FAQs

What is a Fraternity? [back to top]

A Fraternity is a group of men bound together by friendship, brotherhood, and common goals and aspirations. The members that form the Fraternity share their friendships, efforts, and knowledge. Together these members learn and grow and make the Fraternity strong. Their common experience builds ties that lasts a lifetime. This forms a brotherhood amongst the members, developing strong and creative leadership, which leads to success.

Though there are many different Fraternities, they all share common founding principles that are of interest to any college man. Fraternities endeavour to enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what Fraternity men strive to live by every day.

What is a colony? Why aren’t you guys called a Chapter? [back to top]

There are a few stages in fraternity development. When a fraternity such as Delta Sigma Phi is brought to a university, it is first called an interest group. When the interest group proves that they have completed the tasks at hand, those men are then pledged and initiated. This interest group has now become a colony. A Colony is the midstage between being non-existant and being an official chapter. What’s the difference you ask? We still enjoy benefits such as fraternity events, parties, brotherhood, all of the things you normally get, but the main difference is that we don’t yet have a house. But more importantly, us not being a chapter yet is only good news for new members! Why? Because of the still molding fraternity, new members ensure that their say will matter in this developmental process, because everyone’s help is used to the fullest potential if possible.

How old is Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity? [back to top]

Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity was founded on December 10, 1899 at the former City College in New York.

Am I buying friends? [back to top]

Absolutely not! If you have ever been part of any organization, whether it is a hockey team, soccer team or a golf club, you have to pay fees. These organizations have operating costs every year, as do we. Delta Sigma Phi is a non-profit organization, so in no way are we profiting from membership fees. Your fees help to cover events such as literary dinners, insurance on the house, and membership fees paid to Nationals to cover the costs of membership materials and education programs and conferences

Tell me about joining a fraternity and living in the fraternity/sorority house. [back to top]

Whenever you decide to pledge (become a new member), you are joining a group of men or women that share common goals and experiences. You will likely have the option of living in the chapter house as early as your freshmen year. Each individual chapter (fraternity or sorority) will have more specific information.

In a fraternity house, the cost of living is 60-80% of the average cost of living in a residential hall. This cost includes room, board, and a meal plan. Many of our chapters have ample parking available at no additional fee. Currently we do not yet have a house, but when we do get one, many more options well be made available.

You hear a lot about Greeks and alcohol. What is it really like in the fraternity/sorority? [back to top]

Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with Greek ideals. All fraternities and sororities are expected to uphold state, county, and city laws, and university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. While opportunities for all college students to choose wisely and poorly exists, Greek Life at RU provides a supportive and educational environment that ensures that if a member chooses to consume alcohol, to do so in a responsible manner. In addition, many of our students do not drink. Greek students who choose not to drink will know that it’s ok and feel comfortable with their decision.