Recently, Lafayette College created a new metric for Greek Chapters at the College. Penn Theta decided to create a video to showcase why Phi Psi has been the perfect fraternity for them. The video touches on all aspects from scholarship, to philanthropy, to leadership opportunities within Penn Theta. The video is shown below for your convenience.
Phi Kappa Psi Accreditation Video 2014
Values and Responsibility
When we come to college, our habits are not completely crystallized. We face four years that will shape our thought process and actions for the rest of our lives. The oath Phi Psis take to the Fraternity’s basic principles of honor, truth and service to others influence these patterns for the rest of their lives. Phi Psi chapters utilize their collective influence to hold themselves to being men of excellence who behave responsibly. This means that Phi Psi chapters don’t haze their new members, they obey the law, they act in a manner that brings honor not just to themselves but to Phi Psis everywhere, they treat women with respect and they protect those who cannot defend themselves. That last point is especially true, as we hold ourselves to our founding motto “The Great Joy of Serving Others.” Service is at the core of what we do, and it is a big reason why our actions stand out in crowd and attract the best, like Brian Castro, and many others. Holding yourself to a higher standard can be what separates you from the pack during and after college.
Networking
After graduation, networking will play a key role in job searches and future employment opportunities. During their years spent in the chapter, Phi Kappa Psi members develop their interpersonal skills by interacting with the diverse members of their chapter and practicing recruitment of qualified men. Our chapter exerts a positive influence over members to hold themselves to gentlemanly behavior at all times, thus better preparing their social poise for life after college. Additionally, Phi Kappa Psi offers members an instant network of over 70,000 living members with similar ideals and values. Regional Alumni Associations keep members connected and many loyal Phi Psis continue to attend national events for years after graduation.
Brotherhood
Phi Psi often provides members with a home away from home. Members have a group of diverse brothers there to pick them up when they are down, support them when they need it and guide them when they stray from the course. Nothing can duplicate the bonds of brotherhood during and after college. Having the opportunity to live in the Old Grey Barn (can be seen above) is second to none. Being able to live with 26 of your best friends is un-paralleled. The trials and tribulations experienced by every brother ultimately always lead to growth.
Leadership
Chapters of Phi Psi offer members the opportunity to step into officer leadership roles, often seeing to the needs and coordinating the actions of 50+ people. On the committee level of Phi Psi, members learn to cooperate in groups and work together to solve problems. Phi Psis have the potential to step out of college with a leg up on the competition in terms of leadership capability.
Academics and Scholarships
Phi Kappa Psi is committed to the academic success of its members; in fact it is our top priority. We exist to compliment and support the academic experience of each member of Phi Kappa Psi. At Lafayette, Penn Theta has the highest cumulative GPA out of all fraternities, and was markedly better than the non-affiliated average during the Fall of 2013 semester. Our chapter has a scholarship programs that include minimum GPA requirements, study support systems, study and time management workshops, incentives for improvement and excellence in academics, and general guidance in academic success. Nothing can come close to the value of an older chapter brother there to guide you through the toughest of scholastic challenges.
Lifelong Friendships
Upon joining Phi Kappa Psi, members form lifelong bonds that never die. The oath Phi Psis take will forever keep them connected in spirit. Many members utilize national Phi Kappa Psi events as opportunities to see their old friends whom they were so close with in college. Now, with online networking and educational tools like the Phi Psi Experience, keeping in touch with brothers is easier than ever.
Dedication and Loyalty
Phi Kappa Psi does not work without a strong commitment from our members. Any member can tell you that, just like in life in general, you will only get out of Phi Psi what you put in. This dedication will carry throughout life for many Phi Psis. Also, your undergrad experience will be enhanced such that you will be more likely to return to campus for homecoming, to meet with old friends and meet the new, young Phi Psis, years down the road.
Business Skills
All of the above mentioned attributes, particularly time management skills from scholastic training, networking, loyalty and leadership are highly valued by businesses searching new employees. As previously mentioned so many times, Phi Psis graduate with a leg up on the competition. Every undergraduate brother of Penn Theta will receive a mentor during their time at Penn Theta. A mentor is usually someone in the profession they wish to pursue and this is a person that will have many commonalities with that brother. This is a phenomenal resource that has helped brothers of Penn Theta for years.