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The tripod is what Phi Sigma Pi was
founded on and is the main purpose of the National Fraternity. The
tripod consists of three things; Scholarship, Leadership and
Fellowship. In carrying out the purpose of the National Fraternity,
Phi Sigma Pi and its members strive to personify and encourage these
three ideals: 1) The acquisition and dissemination of information and knowledge through scholarship, 2) The application of professional skills and the fostering of leadership qualities by promoting and ad- vancing the welfare of humanity, and 3) The fostering of non-discriminatory, fraternal fellowship within Phi Sigma Pi's ranks. Balancing Scholarship, Leadership and Fellowship The question has often been asked, "What is Phi Sigma Pi?" Perhaps the most concrete answer is that Phi Sigma Pi is one-third honor society, one-third service organization and one-third social fraternity. Phi Sigma Pi seeks to incorporate the best and most beneficial aspects of all of these types of organizations into its own program. The honor society aspect sets Phi Sigma Pi apart and commands respect. The social fraternity aspect builds fellowship and commitment, which in turn serves as a stimulus to undertake service projects, the greatest expression of leadership. Because Phi Sigma Pi is an honor fraternity that stresses the principles of scholarship, leadership and fellowship, chapter activities must reflect these three principles. Chapters have many options for activities which promote pure scholarship, such as scheduling speakers, conferences, seminars and workshops. They can also take part in writing scholarly papers, tutoring or developing local scholarships and awards. Phi Sigma Pi believes that by undertaking service projects, students can learn about the problems facing today's society and can better shape their views and leadership skills. Phi Sigma Pi encourages its members to offer themselves as resources for charitable organizations. Determining the type of service projects, whether they serve the university, community, state or a local or national charity, is a decision that rests entirely with the chapter. Scholarship and leadership are useless unless one has learned to work productively with others. Phi Sigma Pi promotes the concept of the well-rounded individual. The knowledge gained through working closely with others toward common goals builds fellowship the third principle of Phi Sigma Pi. Any activity that promotes fellowship teaches people about the intimacies and qualities of others. The knowledge gained through these social events serves to enhance working relationships and eventually stimulates the activity of the entire chapter, encouraging better scholastic and service projects. Fellowship-building events can include such things as banquets, social and sporting events or trips. Without these social and recreational activities, a chapter would grow weak and eventually become inactive due to lack of commitment. Fellowship establishes commitment-and that's what brotherhood is all about! However, at the same time, chapters must be image-conscious, realizing that they do not exist merely for having good times. Phi Sigma Pi is a balance of scholarship, leadership and fellowship. Each leg of the tripod must be equally stressed or the chapter may too closely resemble an honor society, service organization or social fraternity. Each chapter must actively seek its own balance of scholarship, leadership and fellowship. Phi Sigma Pi's goals are to cultivate and encourage high scholastic achievement, build leadership skills through service to others and strengthen social skills all of which allow the individual to mature and develop into a thinking, concerned person who will be an asset to our society. |
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