I received an email earlier this week addressing me as a potential new member to Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity. I’m a first year student, and I’m already involved in two or three other clubs.
I’m skeptical of joining a fraternity just because I have the traditional “party” perception of them-- however, I know this isn’t that type of frat. However, I still have reservations regarding whether participation in the frat would be of much benefit compared to my already existing involvements.
i.e. I don’t want to get involved in more campus activities unless there’s significant positive incentives.
Does anyone know anything about Phi Sigma Pi, it’s legitimacy, activites, public reputation with employers, etc.?
There are two kind of fraternities to think about…Honors Fraternities and social Fraternities. The social ones are the “party” ones.
There are honors fraternities like Phi Betta Kappa (a liberal arts honors society) or Tau Beta Pi (Engineering honors) that are recognized by employers.
A legit honor fraternity would be one on your campus. You would be invited to an initiation. There would be a chapter at your college that would do things.
If the first things you notice about the invitation is that you have to pay to join, then it is more of a money making vehicle for someone.
Also I see that there is a 3.0 threshold for this “honors”.
This is one I would skip.
If you become a junior or senior and are invited to an honors fraternity on your campus, then take that.
There was a big discussion about this and other freshman honor societies on one of my parent groups.
They are legitimate but many didn’t see the value unless you plan to take on a leadership position within the organization.
My daughter is opting to skip the freshman honors society she was invited to join. Her feeling was that her GPA/Dean’s List is already on her resume and it wasn’t worth the $80 to add another line item.
My daughter was a member of this coed honors fraternity for 3 years and she enjoyed it. Attend a couple of get-to-know events and decide if these are people you want to spend time with. My D really liked the PSP students and activities, and it was a way of helping to make a large university feel smaller. I don’t think she joined with the intent of building her resume and I don’t think the fee was very much.
I’m currently an initiate of Phi Sigma Pi, I get inducted in 2 weeks! It is worth it!!! I have the opportunity to run for committee chairs (I plan on running for the service chair). The fees are cheap compared to other Greek organizations on campus and it is legit.
S is actively involved in a coed business fraternity. Has definitely helped him with interviews, networking, resume prep, etc. Open to all majors and many non business types participate. Competitive rush period. It has been a great experience for him. He’s involved in the exec leadership board so is getting all kinds of experience running things, making improvements, etc. Also has a tight bond with lots of kids in the group. They do actually have social gatherings, formals, etc. but not crazy like the traditional frats.
Hi! I’m also a first year, and I became a brother of Phi Sigma Pi almost a month ago. I also got elected scholarship chair for next year. It is a legitimate fraternity and has given me a lot of different opportunities to make friends outside of my major and gain leadership experience. PSP isn’t a social fraternity so the dues are really cheap compared to frats.
