Starting A Phi Kappa Sigma Chapter

Frequently Asked Questions

• Whom do I contact about starting a Colony?

• What support structure is in place for Colonies, and how does Phi Kappa Sigma help its new Colonies succeed?

• What does Phi Kappa Sigma look for in order to expand?

• Where are Phi Kappa Sigma's current colonies?

• Where are Phi Kappa Sigma's recently-chartered Chapters?

Whom do I contact about starting a Colony?

For more information on starting a Phi Kappa Sigma Chapter on your campus, contact our Director of Expansion, Sean McCann or call the Phi Kappa Sigma International Headquarters at 1-888-PKS-INTL.

What support structure is in place for Colonies, and how does Phi Kappa Sigma help its new Colonies succeed?

Please see the "Support For New Colonies" section of the website.

What does Phi Kappa Sigma look for in order to expand?

For Phi Kappa Sigma to colonize at a given institution, it must first be certain that there is a solid interest group at that location. An "interest group" can be defined as 10-25 individuals interested in fraternal relations and, specifically, in becoming affiliated with a national organization. For interest groups that are still in the early stages of growth (less than 10 men), our Expansion Committee is capable of doing an on-site visit using local volunteers or paid staff members to visit with the group and plan the next steps towards colonization.

A "solid interest group" is one that has character and motivation. In colonizing, we look for groups that possess upstanding men interested in subscribing to our Fraternity's high ideals. These men must be energetic and committed to tackling the challenges that come with the Colony period, challenges that are designed to prepare them for lifelong brotherhood in Phi Kappa Sigma.

In addition, we utilize our "pre-colonization criteria," which is a set of criteria that shows us if an interest group is ready for colonization. The pre-colonization criteria is listed in the "Colonization Process" (link to section) section of the website.

You can also find a more detailed look at our Fraternity and our expansion process by downloading the Phi Kappa Sigma Expansion Guide.

Where are Phi Kappa Sigma's current Colonies?

For a complete list of Phi Kappa Sigma's current colonies, visit our Colonies webpage.

Where are Phi Kappa Sigma's recently-chartered Chapters?

George Mason University (Fairfax, Virginia)
The Colony started as a member transferring to George Mason from our UNC-Charlotte Chapter.   He was interested in continuing his "Phi Kap Experience" and discussed restarting the Gamma Xi Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma with fellow students. The Colony has worked hard to improve in academic performance and to build a strong relationship with the University.  They were chartered in the Fall of 2006.

DePaul University (Chicago, Illinois)
With our Delta Tau Chapter at DePaul University, it started when a student looking for leadership opportunities walked into the Student Leadership & Development Office.  This student met with a "Phi Kap" alumnus that worked for the university and quickly recognized this student was looking for something that wasn't being offered at DePaul at the present time.  Through several discussions it was evident that an interest group would be in development the coming months and surely it came to fruition.  The Colony moved forward quickly and with the help of our Alpha Epsilon Chapter, Illinois Institute of Technology, the Colony was successful with the recruitment of New Members and soon thereafter completed our colonization process and became a Chapter.

University of Maryland at Baltimore County Colony (Baltimore, Maryland)
The Colony started off as a local group that had existed for a year, and was interested in becoming nationally affiliated. The group has been dominant at philanthropy, fundraising, and campus athletics, and is looking forward to this year as a Chapter within Phi Kappa Sigma.

Clarkson University (Potsdam, New York)
Beta Chi Chapter was restarted when a legacy was looking for a Greek experience, that was well rounded and simply not a social club.  Soon enough with the help and support of the Chapters alumni and Expansion Committee a colony was formed.  The Beta Chi Chapter prides itself in having a strong academic standing with the University as well as being inclusive to maintain a diverse membership.

Delta Pi Chapter - Indiana University
The Delta Pi Colony at Indiana University has started off this year strong and hopes to increase its numbers to 40 by the end of spring 2002. The group was started as a Colony in April of 2001. They are a welcome addition to the Mid-West Region.

Delta Rho - Ursinus College
The Delta Rho Colony at Ursinus College of PA was formed by men looking to start a new Fraternity at the school. They represent the first International Fraternity to exist at Ursinus. They are raising the bar for the other local fraternities on the campus and are a model for Greek life on campus.