HANDBOOK OF

THE

SCHOLAR'S PROVINCE

PHI SIGMA PI

NATIONAL HONOR FRATERNITY

ELEVENTH EDITION

Copyright 2002 by Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Inc.

All rights reserved. First edition 1941.

Eleventh edition 2002.

Printed in the United States of America by JPL Productions.

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Welcome 1

Introduction 2

The Fraternity Concept ............................................................................................ 2

The Purpose of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity .......................................... 2

Balancing Scholarship, Leadership, and Fellowship ................................................ 3

The Development of Fraternities .............................................................................. 4

The History and Evolution of Phi Sigma Pi 6

Phi Sigma Pi Landmarks ............................................................................................ 6

The Founding ........................................................................................................... 7

The Birth of a National Fraternity (1921–42) ............................................................ 8

WWII and the Passing of the Old Guard (1942–54) ............................................... 13

Transition and Adaptation (1955–75) ..................................................................... 14

The Coeducational Issue (1975–84) ....................................................................... 16

Rebirth and Revitalization (1985–89) ...................................................................... 16

In Search of Excellence (1990–Present) .................................................................. 18

The National Vision for Phi Sigma Pi ...................................................................... 19

Local History .......................................................................................................... 20

The Founders 21

The Greek Alphabet 23

Pronunciation Guide ............................................................................................... 23

Insignia and Heraldry 24

The Coat of Arms ................................................................................................... 24

Phi Sigma Pi Jewelry ............................................................................................... 25

The Grand Seal ....................................................................................................... 26

The Shingle ............................................................................................................ 26

Fraternity Colors .................................................................................................... 26

The Ritual .............................................................................................................. 26

Brothers Are We ..................................................................................................... 27

The Initiation Program 28

Purpose of the Initiation Program ........................................................................... 28

Rights and Responsibilities of the Initiate ............................................................. 29

National Expectations ............................................................................................. 30

Developing a Constructive Outlook ....................................................................... 30

Table of Contents

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Managing Your Time .............................................................................................. 31

Choosing the Right Path ........................................................................................ 32

Phi Sigma Pi's Anti-Hazing Policy .......................................................................... 33

The Active Undergraduate Member 34

Rights and Responsibilities .................................................................................... 34

The Ideal Chapter Member ..................................................................................... 35

Financial Obligations .............................................................................................. 37

The Active Collegiate Chapter 38

Chapter Structure ................................................................................................... 38

Chapter Officers ..................................................................................................... 39

Chapter Committees ............................................................................................... 39

Rules of Parliamentary Procedure ........................................................................... 39

Characteristics of a Stable Chapter ......................................................................... 41

The Role of Alumni 42

Joining an Alumni Chapter ..................................................................................... 44

Activating an Alumni Chapter ............................................................................... 44

The National Organization 45

Structure of the Organization ................................................................................. 45

Duties of the National Staff .................................................................................... 46

Professional Fraternity Association Membership Benefits .................................... 48

National Services and Supplies .............................................................................. 48

The Annual National Convention and Grand Chapter Conference ........................ 50

Glossary 51

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Dear Initiating Member:

We welcome you as you pursue active membership in Phi Sigma Pi NationalHonor Fraternity.

The handbook of Phi Sigma Pi first appeared in 1941. Since its inception,numerous revisions and additions have occurred. The information in thisbook represents the common heritage and institutions which bind all PhiSigma Pi chapters together. This publication should be used as a tool foryou, the initiate, to learn the history, structure, services, and goals of theNational Fraternity. It should also serve as a guide for you throughout yourcareer as an active undergraduate member of Phi Sigma Pi National HonorFraternity. It is intended that this information be studied in conjunction withchapter history, traditions, and programs.

Membership in this fraternity recognizes you as an individual of highscholarship. But your responsibilities to yourself, this fraternity, and yourfellow man are not limited to academic achievement alone. Because PhiSigma Pi is an honor fraternity that stresses the principles of scholarship,leadership, and fellowship, you must constantly strive to embody these threeprinciples in your life. It is a balance which can only be achieved throughhard work, dedication to the local chapter and national organization, and astrong belief in the principles for which this fraternity stands.

As you travel down the road that lies ahead of you, you will do well to keepthese three principles in sight. Through scholarship, we can attain knowl-edge and expand our minds to more clearly see the possibilities surroundingus. Through leadership, we are given the opportunity to positively influenceothers. Through fellowship, we can reach out to others and share, thusstrengthening the bonds which unite us as brothers.

We wish you the best throughout your journey with Phi Sigma Pi!

Fraternally,

The National Council

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The Fraternity Concept

Fraternities have arisen in response to the universal human need to formspecial relationships with others who share similar ideals, goals, and inter-ests. Therefore, all fraternities, whether social, service, professional, orhonor, must have a purpose and plan of action to unite their members.

Fraternities, whether male, female, or coeducational, are built on theconcept of brotherhood—a condition where the closeness of the relation-ship existing between members promotes spiritual homogeneity and re-sembles the atmosphere of the family unit. Phi Sigma Pi is a brotherhood.Brotherhood requires meeting each other at least halfway. It means goingout of your way at times to help others, and treating others as you would wantthem to treat you. Brotherhood exists when individuals can feel free to facetheir challenges knowing that others are concerned for their well-being. It ismore intimate than just friendship—it has its roots in the responsibilities andobligations an individual assumes upon entering the National Fraternity.Brotherhood is a concept that exists regardless of gender. Nationally,members are referred to as brothers. However, whether conforming to auniversity policy or simply out of a personal preference, chapters may chooseto use another term to refer to male and female members.

Phi Sigma Pi has the distinction of being an honor fraternity as opposedto an honor society. The essential difference between an honor fraternity andan honor society is that an honor society is an association rather than anorganization, and it functions mainly to recognize the past academic achieve-ments of its potential members. The honor fraternity seeks to organize theservice, fund-raising, social, and recreational potential of its membershipwhile promoting its dedication to and respect for education and academicexcellence.

The Purpose of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity

In carrying out the purpose of the National Fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi shall striveto personify and encourage three ideals:

1. The acquisition and dissemination of information and knowledgethrough scholarship,

2. The application of professional skills and the fostering of leadershipqualities by promoting and advancing the welfare of humanity, and

3. The fostering of non-discriminatory, fraternal fellowship within PhiSigma Pi's ranks.

Introduction

3

Phi Sigma Pi shall constantly strive to make these ideals dynamic in the livesof its members.

Balancing Scholarship, Leadership, and Fellowship

The question has often been asked, "What is Phi Sigma Pi?" Perhaps themost concrete answer is that Phi Sigma Pi isone-third honor society, one-third serviceorganization, and one-third social fraternity.Phi Sigma Pi seeks to incorporate the bestand most beneficial aspects of all of thesetypes of organizations into its own program.The honor society aspect sets Phi Sigma Piapart and commands respect. The socialfraternity aspect builds fellowship and com-mitment, which in turn serves as a stimulusto undertake service projects, the greatestexpression of leadership.

Because Phi Sigma Pi is an honorfraternity that stresses the principles of schol-arship, leadership, and fellowship, chapteractivities must reflect these three principles.Chapters have many options for activitieswhich promote pure scholarship, such as scheduling speakers, conferences,seminars, and workshops. They can also take part in writing scholarly papers,tutoring, or developing local scholarships and awards.

Phi Sigma Pi believes that by undertaking service projects, students can learnabout the problems facingtoday's society and can bettershape their views and leader-ship skills. Phi Sigma Piencourages its members tooffer themselves as resourcesfor charitable organizations.Determining the type ofservice projects, whether theyserve the university, commu-nity, state, or a local or nationalcharity, is a decision that restsentirely with the chapter.

Scholarship and leadership are useless unless one has learned to workproductively with others. Phi Sigma Pi promotes the concept of the well-roundedindividual. The knowledge gained through working closely with others towardcommon goals builds fellowship, the third principle of Phi Sigma Pi.

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Any activity that promotes fellowship teaches people about the intimaciesand qualities of others. The knowledge gained through these social events servesto enhance working relationships and eventually stimulates the activity of theentire chapter, encouraging better scholastic and service projects. Fellowship-building events can include such things as banquets, social and sporting events,or trips. Without these social and recreational activities, a chapter would growweak and eventually become inactive due to lack of commitment. Fellowshipestablishes commitment—and that's what brotherhood is all about! However, atthe same time, chapters must be image-conscious, realizing that they do not existmerely for having good times.

Phi Sigma Pi is a balance of scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. Each legof the tripod must be equally stressed, or the chapter may too closely resemblean honor society, service organization, or social fraternity. Each chapter mustactively seek its own balance of scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. PhiSigma Pi's goals are to cultivate and encourage high scholastic achievement, buildleadership skills through service to others, and strengthen social skills all of whichallow the individual to mature and develop into a thinking, concerned person whowill be an asset to our society. Chapters that need assistance in developing awell-balanced program should consult the various national publications (listed onpage 50 of this handbook) or contact the National Headquarters.

The Development of Fraternities

Fraternal orders played a very significant role in the societies of the ancientworld. As early as 1427 B.C., the Eleusinian Mysteries of Ancient Greece werewell-established, having developed from similar secret orders in Egypt and theNear East over a thousand years earlier. Initiation periods consisting of lectures,pageants, and religious dramas were used to train prospective members beforeentrance into the Eleusinian Mysteries. Several of these orders had initiation orprobationary periods lasting as long as eight years. All of the orders had secretceremonies, grips, passwords, and symbols to distinguish them from other groups.

In 1776, both the United States and Phi Beta Kappa, the first Americansociety to have a Greek letter name, were born. The conditions of the Revolu-tionary War and the decades of struggle to form a nation which followed werenot conducive to the concept of the fraternity. Due to these factors, Phi BetaKappa Fraternity quickly became and has since remained a purely honorarysociety which uses high scholastic achievement as its prerequisite formembership. From its humble beginnings at the College of William and Maryin Williamsburg, Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa has evolved into one of the mostrespected honor societies in the country.

As conditions within the United States stabilized and a demand for newfacilities for higher education became evident, the fraternity concept receivedrenewed support. By the fall of 1825, Kappa Alpha was formed at Union Collegein Schenectady, New York. Externally, Kappa Alpha bore a close resemblance

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to Phi Beta Kappa, which had placed its fifth chapter at Union in 1817. It hada Greek name, it was secret and it had a badge. Kappa Alpha was so popularwith students, that in 1827 they imitated it by founding two new fraternities on thecampus—Sigma Phi and Delta Phi. These three fraternities, known as the UnionTriad, set the pattern for the American fraternity system. As these threefraternities expanded and placed chapters at other institutions, new nationalfraternities were born. By the Civil War, the fraternity system had become sowidespread that the majority of the chapters were able to reorganize and resumetheir activities after the war.

Before the Civil War, fraternities existed exclusively for men. However,there were scattered reports of women being granted membership into theseorganizations. It was not until 1870 that Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa KappaGamma were founded as the first Greek letter fraternities for women.

By World War I, the fraternity system was well-established. However,national fraternal organizations would only charter chapters at four-year collegesand universities. Approximately 200 four-year normal or teachers colleges wereoff-limits. National fraternities, whether social, scholastic, professional, orleadership oriented, were reluctant to establish chapters at these institutions.Most of the teachers colleges around the country evolved into what are now statecolleges and universities. One fraternity, namely Phi Sigma Pi, recognized theneed to provide the benefits that a national fraternity could offer to young menin teachers colleges preparing for a career in education.

World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II were difficult eras forall fraternities. These times caused fraternity expansion to come to a halt andeven caused mergers and extinctions for some fraternities. However, fraternitiesboomed during the 1920s, 1950s, and 1980s as economic conditions werefavorable and traditional attitudes were emphasized.

The American College Greek Letter Fraternity is one of the oldeststudent organized activities on college campuses. It has continuallyattracted the interest and active participation of the finest and ableststudents in the student body. It has become an integral part of the totaleducational program of the college, and its contribution to the educationand training of the student has been distinctly wholesome and varied.

— Interfraternity Research and Advisory Council

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The History and Evolution of Phi Sigma Pi

Phi Sigma Pi Landmarks: The historical overview

1916 February 14, founding of Phi Sigma Pi at State Teachers College, Warrensburg,known today as Central Missouri State University

1921 Phi Sigma Pi became national with the induction of the Gamma Chapter, BradleyUniversity, Peoria, Illinois

1925 First National Council1930 Coat of Arms was redesigned; Grand Seal was created; First publication, Phi

Sigma Pi News Letter1931 First magazine - The Lampadion1933 Copyright of Brothers Are We1940 Redefined the Coat of Arms, The Purple & Gold newsletter was created1941 First Handbook of Phi Sigma Pi was published1949 Incorporated nationally in Illinois1957 Outstanding Chapter Award was established1959 First Outstanding Chapter Award presented to: Iota Chapter, Bloomsburg

University1966 Incorporated in Pennsylvania as an honor fraternity1970 Outstanding Chapter Award was renamed to Joseph Torchia Outstanding

Chapter Award1977 National Constitution was amended to admit eligible females1987 First Guidebook (officer training manual) published1990 First full-time hired position: Letti (Large) Becker1991 Richard Cecil Todd and Clauda Pennock Todd Tripod Scholarship was

established1992 First Charles W. Chance Alumni Award presented to: Pi Chapter, Dickinson

State University; Tau Chapter, East Carolina UniversityFirst C. H. McClure Single Service Award presented to: Omicron Chapter,Shippensburg University; Tau Chapter, East Carolina University; AlphaKappa Chapter, UNC - Chapel HillFirst Sanders P. McComsey Most Improved Old Chapter Award presented to:Theta Chapter, Mansfield UniversityFirst Clarence O. Williams Most Improved New Chapter Award presented to:Alpha Theta Chapter, Rutgers UniversityFirst Steven A. DiGuiseppe Administrative Award presented to:Sigma Chapter,Millersville University; Alpha Epsilon Chapter, West Chester UniversityPurchased first National Headquarters building

1993 First Todd Tripod Scholarship presented to: David L. Batts, Tau Chapter1996 Built National Headquarters at 2119 Ambassador Circle, Lancaster, PA1997 Jeffrey L. Johnson National Chapter Fellowship Award established and pre-

sented to: Beta Delta Chapter, North Carolina State University; Alpha RhoChapter,Virginia Tech

1999 First Dr. Eldo L. Hendricks Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Programmingpresented to Alpha Eta Chapter, University of Delaware

2000 Youth of America named National Philanthropy

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The Founding

World War I raged in Europe from 1914 to 1918. Meanwhile, anotherstruggle was occurring in the American Midwest. Unlike the war, this Americanstruggle was not one of nationalism, expansionism, or alliances, but rather a fightfor identity, recognition, and increased potential for professional advancement.The theater for this encounter was the State Teachers College at Warrensburg,Missouri, one of almost 200 institutions nationwide dedicated to the task ofpreparing educators for the ever-growing country.

The Missouri Beta Chapter of Phi Lambda Epsilon—a national fraternityfounded in 1892, with chapters located on normal and high school campuses—was organized in 1894 as the first fraternity on the Warrensburg campus. This

chapter was a thriving organization until the spring of 1914. At this time, thefaculty of the institution thoroughly investigated the fraternity and found that itonly emphasized the social side of college life. The fraternity was disbanded.During the 1914–15 school year, a group of students with strong academic values,who also had been members of Phi Lambda Epsilon, and a group of other malestudents attending the college, who from an educational standpoint had in mindhigh ideals regarding the teaching profession and the social needs of the students,brought together their concerns and presented them to the faculty. The facultyat first disapproved of a new fraternity but through the encouragement andsupport of President Eldo L. Hendricks, Dean Claude A. Phillips, and ProfessorC. H. McClure, the faculty approved the establishment of a new fraternity oncampus. All three men had been members of Phi Delta Kappa, a nationaleducation fraternity which operated in larger universities and colleges withgraduate departments of education. The three men concurred that due to thequality of these students, they should be affiliated with and receive the member-ship benefits of a national fraternal organization.

State Teachers College, Warrensburg,today known as Central Missouri State University

8

Upon reviewing the academic records of each of the students, Hendricks,Phillips, and McClure felt that the group should affiliate with a nationallyrecognized fraternal organization stressing scholarship. They therefore con-tacted the most prestigious honorary scholastic fraternity existing in the UnitedStates, Phi Beta Kappa, requesting permission to establish a chapter on theircampus. They were advised immediately by Phi Beta Kappa that chapters couldonly be established on campuses of qualified liberal arts colleges and universities,not on campuses of teachers colleges, teacher training schools, or normal schools.

The professors were distressed to receive this information, but undaunted,they decided that since many of the club’s members were campus leaders theyshould be affiliated with a national fraternal organization stressing leadership. Tothis end, the professors contacted the most prestigious honorary leadershipfraternity existing in the United States, Omicron Delta Kappa. Again, they wereadvised immediately by Omicron Delta Kappa that chapters could only beestablished on campuses of qualified liberal arts colleges and universities, not onthe campuses of teachers colleges, teacher training schools, or normal schools.

The professors were greatly disturbed by this information, but believing thatoutstanding young men preparing for the teaching profession should not be deniedmembership in a national fraternal organization primarily because they werematriculating at teachers colleges, they decided to contact nationally recognizedsocial fraternities stressing fellowship. Since the local club was social in nature,this seemed like a reasonable alternative. Once again, the professors receivedthe same answer to their request.

The three professors decided that if no national fraternal organization wouldrecognize these fine men simply because they were enrolled in a teachers college,then they would create a fraternal organization unique unto itself. They wouldnot create one that would stress only scholarship, or leadership, or fellowship, butone that would be built on a tripod which equally stressed all three qualities ofscholarship, leadership, and fellowship. So on February 14, 1916, Phi Sigma Piwas founded and originally named Phi Sigma Pi Honorary Professional Frater-nity. Dr. Hendricks, the leading force behind the creation of Phi Sigma Pi, wasthe first person to sign a Phi Sigma Pi rollbook and is therefore known as Alpha1. He was followed by Dean Phillips and Professor McClure. Together,Hendricks, Phillips, and McClure are known as the founding fathers of thefraternity. In addition to the three faculty members, the first chapter alsoconsisted of ten undergraduate and honorary members. They were Fred Thayer,J. A. Leach, R. W. Grinstead, Ray F. Pankins, Wade C. Fowler, Roy G. Bigelow,Arthur Kresse, John A. Doak, Harold Patterson, and Harry Hill. Within one year,the chapter had elected another twelve members into its ranks.

The Birth of a National Fraternity1921–42

From the very moment that Phi Sigma Pi was born, chapter members at

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Warrensburg intended to make the organi-zation a national fraternity. As their careersallowed for new doors of opportunity to beopened to the fraternity, many of the earlyAlpha Chapter members founded new PhiSigma Pi chapters. The first four years wereextremely difficult due to World War I.Despite this challenge, the chapter man-aged to perfect a local constitution, establisha National Constitution that detailed how tostart new chapters and defined the roles ofNational Officers, prepare a ritual, andactively promote the fraternity to otherinstitutions. Finally, on May 2, 1921, thefraternity became national when GammaChapter was installed at Bradley Polytech-nic Institute in Peoria, Illinois. GammaChapter was founded due to the dedication of Alpha alumnus Joseph V. Hanna,who began the chapter shortly after he accepted a teaching position at Bradleyin 1920.

With the addition of a second chapter, it was time to define the nationalstructure. National Officers were elected to advance, advise, and direct thegrowth of the fraternity. The first National President of Phi Sigma Pi was JosephG. Bryan, Alpha 28. However, due to a lack of aggressive leadership, it tookanother four years to add Delta Chapter on May 2, 1925. While other nationalfraternities were booming and taking advantage of the economic paradise of the1920s, Phi Sigma Pi floundered nationally. Finally, Rolla F. Wood, Alpha 39,emerged as the National President. He is credited with galvanizing the NationalOfficers into a cohesive unit and capitalizing on this unity for expansion andincreased services for member chapters. During his tenure, the nationalorganization was made more visible to attract interested institutions. One waythis was accomplished was through Wood’s efforts to make Phi Sigma Pi one ofthe twenty-one professional fraternities representing the fields of architecture,chemistry, commerce, dentistry, education, engineering, law, medicine, andpharmacy who banded together on March 2, 1928, to form the ProfessionalInterfraternity Conference. Wood's strong leadership led to the founding ofEpsilon Chapter at George Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University) onAugust 16, 1928, mainly through connections he made while pursuing graduatework there. Zeta Chapter at Eastern State College (now Dakota State College)had been founded rather informally about one month earlier in July of 1928, andconsisted of four faculty members, one of whom was Lawrence N. Pease.Pease was also one of the last members of Phi Lambda Epsilon at Warrensburgin 1914, and he undoubtedly helped conceptualize the idea of Phi Sigma Pi.

While efforts were being made to establish what became known as the

Rolla F. Wood

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Gamma Chapter, McClure accepted afaculty position at the State TeachersCollege in Kirksville, Missouri, and wasattempting to organize a chapter at thiscollege campus. Because it was believedthat this would be the second Phi Sigma Pichapter, Beta, the second letter in the Greekalphabet, was reserved for this chapter.Although approval came after the secondPhi Sigma Pi chapter was activated, thisnew chapter was installed at the StateTeachers College in Kirksville, Missouri, onApril 30, 1929, and was named BetaChapter. On the same day, Eta Chapterwas installed at the State Teachers College,Indiana, Pennsylvania, after receiving apetition from Walter P. Percival, professor

of education.So enthusiastic was Percival, Eta 1, that he was elected National President in

1930. During his brief tenure, the fraternity more than doubled in size from sevento fifteen chapters. Of these eight new chapters, six were at Pennsylvania stateteachers colleges. This phenomenal interest was due to Clarence O. Williams,Alpha 26, who served as National Secretary from 1930 to 1936 and used hisposition as an associate professor of education at Pennsylvania State College, StateCollege, Pennsylvania, to make valuable contacts at a majority of the fourteenPennsylvania state teachers colleges. The years 1929 to 1931 built upon thenational solidarity concept initiated underPresident Wood. In 1930, the Grand Seal ofthe fraternity was cast. Standardized char-ters and membership certificates were alsodesigned. The official badge, service key,and other jewelry pieces were created inconsultation with the L. G. Balfour Com-pany. The Coat of Arms was redesigned in1930 in hopes that a more professionalemblem would better depict the ideals of thefraternity. The first national publication forall undergraduate members and alumni wasintroduced in 1930 as the Phi Sigma PiNews Letter.

Several months before the end of histerm in 1931, President Percival was forcedto resign when he accepted an educationalposition in the province of Quebec. How-

Walter P. Percival

Clarence O. Williams

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ever, his resignation was preceded by three major changes in the NationalConstitution of Phi Sigma Pi at the February 22, 1931, Grand Chapter Conventionin Detroit, Michigan. Originally, the National Officers had been the GrandPresident, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, andCounselor. This meeting eliminated the Second Vice President, added the officeof Historian, and changed the official titles of the officers from Grand to NationalOfficers. Second, the position of Regional Director, designed to cultivate newchapters in designated geographic regions throughout the country, was establishedas an appointed position. Finally, the fraternity was changed from an honoraryprofessional fraternity to a professional education fraternity to better reflect itspurpose. The Phi Sigma Pi News Letter format was changed in the Fall of 1931to magazine form. The Lampadion, which means the little torch, became the

official magazine of the fraternity and was mailed three times a year to allmembers. James K. Stoner, Eta 38, began his two decades of association withthe national organization by serving as the editor of the magazine. Despite thehardships of the Great Depression, 1929–31 were some of the most productiveyears the fraternity experienced to date.

The Depression took its toll on six chapters by 1941. Zeta was the first chapterto go inactive in 1931 when the state of South Dakota changedEastern State College from a four-year to a two-year school. Financial hardshipsand decreased enrollments also forced Beta, Delta, Epsilon, Nu, and Xi Chaptersto go inactive. Fortunately, the fraternity added six new chapters during the1931–41 decade. Unlike the other new chapters, which began as Phi Sigma Pi,Tau Chapter, chartered on May 28, 1936, began as a local fraternity known asTau Sigma Sigma. Beecher Flanagan, Epsilon 2 and Tau 12, was a professor atEast Carolina Teachers College at the time. He persuaded the existing group to

James K. Stoner Beecher Flanagan

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seek affiliation with Phi Sigma Pi.While the decade was not profitable in terms of chapter growth, several

important events occurred within the national organization. In 1933, EdwardIngraham, Theta 21, and Charles Darrin, Theta 42, worked with the MusicDepartment at Mansfield State Teachers College to put the ideals and spirit ofthe fraternity to music. The fraternity song that they composed is titled BrothersAre We. This original version is still the official one that is sung today.

In 1935, Kappa Phi Kappa, a professional education fraternity founded atDartmouth College on April 26, 1922, which had forty-two active chapters atfour-year institutions, contacted Phi Sigma Pi to consider a merger. Since elevenchapters had been chartered in the past five years, the fraternity felt that itpossessed ample growth potential and that a merger with Kappa Phi Kappawould only serve to destroy the identity of Phi Sigma Pi. The discussion to mergewas tabled by Phi Sigma Pi in 1936, but Kappa Phi Kappa continued for the nextfour years to encourage a merger.

By 1940, Phi Sigma Pi had lost six of its chapters, and inquiries for newchapters were basically non-existent. With World War II now looming in the future,the fraternity was more open to the idea of a merger as insurance of the survivalof its ideals. After much debate, a plan to merge the two fraternities was preparedby two officers from each of the fraternities. During the first two weeks of 1940,the fourteen active chapters of Phi Sigma Pi voted on the proposed mergerconditions, which would have resulted in the loss of Phi Sigma Pi as a national entity.The active members voted 172 to 106 against the merger.

While the merger debate raged, several internal developments occurred. Thefirst was the realization of the need to develop alumni support. In the summer of1937, twenty-seven members of Phi Sigma Pi were doing graduate work atPennsylvania State College and organized the first, though unofficial, alumnichapter of the fraternity. In response to this demand, a constitutional amendmentadopted at the 1941 Atlantic City Convention allowed for the official creation ofalumni chapters. Additionally, life memberships were established to keep alumniin better contact with the fraternity through mailings of newsletters, magazines, andannouncements. The first life member was Charles W. Chance, Gamma 18.

The second development dealt with enhancing the national image andincreasing communication with the active student members. In 1940, the Coatof Arms was simplified to allow for better reproduction. In March of that sameyear, the Purple & Gold newsletter was established as an outgrowth of a needfor closer contact between the National Office and the active local chaptermembers. Unlike The Lampadion magazine, this publication was not tailored toinclude articles which would also interest alumni. Up until 1941 there was nonational medium through which new members could learn the national history andgoals of the organization. National President Clair B. Wilson, Kappa 10,recognized the need to encourage the learning of the material and transformedhis ideas into the Handbook of Phi Sigma Pi. Had it not been for the Depression,the 1931–41 decade probably would have been even more profitable in terms of

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new chapters. However, it was a boost ofconfidence for the fraternity when Phi Chap-ter at State Teachers College, Minot, NorthDakota, was chartered on May 8, 1941.

WWII and the Passing of the Old Guard1942–54

Due to the war, all of the fifteen activechapters went inactive in late 1942. Many ofthe schools had such low enrollments duringthis time that the state legislatures consideredclosing them permanently. The war preventedthe 1943 Grand Chapter Convention, wherethe election of new National Officers wouldhave taken place. It was agreed that thecurrent officers would guide the fraternity andits ultimate reorganization until the next Grand Chapter meeting could be held afterthe war.

By the Fall of 1946, all of the fifteen chapters active prior to the war werereactivated with the exception of Mu Chapter at State Teachers College, SlipperyRock, Pennsylvania. The war caused chaos while updating alumni addresses. Agreat number of alumni lost their lives during the war or relocated at its end. Thenational organization did not have the finances or resources to locate these men sinceits main priority was to reactivate and develop the chapters. Because students atteachers colleges historically were of limited financial ability, the national treasury

reflected this situation and did not have thefinances to develop programs like other fra-ternities chartering chapters at colleges anduniversities. The loss of alumni, not only as afinancial resource but as a leadership pool,proved to be a traumatic blow with effectsthat would be felt for years.

Since the fraternity had gone national in1921, the leaders at the national level had beenthe faculty advisors of the chapters and activealumni. By 1950, not only was contact withalumni critically severed, but the faculty advi-sors who guided the fraternity through most ofthe past two decades were ready to retire. By1954, all of the men who had led Phi Sigma Piso well were gone. Gone were the wisdom andguidance of Clair B. Wilson; James M.McCallister, Alpha 33; James K. Stoner;

James M. McCallister

Clair B. Wilson

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and long-time Regional Director Simon S. Shearer, Omicron 20. Death claimedBeecher Flanagan in 1950 and Sanders P. McComsey, Sigma 17, in 1955, whileboth men were in office. The Regional Director system was shelved in order toutilize the available leaders in National Officer positions. The positions ofSecretary and Treasurer were combined to form the Secretary/Treasurerposition in 1951. The Lampadion was no longer published and communicationbetween the chapters and the National Office was poor. Despite these obstacles,the fraternity was incorporated nationally in Illinois on April 25, 1949.

Transition and Adaptation1955–75

The fraternity was in need of new leadership as the Old Guard retired—and it gotit. Two of the fraternity’s most dedicated National Officers emerged from this era—namely, Joseph Torchia, Sigma 296, and Richard C. Todd, Sigma 58 and Tau 878.Their leadership and love of the fraternity allowed the organization to survive its greatestchallenge to date. This challenge manifested itself as a loss of identity.

Most state teachers colleges were changed to state colleges between the 1950sand the early 1970s. Phi Sigma Pi could no longer exist as just a professional educationfraternity for teachers in state teachers colleges. If it did, it would have no growthpotential. The 1950s were booming times for other fraternities, and Phi Sigma Pi wasonce again missing its opportunity for growth. Proof of this was the fact that from1955 to 1965, only two new chapters were added. Omega Nu Epsilon, a localfraternity at State Teachers College, Gorham, Maine, joined the ranks of Phi SigmaPi on May 21, 1955, under the condition that the next two Greek letters— Chi andPsi—be skipped so it could be called Omega Chapter and retain part of its originalname. Similarly, November 21, 1961, saw the Big Guy Fraternity at State TeachersCollege, Farmington, Maine, admitted as the Beta Gamma Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi.

Simon S. Shearer Sanders P. McComsey

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Richard C. Todd

Joseph Torchia

With the assistance of Henry W. Olsen,Rho 98; Leroy G. Pulver, Pi 27; PerryMcCandless, Alpha 384; and Abram Foster,Sigma 340, Todd and Torchia led the frater-nity to the realization that it must either adaptor perish. At the October 1, 1966, GrandChapter Convention, held in Washington, D.C., President Abram Foster said, “We haveremained stagnant and this is not good. Weare losing this opportunity to spread the pur-poses of Phi Sigma Pi. We must act.” Hestated that honor fraternities were necessaryon all campuses at a time when schools wereopenly discouraging social fraternities. Seeingthat Phi Sigma Pi had always placed excep-tional emphasis on scholarship—the premise being that good teachers were also goodscholars—it was suggested that an honor fraternity which stressed scholarship,leadership, and fellowship would preserve the tripod, yet allow for expansion. To thisend, it was moved and accepted to create Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity,with the word honor being interpreted as a minimum cumulative grade point averageof 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.

In 1966, the decision was made to hold the National Convention every yearinstead of every two years to keep enthusiasm alive among the active chapters.Foster, Torchia, and Todd also undertook a massive expansion program after thefraternity was incorporated as an honor fraternity in Pennsylvania on December 2,1966. Over 300 four-year institutions nation-wide were contacted by letter to spark theirinterest in this new honor fraternity. Assumably,the social climate of the late 1960s contributedto the fact that no new chapters resulted fromthese efforts. Many colleges were being tornapart internally due to student unrest with theVietnam War. Of the schools returning a noresponse, most indicated that an all-male honorfraternity was not desirable during this era ofincreased civil rights awareness. Meanwhile,the transition to an honor fraternity placedunbearable stress on some chapters, and sev-eral folded. By 1974, only eight active chaptersremained. Were it not for the encouragementand devotion of Todd and Torchia, Phi SigmaPi may have folded, closing the door on future opportunities. In recognition ofTorchia's achievements, the Outstanding Chapter Award, established in 1957, wasrenamed the Joseph Torchia Outstanding Chapter Award in 1970.

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The Coeducational Issue

1975–84

Late in 1975, Tau Chapter was informedby its university that it was in violation of FinalTitle IX Regulation Implementing EducationAmendments of 1972 Prohibiting Sex Dis-crimination in Education (hereafter referred toas Title IX). After consultation with the UnitedStates Department of Health, Education andWelfare, it was concluded that the nationalorganization must allow Tau Chapter to admiteligible women or the chapter would cease toexist by July 1, 1976. Title IX argued that sincePhi Sigma Pi was an honor fraternity, it mustbecome coeducational since remaining an all-male organization would have a discriminatory effect upon the future careeropportunities of eligible women. (Social fraternal organizations are exempt from TitleIX.)

President Vaughn Rhodes, Pi 359; Secretary/Treasurer Gerald Burkhardt,Sigma 669; and Todd argued that this was not a matter of wanting to go coeducational,but rather a matter of having to comply with federal regulations. To remain an honorfraternity, Phi Sigma Pi would have to become coeducational. Three of the existingeight chapters threatened to withdraw from Phi Sigma Pi if women were admitted, andtwo were told by their respective universities to close their doors if they did not.

At the October 7, 1977, National Convention in Washington, D. C., under theleadership of President Richard J. Donald, Iota 800, the National Constitution wasamended to admit eligible females, thus ensuring that Phi Sigma Pi would remain anhonor fraternity. Women were admitted into Phi Sigma Pi beginning in the fallsemester of 1977. Alpha Chapter was reactivated coeducational and Tau Chapterwas the first existing chapter to induct a female honorary member, Clauda PennockTodd, Tau 879, wife of Richard C. Todd. The other chapters gradually wentcoeducational, with Sigma Chapter being the last all-male chapter to admit women.Some chapters were not able to adjust to the change, and by 1984 only six activechapters remained.

Rebirth and Revitalization1985-1989

The years 1985-1986 were a time of self-evaluation for Phi Sigma Pi. After seventyyears of evolution, there was much to learn from the successes and failures of the past.A course of action to revitalize the fraternity was constructed and continues

Clauda Pennock Todd

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Steven A. DiGuiseppe

Jack W. Thornton

to develop today. Under the continuingleadership of Steven A. DiGuiseppe, Sigma734; Jeffrey L. Johnson, Sigma 794 andAlpha Gamma 1; Jack W. Thornton, Tau862; and numerous others, the foundationfor the future was condensed into fourwide-reaching premises. First, fundamentalchanges had to be made in the executive andlegislative structure of the fraternity. Sec-ond, the National Office needed to offermore services to the existing chapters.Third, the financial stability of the NationalOffice had to be secured if growth anddevelopment were to occur. Finally, a plan ofaction to add new chapters to the ranks of PhiSigma Pi had to be developed. If anything was

learned from the past seven decades, it was that this fraternity would reach itspotential only with a strong national organization in place to serve as a resource forits chapters.

A new marketing approach was taken, and it proved to be phenomenallysuccessful. A brochure was developed to attract eligible students. Professionalposters and advertisements were created, and personalized stationery and enve-lopes were produced. The Purple & Gold newsletter began to be printedprofessionally. Its informative announcements, essays, reports, and photographsadded the finishing touch in the effort to let the world know that Phi Sigma Pi wasa unique group which would be an asset to any campus. This was a very refreshingalternative for many institutions. So refresh-ing, in fact, that by May 1989, twelve new orreactivated chapters were added to the rolls ofactive chapters, bringing the total to eighteen.

Since the founding of Phi Sigma Pi, theNational Office was traditionally located inthe home of the National Secretary. Eachtime a new Secretary was elected, the officemoved to a different part of the country.Since 1951, the office of Secretary/Trea-surer was held by a Sigma brother. For thisreason, it became an unofficial understand-ing that the National Office was located inLancaster, Pennsylvania. However, as morechapters were added, the workload on thevolunteer National Officers intensified, andthe supplies and equipment required to run

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the fraternity were quickly overwhelming thecapacity of the Secretary/Treasurer's home.To remedy this situation, the National Officewas officially separated from the Secretary/Treasurer in 1988. The fraternity beganrenting 1,000 square feet of space inMillersville, Pennsylvania, as its official of-fice, and a part-time administrative assistantwas hired to manage many of the day-to-dayfunctions.

In Search of Excellence1990–Present

With twenty active chapters and manymore targeted for development, the National Council made one of the boldestmoves in the fraternity’s history by hiring a full-time executive director in July 1990.Since that time, the fraternity's full-time staff has grown to include a director ofexpansion, director of member services, region consultants, office manager, andan administrative assistant. With the addition of more chapters and staff, theNational Office quickly outgrew its Millersville location. In January 1992, thefraternity purchased a three-story townhouse in downtown Lancaster. As the final

step in a long journey for theNational Office, a permanentheadquarters was constructed inthe Lancaster area in the spring of1996.

These developments could nothave occurred had it not been forthe ever-increasing financialsecurity of the national treasury.For years, the leanness of thenational treasury prevented thedevelopment of the fraternity.Since 1986, readjustments in dues

and fees, along with increased memberships and sales items, generated revenuesthat have caused the national budget to increase significantly. However, the taskof achieving financial security is far from accomplished. To this end, a databaseof over 20,000 alumni has been established, and current addresses are being addeddaily. A program is also being developed to bring these alumni back into Phi SigmaPi as sources of leadership, professional expertise, and financial assistance.

Chapters prosper with guidance and support. This concept is critical to thelong-term stability of the fraternity. Initially, if a chapter is to operate efficiently,resources must be made available for the education of new members and the

Phi Sigma Pi National Headquarters

Jeffrey L. Johnson

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training of existing members. To this end, the National Office published its firstGuidebook in 1987, with revisions in 1988 and 1990. This publication was gearedtoward chapter committees and provided examples of service projects, fund-raisers, recreational events, speakers, and leadership and management skills. By1991, the Guidebook evolved into individual committee and officer manuals. Inaddition, The Scholar's Province handbook, originally written in 1941, continuesto be revised and improved periodically.

The National Office also sponsors several seminars at the annual nationalconvention and attempts to have a national representative visit each chapter at leastonce a year to help further develop the chapter’s potential. When guidance fails andthe chapter borders on inactivity, national support is essential if the chapter is to staymaintained. Since 1986, when chapters could not help themselves, national supporthas manifested itself through financial assistance, consultation, emergency trips, andorganizing and operating membership drives. The ability to do this has saved severalchapters in times of crisis. These chapters would have gone inactive without thechanges that have served to strengthen the National Office.

The leaps and bounds made since 1986 have been remarkable. Once again,this is a growing, promising national organization. The National Office exists forthe chapter and because of the chapter. The two are so closely linked that onecannot survive without the other. Working together as a national unit has broughtthis fraternity to its brightest spot in its history; the potential for growth anddevelopment is limitless. The only thing that can hold us back now are our ownprejudice and ignorance.

The National Vision for Phi Sigma Pi

Over the years, it has become increasingly apparent that Phi Sigma Pi needsto have a vision—a formalized statement of legitimacy for the many changes thatare occurring. A national vision is not new to Phi Sigma Pi. Hendricks, McClure,and Phillips envisioned the day when our fraternity would have a chapter at over200 teaching colleges throughout the United States. That was their vision, theirultimate goal, their finish line.

It requires a tremendous amount of effort, planning, leadership, time, money,and commitment to achieve a vision—to make the hundreds of changes andimprovements necessary to turn aspirations into reality. With that in mind, PhiSigma Pi aspires to be the leader in the fraternity world, as evidenced by:

— international chapter representation;— nationwide name recognition;— world class member education and services;— quality lifelong contacts and continued opportunities for member

participation;— a nationwide network of employers and associations;

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— pioneering efforts in fraternity marketing, advertising, recruiting,communication, and mass media;

— a persistence in fostering the integrity of Phi Sigma Pi; and— a continued commitment to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and

fellowship through training and participating in supporting events.

Local History

Every chapter has its own beginning, which makes it difficult to go into full detail.You will be learning as well as creating the history of your local chapter. As newlocal landmarks happen, be sure to note them.

Chapter name: _______________________________________________

Date founded: ________________________________________________

Chapter consultant: ____________________________________________

Chapter faculty advisor: _________________________________________

Local awards: ________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Interesting facts about my chapter: _________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

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The Founders

Phi Sigma Pi was the brainchild of President Eldo L. Hendricks, Dean Claude

A. Phillips, and Professor C. H. McClure of what is now Central Missouri State

University in Warrensburg, Missouri. Approximately 20,000 students in aca-

demic institutions with Phi Sigma Pi chapters have enjoyed a rich professional

experience because of the vision and zeal of these three founders, of whom

President Hendricks was the leader. Early members of Alpha Chapter will

always remember the fellowship, hospitality, and professional inspiration stimu-

lated by the fraternity meetings frequently conducted in the home of Dr.

Hendricks.

Dr. Hendricks served as president of the Warrensburg institution from 1915

until his retirement in 1937. He began his service as head of the History

Department in 1910. He was one of the foremost members of the American

Association of Teachers Colleges and was an active champion of progressive

policies for the professional education of teachers. He served the national

organization of Phi Sigma Pi diligently and assumed the newly created position

of Central Regional Director from 1931 until 1935. He was also instrumental in

founding the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma, a national social fraternity

chartered at Warrensburg in 1920. Hendricks died on November 22, 1938, at hishome after suffering a heart attack following an illness that had lasted since June.

With the passing of Dr. Hendricks, Phi Sigma Pi had its first significant break in

the ranks of its founders, and the country lost one of its most well-known figures

from the field of teacher education.

Dr. Claude A. Phillips served for many years as the dean of faculty at the

Eldo L. Hendricks Claude A. Phillips

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Warrensburg institution. He spent a total of

eighteen years at Warrensburg. In 1924,

Dr. Phillips became a professor of educationand director of the University Elementary

School at the University of Missouri. His

lectures and writings on various phases of

elementary education made him well-known

throughout the country. While he was never

very active on the national level, Dr. Phillips

returned to Alpha Chapter to lecture and

inspire well into the 1950s.

Of the three founders, no man put more

of his time and heart into the national devel-

opment of Phi Sigma Pi than Dr. C. H.

McClure, professor of history. He served atWarrensburg for eighteen years, thirteen of

which were as head of the History Depart-

ment. In 1928, McClure accepted a teaching position at the State Teachers

College, Kirksville, Missouri, where he immediately formed a chapter of Phi

Sigma Pi. His efforts led to the chartering of Beta Chapter in 1929. He served

as both National Counselor and Vice President from 1930 to 1937. In recognition

of all that he had given to the fraternity since its nationalization in 1921, he was

awarded the first service key ever issued by Phi Sigma Pi in 1931.

C. H. McClure

Our appraisal of the work of those who have gone before is a measure

of our ability to assume responsibility as guardians of civilization. Phi

Sigma Pi has had at least three great pioneers in its history: Dr. E. L.

Hendricks, whose gracious smile was an inspiration to every student thatentered the doors of Central Missouri State Teachers College— large,

handsome with a Grecian face, he will ever be remembered by those who

knew him; Dr. C. A. Phillips, whose enthusiasm, breadth of vision caused

him to be a favorite of those who were in his classes; Dr. C. H. McClure,

who was able to take the common things in life and make them appear

beautiful and important, and who had the ability to inspire all of his

students with confidence in themselves, will ever be remembered by all

who knew him. May we always cherish the character and the memory

of these three great pioneers. May we always have the enthusiasm and

vision that these men had.

—R. F. Wood, Past National Officer and Faculty Advisor of Alpha Chapter

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The Greek Alphabet

Pronunciation Guide

There are twenty-four letters in the Greek alphabet. Each has both anEnglish and Greek pronunciation. However, because the final effect oftensounds best when the two pronunciations are combined, fraternities are notconsistent in using either exclusively. Fraternities generally use the English "a"sound as in "ask," the Greek "e" sound as in "hay," and the English "i" sound asin "eye."

Greek EnglishΑ Alpha Alpha AlphaΒ Beta Bayta BeetaΓ Gamma Gahmma Gamma∆ Delta Delta DeltaΕ Epsilon Epsilon EpsilonΖ Zeta Zayta ZeetaΗ Eta Ayta EetaΘ Theta Thayta TheetaΙ Iota Iota IotaΚ Kappa Kahppa KappaΛ Lambda Lahmda LambdaΜ Mu Mew MewΝ Nu New NewΞ Xi Zee Zi (eye)Ο Omicron Omicron OmicronΠ Pi Pee Pi (eye)Ρ Rho Rho RhoΣ Sigma Sigma SigmaΤ Tau Tow (owl) TaweΥ Upsilon Oopsilon UpsilonΦ Phi Phee Phi (eye)Χ Chi Chee Chi (eye)Ψ Psi Psee Psi (eye)Ω Omega Omayga Omeega

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Insignia and Heraldry

The Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms has been modified twice since itsinception in 1916. The original Coat of Armsconsisted of a shield bearing the Lamp of Know-ledge, three stars, and clasped hands. The shieldwas bordered by two representations of Hermes,messenger of the Greek gods, who held a largeGreek letter Phi over the shield. A ribbon bearingthe Greek words Paideia, Philia, and Sophiaadorned the bottom of the shield.

As the National Fraternity expanded, the Coat ofArms was redesigned in 1930 to present a moreprofessional image. The new Coat of Armsconsisted of a shield bearing an open book andstaff, three stars, and four clasped links. The shieldwas surmounted by the Lamp of Knowledge andadorned at the bottom with a ribbon upon whichwere embroidered the Greek words Phi Sigma Pi.

The most recent change to the Coat of Arms camein 1940, resulting in a more highly defined version ofthe 1930 Coat of Arms, and one which could bemore easily reproduced. This version is still used bythe National Fraternity.

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Phi Sigma Pi Jewelry

The Membership Pin consists of the three Greek letterscomprising the name of the National Fraternity, linked diago-nally. All new brothers in good standing receive this pin thesemester/quarter following induction into Phi Sigma Pi. Asimilar version of the pin, inlaid with thirteen pearls, may also bepurchased.

The National Crest is the most distinctive piece of NationalFraternity jewelry. It is inlaid with eighteen pearls and is idealfor formal occasions.

The Lavaliere is a piece of jewelry that can be worn on anecklace, bracelet, or keychain. It consists of the three Greekletters comprising the name of the National Fraternity.

The Distinguished Service Key is awarded only by the unani-mous consent of the National Council to individuals who havegiven outstanding service to the National Fraternity. It is alsoavailable as a keypin.

The Chapter Service Key is awarded by the consent of thechapter to individuals who have given outstanding service to PhiSigma Pi. It is also available as a keypin.

The Initiate Pin is furnished by the chapter to all initiates and ismeant to be worn throughout the initiation program. It is returnedto the chapter following induction.

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National policy states that only members of Phi Sigma Pi National HonorFraternity may wear National Fraternity jewelry, and that only members or theprofessional staff may wear clothing bearing the three Greek letters or symbolsrepresenting Phi Sigma Pi.

The selection on the previous page represents only a few of the jewelrypieces available. Contact the National Headquarters for further information.

The Grand Seal

The Grand Seal is circular in form, and the words Phi Sigma Pi Fraternity—Founded 1916 are inscribed around the outer edge. The central portion of theseal bears the three Greek letters.

The Shingle

The Shingle is the membership certificate of Phi Sigma Pi. Each new memberreceives a certificate indicating the individual's name, chapter, institution, anddate of induction. The certificate bears the Grand Seal and has the signatures ofthe National President and National Secretary.

Fraternity Colors

Phi Sigma Pi's colors are purple and gold. White is used as an auxiliary colorwhen needed.

The Ritual

Like most other fraternal organizations, Phi Sigma Pi has a ritual which issecret and known only to those within its circle of brotherhood. Although TheRitual is the only means by which an individual becomes a member of Phi SigmaPi, it is much more than simply a ceremony for the creation of new brothers.

The Ritual is the principal link uniting all members of Phi Sigma Pi. It shouldserve as a constant inspiration, a reminder of the commitment made to Phi SigmaPi, and a guide to a better way of life. It must not be so well guarded that membersforget its concepts, commitments, and expectations.

The effectiveness of my message is in direct proportion to your knowledgeand belief in my values.

—Edward M. King, The Secret Thoughts of a Ritual

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Brothers Are We

Music by Charles Darrin, Words by Edward IngrahamCopyright 1933 by Theta Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi

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Purpose of the Initiation Program

The initiation program is a time of learning. It is also a time when bothyou and the active chapter have the opportunity to assess whether or not PhiSigma Pi is the organization for you. If you are to reach your full potentialas a brother and leave your mark on the National Fraternity's history, youneed to have a complete and balanced understanding of the NationalFraternity very early in your association with Phi Sigma Pi. You need toknow the nature of the group, understand its goals, and learn how it functionsby experiencing it for yourself.

The main purpose of the initiation program is to prepare you for activemembership in Phi Sigma Pi. Every new member of Phi Sigma Pi must becompletely prepared for the duties and responsibilities that membershipdemands. Our leaders of tomorrow must be able to understand chapteroperations today to ensure the fraternity's continued success. To this end,the National Council has established the following guidelines. These guide-lines should become both your goals and the chapter’s goals for the initiationprogram.

1. Become acquainted with the chapter's active alumni and honorarymembers and advisor(s).

2. Learn all you can about each brother and fellow initiate.3. Learn the National Constitution and Chapter Bylaws.4. Become familiar with the names and faces of the National Officers

and National Staff.5. Know the locations of other Phi Sigma Pi chapters.6. Learn about your college or university as well as the surrounding

community.7. Develop pride in and dedication to Phi Sigma Pi.8. Introduce yourself to situations requiring leadership.9. Place yourself in positions of responsibility.

10. Learn how the organization works as well as the purpose and idealsof Phi Sigma Pi.

11. Involve yourself in fellowship-building activities.12. Help develop national and chapter unity.13. Learn national and chapter history.

The initiation program is meant to be a process of learning, inspiration,cohesiveness, and achievement—not degradation, humiliation, or hazing. Whileeach individual must earn and deserve the privilege of membership in Phi SigmaPi, this must be accomplished in a positive, character-building, dignified, and

The Initiation Program

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constructive manner. Although each chapter differs as to how its initiationprogram strives to achieve the aforementioned goals, its requirements and policymust be in agreement with the National Constitution. Additionally, since thechapter exists within the framework of the collegiate institution, it is notunreasonable for the chapter to require that all initiates have a working knowledgeof the school’s history and traditions. The initiation program is a time of doing,participating, working, thinking, and achieving. If you cannot master the minimalyet essential obligations required by the initiation program, then the chapter isjustified in assuming that your sincerity and desire are superficial and that you arenot yet ready for the greater obligations and responsibilities of active membership.

Rights and Responsibilities of the Initiate

An initiate is a novice, and therefore justly limited in his or her ability toinfluence Phi Sigma Pi policies, practices, decision-making, and activities. Thisis because the knowledge of the initiates is incomplete, their talents are untested,and their experience is not yet acquired.

Although the initiates' influence is limited at this time, they still have the basicrights granted to all members of the National Fraternity. Phi Sigma Pi believes thatinitiates who are treated with respect during their initiation program tend to makebrothers who respond more maturely to the duties and responsibilities ofmembership.

Initiates never surrender any of their social or legal rights. The only thing thatchanges when individuals enter the initiation program is that they have assumednew responsibilities. All initiates have the right to expect mature, responsiblebehavior from the active members. Likewise, the initiates must conduct them-selves in a similar manner.

Membership in Phi Sigma Pi does not require the initiates to submit toundignified, humiliating, or degrading stunts. Phi Sigma Pi is a brotherhood.Although some members may have the authority to make decisions, no member

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or initiate is obligated to take any type of abuse from any other. There is no placein Phi Sigma Pi for physical hazing, mental or sexual harassment, or any otheractivities which some fraternities have unfortunately used in the past in the nameof fun and games. The National Constitution defines hazing and the ramificationsfor any chapter partaking in this type of destructive activity. Phi Sigma Pi meanstoo much to too many people to have its future destroyed by irresponsible actsdevised with no substance or foresight.

However, the initiates are expected to fulfill certain obligations and partici-pate in projects with the chapter. These tasks may benefit the chapter as a wholeor be geared toward cultivating the intellectual, service, or social potential of theindividual. By fulfilling these assignments, the initiates demonstrate theireagerness to take on responsibility and work for the betterment of Phi Sigma Pi.

While each initiate deserves the same consideration and respect as anyactive member, this in no way implies that the initiate is immune from constructivecriticism. Chapters must enforce rules and policies intended for the benefit ofeveryone. If an individual does not observe these regulations, this person shouldexpect to be corrected if the situation warrants. This can be as simple as a verbalwarning from a chapter officer or as final as termination in the initiation programor termination of membership.

National Expectations

The national expectations have been set forth to provide a guideline for boththe chapter as well as the initiate. It is believed that meeting the expectations willaid in preparing the initiate for active membership into the fraternity. The eventslisted below should be planned and/or completed by the initiates with theassistance of the perspective committees and the chapter during their initiationprogram.

1. Coordinate a fund-raising activity2. Coordinate a service project3. Coordinate a social event4. Learn Phi Sigma Pi history as well as fraternity songs and grip.5. Allow time for study hours6. Meet with each committee7. Attend chapter meetings8. Pass the national membership exam9. Fulfill financial obligations

Developing a Constructive Outlook

The initiates' attitudes toward the initiation program and the NationalFraternity is an important factor in determining their progress toward the goal ofactive membership in Phi Sigma Pi. Because the initiation program is a time of

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orientation and acclimation, the best outlook one can have throughout the programis one of inquiry, open-mindedness, and cooperation.

Questions should be asked during this period. As an initiate, you must wantto learn and must have the respect and willingness to be instructed. You shouldtry to remain open to situations until you fully understand them.

Projects that you undertake during the initiation program should be educa-tional. All activities should have legitimate purposes behind them. If you havequestions or doubts regarding projects, by all means, approach a brother with yourthoughts and feelings. No individuals should be subjected to situations that theyfeel are against their values or beliefs.

Initiates earn brotherhood through hard work, dedication, and characterdevelopment, not by performing ludicrous stunts or actions. The initiation programis a time of reflection and personal growth. It is a process of becoming a goodmember by learning about Phi Sigma Pi history and ideals and developingleadership skills. The National Headquarters is very proud of the fact that ourchapters conduct responsible and inspiring initiation programs. Phi Sigma Pi ismeant to be a positive experience designed to be contributory and beneficialthroughout a person's life.

Managing Your Time

While in college, your first priority is undoubtedly academic work. Uponjoining Phi Sigma Pi, the fraternity should become one of your top priorities. PhiSigma Pi will constantly strive to complement your academic pursuits and tonever interfere with your academics. However, you should strive to ensure thatno other campus commitments cause you to neglect, undercut, or devalue yourfraternity obligations.

Similarly, your involvement in the National Fraternity should not cause youto drop out of other campus organizations to which you belong. Phi Sigma Piwants you to get involved, make the most of your college years, and become awell-rounded individual. Because Phi Sigma Pi is not a social Greek fraternity,there is no conflict of interest if a member of a social fraternity or sorority joinsPhi Sigma Pi, or vice versa. Additionally, since Phi Sigma Pi is an honor fraternity,membership in an honor society does not pose a conflict of interest. However,Phi Sigma Pi emphasizes the need for all members to be committed to therequirements and obligations of membership. Membership in other campusorganizations is discouraged only if you cannot uphold your responsibilities to PhiSigma Pi. Phi Sigma Pi should not have to suffer because an individual cannotmanage his or her time as a result of too many extracurricular commitments. Theadvancement of Phi Sigma Pi should be a top priority of each member.

The way you manage your time is the key to getting the most out of theactivities you have joined. Study should never serve as an easy excuse to avoidparticipating in chapter functions. Good time management skills will benefit younot only in college, but for the rest of your life as well. The high caliber student

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attracted to Phi Sigma Pi tends to be a very busy person. A sign of your maturityis how well you are able to organize your time and balance your priorities so thatall of your responsibilities are properly fulfilled while you still enjoy leisure time.

Phi Sigma Pi should serve as a source of encouragement, growth, andinspiration. It should also provide academic, service, and recreational opportunityfor all members. Be sure that you can balance your activities and do justice tothem all.

Choosing the Right Path

Almost everyone questions the value or benefit of a project, occupation, orsituation at some time in life. This is especially true when the circumstances arerigorous and demanding. With this in mind, it is also probably true that nearlyevery initiate will reach a point when the responsibilities, pressures, and demandsof membership in Phi Sigma Pi seem greater than any of the possible benefits.The initiation program is a time of trial. Demands seem to come from everydirection, and meeting them is sure to test anyone’s patience, perseverance, timemanagement skills, and understanding. Unfortunately, the initiate is placed in aposition of having to complete these demands without being able to truly assessthe future positive value that fulfilling these demands will have on his or herfraternity experience, college performance, and employment potential.

All fraternities have imperfections. Disagreements between student mem-bers may arise. There will be many crossroads throughout the initiation program.Because of this, it is crucial to look at all factors in perspective and avoid makingany rash decisions. Consider all things carefully. It is easy to quit. It takes muchmore strength to persevere through uncertain times.

All members and initiates have at least one thing in common: they are allunique individuals with their own personalities, desires, and backgrounds. Onecannot expect the many individuals who make up a chapter to have perfectlymatched viewpoints, ideals, morals, and temperaments. It may be easy toassociate only with people who share your values and goals, but it has very littlebenefit in preparing you for post-graduate experiences and relating to others whodo not always see eye-to-eye with you.

Fraternities are not perfect because they, like all other organizations, aremade up of human beings. We all have faults and weaknesses as well asstrengths and attributes. The goal of this fraternity is to recognize our limitations,to continue to develop the positive aspects we all possess, and to pull together asbrothers for the advancement and benefit of the entire group.

No matter how long the initiation program lasts, it offers very little time foran in-depth sampling of the fraternity experience. The initiation program is a timeof change, adjustment, and realization of one’s potential. It passes much tooquickly for some purposes, and it seems far too long for others. Today’s initiateis not the same person as tomorrow’s member. They are different people dueto the impact of the initiation experiences. If you make the most of these

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experiences and help others around you do the same, membership in Phi SigmaPi will be all you want it to be.

When making a decision to continue or terminate your participation in theinitiation program, the initiate is encouraged to talk to the chapter members abouthis or her concerns. Through communication, many would-be challenges havebeen transformed into terrific opportunities.

Phi Sigma Pi's Anti-Hazing Policy

Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity does not condone physical or mental(emotional) hazing of any kind, by any definition. The Grand Chapter strictlyprohibits the hazing of individuals involved in any fraternity activities, includinginitiation.

As stated in the National Constitution, "Hazing shall be defined as, but notlimited to, any action taken or situation created, intentionally, to produce mentalor physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment and ridicule. The actions andsituations include, but are not limited to: paddling in any form, creation ofexcessive fatigue, physical and psychological shock, scavenger hunts whichinvolve illegal activities, one-way road trips which leave an individual to find returntransportation, wearing apparel at any time or location which is not appropriate,required engagement in public stunts or buffoonery, morally degrading games orhumiliating activities, compulsory consumption of any alcoholic beverages orcontrolled substances or non-controlled substances, and any other activitieswhich are not consistent with the regulations and policies of the shelteringinstitution, or behavior considered as unbecoming of a Member of Phi Sigma Pi."

If for any reason you believe that you have been in a situation where hazinghas occurred or you believe there is a threat of hazing, please call 800-366-1916.

I am done with the great things and big things; great institutions and bigsuccesses. I am for those tiny, invisible, molecular moral forces that workfrom individual to individual; creeping in through the crannies of the worldlike so many soft rootlets or like the capillary oozing of water, but which, givethem time, will rend the hardest monument of man's pride.

—Author Unknown (quoted in the January 1932 Lampadion)

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Rights and Responsibilities

At the conclusion of the initiation program, each initiate assumes the statusof an active member along with all rights and responsibilities. All active membersare expected to maintain at least the minimum academic average required by thechapter throughout their undergraduate careers. Some chapters have probationaryperiods for those who fall below the minimum. This essentially entails a temporaryloss of voting privileges. Often, other chapter members can help those who maybe struggling to improve their study habits and time management skills.

At the time of the induction ceremony, membership in Phi Sigma Pi becomespermanent. Membership can only be terminated through death or expulsion.Members expelled from a chapter automatically forfeit their national membershipstatus as well. Suspension or expulsion of an individual member can occur for,but is not limited to,

— willful violation or disregard for the National Constitution, ChapterBylaws, Fraternal Governance Document, or disobeying lawful PhiSigma Pi authority;

— conduct unbecoming of a member of Phi Sigma Pi, such as actionswhich would discredit the individual or chapter;

— disrespect for academic excellence or integrity;— blatant neglect of membership commitments, such as excessive absen-

teeism or inactivity;— failure to meet national or chapter financial obligations.

Because each chapter is a democracy, every active member not only has theright, but also the obligation, to vote on all decisions that affect the operation andfuture of the National Fra-ternity. Additionally, eachactive member has the rightto vote on all candidates formembership to help deter-mine the caliber of brotherswho will inherit the task ofkeeping the chapter strongand productive. With thisselection comes the respon-sibility of making decisionsthat are free of personalbiases and pettiness—deci-sions which have the best

The Active Undergraduate Member

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interests of Phi Sigma Pi in mind.All active members have the right to run for chapter office, provided they

meet the requirements of the National Constitution and Chapter Bylaws. Allactive members have the right to vote, present proposals, and express theiropinions on issues influencing the chapter. While all members have the right toobject to a particular issue or vote, they also have the responsibility to respect thewishes and decisions of the majority of the group and to look out for the overallwelfare of the National Fraternity. Only through open-mindedness and discuss-ing viewpoints face-to-face can each member grow both intellectually andsocially.

Each member has the responsibility to respect authority, whether it be towardchairpersons, Chapter or National Officers, or National Staff. Only throughcooperation can these elected or appointed officials do their jobs efficiently andproductively to benefit the entire organization. Everyone has the responsibility torespect the opinions of others. Therefore, members of Phi Sigma Pi should bewell-informed about the issues or topics they are advocating or opposing,especially when the issues will have an impact on chapter operations.

Finally, each active member has the responsibility to know and abide by theNational Constitution, Chapter Bylaws, and Fraternal Governance Document.This includes, but is not limited to,

— payment of dues and fees;— meeting all deadlines;— serving on at least one committee per year;— regular attendance at all business meetings, with excused absences only

for circumstances beyond one’s control;— active participation in chapter projects and events;— academic integrity.

While each member has the right to request local inactivity from their chapterfor a semester or quarter under extreme circumstances, it is that member'sresponsibility not to abuse this privilege or use it as a means to deny responsibili-ties. It is also the individual's responsibility to inform the chapter in writing of hisor her intent to become inactive for a period of time.

Phi Sigma Pi is strongly opposed to members becoming locally inactive.Unless the situation is extremely unusual, two consecutive semesters or quartersof local inactivity may be considered grounds for expulsion. Examples of validreasons for local inactivity include, but are not limited to, family death or illness,personal illness, or other circumstances beyond the individual's control. Being toobusy or not wanting to be active are not valid reasons for claiming inactivity.

The Ideal Chapter Member

The goal of each member must be chapter maximization, not just chapter

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survival. To achieve this, and the tremendous personal benefits which it confers,takes leadership skills and open-mindedness on everyone's part.

Each member exerts influence on the rest of the chapter. Whether this is apositive or negative influence depends upon your understanding of and attitudetoward the Fraternity. For the benefit of the chapter, each member and initiateshould strive for the following:

1. Knowledge of Phi Sigma Pi. Each member should possess a command-ing knowledge and understanding of the National Fraternity, its purpose,goals, regulations, and policies.

2. Desire to serve. Every member will be an asset to the group if there isa deep sense of commitment to the welfare of the organization.

3. Devotion of time and energy. Each member must be willing to sacrificeand make time for the advancement of the organization.

4. Accept responsibility. By accepting the responsibilities of membership,each member can make positive contributions to the group.

5. Work with others in team spirit. Cooperation is the key to success forany group. Remember that this is a democracy; even though you maynot agree with a decision of the majority, you are committed to supportingit. Stubbornness only creates problems. Cooperative efforts build widerfriendships.

6. Diligence and motivation. When duties are assigned, members mustsee that their part is accomplished thoroughly, and in a timely manner.Forgetting or procrastinating weakens a chapter. Reach deep insideyourself and find self-motivation.

7. Learn to take criticism. No person in a position of authority is immunefrom criticism. You must learn to sort out the constructive (from whichyou can learn) from the malicious (which you must ignore).

8. Ability to face adversity. Things will not always go well. Failures willhappen. A good leader learns to take things in stride and learn from theseexperiences.

9. Delegate authority when necessary. Each member who holds author-ity must be able to give power to others to gain trust and foster motivationand productivity.

10. Make decisions. Leadership involves making decisions—sometimestough decisions—on a regular basis. You must be prepared to take astand for the good of the chapter.

11. Freedom from prejudices. Narrow-mindedness can present seriousroadblocks to success.

12. Praise, share credit, and give credit where credit is due. Sharing thecredit and praising others will increase members' enthusiasm and pride.

13. Concentrate under difficult conditions. A leader must remain calmand keep the chapter's goals in mind when all others seem to forget.

14. Assume responsibility for your mistakes. Humility is a strength, not a

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weakness. Others respect this quality in a leader.15. Grow and learn. Leadership cannot be cultivated where there is

stagnation.16. Pass on what you have learned. Chapters should not have to reinvent

the wheel each year. Give new members the opportunity to learn fromthe experiences of older members so that the chapter is never at adisadvantage.

17. Maintain a positive attitude. Problems and tasks seem much easier todeal with and accomplish when you have the proper attitude. Othersprefer being near those who are optimistic and enthusiastic.

Financial Obligations

Phi Sigma Pi prides itself on being one of the least expensive nationalfraternities in existence. However, to maintain the level of service provided toour chapters, significant finances are required. The National Fraternity exists foryou, and, like an investment, the monies you pay for the privilege of membershipcome back to you in the form of many tangible and intangible dividends andbenefits. The tangible dividends are the goods and services provided by theNational Headquarters; the intangible benefits include lifelong friendships,opportunities for personal and professional advancement, self-satisfaction andfulfillment, pride, and much more.

All new members of Phi Sigma Pi are responsible for a one-time NationalInduction Fee, established by the National Council. For this fee, each newmember receives a membership certificate, handbook, and permanent recordimplementation.

All active and inactive members in residence are required to pay NationalDues, as established by the National Council, by October 15 and March 1 of eachacademic year (for those institutions on a quarter system, dues are to be paid byOctober 30, January 30, and April 30 of each academic year). These dues mustalso be paid by all newly inducted members. For these monies, members receivethe Purple & Gold newsletter as well as eligibility benefits for the many servicesprovided by the National Fraternity to active chapters and members, such aschapter visitations by National Staff, consultations, conventions, regional confer-ences, training manuals, e-mail, and handbooks for each semester or quarter.

There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his way alone. Allthat we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.

—Edwin Markham (frequently quoted by Dr. Richard C. Todd)

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The Active Collegiate Chapter

Chapter Structure

The undergraduate chapter is the most dynamic unit of Phi Sigma Pi.Chapters experience a large degree of autonomy in finding their own balance ofscholarship, leadership, and fellowship through their selection of academic,service and activities.

While chapters essentially chart their own course, there are rules andregulations of the National Fraternity that serve to protect the ideals, image,prosperity, and financial stability of the national entity. Chapters are granted thepowers, authority, privileges, and honors of membership in Phi Sigma Pi as longas they abide by the National Constitution and Fraternal Governance Document,and provided their actions do not jeopardize the welfare of the national organiza-tion. Above all, each chapter is expected to contribute positively to the growthof the National Fraternity as a whole.

Each chapter is governed by its own Chapter Bylaws, which cannot conflictwith the National Constitution. The bylaws are the basis for chapter operationand organization. The chapter is organized into officers and committees. Eachchapter member, in recognition of his or her obligations to Phi Sigma Pi, isexpected to accept responsibility and demonstrate leadership skills throughout hisor her undergraduate years in the chapter. It is vital to a chapter's survival toselect officers and chairpersons who have great enthusiasm and love for PhiSigma Pi. Chapters can reach their full potential only if they can rely on the hardwork and leadership skills of a large percentage of their members.Everyone must give 100 percent.

A good leader is one who knows where he is going and can guide othersinto better situations in life. He makes people want to do, to grow andto attain desirable ends. . . Any person who is entitled to bear the emblemof this fraternity is quite above the average possibility in the direction ofleadership ability. He should choose unhesitatingly to develop thispotentiality to its utmost . . . A good leader must be a good follower. Hemust improve all the while. He must be satisfied to accept people as hefinds them or meets them. He must not complain or nag. . . He mustbe tolerant and unpretending.

—Simon S. Shearer

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Chapter Officers

Officers are elected annually by a vote of the eligible chapter members.Chapter officers should have completed at least one full semester or quarter ofactive membership, not including the semester of initiation. Chapter presidentsshould have completed at least two full semesters or two full quarters.

Elected positions within the chapter typically make up the Executive Board.The board consists of, but is not limited to, a president, vice president, secretary,treasurer, initiate advisor, parliamentarian and historian. These chapter memberswill democratically organize the chapter and oversee the daily chapter operations.As a committee, they have the power to act on behalf of the chapter on mattersof immediate importance. Therefore, officers should have excellent leadership,communication, and time management skills. Please refer to the NationalConstitution for more specific duties.

Chapter Committees

Ideas become reality through the action and interaction of committees.Chapters have both permanent and temporary committees. Permanent commit-tees exist for an indefinite period of time due to an ongoing need. Temporarycommittees are formed on a short-term basis, and as needs arise.

Chapters require members to actively participate on at least one permanentcommittee per year. The typical permanent committees include the following:

1. Service. Plans projects to provide financial assistance and manpowerto national, local, and university charities.

2. Fund-raising. Raises funds for chapter use or for the benefit of charity.3. Program and Public Relations. Promotes scholarship by scheduling

speakers, seminars, and workshops. This committee also assists inadvertising fraternity events in the media.

4. Alumni. Keeps alumni informed of events and chapter progress.5. Awards and Scholarship. Provides for the recognition of outstanding

fraternity members and distinguished citizens.6. Social and Recreational. Plans functions which allow for interaction

and the fostering of fraternal fellowship.7. Initiation. Assists the Initiate Advisor and provides for dedicated

leadership for the future through the recruitment and training of newmembers.

Rules of Parliamentary Procedure

Rules of parliamentary procedure were developed to guarantee the rights ofpersons or subgroups within an organization's total membership and to helpensure that meetings run more smoothly. While parliamentary procedure should

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place reasonable time limits on discussion and set an order for topics to bedebated, it should never be used as a means to silence members or stifle ideas.

Each chapter should possess a copy of the most current edition of Robert'sRules of Order Newly Revised. The following outline includes some of thebasics:

I. Order of BusinessA. Call to orderB. Reading and correction or approval of minutes from last meetingC. Officer reportsD. Permanent or standing committees' reportsE. Temporary or special committees' reportsF. Unfinished businessG. New businessH. Adjournment

II. How to Bring a Motion Before the ChapterA. A member or committee makes a motion in the form, "I/we move that

(state the motion in the form of an action)."1. Motion made by a member requires a second2. Motion from a committee does not require a second3. Second merely means that another person agrees that the motion

should come up for discussionB. President repeats the motion and asks for discussionC. Members may have a set amount of time to speak pro or con to the

motion

III. How to Vote on a MotionA. Voice (most common method)B. RisingC. Show of handsD. Secret ballot (for election of officers, voting on new members, and

voting on events where an individual's choice is best kept private)

IV. How to Amend a MotionA. Add or insert certain words or paragraphsB. Strike out certain words or paragraphs (if that motion fails to pass,

another amendment is possible)C. Strike out certain words or paragraphs and insert others (this motion

cannot be divided, but if it fails to pass, another one can be offered tostrike out the same words and insert different words)

D. Substitute another resolution or paragraph on the same subject for theone that is pending

E. Divide the question into two or more motions, as specified by themover, to get a separate vote on some point(s)

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Characteristics of a Stable Chapter

Strong Leadership and Foresight. Encourage a team effort by delegatingresponsibility and involving others in the planning and work. Select committeechairpersons carefully. Give credit to those who have done the job well; be ontop of those who are lacking in their responsibilities.

Good Meetings. Keep meetings prompt and relevant. Allow for fulldiscussion of all views. Good meetings are informative, productive, and free ofambiguities. The use of parliamentary procedure and well-constructed agendasprovide for good meetings.

Good Projects. Successful projects are the direct result of sound advancedplanning. A good project has a thorough design, sufficient members for comple-tion, successful advertising, and a well thought-out plan for dealing with anypotential problems.

Good Organization. This stems from strong leadership, sound planning,and conscientious follow-through. Effective officers and committee chairs areessential to conduct meetings, special events, activities, or projects.

Ample Dedicated Members. Initiation programs must strive for dedicated,knowledgeable, trustworthy, caring brothers. Chapters cannot survive on ideasalone; they must have bodies. Quantity, without forsaking quality, is alwaysinsurance that the chapter will survive the effects of graduation, attrition,occasional poor recruitment practices, and lean semesters. As a good planningprocedure, chapters are required by the National Constitution to hold an initiationprogram twice a year.

Healthy active chapters are also marked by the following:

— involvement, both on an individual and chapter basis;— member dedication and enthusiasm;— strong recruitment and initiation programs;— chapter structure as dictated by the National Constitution;— regard for the knowledge and advice of alumni, National Officers,

and National Staff;— a positive campus reputation;— conflict management/resolution before problems escalate;— communication among the membership about events and meetings;— regular communication with the National Headquarters;— financial stability.

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Many fraternity members do not realize how much their chapters havedone for them or meant to them until after graduation. Imagine how differentyour life would be if no one had introduced you to Phi Sigma Pi. As analumnus/a, you have the opportunity to pay back a small part of the debt youmay feel and at the same time provide insurance that, in the future, otherscan share in the same beneficial experiences that you had with Phi Sigma Pi.

Because membership in Phi Sigma Pi is a lifetime commitment, yourduties, obligations, and benefits extend well beyond your undergraduateyears. There is an important role for all Phi Sigma Pi members long after theyhave left their undergraduate chapters. Upon graduation or transfer, each

active member assumes alumni status. While the opportunity to participatein the daily activities of the chapter is now impossible, alumni membersremain Phi Sigma Pi brothers and can still render valuable support andservice to the collegiate chapter and the National Fraternity. Whether it isby joining the chapter at a homecoming football game, attending a foundersday banquet, donating money to a national or chapter scholarship, orparticipating in an alumni chapter, each alumni member has the potential tohelp provide chapters and the National Fraternity with long-term strengthand stability.

Alumni who continue to stay involved do so for many of the same reasonsthat undergraduate members do. Making lifelong friendships is still possible,

The Role of Alumni

43

and so are the opportunities to help others. Staying involved allows alumnito renew and uphold the ideals that bind all members of Phi Sigma Pitogether.

Alumni participation is as limitless as you wish to make it. Alumnimembers can continue to take part in National Fraternity activities on avariety of levels. Helping to organize an alumni chapter or playing an activerole as a member of an alumni chapter is just one way to remain involved.

Often, new collegiate chapters are added to Phi Sigma Pi through thedirect assistance of alumni graduate students. These alumni can be valuableresources of experience and knowledge to a new and inexperienced group.In addition, the alumnus/a who initiates the formation of a new undergraduatechapter will receive the title and distinction of being the founder of thatchapter. If you consider doing graduate work at a school where there is noPhi Sigma Pi chapter, contact the National Headquarters to see whatopportunities are available.

In addition, an alumnus/a may participate in and contribute to Phi SigmaPi in the following ways:

— serving as a National Officer;— serving as an alumni advisor or assisting local undergraduate chap-

ters in their initiation programs, projects, job placement programs, alumni programs, or financial plans;

— encouraging college-bound students who show excellent potential toget involved with Phi Sigma Pi at their school;

— attending the annual National Convention or summer Grand ChapterConference;

— joining one of the several National Council Standing Committeescreated to help form ideas and programs which will continuallyimprove the fraternity;

— utilizing the Purple & Gold newsletter to stay current on Phi SigmaPi happenings, as well as share news about yourself with thebrotherhood;

— notifying the National Headquarters of all address changes;— providing financial assistance for national programs such as the

Annual Campaign for Excellence, scholarships, leadership seminars,chapter development, and national conventions and conferences.

If each of the more than 20,000 alumni members made monetarycontributions to Phi Sigma Pi, not only would the financial condition of thenational treasury be bolstered, but the National Fraternity's ability to provideassistance to the undergraduate chapters and expand its programs andservices for all members would increase immensely. Ultimately, this finan-cial security would allow Phi Sigma Pi membership to be offered to manymore college students nationwide.

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Take full advantage of the many opportunities available to you to stayinvolved as an alumnus/a. Maintain your ties with the National Fraternity andcontinue to reap the benefits of membership while helping to strengthen andimprove Phi Sigma Pi at the same time.

Joining an Alumni Chapter

Although Phi Sigma Pi offers alumni a wide range of opportunities tocontinue to participate in the fraternity, many alumni are looking for a means ofactively participating in Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.

If you are interested in continuing to uphold the ideals of scholarship,leadership, and fellowship with other Phi Sigma Pi members, you should considerjoining an alumni chapter.

By becoming involved in an alumni chapter, you may be an invaluable resourceto collegiate chapters by providing career networks and offering sound advice. Analumni chapter acts as a service, fund-raising, and social outlet for Phi Sigma Pialumni.There is also a National Alumni Association which encompasses all alumni.

Activating an Alumni Chapter

If an alumni chapter does not exist in your area, you can activate one by usingsome or all of the following ways to get started:Personal Contact: Contact Phi Sigma Pi alumni in your area to determine ifthey are interested in starting and actively participating in an alumni chapter.Publicize: Announce your interest in starting an alumni chapter by sending theNational Headquarters an article to be published in the Purple & Gold. Over600 alumni receive the national newsletter. Perhaps you will spark the interestof someone in your area!Collegiate Chapter: Contact the alumni committee chairperson at the colle-giate chapter(s) in your area. They can include your plans in any of the mailingsthey send to alumni.Listing: Contact the National Headquarters for a listing of alumni in your area.Invitation: Send out a letter explaining your interest in an alumni chapter andinvite these alumni to meet with you if they share your interest.Petition: You must have at least ten alumni who are interested in starting analumni chapter before you can petition the National Council.Association: The National Council must review and approve your petition.Upon approval, the interest group will obtain association status. The associationis responsible for completing set objectives.Recognition: One year from the date of association approval, the NationalCouncil will review the accomplishments of the association. If the associationmeets all requirements, it will be recognized as a chartered alumni chapter.

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Structure of the Organization

The national organization of Phi Sigma Pi consists of the Grand Chapter, theNational Council and the chapters. The Grand Chapter is the supreme legislativebody of the National Fraternity and consists of the National Council and onedelegate from each chapter. Each National Officer and each collegiate chapterdelegate receives one vote during official business and alumni chapters have a voiceduring debate. The Grand Chapter meets annually.

The supreme executive and administrative body of the National Fraternity isthe National Council. The seven volunteer National Officers are elected to theNational Council every two years by the Grand Chapter. These officers are thenational president, senior vice president, national secretary, vice president offinance, vice president of membership development, vice president of chapterdevelopment, and vice president of alumni development. The National Councilis charged with enforcing the National Constitution and leading the fraternitythrough strategic planning. The National Council meets a minimum of three times

The National Organization

The National Organization

Grand Chapter

National Council

National Staff

National Committees

Collegiate and Alumni Chapters

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each year, and their duties are listed under Article VII of the NationalConstitution.

The National Council employs full-time professionals to assist in the admin-istrative affairs of the fraternity. The National Staff includes an executive director,director of expansion, director of member services, director of public relations,chapter consultants, office manager and an administrative assistant. Theseindividuals allow the National Headquarters to function as a business entity on adaily basis (note-job titles and duties are subject to change).

Duties of the National Staff

The National Council is the governing body of Phi Sigma Pi National HonorFraternity, subject to the direction of the Grand Chapter. Therefore, the NationalCouncil has supreme power, subordinate only to the Grand Chapter. The executivedirector is hired by the National Council to carry out the affairs of Phi Sigma Pi.The executive director, at the direction of the National Council, hires the directorof expansion, director of member services, director of public relations, chapterconsultants, office manager, administrative assistant, and any other officesupport staff . The National Staff are employees of the National Fraternity.Members of the National Staff are subject to review every twelve months. Theyare bonded and reimbursed for travel expenses as deemed necessary by theNational Council.

The National Council interprets the wishes and mandates of the Grand Chapterand transforms them into concrete and instructive policies. All decisions concerningpolicy are made by the National Council. As the chief administrative officer of theNational Fraternity, the executive director provides the National Council with theinformation it needs to make those decisions. Specifically, in direct consultationwith the National Council, the executive director is responsible for supervising theNational Staff; planning conventions, Grand Chapter conferences, and NationalCouncil meetings; and overseeing the financial matters of the fraternity.

The director of expansion's primary responsibility is the activation of newcollegiate chapters throughout the United States. This individual first conductsextensive research to determine which collegiate institutions are best suited tofurther the advancement of Phi Sigma Pi's mission and goals as well as the viabilityof chapters at these particular campuses. This is carried out in consultation withthe National Council. After making initial contacts, a working relationship isdeveloped with the administration at prospective schools, introductory meetingsare planned, and meeting locations, dates, and times are established. The directorof expansion then takes the actions necessary to start each new chapter which hasbeen approved by the National Council for activation, which includes conductingmeet nights, organizational meetings, induction ceremonies, and any follow-upmeetings necessary for the guidance of the new chapter's executive board andmembership.

The director of member services is responsible for alumni development,

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managing the annual campaign for excellence, developing corporate sponsor-ships and investigating affinity programs to increase member services and non-dues revenues. In addition, the director of member services is also the supervisorand trainer of the region consultants. Other duties include all publications, rangingfrom the Purple & Gold to The Scholar's Province to the website and all othermanuals as well as brochures and posters.

Phi Sigma Pi's chapter consultants are the main link between the active collegiatechapters and the National Council. Although their duties can best be summed up bysaying that they counsel the chapters via extensive phone contact, e-mail, and chaptervisitations, there are many facets to this responsibility. Besides the occasionalemergency trips made to chapters in immediate need of assistance, the regionconsultants plan developmental trips to each of their chapters on a regular basis. Theymeet with chapter officers, committee chairs, advisors, and the entire membershipwhenever possible, to discuss such matters as advertising, membership developmentand recruiting practices, image enhancement, and productivity. They help toevaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the chapters, and aid in developingguidelines and programs designed to benefit all chapters. In addition to monitoringchapter initiation programs and assisting with the activation of new chapters, theregion consultants also produce a number of chapter reports during the year tokeep the National Council abreast of the progress of all Phi Sigma Pi chapters.

The office manager works closely with the support staff; oversees the receiptof chapter forms, fees and dues, and notifies chapters of any delinquencies;supervises the administrative assistant; ensures that a sufficient quantity of office andchapter supplies are always kept in stock; assists with convention and meetingplanning; supervises the fraternity's chapter and mass mailing efforts; and attends tothe financial needs of the fraternity, such as paying bills and preparing bank deposits.

The administrative assistant works hand-in-hand with the entire staff to ensurethat the National Headquarters functions smoothly on a daily basis. This individualis responsible for performing the bulk of the fraternity's database management;processing all paperwork and mail which comes into and is sent out of the NationalHeadquarters; assisting with the fraternity's chapter and mass mailing efforts; assistingwith preparations for new chapter activation; carrying out other general clerical,office, and administrative duties as necessary; and acting as the office receptionistand switchboard operator.

The National Staff works together as a team to accomplish the tasks set beforethem. Staff duties may overlap or be shared if necessary to get the job done.Chapters are encouraged to keep the lines of communication open between theactive membership and the National Headquarters—whether there are potentialproblems to be solved or there is simply some good news to be shared.

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Professional Fraternity Association Membership Benefits

On September 10, 1993, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity became amember of the Professional Fraternity Association (hereafter referred to as thePFA). This organization, formed in 1977, exists to advocate and encourageexcellence in scholarship, the advancement of professional and interfraternityethics, and cooperation among member fraternities for the advancement offraternal ideals. It also desires to encourage the formation of area/campusprofessional fraternity councils on campuses of recognized colleges, universities,and professional schools, and serves to identify and advise member fraternities ofsocial, political, and economic legislation which could affect their operations. ThePFA meets annually in convention at various sites throughout the United States toconduct business, participate in educational seminars, honor outstanding individu-als in the professional world, and to share fellowship and ideas.

To be eligible for membership in the PFA, a fraternity must be national orinternational in character and charter its institutional chapters only at appropriatelyaccredited colleges, universities, or professional schools. Membership in the PFAnot only serves to enhance Phi Sigma Pi's credibility in the eyes of university faculty,administration, and prospective members, but it also provides the opportunity forthe national organization to interact with similar organizations and gain insight intotheir structure and the member services which they offer.

Through Phi Sigma Pi's membership in the PFA, a long-standing goal of theNational Council has finally been realized—to achieve recognition by a respectednational association whose goals parallel many of our own. The PFA has providedus with perspective on how Phi Sigma Pi fits into the fraternity world. It has openednew doors and given us many new ideas and resources for the development andwell-being of our fraternity. And, in the spirit of Phi Sigma Pi, it has also given usthe opportunity to provide support, encouragement, and advice to other profes-sional fraternities who may be struggling through the very early stages ofdevelopment.

National Services and SuppliesThe National Fraternity constantly strives to enhance its operations as well as theservices it provides to its members. Recent improvements include the developmentand implementation of a more sophisticated database system, which will allowchapters to fill out the necessary semester/quarter forms online. In addition, chaptermembers will have the ability to pay dues, convention, and grand chapter feesonline. The fraternity website will be updated with all forms and information sothe user can make use of a virtual "one stop" experience. Even The Purple &Gold will be on the website. Finally, The Scholar's Province will be availableon CD-Rom.

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The following is a breakdown of the specific supplies, services, and publicationsavailable to all members through the National Headquarters.

National Fraternity SuppliesBanners National FormsBrochures Newspaper AdsCamera-ready Artwork NotecardsCertificates of Recognition Pens and PencilsDecals (displaying the Coat of Arms) Posters (for advertising purposes)Folders Recruitment VideotapeFraternity Song on CD RollbooksGavel and Sounding Block Shingles (membership certificates)Handbooks (The Scholar's Province) on CD Sportswear (via national supplier)Jewelry (via national supplier) Telephone and Address ListingsManuals

National Fraternity ServicesAdvice and ConsultationAdvertising National RequirementsCommunication Recruitment and InitiationDues and Fees Risk ManagementFund-raising Scholarships and AwardsHistory and Archives Service ProjectsImage Enhancement Social EventsLeadership Training Speakers and SeminarsMorale Improvement Special EventsNational Constitution/Chapter Bylaws Unification of a New GroupFinancial Assistance Chapter visitsGrand Chapter Conference Toll Free NumberNational Convention and AwardsNational Web SiteProperty Insurance

National Manuals and PublicationsAnti-Hazing Policy National ConstitutionCommittee Manuals Officer Training Manuals Alumni President

Awards & Scholarships Vice PresidentFund-raising SecretaryPublic Relations and Programming TreasurerService Recruitment/Initiation AdvisorSocial Parliamentarian

Fraternal Governance Document HistorianIce Breakers Manual Phi Sigma Pi CeremoniesMinutes from National Council Purple & Gold Newsletter and Grand Chapter Meetings Risk Management Manual

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The Annual National Convention and Grand Chapter Conference

Phi Sigma Pi believes that an annual National Convention is essential to theeducation, enthusiasm, communication, and continuity of our brotherhood. It isa time-honored event which brings students, alumni, faculty, and honored gueststogether to enjoy a weekend of activity, fellowship, and personal growth. Oneof the many benefits of membership is the opportunity to attend this conventionusually held in November. Past sites have included Baltimore, Maryland;Washington, D.C.; Charlottesville and Norfolk, Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; Chat-tanooga, Tennessee; and Atlanta, Georgia.

The fall convention normally begins on a Friday evening with registration andthe traditional chapter bazaar. Brothers who attend convention participate invarious educational seminars and fellowship events, and service projects through-out the weekend and can tour the local sites of interest, if time allows. The highlightof convention is the semi-formal awards banquet and dance held on Saturdayevening. Convention formally ends on Sunday around noontime.

The first annual summer Grand Chapter Conference was held in July of 1993in Millersville, Pennsylvania. This conference provides an opportunity forinterested chapter members to become involved in fraternity business and attendeducational sessions as well as meet and discuss issues with other chapters, theNational Council and National Staff.

Grand Chapter Conference registration is usually held on a Thursday evening.The Grand Chapter Conference is dedicated to discussing fraternity business. Iftime permits, educational seminars and exercises, committee meetings, and specialactivities are also conducted during this conference. The Grand ChapterConference concludes on Sunday around mid-day after all remaining GrandChapter business has been fully discussed.

Phi Sigma Pi believes that the annual National Convention and Grand ChapterConference are unique opportunities for fellowship and growth which should beexperienced by all brothers at least once during their undergraduate years.

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Glossary

Active member ..................... a collegiate member who obtained membership and is ingood standing.

Alumna ................................ singular term for a female member of a fraternity who hasgraduated or is no longer in college.

Alumnae ............................... plural form for alumna. (Pronounced alumn-nee)

Alumni ................................. plural form for alumnus or a combined group of alumnusand alumna. (Pronounced alum-neye)

Alumnus .............................. singular term for a male member of a fraternity who hasgraduated or is no longer in college.

Bid ........................................ an invitation to join the initation program.

Bylaws ................................. local governing document supplementing the NationalConstitution.

Collegian .............................. signifying a member of a particular chapter on a collegecampus; She was a collegian at Zeta Zeta Chapter.

Collegiate ............................. describing a member or chapter; His collegiate chapter isZeta Zeta.

Grand Chapter ...................... the National Council, the Collegiate Chapters and theAlumni Chapters.

Incorporated ........................ a process by which an organization receives a state charterallowing it to operate as a nonprofit corporation.

Initiate .................................. a man or woman who is currently involved in a Phi SigmaPi chapter initiation program.

National Constitution .......... the governing document of our fraternity

National Headquarters ......... the physical location where the National Staff works.

National Office ..................... the National Staff and the National Council.

The Ritual ............................ the ceremony in which life long membership is confirmed(also known as Formal Induction).