We know there is quite a bit of odd, unfamiliar vocabulary surrounding the greek life community. We hope these definitions will help clear some of that confusion:
Local vs. National – At Baylor, a fraternity is classified either local or national. Local fraternities exist only at Baylor and are not affiliated with a national fraternity office. National fraternities (or fraternities who are members of the IFC, Interfraternity Council) might exist at multiple colleges and are linked to a larger governing national office.
Club – You might hear members of Phi Chi refer to our organization as a club or "the club." This terminology is indicative of many local fraternal organizations and is a way we identify ourselves as different than traditional Greek social organizations.
Philos Kruxos Christos – These Greek words are roughly translated as Brotherhood, Centered, Christ symbolizing our letters Phi Kappa Chi. It is our desire and our commitment to being a brotherhood, centered on Christ.
Rush/Recruitment – A time for you to come and meet members of Phi Chi, learn about our organization, and find out if you would like to be a part; we organize events for you to attend so you might get to know us, and better, we might get to know you.
Formal Coffee – This is an event that we host during recruitment that is a formal presentation of who we are. This is also most likely the last opportunity to get to know our members before interviews.
Interviews – Interviews are where we get to know you best. Our interviews function and work much differently from those of other groups. The interview process is the final step of recruitment before we issue "bids".
Bids – A bid is a formal invitation stating that we would like you to become a part of our beloved brotherhood. After receiving a bid, there will be a time for you to accept your bid; the time and location of bid acceptance will be coordinated by the Department of Student Activities. After accepting a bid to Phi Kappa Chi, you will enter a time called pledge education.
Pledging – Pledging is a time of growth and learning for new members. What about hazing? Still confused? Just see our statements below or take a look at our core values at the top of the page.

Statement on Pledge Education: "We believe that pledgeship should be a completely positive experience and a time for individual growth, not a time for members to vent their frustrations. It is a time for members and pledges to grow both spiritually and physically, serve, and learn together. The brothers of Phi Kappa Chi believe that the happy person is the one who is complete in all areas of life. We will concentrate on improving the academic, spiritual, physical, and social aspects of our lives in an attempt to better ourselves and those around us. Statement on Hazing: Phi Kappa Chi acknowledges that Acts of hazing are incongruent with our commitment as Christian men to encourage one another. We agree to uphold and abide by Baylor policy and Texas State Law on hazing. Further, we will hold ourselves to an even higher standard: that of the 'atmosphere of encouragement and comfort' described in our founding Purpose Statement.

Initiation – The formal ceremony that marks the transition from new member status to full membership.

Answer: Phi Chi organizes a series of meet-and-greet events during a specific period of time called recruitment or "rush". This time offers potential pledges an opportunity to meet members of Phi Chi, as well as other men who are also interested in joining Phi Chi. During this time you will learn what Phi Chi has to offer its members, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions not only of Phi Chi, but of other organizations as well.

Phi Chi has a unique identity based on the development of Christian character, social skills, friendship, service to each others, and academic excellence. Just like researching, visiting, and choosing a college, you should seek out the group that best fits your personality, needs, and desires.

Answer: Members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the Phi Kappa Chi's Undergraduate Chapter. These officers are assisted by alumni members serving on advisory committees and by several official university sponsors. In addition, the club has an alumni advisory council that works with the undergraduate leaders to ensure stability and consistency as Phi Chi seeks to achieve its long-term goals.

Answer: No. Phi Kappa Chi was established in 1988 as a local men's social/service club. Our sole Undergraduate Chapter is located at Baylor University. We believe that by retaining our local identity we may better serve the needs of our members (both undergraduate and alumni) and Baylor.

Answer: The Phi Kappa Chi Undergraduate Chapter is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a one-time pledging fee is assessed. After those initial payments are made, there are semester dues until a member graduates. In the final semester of undergraduate membership, a portion of the dues goes to Phi Kappa Chi, Inc. as payment for lifetime alumni dues. Generally, joining a local organization is less expensive than joining a national fraternal organization.

Answer: Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate, and they also report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Members will learn how to balance their academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments – a skill which will be invaluable for their post-Baylor lives as well.

Answer:

• Service activities in Waco community
• Intramural sports
• Attending social events, such as parties, mixers, and formals
• Performing in All-University Sing and Pigskin
• Mission trips, both stateside and international
• Homecoming Float construction
• Regularly scheduled chapter meetings and recruitment events
• Leadership development workshops
• Bible studies and worship events
• Pledge education

This is an abbreviated list of things you might do as a regular member. The leadership opportunities and development of brotherhood and fellowship far exceed these brief descriptions. Remember though, If you decide to pledge Phi Chi, it's important to understand the necessity of balancing social activities and academics. We are committed to ensuring that academics come first.

Answer: Men who wish to receive a bid to pledge Phi Kappa Chi must be in good academic standing with the Department of Student Activities and have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours (freshman & 2nd year students) or 24 semester hours (transfer students). Each gentleman is also required to complete an application for membership and participate in a formal interview process. Members of Phi Chi will review the applications and interviews before voting on all applicants.