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 Wooden, you will experience the curriculum 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 a ritual review. You’ll also have an opportunity to engage in conversation with fellow members, reflect on your membership in Beta, and be creative as you talk through different aspects of leadership.

Outside of programming, we will have what we call “Beta Time” at the end of each night. This is an optional time to hang out and get to know those around you more and develop connections with Beta’s from across North America. We encourage everyone to take part in this activity, which will include games and late-night snacks.

1. 75 collegiate members from chapters across Beta’s Broad Domain.
2. 8 Beta alumni serve as facilitators.
3. 8 Friends of Beta serve as facilitators.

The total cost of Wooden Institute per attendee is $650, but you are only responsible for the non-refundable $125 registration fee. 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 $650 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 23, you will be responsible for paying the full $650 registration cost.

If you are registered and can no longer attend, you should first search for a substitute within your chapter to attend in your place, as chapters are billed for attendees. Once a replacement is secured, reach out to events@beta.org to make the substitution. If you are unable to find a replacement, reach out to events@beta.org to work through another solution as soon as possible. Unexcused late cancellations and no shows will be assessed fees totaling the cost of the experience, $650.

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 or drive!

Those that fly should arrive at the Cincinnati airport (CVG), and plan for an hour long ride to Oxford from the airport. Shuttles will be provided at specific times that will be announced closer to your session.

Drivers should travel to 219 E. Church Street, Oxford, Ohio 45056 on the day your session begins. Parking options include the lot behind the 219 facility and on-street parking along University Ave. Additional parking details will be sent ahead of your session. Note: Drivers will not need use of their vehicles during the entirety of Wooden sessions.

Participants should arrive in Oxford no later than 1:00 p.m. ET on the Saturday of your session. If you are needing to arrive a night early, you must get that approved by reaching out to events@beta.org.

Wooden concludes by 12:00 p.m. ET on the Tuesday of your session. Departing flights should not be booked earlier than 2:30pm Eastern as to allow for the hour drive from Oxford to the Cincinnati airport (transportation provided).

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 the 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 another collegian.

Jeans, shorts and respectable T-shirts are normal attire at Wooden. There will be activities that take place outdoors, so consider bringing shorts and closed-toed shoes. Other notable items include extra Beta shirts to swap with other attendees and extra spending money for personal items. Make sure to bring toiletries; linens are provided in your sleeping room.