Frequently Asked Questions
What is pledging?
Pledging is a period which will assist you in overcoming some concerns about success in college. All new members experience a period of orientation. During this time, you and the other new members will participate in weekly meetings to learn about the university and the fraternity, leadership retreats, community service projects, and activities designed to build friendships among the new members and the active fraternity members. Pi Kappa Alpha is committed to a membership education period for the new members that instills a sense of responsibility and commitment to the fraternity. While pledging, you will be assigned a pledge father by the chapter, who will assist you throughout your pledging period. The father is an older active member who has experience and leadership, both on campus and within the fraternity.
What about hazing?
Pi Kappa Alpha has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing, and each chapter is required to abide by this policy. Hazing includes any activity that subjects a member to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. Hazing is contrary to the purpose of Pi Kappa Alpha , and only degrades the culture and moral we have worked hard to create.
I am afraid that joining a fraternity will take up a lot of time.
Participating in the fraternity can be very time consuming. However, Pi Kappa Alpha does encourage time management skills, both as a pledge and an active, which will help each member with his involvement in the fraternity, on campus, and in his professional career. Pi Kappa Alpha offers a variety of involvement opportunities, including intramural sports, community service, and assuming leadership positions within the fraternity. Each member will find a level of commitment that is comfortable for him. By learning to balance academics, fraternal involvement, campus involvement, and social commitments, each member is more likely to be successful later on in professional life.
What are the greatest benefits of joining a fraternity?
Becoming a member of Pi Kappa Alpha will provide you with a number of experiences that will help you prepare for professional and personal aspects, of your life. These advantages include developing leadership skills by becoming a committee chair or executive board member, succeeding academically with the help of organized study hours, increasing awareness and knowledge of a variety of topics, such as alcohol awareness and risk management, and developing enduring friendships and brotherly bonds that last long after graduation. Pi Kappa Alpha encourages members to be involved as much as each member feels comfortable with, and believes that every member contributes to the fraternity in his own way. Every member of a fraternity can benefit through participation in social events, athletics, academically, and service to the community.
Tell me about the social aspects of fraternal life.
Because the Greek community at UMSL contributes to the social activity on campus, it has taken great strides toward creating a responsible and safe environment for its members. Each chapter develops its own social calendar, and each fraternity is to responsibly plan events which promote a full spectrum of social activities for Greek Life. For many students, the Greek social life helps to make college a more fulfilling experience. Pi Kappa Alpha offers a family-type atmosphere, where all members are encouraged to form a brotherly relationship with each new member. Opportunities to meet new friends increase through social events offered by not only Pi Kappa Alpha, but other fraternities as well.
What is my role as a parent?
Take time to learn about Pi Kappa Alpha and other Greek Life at UMSL. Ask your son questions about what is happening within the fraternity, as well as what events are going on around campus. Allow him to make the decisions that he thinks are best for him and be supportive of what he decides to become involved in. Be interested in what the organizations offer to him, and offer guidance if he becomes confused. The key is to be actively involved in your son’s decisions and support him in what he wishes to accomplish.