From being the first Fraternity to publish a magazine, to hold a democratic convention, to create an anti-discriminatory clause, to implementing “substance free housing” as part of an effort to “Return to our Founding Principles”, and to strive for our vision of “lifelong growth and development of the Fraternity and its members,” Phi Kappa Sigma has always been a leader in the Greek world.  The mission our Founders created for us in 1850 (stated in “The Objects of the Fraternity”) is a noble one and, along with our Ritual, gives us a philosophical guide and goals on how to be better men…in other words, “Men of Honor.” 

For the last decade we have been focused on developing and improving programs and opportunities that put the Phi Kappa Sigma philosophy into practice and exemplify our Fraternity’s mission and values.  Specifically, Phi Kappa Sigma provides our members’ opportunities for scholarships, personal growth, development, leadership and life experiences as part of an overall membership development initiative called the “Men of Honor Experience.”  The “Men of Honor Experience” seeks to deliver on Phi Kappa Sigma’s vision of “Lifelong growth and development of the Fraternity and its members” through a series of formal and informal programs and opportunities throughout the various Fraternity membership periods (from New Member through Alumnus).  By taking advantage of and immersing oneself in the programs and opportunities, we truly believe our members will pursue and eventually achieve a lifetime of success.

The “Men of Honor Experience” provides the perfect practice field for developing life skills and experiencing “real world” situations in a safer, more supportive environment.  Today’s graduates are assumed to know what they learned in their field of study but employers want to know “what else?”  More and more campuses are implementing Essential/Expected Learning Outcomes which focus on the undergraduate developing “soft skills” such as Self-Awareness, Critical Thinking, Communication, Diversity, Membership/Leadership, Citizenship, and Interpersonal Skills/Relationships.  All programs in “The Men of Honor Experience” are co-curricular with Higher Education’s objective of implementing “Essential/Expected Learning Outcomes.” 

It has been widely reported that Self-Awareness is the key to the development of other skills/concepts and that low self-awareness leads to an increase in alcohol, drug, and sexual abuse.  Phi Kappa Sigma has a unique and powerful tool that is available to all members and is used in several of our “Men of Honor Experience” programs.  A professional personality assessment called The Birkman Method® helps members gain self-awareness, learn critical life skills, set personal and professional goals, and create action plans to achieve those goals.  In addition, in order to help ensure our programs are effective (i.e. members actually learn/take something away from them and are affected/changed in a significant/positive way), “Men of Honor Experience” programs incorporate adult learning theory (i.e. participants experience the concept, reflect on the concept, make meaning of the concept, and share their reflection/meaning with the group). 

All of the “Men of Honor Experience” programs, plus the additional Phi Kappa Sigma opportunities, combined with the on-campus Chapter involvement add up to be the consummate “Phi Kap Experience.” 

Below is a list of programs and opportunities available to members within the “Men of Honor Experience”:

“Men of Honor Experience” Programs

Volunteer Development
Offered to all alumni approved to a volunteer role.  It includes frequently asked questions, advising/facilitating best practices, and also works to recruit and retain volunteers.  Benefits Include:
• Volunteers that fully understand the role, responsibilities, and expectations within their positions
• Volunteers possess the “toolkit” necessary to best serve Phi Kappa Sigma members.
 
Senior Retention and Transition
Junior and senior members are encouraged to get (and stay) involved through their senior year, and transition to being an involved Phi Kappa Sigma alumnus.  Additionally, etiquette, financial planning, and professionalism training prepares graduating members for “real life.”  Benefits Include:
• Increased senior retention.
• Increased number of involved alumni. 
• Chapter members graduate with a “toolkit” that prepares them for immediate understanding of “real world” challenges.
 
Values-Based Recruitment Development and Certification
Level 1 certification teaches values-based recruitment basics and best practices.  Level 2 certification teaches more advanced practices, and trains members how to facilitate Level 1 certification to other members.  Benefits Include:
• New members more congruent with Phi Kappa Sigma values.
• Increased recruitment numbers.
• Chapter members have a “toolkit” to achieve the desired results.
 
Grand Chapter
Phi Kappa Sigma’s biennial democratic Chapter Convention has been held since 1869.  As part of Grand Chapter, “The Phi Kappa Sigma Male College” educational sessions offer members opportunities to learn a variety of critical life skills and Chapter operations best practices.  Benefits Include:
• Participants learn critical life skills.
• Improved Chapter and member performance.
• Participants gain awareness of the international scope of the Fraternity.
 
Key Sessions
A series of leadership workshops put on annually that link Chapter Operations, Core Values, and Fraternity goals and objectives.  Benefits Include:
• Improved Chapter and member performance.
 
Ritual Exemplification and Certification
Offered to all initiated members.  Level 1 certification teaches Phi Kappa Sigma’s secrets, symbols, and Ritual.  Level 2 certification trains members how to facilitate Level 1 certification to other members.  Benefits Include:
• Increased understanding of Phi Kappa Sigma Ritual, and ensured uniform continuity of secrets, symbols and Rituals. 

Men of Honor Leadership Institute
Phi Kappa Sigma’s experiential values-based leadership development program put on annually.  Benefits Include:
• Participants learn principle-centered leadership, and how to create positive change. 
• Participants gain awareness of the international scope of the Fraternity.
 
Social Virtues Development Program
Leadership programming that addresses social values such as respect, diversity, communication, and citizenship.   Benefits Include:
• Chapter members learn about and prevent high-risk drinking, hazing, and sexual assault.
 
Values Based Visioning
A  strategic planning retreat that teaches collaborative team-building and tactical thinking.  Benefits Include:
• Re-assessing, refining, and creating the action plans necessary for Chapter to achieve their mission, vision, and goals for the upcoming year.
 
Interpersonal Leadership Development Program
Phi Kappa Sigma’s experiential action-based leadership development program.  Benefits Include:
• Participants gain self-awareness and a more detailed awareness of others personalities, mannerisms, and why they do the things they do.
• Participants learn how to face challenges individually and collectively. 
• Participants gain awareness of the international scope of the Fraternity.
 
Pillars
New Member Education program. 
Benefits Include:
• New members learn Phi Kappa Sigma’s mission, values, expectations, and history
• New members develop basic life skills.
 
Scepter Mentorship
A personalized coaching program that matches undergraduate mentees with alumni mentors based on common areas of interest.  Benefits Include: • Personal growth for all participants, both mentor and mentee.
• Participants gain self-awareness.
• Participants learn critical life skills.
• Participants set personal and professional goals, and create action plans to achieve them.
• Increased alumni involvement.
 
Scholastic Development Program
Phi Kappa Sigma’s scholarship improvement program.  Benefits Include:
• Participants learn time management, study skills, and classroom, exam, and paper writing best practices. 
 
“Men of Honor Experience” Opportunities

Chapter & Campus Community Leadership Positions
From committee member to Chapter President, all positions are obtainable by any initiated member, and offer the opportunity to learn and practice leadership and management skills that will be invaluable after graduation.  Benefits Include:
• The “real-world” experience of managing and leading others.

Foundation Scholarships
In amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, awarded annually to members who apply through Need-Based and/or Participation-Based applications.  Applications are available at the beginning of each calendar year.  Benefits Include:
• Funding educational expenses of recipients.

Service
Through social services work with various community organizations and philanthropic events, members have the opportunity to give back, serve others, and increase citizenship.  Benefits Include:  
• Promotion of societal relevance for Phi Kappa Sigma members.

We believe Phi Kappa Sigma is more than an organization you belong to while you are in college.  Phi Kappa Sigma is a valuable learning and leadership experience, life-long commitment, and a philosophy of life.  We are working to make sure our members have an excellent undergraduate experience and graduate to become more than just productive members of society, but leaders that possess steadfast values and a duty to help their fellow man.

We are entering a new age of fraternity life.  Fraternity membership is declining, and undergraduates are looking for something more than what is offered.  To be competitive, and to be a leader of this new order of Greek life, this membership development program will be the centerpiece of the Phi Kappa Sigma experience.