Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
Kappa Chapter - Transylvania University
Frequently Asked Questions about Pike
Some of the common questions that people normally ask are listed and answered below, but if you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.
Are Pi Kappa Alpha and PIKE the same thing?
Yes, PIKE is a common nickname for the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and our members are often referred to as “Pikes.” As more and more fraternities were founded, many with very similar Greek letters, PIKE became an easy way to differentiate Pi Kappa Alpha from groups with similar names.
How large is Pi Kappa Alpha?
Pi Kappa Alpha is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world, with over 200 chapters and colonies throughout the United States and Canada, and with an undergraduate membership of close to 12,500 members. Since the Fraternity’s founding in 1868, over 300,000 men have been initiated into Pi Kappa Alpha.
What is PIKE known for?
The Fraternity's values are expressed in the written words and symbols of the secret ritual, which every member strives to include in his daily actions through set of standards called The True Pike. Pi Kappa Alpha’s members seek to be an example to their peers by exemplifying Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, and Gentlemen.
What is Pike University?
Pike University is the leadership education program of Pi Kappa Alpha. It seeks to provide educational programs aimed at fostering leadership, management and personal development skills in order to prepare our members for success. Pike University events address the educational needs of all of our members, from new members and new initiates, to chapter officers, to our dedicated alumnus volunteers. There are 12 or more events hosted each and every year.
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How will the Fraternity affect my grades?
One of the biggest adjustments a new collegiate has to make is
getting used to the time management and personal accountability
required to be successful academically. Academics are emphasized
from day one at Pi Kappa Alpha. Study hours, tutoring and brother
mentoring are all encouraged activities in the new member
education program. A commitment to scholastic excellence carries
on well beyond initiation. Many chapters offer financial incentives for outstanding scholastic performance and brothers in the same
major can offer advice on the best path to graduation. Additionally, studies show that fraternity membership increases student retention by 28%, and that 70% of Greek members graduate compared to only 50% of non-Greek students.
How will the Fraternity help me after graduation?
There are over 200,000 living Pi Kappa Alpha alumni. While membership in the Fraternity cannot guarantee a member a job after graduation, a network of such magnitude will definitely open some doors along the way. Some notable prominent Pikes include Tim McGraw, Bobby Bowden, Stephen Covey and Scott Van Pelt. On top of the alumni network, members of Pi Kappa Alpha also receive valuable life lessons and leadership training through their experiences within the Fraternity. There are numerous leadership roles available in the chapter as well as activities including community service projects, philanthropies and social events that will help your son develop the necessary leadership and social skills to be successful after graduation.
How much does it all cost?
Pi Kappa Alpha ranks first overall as the most affordable amongst the top ten fraternities in total cost per member. Here at the Kappa Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha, dues are currently $375 a semester. Payment plans are offered by most chapters, including Kappa Chapter and is also encouraged by Pi Kappa Alpha so that membership can be made available to students of all backgrounds.
Does Pi Kappa Alpha haze?
Pi Kappa Alpha, along with many other fraternities, abolished hazing in its chapters many years ago. The International Fraternity does not condone hazing in any way. In order for a chapter’s charter to remain in good standing with the International Fraternity, it agrees not to participate in hazing activities, as they are counter-productive to the positive growth of college men. Not only is hazing abolished on the national fraternity level, hazing is also abolished on the Transylvania campus and each new member is required to sign a form stating that they will not participate in any form of hazing, whether it be physical or mental.
What is my role as a parent?
We encourage all of our parents to be involved and ask a lot of questions. This will likely be a growing experience for you and your son. There is a lot of information available on this website, as well as the national Pike website. In addition to those resources, members of the Kappa Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha would be glad to answers any questions or address any concerns that you may have.
What is the time commitment?
Pike New Members will complete a four week new member program. The program generally consist of an hour-long meeting in the the Pike Chapter Room. Each Kappa Chapter Active Member and New Member are required to complete a minimum 10 hour per semester community service hours requirement. Each New Member is required to complete a minimum six hour per week study session as a group in the Library, which is documented by the Chapter Scholarship Chairman. Kappa Chapter considers attendance and participation at all New Member meetings and activities as mandatory, however exceptions are provided for work/study/medical/educational/and family reasons. The New Member is required to advise his New Member Educator for any exceptions. The Chapter Calendar is updated frequently to advise of all Chapter activities well in advance.
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What is New Member Education?
Kappa Chapter utilizes a pre-planned education program to get all New Members acquainted with the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, the Kappa Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha and Transylvania University. The Chapter works closely with TU Student Life Administration to develop, plan, and provide this program. The goal of New Member Education is to integrate all New Members into the Chapter, develop the friendships among their New Member Class and Active Membership, and to make them aware of the resources Transylvania University offers to help them be successful at Transylvania. Each section is designed to engage the new member with the Chapter itself and gain an understanding of how the Chapter functions.
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What can a Pike New Member Expect?
Kappa Chapter New Members can expect to grow as Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, and Gentlemen through a planned four week program of learning, activities, education, and service. Pike new member education culminates in Ingress- a final week of introspection and review prior to activation (or initiation into Pi Kappa Alpha as an Active Member). Ingress is a special time for a New Member to find their place in Kappa Chapter and the Fraternity as a whole. The activities for this week are secret, however they have been cleared by the University and follow the Pi Kappa Alpha Standards and Position on Hazing. In addition, activities for this week are closely monitored by Alumni Advisors and expectations of active membership in the process are clearly outlined and followed. Our commitment to New Membership is that Ingress will not infringe on the New Members' time commitments for maintaining their academic or personal requirements. Ingress requirements will be clearly communicated prior to occurrence. Our planned Ingress program will ensure the safety and well-being of all New Members.
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