Phi Kappa Sigma is more than an organization to be a part of during college; it is a valuable learning experience, a life-ling commitment, and philosophy of life. Along with the Phi Kappa Sigma Ritual, our Purpose and Principles state who and what we are as a Fraternity and as members of that Fraternity. All members take an oath to uphold these ideals and it is up to all of us to make sure that we, and those who come after us, learn and understand what it is to be a true “Phi Kap” and “Man of Honor” and incorporate that into our Chapters and into our lives.
The "Objects of Phi Kappa Sigma" are the ideals upon which Samuel Brown Wylie Mitchell founded Phi Kappa Sigma and serve as the Fraternity’s “mission statement.
From Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution and Acts of the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity:
“The Objects of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity shall be the promotion of good fellowship and the cultivation of the social virtues among our members; the protection of just rights and the advancement of the best interests, present and future, individual and collective, of all those who shall be associated together as members of this Fraternity; the encouragement of good scholarship and the breadth of training for our members; and cooperation in the educational and cultural programs of institutions of higher education in which our Chapters are located.”
As a Member, Phi Kappa Sigma expects you to assume responsibility in the areas of scholarship, fraternal affairs, financial obligations, personal conduct, and contribution to your college community.
The first and foremost ideal of Phi Kappa Sigma is the pursuit of academic knowledge. The primary goal of each Brother is the attainment of a college education. Each member has an obligation to continually maintain a sound academic record. This is an obligation that he owes to his family, his Brothers, the Fraternity, and himself. Since its conception, Phi Kappa Sigma has emphasized scholarship and academic excellence. Initiation into, and participation in the Fraternity is dependent upon maintaining a respectful scholastic average. Therefore, throughout your college career, the pursuit of academic endeavors should be continued diligently.
Phi Kappa Sigma is not just another college club or organization, it is a lifelong commitment. Each member should be thoroughly acquainted with all aspects of the Fraternity, both internationally and locally. During the New Member education period, each future Brother should strive to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the operations of the Fraternity and should not hesitate to seek additional information on all aspects of the Fraternity.
Once initiated, each member must make a commitment to Phi Kappa Sigma, not just to his Chapter, but Internationally as well. The Chapters of the Fraternity are only as strong as its members. Each Brother is expected to participate actively in Chapter government, finance, recruitment, and New Member education, throughout his time as an undergraduate member.
Phi Kappa Sigma is a Brotherhood of gentlemen. One of the basic tenets of the Fraternity is that Brothers conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times. Members should be gentlemen at all times, particularly in conduct, manners, dress, morals, and speech. Ungentlemanly activity should be avoided, so as not to bring shame to oneself, one’s Chapter, or the Fraternity. Keep in mind, you are a part of a large organization, therefore, everything you do reflects not only on you and your Chapter, but also on Phi Kappa Sigma as a whole.
Each Chapter is a small business that is dependent on each member for existence. Each individual, from New Member to Chapter president, must meet his own financial obligation in a prompt and timely manner, or the success of the Chapter could be jeopardized. The Constitution and Acts of the Fraternity clearly state that any member who fails to honor his financial obligations promptly can be expelled from the Fraternity.
There has always been considerable discussion concerning the role of fraternities at institutions of higher learning. Phi Kappa Sigma has always maintained that fraternities are an integral component of higher education, one of immeasurable value. Chapters of the Fraternity, located throughout the United States and Canada, have always strived to maintain a cooperative atmosphere with the institution at which they are located. The Chapter and its members should strive to live up to the ideals of the institution. Mutual cooperation and participation in the educational and cultural programs are the foundation of good Fraternity-College relations.