Some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How do I choose the right fraternity for me?
During rush, the fraternities you visit should be informing you of the benefits of that particular group. All fraternities participate in
intramurals; all fraternities have mixers with sororities; all fraternities promote brotherhood in their own ways. As you attend various
rush parties, it is important that you ask questions that concern you: costs, activities, scholarship, etc. If a fraternity talks more
about its competitors than itself, be aggressive and ask about that group. Little progress is make in condemning another organization.
Perhaps most important, make your decision on your own. Even though your best friend or the group you attended rush parties with have
decided on a particular fraternity, you do not have to. Your friends should always be your friends. The choice of fraternity is
completely yours. It is a decision you have made for a lifetime. Remember, you are not joining a name or house, you are joining a
group of men.
How much are dues?
The amount of dues at any particular chapter is determined by the chapter. There are fixed, one-time costs established by CHI PHI (as
well as for all fraternities) for pledge fees and initiation fees; there are also member dues paid to the international fraternity each
term. All other moneys collected by individual chapters are used to cover the costs of operating that chapter house and its expenses,
costs involved in rush, and other costs deemed necessary by the chapter. Costs vary because of location, economy, size of chapter, and
several other factors. If there are any questions about how the money is spent, it is best to contact the chapter's treasurer(Delta) or
president(Alpha) for explanations.
Who controls the fraternities on campus?
The fraternities at Oregon State have an elected governing body, the Interfraternity Council (IFC). The IFC is responsible for setting the
rules for recruitment, has control over activities in which fraternities participate, and incorporates a judicial system for the
fraternities. The officers on IFC are elected by the president and a representative from each fraternity on campus. In addition to the
Council officers, Oregon State has a full time staff including an Operations Manager, Interim Coordinator, and Public Relations manager
working to ensure the success of the Greek way of life.
How does a man receive an invitation to pledge CHI PHI?
An invitation to become a pledge of CHI PHI is called a bid. Bids are extended to rushees who seem to have what it takes to become a
member. During your period as a pledge we will be watching you and deciding whether you should become a member, and we hope that you as
well will be watching us and deciding for yourself whether you belong with us or not.
What about scholarship?
Recognizing that earning grades is an individual endeavor, CHI PHI will not allow the initiation of any pledge that is not in good standing
with the university. Since chapters are composed of men with many different majors, whose interests are diverse, the pledge has an a
advantage because many of the members are confident in certain subjects and are available to help, and, perhaps most important, provide
ideas for quality studying. To accentuate this we provide a list of those members and their subject of expertise.
What is the normal size of a chapter?
There has been constant growth on fraternities in the past couple years. The sizes of chapters vary from one college to another. In
smaller schools a chapter may have 15 to 20 members while at large universities the membership may be closer to 100. Each year
fraternities lose live-ins to graduation, transfers or members who are ready to live out. CHI PHI has 28 members returning to the chapter
in the fall, and depending on the size of our rush class there may be up to fifty brothers and pledges living in CHI PHI.
What makes initiation into CHI PHI so special?
Initiation into CHI PHI occurs after the pledges have received a vote of confidence form the members in a closed chapter meeting. Initiation
is the secret ceremony by which a man becomes part of CHI PHI. During this ceremony he learns the deeper meanings of the fraternity and
reasons why they exist. CHI PHI has a standard initiation ceremonies that are executed in similar fashion all over the country, and
because of this, the ceremonies becomes the binding force which interlocks each member to the whole body. The secrecy involved with the
initiation process teaches the individual respect and trust. There are no offensive or negative practices involved in CHI PHI initiation.
If inhumane or harmful practices took place during initiation, the fraternity would no longer exist, because educated men just do not
tolerate those actions.
How much time does a fraternity require?
Taking part in any activity is purely the decision of the individual. Some choose to participate in the fraternity or university more
than others. Some decide to run for a leadership position in the house, other in the IFC, and others in the ASOSU (Associated Students
of Oregon State University). In addition to those, members sometimes worry about studying, girlfriends, part-time jobs, and
wind-down time. But nevertheless, CHI PHI members always seem to have time for social functions with the sororities.
What about hazing?
We have all read in newspapers about fraternities that have been found hazing. Many states currently have laws that prohibit practices
considered hazing; many of these practices are spelled out specifically. All fraternities, including CHI PHI, have policies against
hazing. Although these policies and laws exist for all fraternities, a handful of chapters still have traditions which lead to activities
considered hazing. CHI PHI does not haze our pledges or members. We believe that hazing goes directly against our creed and our
individual beliefs.