A Parent's Guide to Pike

Pi Kappa Alpha's Rich Tradition

Pi Kappa Alpha? history is rich in tradition. Founded in 1868 by six men at the University of Virginia, Pi Kappa Alpha was among the United States first social college fraternities. Over the years, the Fraternity has grown to over 200 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, boasting over 215,000 initiated members. The shared experience of Pike membership still allows individuals to make the most of their college experience. Pi Kappa Alpha? long history and distinguished membership, are testaments to the Fraternity? exclusive and consistent superiority in fraternal programming, scholarship, membership and leadership. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the Fraternity.

What are the Values of the Fraternity?

The Fraternity? values are expressed in the written words and symbols of the secret ritual. These ideals and members ability to maintain the visions of the Fraternity? founders are the great moral legacy of Pi Kappa Alpha. The Fraternity recently developed a public declaration of the secret ritual in the form of the Vision, Mission and Creed. This declaration was then transformed into a relevant and tangible set of standards that every member strives to include in his daily actions called the True Pike.

How Big is the Fraternity?

Locally, our chapter has ranged from 10 members up to the current count of over 40 members. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has grown to over 200 chapters and colonies that spread coast to coast throughout the United States and Canada and an undergraduate membership of over 13,000 members. Since the Fraternity? founding in 1868 nearly 230,000 men have been initiated into Pi Kappa Alpha. For a full list of Pi Kappa Alpha Chapters and Alumni Associations click here.

How Will the Fraternity Affect My Son's Grades?

One of the biggest adjustments a new collegiate has to make is getting used to the time management and personal accountability required to be successful academically. Academics are emphasized from day one at Pi Kappa Alpha. Study hours, tutoring and brother mentoring are all present in the activities of the new member education program.

A commitment to scholastic excellence carries on well beyond initiation. With our current bylaws for our scholarship program, new members and actives alike are required to log at least 4 hours of study time in the library per week at their convenience. In addition, members are required to attend 3 study tables per month. These study tables are open three times per week for 4 hours each. An active member can fulfill one study table requirement by coming and spending a minimum of two hours studying. Members are not required to sit at a specific table, as we realize that individual study habits vary. Instead we require that members sign in on arrival and out upon leaving. We also have an extensive remedial program for brothers who fall below our minimum semester and cumulative GPA.

In addition, with the number of members our chapter has, brothers in the same major can offer advice on the best path to graduation. Furthermore, studies show that Fraternity membership increases retention by 28% and that 70% of greek members graduate compared to only 50% of non-greek students. We are proud to boast that one is more likely to receive a higher GPA by joining our fraternity than by just living in the dorms.

What is the History of Pi Kappa Alpha?

Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity is a Greek letter, secret, college, social fraternity. It is composed of men who share similar ideals of friendship, truth, honor and loyalty. Pi Kappa Alpha was founded at the University of Virginia on March 1, 1868 in Room 47 West Range. The Founders of Pi Kappa Alpha are Frederick Southgate Taylor, James Benjamin Sclater, Julian Edward Wood, Littleton Waller Tazewell, Robertson Howard and William Alexander. The essence of the Founder? vision for Pi Kappa Alpha can be found in its Preamble.

For the establishment of friendship on a firmer and more lasting basis; for the promotion of brotherly love and kind feeling; for the mutual benefit and advancement of the interests of those with whom we sympathize and deem worthy of our regard; We have resolved to form a Fraternity, believing that, thus we can most successfully accomplish our object.
For information about the history of Pi Kappa Alpha please click here.

What About Hazing?

Pi Kappa Alpha recognizes the danger hazing poses for individuals and the detrimental effect hazing inherently has on organizations. There is nothing gained or learned from hazing. We don't see the benefit of such practices when we are trying to develop men of character and high ideals, hazing would be counterproductive. Pi Kappa Alpha has developed a new member education program completely void of hazing and requires that each chapter reads and distributes the Chapter Statement on Position on Hazing to each new member. The Fraternity mandates an eight week new member education program that educates new members on their fraternal responsibilities as active members and prepares each man with the tools to immediately contribute to the success of the chapter.

What Educational Programming is Provided by the Fraternity?

For our chapter we offer many different opportunities and educational programs. For instance we hold biannual etiquette dinners to instruct our members on proper manners, choosing the proper wine for a particular meal along with basic dinner etiquette. Also we regularly have a local owner of a men's clothing store come in to discuss the means of identifying a quality suit, ties and formal wear. On a national level, our fraternity holds Pike University which is dedicated to providing members of Pi Kappa Alpha with superior events and programming focused on personal development and leadership training. Events sponsored by Pike University address the educational needs of all of our members, from pledges and new members to chapter officers to our dedicated alumnus volunteers. Launched in August 2003 Pike University has impacted the lives of nearly 10,000 undergraduates since its inception. For more information on Pike University please click here.

How Will the Fraternity Help My Son After Graduation?

There are over 129,000 living Pi Kappa Alpha alumni. While membership in the Fraternity cannot guarantee a member a job after graduation, a network of such magnitude will definitely open some doors along the way. On top of the alumni network, members of Pi Kappa Alpha also receive valuable life lessons and leadership training through their experiences within the Fraternity. There are numerous leadership roles available in the chapter as well as activities including, community service projects, philanthropies and social events that will help your son develop the necessary leadership and social skills to be successful after graduation.

How Much Does it all Cost?

Pi Kappa Alpha chapters charge membership dues in order to provide the most well rounded college experience possible for their members. Dues are not just money thrown away, our chapter dues go towards such programs as our membership development seminars as mentioned earlier, brotherhood events such as movies, barbeques, formals, scholarship awards etc. Dues vary by chapter, however a recent study of the Fraternity? chief competitors revealed that Pi Kappa Alpha ranks as the 2nd most affordable amongst the top ten fraternities in total four year cost per member. Payment plans are offered by most chapters and encouraged by Pi Kappa Alpha so that not all the money is required up front.

What is my Role as a Parent?

We encourage all of our parents to be as involved as possible and ask a lot of questions. This will likely be a growing experience for you and your son. There is a lot of information available on this website and our international website as well. In addition to those resources, members of Pi Kappa Alpha are more than happy to answer any other questions or concerns that you might have. If you would like to speak to someone a bit older, our chapter adviser Andy Buelow or our faculty adviser Connie Hansen would be more than happy to answer any of your questions. To get in contact with one of our members or our advisers please visit the contact page.