Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Phi Kappa Psi - Illinois Theta Chapter all about?

Phi Kappa Psi was founded, and is based, on the great joy of serving others. We, as members of the Illinois Theta Chapter, wish to continue this noble tradition in the effort to greatly impact the lives of all others around us. We are a brotherhood of men whom are dedicated to service and pursue to improve ourselves in all walks of life. But do not get the wrong idea, as we are still a crazy bunch of gentlemen who live at the brink of social order; otherwise, we would never succeed in today’s society.
      It is our immediate goal to improve and expand the Greek system at UIC, serve the community which encompasses it, and get to know the Sororities on campus. It is not in our interest to compete with the other fraternities at UIC, but rather to inform others of the Greek system and encourage all to join.

What is a Fraternity?

Fraternity is synonymous with fellowship and friendship. Members of a fraternity are men who join themselves as brothers for life. It's like having a friend for life, or a brand new brother if you're an only child. Altogether, fraternity members are guided by the laws, rituals and traditions of the Fraternity.

What are Phi Kappa Psi's official colors?

The official colors of the Fraternity are cardinal red and hunter green. Coincidentally, the official Phi Kappa Psi flower is the Jacqueminot Rose, whose shades of red and green match the official colors. Before the Grand Arch Council's decision to change the flower in 1918, the official flower was the Sweet Pea.

So 'Who's Who' in Phi Kappa Psi? Does Phi Kappa Psi have any well-known members that I would know?

Of course! Recently elected Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York City is a "Brother" of Phi Kappa Psi. There is actually a very long list of names of famous PhiPsi's available at http://www.phikappapsi.com/. As for on campus, Nick Velianoff (nvelia1@uic.edu) is probably our most famous member. He's one of Illinois Theta's Founding Fathers.

Why are you guys referred to as Phi Kappa Psi - Illinois Theta Chapter?

There are a bunch of Phi Kappa Psi Chapters throughout the United States. The State of Illinois has several alone, such as Illinois Alpha at Northwestern University, Illinois Delta at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Epsilon at Illinois State University, Illinois Zeta at DePaul University, and Illinois Eta down in Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Illinois Theta is based at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

So where is Illinois Theta's house on campus?

I'm sorry to say that Illinois Theta doesn't have a house on campus. More specifically, none of the Fraternities or Sororities at UIC have houses on campus. However, we are looking into the possibility of having a "pseudo-house" and we are very interested in getting all the Fraternities and Sororities housing in the future. Sorry!

What if I'm a girl? Can I still join?

Actually--no. But you can date a PhiPsi if you think it'll help you get in. We strongly suggest you try looking into the Sororities if you really want to go "Greek". Try looking at our Links page or e-mail us at UICPhiPsi@yahoo.com and we'll help you get started!

Hey, who are those two handsome fellows I keep seeing in the background of this web-site?

Those two are Charles Page Thomas Moore and William Henry Lettermen. They founded the Fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, 150 years ago at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on February 19, 1852.

Wow! 150 years of practice! Okay, I'm sold. How do I join?

Whoa there, Jimmy. You just asked a mouth full. Here are the steps to becoming a member: Rushee, Pledge, and then Brother. Rush is just "Greek" slang for recruiting. Potential members may become Rushees by showing interest by attending a Rush event, attending general PhiPsi meetings, and/or contacting PhiPsi members. By accepting the invitation to membership, one becomes known as a Pledge and then undergoes a pledge education period. After that period, he becomes a candidate for initiation and is finally initiated into the Fraternity as a Brother.

I really want to join, but my parents have some concerns. What can I do in order to convince them that it's a great experience?

Great question! And boy do we have the tool for you... Please contact us for a free "Phi Kappa Psi Rush Video"! Videos may be attained by contacting a PhiPsi member, e-mailing us at UICPhiPsi@yahoo.com, or you can even ask for a copy from another PhiPsi Rushee! Included with the Rush Video is a sixteen page brochure with a Parents' FAQ inside. All that we ask from you is to either pass on the video to others that are interested or to give it back to us so we can forward it to other Rushee's. If they're still not convinced, feel free to show them this web-site (http://www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/greek/pkp/) or let them contact one of our members. Please, keep us informed on how it works out! --And "yes", that is Tara Reid in our Rush Video...

So how long does membership last?

Becoming a "Brother" to the Fraternity means life-time membership.

*Phew!* Life, huh? Wow, I really am impressed. I mean, who can say 'no' to a life-time membership, right?! By the way, what happens during the initiation ceremony?

(Chuckles) Sorry, that's a secret. You'll find out if you become a member...

No, really. What happens?

Hey, I told you. It's a secret. I'm sorry.

Is it really a secret?

Yes! Now stop asking!

Okay, okay... I apologize for nagging.

Don't worry about it. It was a fair and legitament question.

If I have any more questions, where can I get them answered?

Another good question. There are several answers to that. You can either e-mail us at UICPhiPsi@yahoo.com, sit in on a general meeting and ask questions, or just look for a PhiPsi on campus and tell him you're interested in joining or learning more. He'll help you out. And if we like your question enough, we'll post it on this FAQ!