Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
UK Students

I'm concerned about my grades. What impact would fraternity membership have?

Delta Sigma Phi is concerned about your education as well. Every member’s first obligation is to the University of Kentucky and then to extra-curricular activities. Delta Sigma Phi assists by offering scholarship programs which may include study partners, mentors, study hours, test files, lecture notes, class schedule planning, and time management workshops. You can access the network of fraternity members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisors.

During the spring term our fraternity GPA was a 3.12 and our pledges had a 3.33.  Overall we finished in third place among the fraternities.  In most cases, your grades will be better if you join Delta Sigma Phi versus remaining unaffiliated.

Will I be hazed?

No!!  Delta Sigma Phi refuses to participate in hazing.  All activities must be productive, constructive, and relate to bettering the fraternity and its members.  Anything that differs from this is not allowed or tolerated!!  Hazing was not a reason for the creation of this fraternity and it will not be a part of the experience!

We expect you to uphold the values of this our fraternity and serve as a positive representation of the letters DSF.  We expect all of our members – pledges and brothers alike - to strive for academic excellence, recruit new members, attend weekly meetings, and most importantly have fun.  Education wise, you will be expected to learn the fraternity history, how DSF operates internally, and enjoy building friendships.

If this sounds too good to be true then ask yourself this: How is it that Delta Sig initiates 95% of its pledges each year with a pledge GPA of a 3.33?  Delta Sig does not pledge college men to "weed" them out.  When you are offered a bid, Delta Sig is extending its brotherhood to you.  Every activity our pledges participate in is positive and constructive - anything that is a tangent of this is not allowed.

On a national level, Delta Sigma Phi has a very strict policy on hazing. It is really simple, we do not allow it! It is a destructive practice that has no place in a brotherhood of men. If you feel like your son is being hazed please contact Delta Sigma Phi Headquarters Immediately. 1 (800) 394-1899 extension 0 or by e-mail info@deltasig.org.

Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?

The cost of joining a fraternity is very similar to joining any other student organization. During your pledge semester your fees are $450 (a one-time membership/initiation fee) and they cover a pledge education manual, two fraternity badges, rush t-shirt, and an educational membership binder that serves as a reference guide for your fraternity experience.  After that, the only fees that are assessed are the semester dues of $400 that the chapter treasurer collects. You will have the option to make an early payment and receive a 10% discount.  Payment plans are also available and the treasurer works closely with each member to accommodate their financial situation.  Payments can be made daily, weekly, monthly, etc…

The $400 semester dues cover social events, University of Kentucky intramural sports, date parties/formals, fraternity house building fund, chapter officer workshops (regional conferences in Atlanta, GA), national consultant visits, insurance, and a lifetime subscription to the Carnation – the fraternity publication.  A non-Greek student would spend approximately the same amount of money each semester for similar social activities without receiving the numerous leadership and development opportunities that Delta Sigma Phi offers.

Does being in a fraternity take a lot of time?

Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate. Also, they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through your Delta Sig experience, you will learn how to balance your academic work, campus involvement, and social commitments.

Relating specifically to your involvement in Delta Sigma Phi, time varies depending on your interest in assuming leadership roles.  DSF is a way of life and the fraternity is always looking to recruit new brothers.  In terms of meetings, you can expect 1-2 per week for a total of 2-4 hours.  Aside from meetings, the brothers like to get together for social events.  Whether it’s wing night at BW-3, intramural football, or date parties with sororities, the fraternity offers many additional/optional social opportunities. 

How do I go about joining Delta Sigma Phi?

You have already taken the first step towards membership by researching the University of Kentucky Delta Sigma Phi Chapter by viewing our web page.  Once you begin college you should stop by Delta Sigma Phi recruitment activities before and during rush week.  (click here to find out about DSF rush activities) You can also get an early jump on rush by contacting Recruitment Chairman Robby Martin at robbymartin7@hotmail.com or calling him at 859-806-3514 to receive more information.

What do you for community service? How much time do you spend each semester giving back to the community?

Nationally, we support the March of Dimes, but locally we volunteer at the Manchester Center, with Lexington’s Big Brothers/Sister, and within local high schools for special events like last year’s Octoberfest with Lexington Catholic. 

On a more personal level, we raised money for one of our brother’s parents this last year to offset expensive medical bills.  It’s nice to help a national foundation, but it feels much better to make a difference in the life of someone we know and call our brother.

Concerning our philanthropic endeavors, we participate in all the Greek philanthropy events to raise money for the respective organization’s national philanthropy.  We also co-sponsor [with Sigma Kappa Sorority] “Sigma Spike” – a volleyball tournament to raise money for local philanthropic agencies.

How can I expect membership in the fraternity to make me better person?

You will have an opportunity to focus on personal and professional development throughout the DSF experience.  You’ll also have the opportunity to be a leader from Day One.  You will be challenged in the classroom, on the intramural fields, and in other areas that interest you.  Our alumni assist along the way with our endeavors and provide help with internships, jobs, resumes, etc… If you want to be a better man then DSF is the fraternity for you.

How many Delta Sigma Phi chapters are there?

We have 110 chapters nationwide, with over 107,000 brothers.  We’re the 11^th largest of 67 national fraternities.  Our closest chapters are Transylvania across the street, Shawnee State, Wittenberg, Indiana State, Purdue, Rose-Hulman, SIU, Saint Louis, and Millikin.  Other chapters within a drive of UK are the University of Georgia, Auburn University, UNC-Charlotte, Wingate University, High Point College, Western Carolina, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Oglethorpe University, Georgia Tech, and Shorter College.