Why Join A Fraternity?

Joining a fraternity is a personal decision that only you can make. Many people join a fraternity for the social aspects. Joining the Greek system will mean gaining access to a whole network of friends and opportunities that one does not get without joining. The Greek system is filled with individuals in dozens of fields of interests and majors. Greeks are members of virtually every organization on campus and in many cases, leaders and/or presidents of these organizations. Some come from outside of the metro Detroit area and don't have any friends or family. Some join as legacies to which their older brothers or family members were a part of and belonged as well. The decision is up to you, only you can make the decision to join. What are some other opportunities for joining? Membership within the Gamma Sigma Alpha Academic Honor Society is only open to members of social fraternities and sororities. Gamma Sigma Alpha is the largest academic honor society in the United States. Joining also means access to older member's notes and outlines for classes, advice and help in selecting your course of study and life in general.

Why Pi Kappa Alpha?

Pi Kappa Alpha is the largest fraternity on Wayne State's campus and the largest in North America as well. Joining Pi Kappa Alpha, also known as the Pikes, means access to a growing and continuously evolving organization. Pikes strive to uphold the traditions of Scholars, Leaders, Athletes and Gentlemen. In the realm of Scholars, fully a third of our members are initiates of the Gamma Sigma Alpha Honor Society, including the honor of having the Founding President. Leaders on campus include Pikes who serve as officers in the Student Government Association, leaders in student organizations and on campus. Athletes, include varsity letter athletes for Wayne State athletics, in addition to holding the title of Greek Week champions for the last 14 years. As gentlemen, Pikes hold many community service events on campus and in the community. We hold mixers with sororities and other female organizations on Wayne State's campus and neighboring campuses in the Detroit metro area.

Are there other Pike Chapters?

With over 200 chapters, Pikes can be found across the state of Michigan at universities such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Kettering University and Ferris State University. Pikes Chapter are also found in the Ivy League, Big Ten and Pac 10, SEC, and MAC conferences to name a few. We are everywhere!

What is Rush?

Rush is the period when fraternities open their doors to potential members amongst the undergraduate population. At Wayne State University, rush occurs during the first month of each semester in September and January. During Rush, fraternities hold events at their houses and on campus. Undergraduates who are interested in rushing or joining the fraternity are introduced to members of the Rush Committee and meet the members of the fraternity over the course of rush.

After Rush is completed and a select group of men are invited to join the organization, a period of eight weeks called pledging occurs. Pledges meet on Sunday nights where they learn about the history of the fraternity. During this time, pledges also follow a schedule of tasks in their quest to be considered for initiation. Pledges work together to complete a house improvement project, community service event(s), events with sororities, scholarship, independent rush program, interviews with active members, and attendence at the Pledge Retreat with the Active Members of the fraternity. During pledging, many life-long friendships are developed, along with the establishment of connection to a "Big Brother" which develops within the fraternity. While Rush is a great experience that makes the university experience more enjoyable, academics also play a major part. Pledges must maintain a satisfactory grade point average to be considered for initiation.

Pi Kappa Alpha is a non-hazing fraternity. No member or chapter shall conduct hazing activities. Hazing is defined as:

• Any form of physical abuse;

• Any activity that might reasonably be expected to bring embarrassment or psychological harm to the individual;

• Any activity that might reasonably be expected to bring physical harm to the individual; Any activity that might reasonably be expected to degrade or otherwise compromise the dignity of the individual;

• Any activity that might reasonably be expected to require an unreasonable or inordinate amount of the individual's time, or in any manner impair the individual's academic efforts;

• Any activity that might reasonably be expected to make the individual an object of amusement or ridicule;

• The required consumption of any liquid, gas or solid matter;

• Any requirement which compels an individual to participate in any activity which is illegal or contrary to the individual's genuine moral and/or religious beliefs, or contrary to the rules and regulations of the educational institution.