Phi Kappa Sigma - Beta Psi Chapter @ WSU

Recruitment

Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about joining Phi Kappa Sigma.

1. How much does it cost to join?
Our costs are comparable to living in the dorms. Though the price tag is a little higher your first semester in the house, lower payments the following semesters mean that in the long run it can be cheaper than a Residence Hall life... And so much sweeter. Also, we offer some of the lowest New Member/Initiation and Undergraduate Fees of any Fraternity. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

    * Room & Board: $3100/semester
    * Social Fee: $100/semester (DOES NOT COVER ALCOHOL - This money goes towards shirts for events, down payments on trips such as Ski Trip and Raft Trip, etc.)
    * Building Maintenance Fee: $200 one time fee (non-refundable)
    * New Member Fee: $85 one time fee (non-refundable)
    * Initiation Fee: $280 one time fee (refundable if you choose to drop your pledgeship)
    * Undergraduate Fee: $78/year (this fee does not apply during your pledge period)

2. Are there any hidden charges?
No. The fees listed above are all of our semesterly/yearly/one-time only charges, and though they are subject to change, are accurate as of August 2004. There are one or two small bi-annual fees, such as our $20 Grand Chapter Assessment Fee, not listed above... If you have concerns about these, we encourage you to contact us.

3. What about hazing?
We, the men of Phi Kappa Sigma, are adamantly opposed to hazing of any kind, including "Hell Week". Article X Section 1 of our Constitution and Acts states that:
"Initiation ceremonies and activities, both formal and informal, in this Fraternity are to serve a constructive purpose. No one shall be subjected to physical punishment which may result in bodily harm or is calculated to inspire fear; nor subjected to humiliation or embarassment by acts which would contravene the standards of common decency; nor subjected to other forms of ritual, ceremony, hazing, rough play, or stunts that would be recognized as abusive or vulgar by honorable men."

4. Do I have to move in if I join?
While we encourage New Members to move in so as to fully enjoy the Fraternity experience, we understand that sometimes circumstances will not allow this to happen. We believe (and have experienced) that a man who "lives out" (resides in an apartment or even the dorms) is still capable of being an asset to our Brotherhood.

5. How long is the pledge period?
Though our "pledge" period can be completed in as few as 8 weeks, most New Members take a full semester to complete The Pillars, our New Member Education Program. This allows them to focus on their course of study at the University and progress at a more leisurely pace.

6. What responsibilities will be placed upon me as a New Member?
We expect the same things out of our New Members that we do out of our Members and Alumni. First and foremost, we expect New Members to stay true to the Core Values of the Fraternity. We also encourage all brothers to uphold their obligation to their studies, and reward those who do. To complete your New Member Program will require 3 things:

    * Completion of The Pillars, our New Member Education program.
    * Acheiving a minimum 2.8 GPA.
    * Fulfilling your financial obligation to the Fraternity.

7. I heard from ___ that ___ happens in Fraternities. Is this true?
Probably not. It's important to remember that there are scores of Fraternities throughout the world, most with dozens of chapters. What goes on in one house at one college is hardly the truth for all Fraternities, it's simply unfortunate that with all the good things that go on within our brotherhoods, the one bad apple or even dumb mistake is the one everyone hears about. The days of Animal House are gone. Come visit sometime and see for yourself!

8. My parents/girlfriend/etc. are concerned about me joining a Fraternity. What should I tell them?
Try to point out some of the benefits to being in a Fraternity. Greeks have a higher graduation rate than non-Greeks. We undergo mandatory programming every year that educates us on topics such as time management, study skills, and yes, responsible drinking. The networking opportunities from living in a Fraternity are unparalled by any other housing option at WSU. We offer scholarships to undergraduates who excel academically and in the community. If they still have reservations, invite them out to the house sometime. Let them see that there is a lot more to being Greek than what the media portrays.