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What is FIJI?
Phi Gamma Delta, commonly referred to as FIJI, is an international fraternity established on May 1st, 1848. To find out more, please feel free to visit our history page.
What does it take to become a Phi Gam?
The journey of becoming a brother of Phi Gamma Delta is one filled with excitement, challenges and personal growth. During the rush period the active brothers of the chapter will select a few distinguished individuals to be granted a bid to pledge the fraternity. This bid is only offered if 100% of the chapter votes for the bid to be extended to the particular individual. Throughout pledge-ship each pledge is evaluated by the chapter to ensure they are progressing towards their goal of becoming an initiated brother.
Will I be alone on this journey?
No man is an island. We at Phi Gamma Delta are more than just an organization or a club on campus. We are a brotherhood that believes in the life-long commitment that is expected out of each one of us. Once affiliated with Phi Gamma Delta you will have a big brother who will guide your through pledge-ship. This man's responsibility is to make sure that you are doing well and always aware of what is going on. Furthermore, you will have a graduate big brother, who is a distinguished individual is society and who will act as a liaison between the educational and professional worlds. Currently our graduate big brothers vary from lawyers, doctors and businessmen to teachers, researchers and well-to-do entrepreneurs.
Will my grades suffer during pledge-ship?
Each person is an individual. There is no way to predict how each man will spend his time during this period. Because of all the independent time and fun that any college environment has to offer it is very easy to lose track of what we are all here to achieve -higher education. As a result, Phi Gamma Delta will not allow anyone with low grades to become an active brother. Mandatory study hours and peer-tutoring are an integral part of pledge-ship. In college, as well as in life, we, as brothers, would be truly useless to each other unless we achieve our full potentials as intellectuals and as gentlemen of a higher calling.
Are the rumors about ha-zing true?
The brotherhood of Phi Gamma Delta do not ha-ze. Pledge-ship is designed to unite individuals, not breed hate. While we will challenge your ability to be a leader of men and a free thinker, we will never instigate any physical or mental trauma to any of our brothers. Ha zing simply has no place among our ranks. Neither do individuals who take pleasure in the suffering of others. Additionally, you can read Phi Gamma Delta's official stance on ha-zing by clicking here.
What about my parents? They simply don't understand.
College, regardless if joining a fraternity or not, is a time for an individual to take the step from boyhood to manhood. FIJI strongly encourages you to bring your family along for the ride in taking that step. The best way to help your parents understand is to simply bring them to our chapter house to meet the brothers in person. Our Parent's Day is designed exclusively for that purpose. Parents get a chance to meet all the Phi Gam's, as well as each other, while enjoying a fun-packed day at the fraternity house.
Is it all about partying?
No. While it is nice to loosen up from time to time, it is also nice to contribute to the general well-being of society, too. We feel that we are privileged individuals attending a privileged institution. As such, it is our duty to offer a helping hand to those less privileged than us. Community service, philanthropic work and volunteering are as important to us as keeping our social relations alive and vibrant.
How much time and money should I put aside?
Pledge-ship gives you the work-load of about a 3 hour class. You will learn a lot of Phi Gamma Delta history, Phi Sigma history and, surprisingly enough (because of the influential status of many of our brothers), a lot of US history, as well. You will also learn what values we hold close to our hearts, what practices we consider ethical or unethical. Most importantly, you will learn a great deal about yourself and how to bring out the finer qualities that lie within each man of honorable character.
Our average dues are $300 per semester with the scholarships. Those include all social, volunteer, party and any other fraternally associated events. In reality, if an individual tried to do all the things that we achieve as a brotherhood, the cost would be much higher for him than it is for as a group. We also have much more fun being together, something that cannot be assigned a monetary value.
Is there financial help?
Yes and no. Yes, we are the only fraternity nation-wide to offer guaranteed scholarships for pledges with excelling GPAs, however, we expect each and every brother to first live up to his financial obligation.
Ok. I think I have what it takes to become a Phi Gam. What next?
Contact our rush chair or, better yet, swing by the house and come meet us! Our doors are always open for people with good hearts and noble souls!
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