Situations to consider if you are thinking about Pledging:
- I want to succeed academically. Will membership in the Fraternity help or hinder my efforts?
The truth is academic success really depends on the individual. Although being in a Fraternity does take up some time, it’s not an unreasonable amount. Brothers are there for each other to help out with school work and brothers can attend study hours. We value grades and will help any brother if they find themselves in trouble. That said, the effort and motivation to do well in school really is up to the individual. Phi Delta Psi members succeed academically, and statistically speaking, Fraternities have a higher GPA than all male students as well as all students as a whole at SNHU.
- I’m new to Southern New Hampshire University; wouldn’t it be better for me to get my feet on the ground before I join a Fraternity?
Not necessarily, what better way to get your feet wet and make friends and get involved then to join a Fraternity? Who better to help you with classes, learning a schedule, finding your way around campus or getting to know people than us; the people who have been through it all before. We offer that home away from home, and we are well connected on campus. Joining Phi Delta Psi as a new freshman or transfer student will really help you make lots of close friends, be involved on campus and make the college transition easier.
- Am I buying friends?
This is a common misconception, just because you’re paying dues does not mean you’re buying friends. That money goes to better the Fraternity and thus will be beneficial to you once you’re a brother. Remember you choose to join us first, and then we choose to give you a bid, and completing pledging is up to you, there’s no buying power there.
- How much time will be expected of me?
The pledging process lasts four – five weeks, and runs anywhere from 3-4 nights a week. We get everyone’s schedule ahead of time to make sure everyone can be at pledging and so we can be aware of times you may not be able to meet up with us. We’re very flexible when it comes to people having night jobs, or night classes. There are mandatory study hours for pledging to get your homework done. You must complete 8 hours in a week, but it can be done at your convenience by signing sheets in the library or the Learning Center. Realistically the time required is not necessarily burdensome. Pledging can be a little hectic but we keep things in perspective, we are not your priority, your family and schooling come first.
After pledging into the Fraternity we have weekly meetings, which last an hour to two hours. We do expect our members to contribute their time and effort after they’ve pledged in, rather than joining and then just slacking off. But many of our members still find time to be in multiple organizations, so Fraternity membership will not hinder you from doing all you want with your time at school.
- How will I benefit from joining Phi Delta Psi?
There’s tons of ways you will benefit. Firstly, from a purely social stand point you will gain new friends, friends who will become both your brothers for life and a network in the job world after college. You gain a big brother in the Fraternity and a little brother eventually. You also will choose a big sister and a sister will choose you as their big brother – you gain an on campus family – that home-away-from-home.
You will benefit from the involvement you have on campus to demonstrate leadership and social skills while giving back. Networking is huge; being in Phi Delta Psi will connect you with Alumni from various fields of work and being in a Fraternity is always a great thing to have on a resume, particularly if you held a high leadership position.
The Phi Delta Psi scholarship yearly gives priority to a brother to be eligible for a $5000 scholarship.
You will be able to grow as individual in ways you can’t as a typical college student. Being part of the Greek community provides some of the fondest memories and some of the most life changing moments.
- What makes Phi Delta Psi different from other Fraternities?
First of all we’re local, we’re not National and we were the first Fraternity established at SNHU – so we have a rich history here. We may be smaller than some Fraternities at other campuses but we feel we’re closer and accomplish just as much. Our dues are inexpensive compared to National Fraternities as well. We feel we put on the best events on campus and work extremely hard in school and out of school, and we’ve been awarded for both with the’ Greek Event of the Year’ for the Lip Sync contest and the ‘High House’ Award for the Greek organization with the highest GPA on campus.
- I have heard that Fraternities emphasize leadership. What opportunities will I have in the organization?
Leadership is a key ingredient to our Fraternity and is something stressed by all our members. The Fraternity itself provides opportunities for leadership through E-board positions such as President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. There are also several chair positions such as Philanthropy (community service), Public Relations, Historian, and so on. Everyone has a role, and has to run for that role and be voted in by members of the Fraternity. We also stress leadership in other clubs and organizations as well. We want our brothers involved in other groups, and being in our Fraternity connects our members with lots of other organizations on campus. Members of the Fraternity can also run for office on IGC, the school’s Inter Greek Council.
- What’s all this about community service? I thought Fraternities are social organizations?
The stereotype of a Fraternity being just social organization is not true. Although we enjoy our social life and love to have fun, Phi Delta Psi feels community service is extremely important. It’s part of our mission to be socially responsible to the community around us. Every Brother must complete a set number of community service hours during the year. In recent years we have worked with the MS Walk, Special Olympics, The Walk for Hunger, Breast Cancer Walk and participated in local pond clean ups in Manchester.
- What kind of events do you guys put on?
The Lip Sync Contest and the Talent Show have been our two main events for years. We also have BBQ’s, Sports Nights and community service events. Many of our events are also wet events, meaning if you’re 21 you can drink at the school pub where the event is held. If you’re not 21 you can still attend but obviously you can’t drink.
- Anything else you guys do?
We participate in Leadership Retreats, Summits, IGC, SGA, Radio SNHU, OL’s, RA’s, Circle K, Justice Studies Association, College Republicans, Meetinghouse Park, The Learning Center, Cross Country and more. We take part in community service events such as the Red Cross Blood drive, Manchester Breast Cancer Walk, Toys for Tots distribution, New Hampshire Food Bank, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society events
- What is being a member really like?
It’s like nothing you’d expect. Not many of us ever thought we‘d be in a Fraternity. Each of us had some false idea of what a Fraternity was, how it’s members acted and what it was like. The truth is being a member is like nothing you’ve seen in a movie or like some of the stories you hear. Being a member of Phi Delta Psi is part of a long tradition of leadership and excellence. You will have the opportunity to become close to other individuals like brothers for life, and have the opportunity to be involved on campus and in the community. Many of us can be quoted for saying: Phi Delta Psi was the best decision of their college career.
- Why aren’t you guys National?
We don’t have to be. We were the first Fraternity established here. Going National may provide us with some more money and support but we may also lose our letters, become the Phi Delta Psi chapter of some other Fraternity and have to change our pledge book to include the National Fraternity’s pledge book as well. All in all we’d rather keep our letters and our pledging program just as they are.
- What happens once I join?
Once you complete pledging you get your letters and you can participate in your pledge party. You can show up at our weekly meetings, participate in voting on issues. You do not have to pay dues until the following semester.
- How do I learn More?
You can learn more by contacting us. Find any of us on Facebook, email a brother or come find us in person if you see us wearing our letters.
- I’m Interested in Phi Delta Psi, What should I do?
If you’re interested, contact us! Facebook, email or even if you see us around campus wearing our letters!
Here are some FAQ about the basics:
- What is a Fraternity?
A Fraternity is a group of men bound together by common ideals with the goals of achieving a lasting brotherhood that provides its members with an opportunity to grow personally and contribute to the community.
- How do I go about joining a Fraternity?
First, you should rush each Fraternity and try to get a feel for which group of guys you think you might fit in with best or who appeals to you. If you’re interested in joining, let that Fraternity know, hang out with them and get to know them better. If that Fraternity chooses, they will give you a bid and you can start the pledging process to join the Fraternity.
- What is Rush?
Rush week is a week where an individual can attend a Rush night for each Fraternity/Sorority. It’s a chance to sample each Fraternity and to show your interest in Greek life and in joining a Fraternity. It’s a great way to get to know the guys and see what each group is all about.
- If I go to Rush do I have to join a Fraternity?
No, attending rush does not mean you’re obligated to join; it’s merely a chance to show interest and gain information. However, if you are looking to join Phi Delta Psi please do attend our rush and get to know us a little better.
- What is a bid?
A bid is a formal invitation from the Fraternity to join, and start the pledging process.
- How will I know if I’ve received a bid?
We will contact you and present you with your bid if we choose to give you one. It usually takes a week or so after rush to evaluate all the candidates and vote on who will receive bids.
- How do I join Phi Delta Psi?
Contact us and let us know you want to, stop by our Rush and get some info. You can e-mail us, find us on Facebook, or contact a brother.
- Is there a GPA Requirement for membership in Phi Delta Psi?
Yes, you must maintain a cumulative 2.25 GPA to pledge and stay in the Fraternity. For Freshman you must have had a 2.5 GPA in high school.
- What is the difference between a pledge and a brother?
A Phi Delta Psi pledge is an individual who has shown that they wish to join Phi Delta Psi, has received a bid from the brothers, and started the pledging process. A brother is an individual who has completed the pledging process and earned their Phi Delta Psi letters.
- What is pledging?
Pledging is an educating time period where a pledge learns about the fraternitiy’s history, values and about unity.
- How long is pledging?
The pledging process varies each semester, but usually lasts four – five weeks, and runs anywhere from 3-4 nights a week.
- What are Study Hours?
Study hours are the time you can get your homework done during pledging. The Inner Greek Council requires that pledges must complete 8 hours each week while you’re pledging. You can complete these hours at any time during the week by signing your name, your time in, and your time out at signup sheets in the library or learning center. Some brothers use study hours as well and usually stop by to check in on you and help with school work.
- What are bond numbers?
Some Fraternities use bond numbers to determine when you pledged in and as sort of a ranking system. We do not use bond numbers.
- What is a Pledge Master?
The Pledge Master is in charge of the pledging process. He usually has one or two Assistant Pledge Masters to help him. There is a new Pledge Master every semester; however a brother may serve as Pledge Master more than once.
- Do we have to wear beanies?
No, that’s one tradition we stopped, sorry Alumni.
- What is a legacy?
A legacy is an individual who has a family member in the Fraternity; their dad, brother or grandfather was a member of the Fraternity.
- What are dues?
Dues are funds collected by the Fraternity from each brother once every semester. They are used for Fraternity purposes such as recruiting, pledge parties, and other Fraternity needs. New pledges do not have to pay dues until the semester after they pledge in.
- How much are dues?
Dues are currently $100 per semester, which are considerably cheaper then National Fraternities.
- Is there an initiation fee?
No, there is no initiation fee.
- What is a Pledge Party?
Pledge party is a party for new brothers who have completed the process. We usually go somewhere nice, have a nice dinner. The pledges give us funny awards (certificates) and we give them awards as well. It’s a lot of fun, you can bring a date, get dressed up, dance and have a good time.
- What are the paddles for?
They’re for decoration and a gift you give to your big brother and your Pledge Master.
- Do you paddle pledges?
No, we do not paddle pledges, unless of course they ask to be paddled – we’ve seen stranger requests.
- Are there pledging grade requirements?
Yes, you must have a 2.25 GPA and if you’re an incoming freshman you must have had a 2.5 GPA in high school.
- I’ve heard something about hazing. What’s that all about?
You’ve read articles, seen it in movies and on the news. Hazing is the word synonymous with the stereotypical Fraternity. Phi Delta Psi does not condone hazing, and neither does any Greek organization at SNHU.
- What is Phi Delta Psi’s policy on hazing?
We follow the schools policy on hazing, and we do not condone hazing as part of our pledge process.
- What is a little and big brother?
Brothers get to choose a little brother from the candidates of pledges when pledging starts. This goes by seniority. So if you decide to pledge you will get a big brother right away.
- What is a little/big sister?
A little sister is a Phi Omega Psi sister that chooses a brother as their big brother at the time they complete their pledging process. Likewise if you complete the pledging process you may choose a big sister.
- If you’re a Fraternity, why don’t you have a house?
We used to have a house; in fact it’s still around. It’s the house directly across from Webster Hall, and it was the place to be. Unfortunately due to a variety of reasons, no Greek organization at SNHU has on campus housing. Our brothers do have a few all brother townhouses and apartments on campus though.
- What is IGC?
IGC stands for Inter-Greek council, the governing Greek body at SNHU.
- What are Greek Games?
Greek Games occur each semester. It is a competition between the various sororities and Fraternities at SNHU. Past games have included: basketball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, dizzy bat, dodge ball, Pictionary, musical chairs and many more. The scores are for a combined male/female cup with brothers and their sister sororities pairing up to compete in these co-ed events. At the end of Greek Week the winner with the highest point total wins the cup for that semester.
- What are those huge banners with lots of names on them?
Those are pledge banners. They represent the pledge class of the year indicated on the banner. If you pledge in you will be required to make paddles and a banner. The pledge who received the ‘Best Pledge’ award gets to keep the banner.
- Are there any scholarships available?
Phi Delta Psi does indeed have a scholarship available if you’re eligible, but just being a brother means you’re eligible for other Greek scholarships, as well as those offered to the rest of the campus. The Phi Delta Psi scholarship yearly gives priority to a brother to be eligible for a ~$5000 scholarship.
- How many Alumni do you have?
Despite not being National, we’ve been around since 1966 so there is a fair amount of Alumni. Many drop in during Alumni weekend during the fall and some come up to watch pledging and meet the new pledges. Check out http://www.phipsieordie.com for a listing of some of our Alumni brothers.
- How do I learn more?
You can learn more by contacting us. Find any of us on Facebook, email a brother or come find us in person if you see us wearing our letters.
- I’m Interested in Phi Delta Psi, What should I do?
If you’re interested, contact us! Facebook, email or even if you see us around campus wearing our letters!
ΦΔΨ Phi Delta Psi 