FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions & Basic Requirements to Become a Member
call/text 815.977.7537
See additional links at bottom of this page
Break the "Stigma", get to know what
Phi Sigma Kappa
is all about
Where do we begin? You decide!
Let's keep it simple...
1. Fraternity on YOUR terms. Get to know our members by whichever means you are most comfortable with (i.e., hang out, grab a bite to eat, get some coffee, attend a campus/community event, or study together). Just let us know, call/text 815.977.7537
2. See where/how we live by visiting the fraternity house. Schedule an in-person and/or take a video tour.
3. Do your research and seek answers to questions that are important to you. Start by visiting phisig.info/highlights and phisig.info/about.
4. Follow up and let us know if you want or need anything more!
- Call/text 815.977.7537
- Email: Fraternity@phisig.info
- Visit: phisig.info/PNM
Are there any benefits to being a member?
We think so...
Discover the Phi Sig Difference: Where Growth Meets Friendship!
Take a moment to explore our Highlights, About Us, and Benefits pages, where you'll find all the key details. Just so you know, we're a bunch of college students running the show!
Here, we embrace our imperfections and quirks while embarking on a journey of self-discovery. We're all about learning from one another, challenging ourselves, building social connections, supporting mental health, having fun, and growing together. We're not perfect, but we strive to bring out the best in ourselves and our fellow members. And we truly hope that you share the same aspirations.
Phi Sig is more than just a "frat"; it's a catalyst for personal growth beyond the confines of school. Join us, and let your experience with us shape you into a more well-rounded individual as you venture into the world beyond "college life." It's time to thrive, make lifelong friends, and create memories that'll last a lifetime!
We have assembled some links below produced by NIU & Phi Sig National that may be helpful in understanding why joining Greek life is a benefit...
NIU Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) main site
Parents/Family resource page
How much of a time commitment will it require from me to become a member?
A lot less than you would imagine!
The 6-week/meeting "Time Commitment" breakdown (click more)...
Embrace the Balance: Less than 5 Hours a Week (That's Only 3%!) to Ace It All!
Here's the exciting news: out of the 168 hours in a week, you'll need less than 5 hours (yes, just 3% of your time!) to complete all requirements, excluding study tables. And guess what? We firmly believe that you'll exceed our minimum requirement of 6 hours per week for study tables. Your dedication to studies should go beyond that threshold!
In the context of "fraternity life", always remember you are first a student then you are a brother. NIU does not offer a degree program in "FRATERNITY" so your studies should always come first. This does not mean there is no commitment to fraternity responsibilities, to the contrary, fraternity involvement should drive your success in the classroom and life beyond college!
Should I check out other fraternities before considering a "bid" (invitation to join) from Phi Sigma Kappa?
If I agree to an official "informal chat" (interview) with the fraternity what am I committing to?
Nothing! By signing up for an in-person or virtual "informal chat" meeting (interview), you are committing to participate in a session where you will receive information and details about our organization.
This meeting is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our fraternity and the process of becoming a member. It is an opportunity for you to gather all the necessary information, ask questions, and make an informed decision about your potential involvement.
Rest assured that attending this informal chat meeting does not obligate you to join; it simply allows you to explore and learn more about our fraternity. This casual meeting with the chapter leadership generally takes less than 10 minutes.
See the signup link or contact us anytime with questions at 815.977.7537 (call/text) or email Fraternity@PhiSig.info
How does the "informal chat" meeting process flow?
1. Schedule an informal chat meeting (interview) using our calendar appointment link at a time that suits you best.
2. Arrive at the scheduled time, either in person or through a video conference option. If it's an in-person meeting, we can provide transportation to our fraternity house, which is the usual location. We believe that meeting in person is the best way for you to get to know us.
3. During the meeting, which typically lasts about 10 minutes, you'll have the opportunity to meet our intake/recruitment team members. We will cover all the details about the membership process, which is also outlined on our webpage. Feel free to ask as many questions as you'd like; it's meant to be an interactive discussion, not a one-sided lecture.
4. After the informal chat, you are free to hang out with us or we can provide a ride to your next destination.
That's it!
If I accept a bid (invitation to join) does that mean I am obligated to be a member?
NO! A bid is your agreement to continue your affiliation with us. You agree to keep learning about us as we learn more about you.
While we hope you will eventually become a member, at any time during your membership education process you can end your affiliation.
Again, we hope this will never happen but membership should be a mutual fit.
How will I be treated during the membership education program?
Phi Sigma Kappa is the place for young men to develop themselves into leaders, you will find support and direction as you find your way toward living a life of service and integrity. The Phi Sigma Kappa experience has forged pioneers, thought leaders, and innovative community leaders. Phi Sigs at NIU is proud of our tradition of NO HAZING. You are an affiliate/associate member NOT a pledge! You will be treated with dignity and respect during your membership education process. You will see it as one of the finest decisions you'll ever make.
Is there a GPA requirement to become a member?
YES, a previous semester's minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required. Our national fraternity and NIU Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) office set this requirement and we fully support this minimum. See our current academic results.
Are there any requirements to live in the fraternity house?
Yes, you are required to live in the fraternity house beginning the very next Fall semester after becoming a member. Our costs are much less than the residence halls and many other "off-campus" facilities. Also keep in mind ALL utilities, internet, and many other amenities are included. See the FAQ page on living in the fraternity house. Also, check out our house tour video.
What are the costs of becoming a member?
Costs to become a member vary based on dues/fees charged by our National fraternity. We have found that Phi Sig is a lot lower than most groups on NIU's campus. Our costs usually fall between $450 to $550 in total. We ALWAYS offer payment plans and our local alumni may also provide scholarships that could offset some or all of the costs. Further, our costs also include "everything" so no hidden fees or surprises. Not every fraternity does this so be aware. Please discuss this with members during your informal chat meeting (interview).
How much alumni support do you have?
Quite a bit!
Our Alumni Association is truly exceptional within Phi Sigma Kappa both nationally and at Northern Illinois University. We take great pride in the remarkable support our alumni provide. They generously allocate $20,000 in scholarships each year for our student members, make annual donations exceeding $20,000 to the NIU foundation, and contribute over $50,000 annually to the Phi Sigma Kappa Foundation. In addition to their financial contributions, our alumni play a vital role in career development and job placement, with many holding influential positions in major US corporations and the education sector. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding support system from our dedicated alumni. It's worth mentioning that our chapter advisor is a local member of the DeKalb/NIU community, further strengthening our connection with the area.
Are there any additional requirements to join Phi Sigma Kappa besides what is listed elsewhere on this page?
Just a few,
Please read below...
~ Attend 6 required educational meetings during the semester (see Cardinal Journey Membership Education Program).
~ Perform weekly house cleaning duties (6) along with ALL initiated members. We all collectively maintain the property, not just you.
~ Perform weekly dinner crew set up and break down (6) along with ALL initiated members. We all collectively share this responsibility. Also, you get a free meal and eat with us as well!
~ Attend 6 hours per week of required study table sessions along with ALL initiated members. We all collectively are accountable for our academic success.
~ Complete community service hours (6) along with ALL initiated members. During the membership education program, you are expected to do your part to impact the community we are all a part of.
See our 6-week "Time Commitment" breakdown further below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ Maintain positive character and behavioral expectations along with ALL initiated members. We collectively hold each other to minimum behavioral standards. You are expected to demonstrate a commitment to being your best.
~ Meeting your financial obligations along with ALL initiated members. We collectively have financial responsibilities to our host institution (NIU), personal bills, and the fraternity. You along with ALL initiated members are expected to meet your obligations. We may offer assistance and payment plans. You are expected to communicate any concerns immediately. Again our alumni offer many scholarships that may assist with costs.
~ Anti-drug policy:
Phi Sigma Kappa does not permit using any illegal drugs or substances during the new member education program.
~ You must be involved in university clubs and "outside" organizations. Along with ALL initiated members you are expected to "be involved". We believe membership goes beyond just being in a fraternity. If you need any help finding a group, we are connected to over 100 student organizations at NIU and with the City of DeKalb.
~ While your academic success is a top priority, we expect you to balance those efforts with a focus on giving back and gaining experience. This is expected from ALL initiated members. NIU does NOT offer any degree program in "Fraternity", so you are expected to be involved in activities beyond the fraternity.
~ We have a three-strike policy in place to maintain accountability within our Fraternity and support your personal growth during the new member education program.
The policy includes:
* Missing a required weekly affiliate meeting without an excuse.
* Failing to fulfill a weekly requirement without a valid reason.
* Exceeding designated house curfew times (remember, prioritizing study time is essential).
Additionally, failing to meet other unapproved requirements mentioned above may also result in consequences.
These policies are intended to ensure our mutual success by fostering personal development. We are dedicated to providing a valuable membership education program, and we rely on your commitment to actively participate and make the most of this program. Let's work together to achieve our shared goals.
The 6-week "Time Commitment" breakdown...
Embrace the Balance: Less than 5 Hours a Week (That's Only 3%!) to Ace It All!
Here's the exciting news: out of the 168 hours in a week, you'll need less than 5 hours (yes, just 3% of your time!) to complete all the tasks, excluding the study tables, mentioned above. And guess what? We firmly believe that you'll exceed our minimum requirement of 6 hours per week for study tables. Your dedication to studies should go beyond that threshold!
How do I get in contact with/learn more about Phi Sig at NIU?
Use any or all of the below...
Call/Text: 815.977.7537
Email: Fraternity@phisig.info
Site: phisig.info/contact
Sign-up: phisig.info/registration
Highlights: phisig.info/highlights
About Us: phisig.info/about
Follow Us: phisig.info/social-media
Share our code with friends: Our QR code
My parents/family members have questions, is there one page with information that is prepared just for them?
YES!
While fully we believe the FAQ, About Us, and Highlights pages cover it well, we have pulled stuff from all over our site and put it on our "Family Resource" page. Again, we encourage them to look all around the site in case we missed putting something on the "Family Resource" page that is of interest or concern to your family member.
Family Resource page link