see if they budgeted for you to attend (note: individuals will likely need to be reimbursed by their chapter for travel costs). The General Fraternity does offer a very limited amount of need-based travel funds for attendees. If you or your chapter needs assistance, please have your Chapter President reach out to your chapter’s Fraternity Services staff member to discuss options.

Participants should arrive in Oxford no later than 12:30 p.m. ET on the first day of your session (Saturday). If you need to arrive a night early to ensure you get in on time, you must obtain approval by contacting events@beta.org.

Wooden concludes at 12:00 p.m. ET on the last day of your session. Departing flights should not be booked earlier than 2:30 p.m. ET as to allow for the hour drive from Oxford to the Cincinnati airport (transportation provided) and time through security checkpoints.

Note: Participants are expected to be onsite and engaged the entire time. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.

Everyone will be staying in either the Alpha chapter house or “219” — a Beta-owned chapter facility next door on Miami’s campus. Linens, blankets, towels and pillows will be provided, but you will need to bring your own toiletries. All collegians will share a room with other collegiate brothers.

Bring casual clothes and athletic gear – jeans and respectable T-shirts are fine. Also pack extra Beta shirts to swap, spending money, closed-toed shoes (preferably tennis shoes) and toiletries. While linens are provided, we encourage you to bring personal bedding if desired.