Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity was founded by Samuel Brown Wylie
Mitchell at the University of Pennsylvania on August 16, 1850.
Along with the Phi Kappa Sigma Ritual, the information below states who
and what we are as a Fraternity and as members of that Fraternity. All members take an oath to uphold these ideals and it
is up to all of us to make sure that we, and those who come after us, learn and understand what it is to be a true “Phi
Kap” and “Man of Honor” and incorporate that into our Chapters and into our lives.
The Objects of the Fraternity
The "Objects of Phi Kappa Sigma" are the ideals upon which Samuel Brown
Wylie Mitchell founded Phi Kappa Sigma and serve as the Fraternity’s “mission statement.”
From Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution and Acts of the Phi Kappa
Sigma Fraternity:
“The Objects of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity shall be the promotion
of good fellowship and the cultivation of the social virtues among our members; the protection of just rights and the advancement
of the best interests, present and future, individual and collective, of all those who shall be associated together as members
of this Fraternity; the encouragement of good scholarship and the breadth of training for our members; and cooperation in
the educational and cultural programs of institutions of higher education in which our Chapters are located.”
The Statement of Core Values
We commit to the value of Trust,
the foundation of a relationship based on a belief in oneself as well as others, which is earned and strengthened through
experience. The value of trust is found in our reliance on each other and enables an open comfort in interacting with brothers.
We commit to the value of Honor,
staying true to a set of higher standards and morals in the face of adversity. Membership in Phi Kappa Sigma means a commitment
to leading an honorable life.
We commit to the value of Respect,
which begins with yourself and the practice of the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This
statement is the acceptance of the ideals of others. In order to move forward as a brotherhood, we must continue to consider
each other's viewpoints.
We commit to the value of Knowledge,
the acquisition of thought, theory and principles following in the footsteps of our founding fathers in accordance with our
oath of brotherhood. With this knowledge we will come closer to self-discovery, the improvement of society and the translation
of knowledge into power.
We commit to the value of Wisdom,
a virtue gained through experiences of self and others. Wisdom is the application of knowledge and past experiences to make
decisions regardless of the situation. Through sharing wisdom, a bond is formed between young and old, teacher and student;
this bond is what brings us together.
We commit to the value of Responsibility,
by being reliable in the fulfillment of the objectives of our Fraternity and our personal obligations, enduring the consequences
of our actions.
We commit to the value of Integrity,
our inner foundation for holding true to our values of trust, honor, respect, knowledge, wisdom, and responsibility that guides
us to make the best decisions.
As we have seen these values to be critical in the past, they will become
even more important in the future!
As adopted by the 90th Grand Chapter, Philadelphia, PA, July 22, 2000
The Five Objectives for a Phi Kap
As a Member, Phi Kappa Sigma expects you to assume responsibility in the
areas of scholarship, fraternal affairs, financial obligations, personal conduct, and contribution to your college community.
Scholarship
The first and foremost ideal of Phi Kappa Sigma is the pursuit of academic
knowledge. The primary goal of each Brother is the attainment of a college education. Each member has an obligation to continually
maintain a sound academic record. This is an obligation that he owes to his family, his Brothers, the Fraternity, and himself.
Since its conception, Phi Kappa Sigma has emphasized scholarship and academic excellence. Initiation into, and participation
in the Fraternity is dependent upon maintaining a respectful scholastic average. Therefore, throughout your college career,
the pursuit of academic endeavors should be continued diligently.
Fraternity
Phi Kappa Sigma is not just another college club or organization, it is
a lifelong commitment. Each member should be thoroughly acquainted with all aspects of the Fraternity, both internationally
and locally. During the New Member education period, each future Brother should strive to obtain a comprehensive understanding
of the operations of the Fraternity and should not hesitate to seek additional information on all aspects of the Fraternity.
Once initiated, each member must make a commitment to Phi Kappa Sigma,
not just to his Chapter, but Internationally as well. The Chapters of the Fraternity are only as strong as its members. Each
Brother is expected to participate actively in Chapter government, finance, recruitment, and New Member education, throughout
his time as an undergraduate member.
Personal Conduct
Phi Kappa Sigma is a Brotherhood of gentlemen. One of the basic tenets
of the Fraternity is that Brothers conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times. Members should be gentlemen at
all times, particularly in conduct, manners, dress, morals, and speech. Ungentlemanly activity should be avoided, so as not
to bring shame to oneself, one’s Chapter, or the Fraternity. Keep in mind, you are a part of a large organization, therefore,
everything you do reflects not only on you and your Chapter, but also on Phi Kappa Sigma as a whole.
Financial Commitment
Each Chapter is a small business that is dependent on each member for
existence. Each individual, from New Member to Chapter president, must meet his own financial obligation in a prompt and timely
manner, or the success of the Chapter could be jeopardized. The Constitution and Acts of the Fraternity clearly state that
any member who fails to honor his financial obligations promptly can be expelled from the Fraternity.
College/University
There has always been considerable discussion concerning the role of fraternities
at institutions of higher learning. Phi Kappa Sigma has always maintained that fraternities are an integral component of higher
education, one of immeasurable value. Chapters of the Fraternity, located throughout the United States and Canada, have always
strived to maintain a cooperative atmosphere with the institution at which they are located. The Chapter and its members should
strive to live up to the ideals of the institution. Mutual cooperation and participation in the educational and cultural programs
are the foundation of good Fraternity-College relations.
Membership Expectations
Membership in the Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity has many privileges.
With these rewards come obligations and expectations that every Brother must fulfill. They are as follows:
- I will strive for academic excellence and encourage it in my Brothers.
- I will always respect other persons. I will refrain from and will not
tolerate physical, mental, psychological, sexual, or hazing abuses to anyone, especially a fellow Fraternity member.
- I will respect my own property and the property of others, and I will
not tolerate the abuse of property by others.
- I will meet all financial obligations in a timely manner.
- I will not abuse alcohol or support alcohol abuse, nor will I condone
the use or possession of illegal substances of any kind.
- I will abide by the laws and policies of the country, state, locality
and my college or university at all times.
- I will keep Chapter property safe, cleaned and maintained.
- I will learn and understand the Ritual of Phi Kappa Sigma and incorporate
the ideals expressed by the Ritual in every day life.
- I will abide by the Constitution and Acts and policies of the Phi Kappa
Sigma Fraternity and the By-laws and policies of the Chapter to which I am affiliated.
- I will strive to keep my Chapter strong by actively participating in
recruitment.
- I recognize that my responsibility to Phi Kappa Sigma does not end upon
graduation and I will always support the Fraternity to the best of my ability.
- I will encourage and challenge other Fraternity members to abide by these
expectations and confront those who fail to do so.
Remember, your conduct not only affects your personal reputation, but
the reputation of your Brothers, your Chapter, and the entire International Fraternity as well.
Public Mottos
"Brotherhood is more than skin deep."
In 1858, a proposal was introduced to the Fraternity that would have made
Phi Kappa Sigma an all-white organization. The proposal was unanimously voted against, therefore making the Fraternity the
first to be anti-discriminatory. Our Brothers choose men to become members based on the worth of their character, not superficialities
like race, religion, or wealth.
"Once a Phi Kap, always a Phi Kap."
Our Brothers retain membership throughout life, because our organization
is a lifelong commitment. Our organization is not something you do for four years in college and then forget about when you
graduate – it is a lifelong learning process, that defines how you mature into a better man, and gives you the ideals
to live by.
Stellis Aequus Durando – “equal to the stars in endurance.”
Our Fraternity has survived hardships, World Wars, and countless other
obstacles, yet we still remain strong. Since 1850, Phi Kappa Sigma has become a durable and everlasting organization that
will succeed for many years to come. You have a chance to become a part of our next 153 years of success.
