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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What requirements are there to join Phi Sigma Pi?

 

You must:

  • Have completed at least one full semester of undergraduate study, whether at Cornell or another college or university

  • Have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

  • Have at least two semesters of undergraduate study remaining after the semester during which you recruitment

  • Complete a series of recruitment events (including one Information Session) and later, an initiation process

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Can I be a member of Phi Sigma Pi and still belong to a social fraternity or sorority?

 

Absolutely! 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. We are not part of the social Greek system. Many of our brothers are also involved in social and/or service fraternities and sororities, in addition to a plethora of extra-curricular activities and organizations. recruitment, initiation, and brotherhood are all designed to be flexible and allow potentials, initiates and brothers to excel academically and socially in a variety of arenas.

Do I have to attend all of the recruitment events?

 

We understand that Potentials are busy students just like us, so we make sure to have our recruitment events spread out well on the calendar. To be eligible for initiation, you must attend four recruitment events, though you are welcome to attend more. Recruitment is an important time to get to know the Chapter and introduce yourself to Brothers; and besides, the events are a lot of fun!

What other events are mandatory?

 

You must attend one information session before recruitment events start. You must also complete a recruitment application and a recruitment interview after events have concluded.

What is Beta Nu looking for in a Potential?

 

We are looking for Potentials who meet the eligibility requirements for membership in Phi Sigma Pi and strive to uphold the ideals of our fraternity in their daily lives. When we meet a Potential, we look for the ideals of our tripod: Scholarship, Leadership, and Fellowship. If you are passionate about your field of study, possess an urge to learn more about the world around you, and have a drive to work with your peers to promote leadership and inspire friendship, then there’s a good chance you’ll fit in well with the members of our organization. Our national website has a bullet list that’s a good guide to the values each member of our chapter strives to uphold:

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  • We promote learning and achievement – We are an organization of high achievers who yearn for self-improvement. Membership requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, but that is only the beginning. We encourage activities that expose our members to new experiences, situations and information. We also provide members the opportunity to apply for fraternity scholarships. Membership in Phi Sigma Pi is an honor and a mark of distinction that recognizes a commitment to past, present and future academic excellence.

  • We embrace diversity – We are an inclusive organization. We are stronger due to the men and women from numerous ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds that comprise the membership of our 100+ chapters nationwide.

  • We value helping others – We believe in giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. Through our national philanthropy, Teach For America, and through local chapter charities we give of our time and energies to improve humankind.

  • We cultivate future leaders – We expose our members to situations that build their skills as leaders. We place people in positions of responsibility. We give people opportunities to organize projects and events. We advance their ability to work together in teams for the benefit of the greater good.

  • We build lifelong friendships – We know how to have fun. We believe in balancing work and effort with relaxation and enjoyment. We encourage trips, theme parties and other social events that foster fellowship. We also find fellowship through working together to organize academic and service projects. We work hard, but we also treasure the time we set aside for our members to connect, share, laugh and cultivate friends for life. It is for this reason we are a fraternity and not a society.

What happens after recruitment?

 

If you receive and accept a bid at the end of recruitment, you will begin a period called initiation. The initiation period is an important time to learn about the history, goals and principles of Phi Sigma Pi, and is an opportunity for you and the brothers of Beta Nu to assess whether or not PSP is the right organization for you. The initiation period lasts from the conclusion of recruitment until Induction, which occurs at the end of the semester. During Initiation, you will be paired with a Big Brother who will serve as your friend and guide during the entire initiation process, helping to integrate you into our chapter. As an initiate, you will serve on an Initiate Committee to plan events for your future brothers and fellow initiates, learn about PSP and take various tests and quizzes on our history and our brothers, and familiarize yourself with our members and the process of our chapter meetings. The weeks following Initiation can seem daunting, but your Big, your Initiate Advisor, your fellow initiates, and your future brothers are always there to help you through the process. Many brothers consider initiation to be one of the most important and rewarding parts of joining PSP.

Do I have to pay dues?

 

Phi Sigma Pi does require its members to pay semesterly dues. Dues for initiates are slightly higher than dues for brothers to allow for items, such as the gold Brother Pin, that new brothers receive at Induction. Dues for PSP are often much lower than dues for social fraternities and sororities, and vary slightly semester to semester. Beta Nu does provide oportunities for payment plans and financial assistance. Please contact our treasurer, Zack Brody (ztb5) if you have any questions about dues.

Will I be hazed?

 

Absolutely not. Phi Sigma Pi does not tolerate hazing of any form, at any point during recruitment, initiation or induction. All events are dry and the consumption of alcohol or other illegal substances is prohibited at recruitment events, initiation or induction. We prohibit the hazing of individuals involved in any fraternity activities, as stated in our National Constitution:

"Hazing shall be defined as, but not limited to, any action taken or situation created, intentionally, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment and ridicule. The actions and situations include, but are not limited to: paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shock, scavenger hunts which involve illegal activities, one-way road trips which leave an individual to find return transportation, wearing apparel at any time or location which is not appropriate, required engagement in public stunts or buffoonery, morally degrading games or humiliating activities, compulsory consumption of any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances or non-controlled substances, and any other activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of the sheltering institution, or behavior considered as unbecoming of a Member of Phi Sigma Pi.”

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Have more questions?

 

Please contact our recruitment Advisor, Kathryn Roberts (khr24), our President, Michelle Ip (mvi4), our webmaster, Christina Chin (ckc78), or any of the officers. We'd love to resolve them for you!

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