College can be an intimidating experience at first - we were all incoming freshman once. However, at our rush events, feel free to ask any of the brothers any questions you may have - about anything. They are more than willing to offer their assistance in helping you make the most of the next four years.

 

There are so many fraternities. What makes Pi Alpha Phi special?

Pi Alpha Phi’s history, traditions, strong brotherhood, and members themselves make us the dynamic, progressive organization we are today. Membership in Pi Alpha Phi provides the opportunity for academic assistance, leadership, and organizational development, planned and informal social activities, athletic endeavors, philanthropy events, and living. All of these experiences result in lifelong friendships which make your college years some of the most exciting and memorable in your life.

 

As convincing as these words may be, they cannot truly convey the essence of Pi Alpha Phi. Drop by a rush event at one of our chapters (or contact our expansion chairman if we’re not there yet) and see for yourself what makes Pi Alpha Phi special.

 

Is Pi Alpha Phi recognized as a national fraternity?

Pi Alpha Phi has chapters across the country. Although we meet all the requirements to join the National Interfraternity Council. Pi Alpha Phi has chosen not to join the NIC because it does not meet the needs of our fraternity. Rather than spend the money and resources to join an ineffectual organization, we would prefer to allocate that money directly back to our individual fraternity chapters.

 

Would joining Pi Alpha Phi affect my grades?

Pi Alpha Phi is concerned about your education. Every member’s first obligation is to the university and then to extra-curricular activities. Pi Alpha Phi assists by offering scholarship programs which may include study partners, mentors, study hours, and time management workshops. You can access the network of fraternity members who already know how to use campus resources such as the library, study centers, computer labs, and academic advisors.

 

Doesn’t it cost a lot of money to join a fraternity?

The cost of joining a fraternity is similar to joining any other organization. There is a one-time membership/initiation fee. After that, the only fees that are assessed are dues that the chapter collects to cover expenses for social events and fraternity functions. These dues will vary greatly depending on housing and meal plans, but they are competitive with the normal cost of living on campus or in an apartment off campus. In fact, you may find that because you’re pooling your money with all of your brothers, your overall costs may actually go down.

 

Isn’t joining a fraternity just buying friends?

No! Joining any organization, whether it’s a student club, the football team, or the chess club means paying fees. All organizations have operating costs. Pi Alpha Phi is no different. They pay for brotherhood retreats, social events, and other functions of the fraternity. The fraternity does not profit from any fees. In fact, we can’t because we are a not-for-profit organization.

 

Does being in the fraternity take a lot of time?

Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one’s time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate. Also, they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Time management is an essential facet of collegiate life. Through fraternity involvement, Pi Alpha Phi members learn how to balance their academic work, campus involvement, and social commitments.

 

Aren’t all fraternities like Animal House?

Don’t believe everything you see in the movies. Although we do throw great parties, that is only one facet of being in Pi Alpha Phi. We participate and sponsor many positive activities, such as philanthropy events, leadership seminars, and intramural athletics.

 

I already have friends. Does joining Pi Alpha Phi mean I need to give them up?      

Pi Alpha Phi fosters a brotherhood much deeper than friendship, but we recognize the importance of friends and a life outside the fraternity. We encourage our members to join student clubs and participate in other extra-curricular activities. Life is all about experiences, not just those experiences within the fraternity.

 

How does one go about joining Pi Alpha Phi?       

There is a multitude of ways to join Pi Alpha Phi. At universities where chapters are located, during the first couple of weeks of the academic session, please go to the Chapters section of our website and e-mail or phone that chapter’s representative. If we do not have a chapter at your university, please contact our Expansion Chairman about bringing Pi Alpha Phi to your school.

 

I’m a little unsure about the whole “fraternity thing”. If I come out to Rush, does that mean I have to join?      

Absolutely not. It is totally understandable to be a little unsure about whether to join a fraternity. However, we strongly encourage you to come out to a Rush event. This gives you the opportunity to meet the brothers and determine if Pi Alpha Phi is a good fit for you