What Does Being GREEK mean?

Being "Greek" does not mean that you come from Greek ancestry. It is a term used to describe fraternities and sororities which are generally social and charitable organizations. In North America, they are commonly known for being part of university or college life. These organizations use Greek letters as their names, and therefore are known as being Greek.

What is the Difference Between a Sorority and a Fraternity?

A fraternity is an organization made up of all-male, or mixed-sexes, whereas a sorority is females only.

What Makes One Sorority Different From Another?

Primarily, the differences are the ideals of each sorority. Rituals, procedures, and rules that each sorority has as well as their symbols, signs, and international charities also vary. The women involved in each chapter and each sorority are really what makes them different. It is important to go out and meet the active members at your school to determine which group best suites you. 

What are the Benefits of Joining an International Sorority?

Membership in an international sorority like Phi Sigma Sigma is supported through a system of resources. This includes support from staff at Headquarters as well as dedicated advisors and alumnae volunteers who assist sisters with academics and personal challenges, national programs and chapter administrative functions. After graduation, local alumnae groups ensure that wherever a Phi Sigma Sigma moves she will have a network of sisters to rely on. Networking, and meeting sisters from other chapters is another benefit. Our chapter hosts girls from other chapters who come to visit as well as going on roadtrips to meet other sisters. All Phi Sig girls have an immediate bond because we are connected by our letters.

How Many Sororities & Fraternities Are There in Windsor?

Currently there are two international sororities: Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Zeta, and one local sorority: Delta Alpha Theta. There are three international fraternities on campus: Delta Chi, Pi Lambda Phi and Sigma Chi. Check out the Links section to get more information on these organizations.

What Sort of Things Does a Sorority Do?

We are a network of support that focuses on friendship, leadership and community service. But what do we actually do? We participate in various charity events and support others, we attend leadership conferences, and other workshops on campus, we run study groups, we have sisterhood events and social events with other Greeks, we have FUN!

Why Are There Dues? Where Does That Money Go?

While we do our best to keep our dues as low as we can, any organization requires funds to operate. The actual amount due varies from year to year so please inquire as to what they currently are. We are happy to provide a breakdown of exactly where your money is going upon request.
There are two types of dues and a new member fee that members of Phi Sigma Sigma pay to keep the chapter running:
1. International dues are paid to our headquarters to cover things like insurance, administration costs, as well as contributions to scholarships - these are paid once a year.
2. Local dues are paid once a semester and are used to run our chapter - things like workshops & conferences, promotional material, formal & founder's day celebrations, awards & prizes, and social or philanthropic events, etc.
3. As a new member, there is a new member fee - paid only once - to cover the costs associated with initiation and new member pins.
We know that students are typically on a tight budget, and that dues can seem a little overwhelming. Remember, dues are only paid while attending university but membership lasts a lifetime.

 Where is the Phi Sigma Sigma House?

Unfortunately, there is no Phi Sigma Sigma house in Windsor. The expenses related with having an official house exceeds the need for one. We prefer to book rooms on campus or make other arrangements rather then increase local dues. Currently none of the sororities at the University of Windsor have a house.

What is Hazing? Is There Hazing Involved?

Hazing is known as initiation by exacting humiliating tasks, and practical jokes that are usually embarrassing and difficult, sometimes even dangerous. It is illegal in Canada, and against policies of the University of Windsor, and Phi Sigma Sigma. We will never ask a prospective or active member to do anything they are not comfortable doing and will take any violation of this rule very seriously. The rituals we perform are an important part of membership. They are usually secret, based on symbols, and traditions, but have nothing to do with hazing.
Simply put - there is NO HAZING associated with joining Phi Sigma Sigma.

What Type of Woman is Phi Sigma Sigma Looking for in a Potential Member?

As the first non-sectarian sorority, we are looking for diversity in our members. Phi Sigma Sigma is passionate about sharing individuality. Religion, cultural beliefs, and traditions are openly accepted throughout all of our chapters. We welcome women of all religious backgrounds and customs. No member of Phi Sigma Sigma will ever have to feel uncomfortable participating in our rituals because they are not based on scripture from any religion. Instead, Phi Sigma Sigma celebrates the qualities that make each sister unique while uniting all members through common ritual.

What Sort of Time Commitments or Involvement Level is Needed From a Member?

We know that being a student means attending classes, studying, doing homework, and probably working a part time job, so we do not require a huge time commitment from our members. Ritual ceremonies are required events, which occur once or twice a month. We also hold a meeting once a week that last about an hour, and require each active member to participate in at least one philanthropic event a month. If there is a good excuse for missing these events (such as class, exams, family emergencies, illness, etc.) One sisterhood event and one social event a month are also required. It is well known among the sisters that you recieve back what you put into the sorority.

How Do I Go About Joining Phi Sigma Sigma?

Please check out the Interested in Joining section of this website for more information regarding joining. Typically, there are two recruitment periods per school year (one each semester). Please refer to the calendar for more information regarding dates.

Please contact us with any questions or comments.