Kappa Alphas are revered as the gentlemen of the fraternity world. Although some of our
precepts are derived from Southern tradition and custom, KA is not sectional. In Fact, Kappa
Alpha gentlemen are common to all areas of the country in all walks of life, but a KA, through his
gentility, should always be distinguished by his modern chivalric characteristics.
The founders of Kappa Alpha sought to preserve the ideals of the courtly gentleman of their time.
Stress is laid upon the fact that Kappa Alpha is an order, religious in feeling and rooted in the
tenet of high personal achievement. There is no Kappa Alpha Fraternity. An order is a society of
persons united by possession of a mutual distinction, the recognition of something previously
acquired. It is a group of men aspiring to the qualities of the true gentleman. Only those who
possess those qualities, and those who care to develop them, can fully enjoy Kappa Alpha and
grow in character in its membership.
By the time a young man reaches college and pledges a fraternity, he is presumed to be familiar
with the amenities of social life, including refinements of good manners and good taste. Because
good manners and good taste affect the atmosphere and reputation of the fraternity, the pledge's
compliance with generally accepted standards is imperative.
General appearance and dress are usually the first indicators noticed by others. Carelessness in
dress or slouchiness in appearance detract rather than add to the respect of a person. No hard and
fast rule can be offered regarding the formality or informality of good attire. Local customs
usually determine the acceptable standard.
The chapter house is the member's college home. An atmosphere of courtesy and respect for the
privacy of others should prevail at all times. Every member must feel obligated to do his part in
keeping the house in good condition. Each member should clean up after himself and should keep
his possessions in a regular place. It is always courteous to knock on a study room or bedroom
door before entering. In consideration of others, quiet should prevail during study hours. Another
man's possessions should never be borrowed without his consent, and any damage to a borrowed
article should be repaired before returned.
A gentleman not only acts the part, but his conversation must be that of a gentleman. This is
especially true when ladies are present. Proper conduct and firm, fair discipline are important
aspects of a successful chapter operation. Respect for womanhood is a responsibility of all
gentlemen. As each pledge learns more of the noble ideals and purposes of KA, he will understand
more fully and realize the special significance of true gentility. Genuine courtesy should be
extended to ladies, who are guests in the chapter house, in keeping with Kappa Alpha tradition. If
a chapter has a housemother, special consideration should be accorded her every day.
Entertaining ladies requires additional courtesies. when a woman enters a room, all men should
rise and remain standing until she is seated or has passed through the room. when introduced to a
woman, a man never offers to shake hands unless she extends her hand first (a lady may or may
not extend her hand, as she chooses). If a member has been accidentally overlooked when a lady
is introduced, he should ask someone who has met her to introduce him.
The constant application of common courtesy is never to be overlooked. It is considered a good
practice to speak with casual acquaintances at all times. A pledge's relations with classmates are
as important to the chapter as to himself. A good pledge makes friends everywhere -- in the
classroom, on campus, in town, and with other fraternity men.
Learn and respect your campus traditions and customs. Support and engage in campus activities,
athletics and class affairs; they are the life of the college. However, these activities should never
supersede your studies.
The chapter house has, from time to time, many guests -- particularly faculty, parents and alumni.
the extension of sincere and genuine hospitality to these guests is every member's duty.
Hospitality is entirely natural and voluntary; it cannot be forced.
Each pledge's actions on campus, and elsewhere, reflect on the entire Kappa Alpha Order, and
more especially on his particular chapter. A pledge is no less committed than an active member to
represent KA well and to never bring discredit to the good name of the Order.
The Varlet