Sigma Phi Rho(ΣΦΡ) fraternity incorporated is a collegiate African American fraternity. Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc. transitions men into greater manhood academically, socially, spiritually, and professionally through mentorship and the development of relevant activities that help guide each member's spiritual and professional growth in college and throughout the mature phases of their lives. We seek to aid men in reaching their academic, spiritual, social, and professional aspirations.[1] Sigma Phi Rho has 33 chapters and counting across the United States.
The purpose of this fraternity is to serve its school and aid in its development and growth. Sigma Phi Rho is highly supportive of other student organizations.[2] Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc. accepts four major organizational goals: the continual building of the concept of lasting brotherhood, fulfillment of developing strong character and good moral judgment, service to the community and high academic achievement.[3]
| Sigma Phi Rho | |
|---|---|
|
ΣΦΡ
|
|
| Founded | November 13, 1979 Wagner College |
| Type | Social |
| Motto |
|
| Colors | White, Brown, and Gold |
| Flower | White or Gold Roses |
| Chapters | 33+ |
| Nickname | The Rho, Death Rho |
| Headquarters | Staten Island, New York, USA |
| Homepage | Phi Rho Website |
Contents |
Greek-letter organizations have been apart of the history of American Colleges and Universities since the founding of Phi Beta Kappa in 1776 at William and Mary College.[4] Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity inc was chartered by 13 men from Wagner College in 1979 for the purpose of developing a lasting brotherhood. Experiencing a sense of isolation and social ostracism, black students attending such institutions established their organizations not only to foster mutual support for academic and social pursuit but also to cope with the challenges and obstacles they faced in overcoming the prevailing racial codes and mores.[5] The founders of Sigma Phi Rho believed that a fraternity must assist in the development of its members personality and encourage them towards academic excellence.
The founders of Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc. stated that it was their intention to create an organization that personified the broadening awareness of racial pride, activism and moral leadership that had emerged in the early '70s. They believed that the Greek fraternal system provided an opportunity for male students to unite and stand up for themselves. They were young men of vision, character, scope, purpose and courage—willing to take the lies to trial, to bear the hopes of others on their shoulders, and deliver service to the communities in which we lived.[6] These thirteen men with such courage and strong values were:
To become of a member Sigma Phi Rho there is a challenging training reqiurment of fraternal educational training. Membership of Sigma Phi Rho is open to all sophomores attending an accredited four year college or university. Academically, the candidates must have a 2.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. All candidates must have a documented record of community service. All candidates must display strong character, good moral judgment and leadership abilities.[7] Sigma Phi Rho is a non hazing organization. Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Incorporated does not consent to, condone, or authorize any act of hazing, both mentally and physically, or violence towards potential candidates as a term or condition of membership[8] There are four classes of membership of Sigma Phi Rho fraternity which are active, inactive, alumni, and honorary. An active member has the full privilege to participate in all fraternity activities. An inactive member has restricted participation in the chapter activities[9] An alumni member has finished college and is possibly pursuing an advanced degree. An honorary member has the rights and privileges of full membership. To become an honorary member a person has to have done something remarkable, whether it's through community service, academically or some other achievement.
The Rho Rhoses is the women's auxiliary group for Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity Incorporated. The Rho Rhoses was also founded at Wagner College on December 4, 1980. The purpose of Rho Rhoses is to aid in the development of strong character, the development of self respect and the development of good moral judgment within their sisterhood and also to support their Rhomen of Sigma Phi Rho.[10] In becoming a Rhoses there are certain programs in place in order to become a fullly blossom Rhoses such as the Bud program. The Bud program starts the young women who are interested, as Seeds or Rose Buds. The purpose of the Rose Buds are to aid and assist their brothers in their training process, in addition to serving their school and aid in its development and growth.[11]
The Rhoman’s Court is the only official group for high school students interested Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc.[12]
The Prophets are an interest group for college freshman. Since Sigma Phi Rho does not accept freshmen into the "Scales" Club, this group helps develop and mentor these young men. During the Prophet experience, Rho Brothers help freshman acclimate to college life and prepare for their possible fraternal journey--specifically focusing on developing scholarly habits, character and good leadership qualities.