Colonization Process

What is the colonization process?
A colony is a group of students interested in becoming a new chapter of Phi Sigma Pi. The colonization process is what Phi Sigma Pi uses to lay the foundation for a strong, successful chapter to emerge on the new campus. The basic steps of the colonization process typically include the following.

Engage the university to build a partnership for success
Implement a campus-wide advertising and interest-generating campaign
Contact local alumni and nearby chapters to solicit their support
Hold initial membership recruitment sessions
Train, organize and prepare the interested members through the Brotherhood Education Program
Complete the requirements for university recognition
Search for a chapter advisor

The colonization process ends when the group is inducted and recognized as a chapter of Phi Sigma Pi. Throughout the colonization process the colony will receive ongoing evaluation and intensive support and assistance from the Director of Expansion, the Region Consultant and nearby Phi Sigma Pi Brothers.

How long does colonization usually take?
The information that follows outlines a general schedule for a new chapter activation. Our template fits within the block of one semester or two quarters, but may be adjusted to meet the needs of the students, the campus or both.

Prior to the actual semester/quarter of activation – Working with our campus contacts, the Director of Expansion will make arrangements for advertising, such as mailings and posters, room reservations and other finalize other logistics.
Beginning of the semester/quarter – Recruitment materials will be distributed to students directly by Phi Sigma Pi if possible and also distributed around campus.
About a month into the semester/quarter – The Director of Expansion will facilitate a series of information meetings on campus, usually over one to two days, to introduce students to Phi Sigma Pi, briefly explain the colonization process, and answer any questions or concerns interested students may have.
A week after the information meetings – The Director of Expansion will conduct an organizational meeting and the pinning ceremony, which serves as the official start of the colonization process. After this meeting, the group is officially considered a colony by Phi Sigma Pi. All students who have decided to join would attend this meeting, at which time the Brotherhood Education Program would be reviewed in much greater detail. Students should leave this meeting with a clear understanding of what the group needs to accomplish in the weeks ahead.
Approximately six weeks later – The Brotherhood Education Program is expected to last six weeks, although it may last longer if the group requires more time to complete its tasks. For schools on the quarter schedule, this will typically span two quarters. During this time, the students would also be completing the university's requirements for student organization recognition. The Director of Expansion, as well as local members and alumni as available will provide support and guidance throughout the Program. Once all responsibilities have been completed by the colony, the formal induction ceremony would be held. All prospective members who have met the Program's expectations will be inducted as Active Members, and the colony will be officially recognized by Phi Sigma Pi as a Chapter. At this time, the Chapter will also elect an Executive Board to lead the group the following semester or quarter, and this Board will receive in-depth officer training from the National Staff to better prepare the students for their new responsibilities.

What is the Brotherhood Education Program?
The Brotherhood Education Program is how Phi Sigma Pi teaches its new members about its history, purpose, values, standards, policies and general operating procedures. In order to be officially inducted as a chapter of Phi Sigma Pi, the colony of prospective members must complete the following activities.

Secure and maintain an eligible undergraduate membership
Register the group with the Office of Student Governance and Organizations, obtain official campus recognition, and introduce the group to the staff of the recognizing office
Establish a strong working relationship with the Faculty Advisor, and obtain a letter of recommendation from this individual
Establish a strong working relationship with the Alumni Advisor, and obtain a letter of recommendation from this individual
Participate in at least one service project
Participate in at least one scholarship program
Plan and implement at least one substance-free social event
Plan and implement at least one fund-raising project, raising a minimum of $10 per person
Establish relationships with other chapters in the region
Open a checking account, apply for an IRS number (if applicable) and establish financial stability
Learn the national history, including the fraternity songs
Complete and pass the National Exam with an 80% or higher
Satisfy all individual financial obligations prior to induction
Complete interviews with 50% of the colony members, five alumni members and the colony advisors
Compile an official list of the prospective members and the organizations to which each belongs
Assemble a formal petition for chartered status that includes a group photo, a brief history of the campus, and a letter of petition from the colony (for additional information on the formal petition, consult with your Advisor)
Submit News Releases for each member, to be distributed by the National Headquarters following the Induction ceremony
Submit press release to campus and community newspapers announcing the activation of the new Chapter
Hold weekly business meetings, with each prospective member allowed two absences

Please note that all prospective members are expected to contribute to the accomplishment of these items. Once all of these tasks have been completed, the chapter induction will occur at a suitable date and time. It is in everyone's best interests to complete the items quickly and efficiently. Also, understand that unwillingness or inability to complete the items on the list may result in the dissolution of the colony by the National Council of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity.

Who organizes the colony?
We work as a team to best utilize our available resources. The key people involved in the process of creating the colony and preparing it for chapterhood include:

The Director of Expansion – a Phi Sigma Pi staff member based at the National Office in Lancaster, PA
The Region Consultant – a nearby Phi Sigma Pi staff member responsible for chapter development within a specific geographical region of the country
University Administration, Staff and Faculty – a group of individuals who typically assist the chapter in navigating university policies, procedures and logistics
Local Phi Sigma Pi Alumni – dedicated brothers who have graduated and willingly give of their time and knowledge to help the group succeed
Nearby Phi Sigma Pi Chapters – active undergraduate students from other universities who visit, assist and support the new colony in whatever manner is needed
The Colony Members – Phi Sigma Pi is an active organization and the colony members play a key role in shaping their own future

The Director of Expansion is the lead coordinator for the colonization effort. He works closely with the other parties to ensure that the colony receives solid support and clear directions. We believe strongly in a well-orchestrated teamwork approach.

What happens after Colonization is over?
For the first semester or two quarters after induction the National Staff will make additional campus visits on a regular basis. The Chapter's Region Consultant will begin to play the predominant support role as the Director of Expansion transitions out. These support visits will gauge the Chapter's development and provide additional opportunities for training and guidance. Additionally, Phi Sigma Pi will continue to provide support to the new chapter through numerous phone conferences, mailings, and other resources. Local alumni and nearby chapters will also continue to advise and support the new chapter.

Ready to start a new chapter?