Phi Kappa Sigma Flashcards

Vision and Mission

• Vision statement focuses on lifelong growth and development of the Fraternity and its members.
• Mission statement promotes good fellowship and social virtues; protects the rights of members; encourages scholarship and training; cooperates in educational and cultural programs.

Foundational Elements

• Five objects include Scholarship, Fraternity, Personal Conduct, Financial Commitment, and College/University engagement.
• Seven core values: Honor, Integrity, Knowledge, Respect, Responsibility, Trust, and Wisdom.

Doctrines and Brotherhood

• Doctrine of Excellence emphasizes Leadership, Personal Development, and International Support.
• Brotherhood is characterized by a commitment to honor since 1850.
• Motto "Once a Phi Kap, Always a Phi Kap" emphasizes lasting membership and loyalty, represented by "Stellis Aequus Durando," translating to "Equal to the Stars in Endurance."

Risk Management and Safety

• Four methods to mitigate risk: Avoidance, Modification, Acceptance, and Transfer.
• FIPG stands for the Fraternal Information and Programming Group, which oversees risk management in fraternity activities.

High-Risk Activities and Support

• Three high-risk activities identified: Car smashing, boxing/martial arts, and skydiving.
• The hotline 1-888-NOT-HAZE is available for reporting hazing incidents.

Historical Context and Organizations

• The Speaking Club was established at Harvard in 1703.
• Phi Beta Kappa, founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776, is America’s oldest honor society.
• Notable fraternities: Union Triad (Sigma Phi, Delta Phi, Kappa Alpha), Miami Triad (Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi), Pennsylvania Triad (Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Kappa Sigma).

National Councils and Governance

• NIC refers to the North-American Interfraternity Conference.
• NPC stands for the National Panhellenic Conference, which focuses on sororities.
• NPHC represents the National Pan-Hellenic Council, known as "The Divine Nine."

Founders and Founding Events

• Founding fathers include Alfred Victor du Pont, Andrew Adams Ripka, Charles Hare Hutchinson, Dr. Samuel Brown Wylie Mitchell, Duane Williams, James Bayard Hodge, and John Thorne Stone.
• Phi Kappa Sigma was founded in 1850 at the University of Pennsylvania by Dr. Samuel Brown Wylie Mitchell; the Alpha Chapter issues charters to new chapters with unanimous approval.
• The 1860 Convention resulted in a unanimous vote against discriminatory clauses in the Fraternity's Constitution.

Civil War Impact and Social Clubs

• Civil War led to the destruction of eight Southern Chapters; they wore Silver Skulls and were never reinstated.
• Vegabond Club and La.Orphan Club provided social opportunities for brothers during the Civil War.

International Expansion and Wars

• Phi Kappa Sigma went international in 1895 with the Alpha Beta Chapter at the University of Toronto; the Maltese Cross serves as the general magazine.
• During WWI, chapters initiated members while limiting social functions.
• WWII saw over 2,500 Phi Kaps serve in the military, with nearly half of the chapters closing; 200 members lost their lives.

Leadership and Recognition

• James William Barrow was President of the Phi Kappa Sigma Male College, which was destroyed by Union troops in 1864.
• Current Grand Alpha is Douglas W. Opicka.
• Official colors are black and gold, with members commonly referred to as Skulls or Phi Kaps.
• The official flower is the Yellow Chrysanthemum; the current headquarters is located at 2 Timber Drive, Chestnut Springs, PA.

Chapter Development

• Alpha Chapter was established at the University of Pennsylvania in 1850.
• Delta Gamma Chapter was founded at Rowan University in 1996.
• The Grand Chapter meets biennially and serves as the supreme governing body, while the Executive Committee meets monthly with seven officers.

Test your knowledge on the vision and mission statements of Phi Kappa Sigma. These flashcards will help you understand the core values and objectives of the fraternity. Perfect for members looking to deepen their commitment and understanding.