How are universities chosen as candidates for new chapters?
Our vision for the expansion and growth of our fraternity is to build successful chapters that consistently strive for excellence on their campuses and in their communities. We consider many factors in determining when and where to establish our colonies:
- The demographics of the undergraduate student population
- The culture and personality of the university
- Whether or not a chapter of Phi Sigma Pi previously existed on that campus
- Any pre-established interest among the student body
- The support capabilities from nearby undergraduate and alumni members
- The logistical resources that may be available from the university and its administrators, such as room reservations and means of advertising.
As a campus administrator providing assistance, what would be expected of me?
Phi Sigma Pi desires that the university works along with us in a spirit of partnership to ensure a successful new chapter start-up. We recognize that expansion is a cooperative effort between our staff and yours. Phi Sigma Pi will commit time, resources and talent to promote and recruit members and teach the chapter what it needs to do to build a solid foundation. Phi Sigma Pi recognizes that starting a new chapter is a commitment. Phi Sigma Pi will do whatever it takes to honor that commitment. Please know that Phi Sigma Pi staff members will do as much of the work as we are allowed by university policy during the colonization. Typically we will ask for no more than a few hours of your time over the course of the semester or quarter, for tasks such as:
- Providing assistance with room reservations
- Allowing access to information and approval for methods that ensure strong advertising and recruitment success
- Educating us to ensure we follow the proper procedures
- Meeting with our members to prepare them for the responsibility of leading a student organization on your campus
Our goal throughout the colonization process and beyond is to be an asset to the campus, not a burden on its staff; and our program is designed to be student-driven. Rest assured that we also view the long-term health of the chapter as a commitment. We pledge ongoing assistance and support to the chapter so that your new chapter of Phi Sigma Pi is something the university community can be proud of for years to come.
I'm a student with a heavy academic schedule... will I have time to start a chapter?
Phi Sigma Pi is an active group and starting a new chapter will take time. However, starting a chapter effectively is the result of teamwork... multiple people working together to achieve the same goal. The Director of Expansion, Region Consultant, University Administration, Staff and Faculty, and Local Phi Sigma Pi Chapters and Alumni all work together with the interested students to get the job done. The Director of Expansion is the lead coordinator for the colonization effort. He works closely with the other parties to ensure that the colony receives solid support and clear directions. We believe strongly in a well-orchestrated teamwork approach. This team works together and shares the load. No one person bears the full burden.
How many Chapters and Members does Phi Sigma Pi have currently?
We have over 100 chapters nationwide and we are growing. Our chapters and colonies are divided into 12 geographic regions for management and educational purposes. We have approximately 5,000 collegiate members and over 25,000 alumni.
What is the average Chapter size?
Chapters range in size from around 20 to 80 members. The average chapter size is about 52 members.
What are the Membership Requirements?
The following are the national requirements for eligibility in Phi Sigma Pi.
- A minimum of one semester or one quarter of college work
- Achieved a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale
- Complete the approved initiation program of the chapter
- Meet any financial obligations
What are the Dues and Fees?
- Charter fee – $88 per colony member (One time fee)
All colony members must pay this non-refundable fee.
- Initiation Fee – $95 (one time fee)
Prior to the chartering of the colony each colony member must pay an Initiation Fee, which is due at the organizational meeting.
- Semester/Quarter Dues – $57 / $38 respectively
All new and returning collegiate members are obligated to pay the semester or quarter dues.
- Local Dues – varies
Prior to the chartering of the colony, this amount is collected and then redistributed to the colony after it has established a bank account. This will serve as seed money for the colony to carry out the programs/projects needed to complete the petition requirements.
- Todd Tripod Scholarship Fund – $1
Each colony member makes a contribution to the Fraternity's undergraduate scholarship. By doing this, each colony member has made an impact on this scholarship.
What makes Phi Sigma Pi a fraternity and not a society?
Phi Sigma Pi is a fraternity because we embrace the concept of "Brotherhood". Our members are called "Brothers", regardless of their gender. Brotherhood is fostered by sharing common goals and common experiences. We strive to engage in events that strengthen our Brotherhood bonds. We view each person as an integral part of the extended Phi Sigma Pi family, the key word being family. Phi Sigma Pi becomes a second home for students, a home comprised of a group of people that respect, trust, value and appreciate each other. Our Brothers not only enjoy working alongside each other during official Phi Sigma Pi events, but they genuinely desire to be with each other outside of officially sponsored Phi Sigma Pi events as well. Brotherhood becomes a bond that lasts long after graduation. Societies typically do not cultivate this type of relationship with their members.
What is Brotherhood?
Brotherhood is belonging. It's a strong feeling of attachment and affection between a close-knit group of people. The best way to describe Brotherhood is through the way people who have created the Brotherhood bond relate to each other. It's knowing that someone will be there when you need to talk. It's knowing your concerns will be met with genuine interest. It's knowing that people really care about what happens to you. It's knowing that people will step forward to support and help you when you need it most. It's being able to be yourself. It's being able to say what is on your mind. It's knowing that you are accepted and cherished for who you are. It's knowing that you have a network of friends who will be there throughout your college years and professional career.
Can I be a member of Phi Sigma Pi and still belong to a social fraternity or sorority?
Definitely! Phi Sigma Pi takes the best attributes from an honor society, a service fraternity and a social fraternity and blends them into one organization different from all others. Phi Sigma Pi does not fit the typical mold. We are not part of the social Greek system. Other campus organizations may share some similar attributes, but none will possess the entire package Phi Sigma Pi offers. Phi Sigma Pi is THE ONLY national honor fraternity in existence. Phi Sigma Pi is unique. Phi Sigma Pi does not detract from other existing organization... it complements. Our members tend to be some of the most involved students on campus. We routinely have members who are also involved in social fraternities or sororities, other honor societies, university athletics, student government, and many others. This phenomenon has led to many successful collaborative joint ventures between Phi Sigma Pi and other campus organizations, sharing of ideas, improved awareness and respect for other campus organizations and an improved sense of community. We support involvement in other organizations.
How do I bring Phi Sigma Pi to my university?
Click on the "Let's Go!" section for instructions. We look forward to working with you!