The first purpose of the Tau Beta Pi Association, as stated in the constitution of the organization, is "to mark in a fitting manner those who have conferred honor upon their Alma Mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary character as students in engineering, or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering." To carry out this purpose, the Ohio Alpha chapter inducts new members into the association once per semester.
The first requirement for eligibility is "distinguished scholarship." All students who place in the top 1/8 of the junior class or in the top 1/5 of the senior class in the Case School of Engineering are invited to learn more about the Tau Beta Pi Association.
The second requirement for eligibility is "exemplary character." The character of each eligible student is assessed through his or her participation in a series of meetings held in the first half of each semester. The first event is a mixer, at which the eligible students become acquainted with current members of our chapter and learn about our chapter's activities. At a second meeting, the eligible students learn about the history of both the national association and our local chapter. At a third meeting, the eligible students and current members explore the ABET Code of Ethics for Engineers and discuss ethical issues relevant to engineering today.
Finally, all eligible students are interviewed by a current member, so that the chapter can learn about each candidate's personality and professional values. At a closed meeting of the assembly, interviewers present their assessment of each candidate and the chapter votes to confirm or deny membership to that candidate. The Eligibility Code of the Tau Beta Pi Association serves to guide the chapter's decision. Eligible candidates are encouraged to read it and take its message to heart.
Following the election, candidates must attend the initiation ceremony of the Ohio Alpha chapter. Individuals who are elected into the Tau Beta Pi Association embody the ideals that are proclaimed in the public motto of the association: "Integrity and Excellence in Engineering."