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.”
“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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 s.
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 of Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity July 22nd, 2000
Whereas, Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity was founded at the University of Pennsylvania on October 19, 1850, for the promotion of good fellowship and the cultivation of the social virtues among its members, the protection of the 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 the Fraternity; the encouragement of good scholarship and breadth of training for its members; and cooperation in the educational and cultural programs of institutions of higher education in which Chapters are located; and
Whereas, Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity is more than an organization to be a part of during college; it is a valuable learning experience, life-long commitment, and philosophy of life;
and
Whereas, Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity expects all members to live up to the oath they take to uphold our values, expectations, and obligations; and
Whereas, Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity committed to “A Return to Our Founding Principles” and created “The Men of Honor Initiative” so that all members can learn what it means to be a true Phi Kap and have an opportunity to better themselves and become leaders that possess a foundation built on steadfast values and a duty to help their fellow man; and
Whereas, Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity has committed to “A Return to Excellence” and regaining its standing as a leader in the Greek Community.
Therefore, be it resolved, that Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity recognizes the following areas and criteria as those defining “Excellence” for our Fraternity.
Fraternity is the growth, development, and interaction of the individual members in a diverse Brotherhood who are united by the Ritual of Phi Kappa Sigma and share common beliefs, goals, and values. Fraternity builds character, enhances the collegiate and life experience, provides service to the community, promotes unity, establishes eternal bonds, and creates synergy.
We strive to:
Recruit and maintain a diverse membership that embodies the purpose and principles of the Fraternity;
Promote Chapter expansion on a regional and an international level;
Achieve consistent education, understanding, and practice of the Ritual amongst all Brothers;
Emphasize volunteerism, life-long commitment, communication, and interaction with all members during and after matriculation;
And encourage inter-Chapter relations and participation in International Fraternity events.
Financial Commitment is the effective and responsible management of income and expenses by individual members, Chapters, and the International Fraternity. Financial commitment provides the means for all fraternal operations, programs, and services as well as realistic fiscal training for members.
We strive to:
Educate members in fiscal responsibility;
Hold members, Chapters, and International Headquarters accountable for financial obligations;
And provide and utilize resources for proper budgeting and expenditure of funds.
Personal Conduct is living as Men of Honor by embodying our Core Values. Personal conduct reflects the integrity of the Fraternity, determines future reputations within the community, and defines relationships with others.
We strive to:
Align our actions with the Core Values;
Establish and cultivate trust amongst fellow men; Hold members accountable for their actions;
Lead by example and mentor others through constructive criticism; And improve Greek reputation and prestige.
Leadership is the ability to bring out the best in those around you through vision and initiative. Leadership is the cornerstone of a strong Chapter, encourages effective collaboration, and drives the Fraternity toward a common goal.
We strive to:
Inspire members to lead; Perpetuate successful leadership; And teach effective leadership skills.
Scholarship is the dedication to life-long learning in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom through the use of resources including both people and information which leads to intellectual growth and satisfaction. Scholarship opens doors to opportunities, enables one to impart insight to others, engenders progress in society, helps promote recruitment and campus relations, and makes one invaluable to their community.
We strive to:
Encourage life-long learning and teaching; Develop practical skills;
Continually raise expectations and standards; Promote team learning and mentoring;
And recognize and reward good scholarship.
Collegiate And Community Relations include interactions with groups that coexist with the Fraternity. Collegiate and community relations create mutually beneficial working relationships that expand opportunities and generate positive perceptions.
We strive to:
Commit to the betterment of the university;
Encourage diverse campus involvement and leadership; Serve the community;
Be proactive in creating and utilizing existing relations; And be an asset to the community.
Personal Development is growth through applying knowledge gained from life experiences. Personal development leads to a strong foundation of character and competence, fosters balanced and focused individuals, and establishes confidence in real world situations.
We strive to:
Develop and employ networking skills; Support and respect individuality; Provide formal training opportunities; And encourage introspection.
International Support includes Headquarters Staff and local, regional, and international volunteers who provide resources to assist Chapters in fulfilling the Objects of the Fraternity. International support creates a structure that assists in networking, maintains history, and establishes vision for the future.
We strive to:
Maintain the highest level of communication; Provide exceptional training for staff and volunteers;
Utilize assets to support international expansion efforts;
And serve as a liaison between Chapters and their respective institutions.
Be it further resolved, that all members and Chapters of Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity, do hereby commit to fulfilling the standards set forth in this Doctrine of Excellence to help ensure that our beloved Fraternity will always be Stellis Aequus Durando.
As Adopted by the 92nd Grand Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity July 17th, 2004
Held the first convention in Philadelphia, PA on August 9th
Became the first Fraternity to publish a magazine
James W. Barrow established the Phi Kappa Sigma Male College in Monticello, Arkansas
Voted against being an all-white fraternity since before the Civil War.
First regularly constituted alumni Chapter organized in New York
Became the first fraternity to organize a Grand Chapter and establish a democratic system of government, based on Chapter representation
John Clark Sims, of Alpha Chapter, was named first Grand Alpha
Became the first fraternity to offer a scholastic award when Alpha Chapter established the Samuel Brown Wylie Mitchell Prize in English Literature at the University of Pennsylvania
Established as an international Fraternity by chartering Alpha Beta Chapter at the University of Toronto.
Grand Alpha James Hartley Merrick instituted the Chapter Advisor system at the turn of the century
The Phi Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund was established in 1907
Became a charter member of the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC)
The General Headquarters (now the International Headquarters) was established in Philadelphia to improve the organizational operations
James B. Fox, Alpha ‘44, was named the first, full-time, Executive Secretary
L. Jerrold Walls, Alpha Omega ‘48, was named the first traveling Field Secretary
United States Supreme Court Justice, Lewis F. Powell, Jr., Washington & Lee ‘29, named Phi Kappa Sigma’s first Alumnus-of-the-Year
Purchased its new headquarters building in Chester Springs, PA
The 150th Anniversary of Phi Kappa Sigma, the Fraternity adopted The Statement of Core Values at the 90th Grand Chapter in Philadelphia, PA.
The Phi Kappa Sigma Educational Fund and Foundation were merged into one entity, the Phi Kappa Sigma Foundation.
Developed and held the first Men of Honor Leadership Institute
The Doctrine of Excellence is written and adopted by our undergraduate body, at the 92nd Grand Chapter in Chicago, IL
Partnered with Affinity Marketing Consultants, Inc. to trademark the rights to our Properties
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued or reissued trademark registrations for these marks
Developed the Scepter Mentorship Program
Revamped Key Sessions Regional Leadership Conferences that link operations, core values, and fraternity goals & objectives
Developed and held Ambassador Program for developing members into young alumni
Developed and held Carroll K. Simons Institute for chapter operations
Gender inclusion verbiage included to C&A
Celebrated the return of the Phi Kappa Sigma Male College
Brand refresh
Alumni Associations framework established
Adapted the Carrol Simons Institute into an annual program now known as OSI
Celebrated the 100th Grand Chapter
Celebrated the 101st Grand Chapter in Forth Worth, Texas
