Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sorority?

A sorority is a sisterhood of women at a university or college who share common values and interest in lifelong friendships and connections. If you are initiated into a sorority, you become a member for life. You will be connected to older members who provide mentorship, support, and friendship, as well as a vast network of active sisters and alumni of all ages from various academic institutions across the nation. In summary, a sorority is more than just a club. We are a home away from home, composed of sisters you will always be able to depend on, even after graduation from UIUC.

What is the difference between a social and professional sorority/fraternity?

Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority. Although Phi Sigma Rho is restricted to Science and Engineering majors, our activities and objectives are primarily social in nature. Our sisters share many of the same challenging classes and majors and become a support system for academics, but our main purpose is to balance academics with an active social life through internal sisterhood activities as well as participation in external social events, such as philanthropy-related events, with the rest of the Greek community.

Members of Phi Sigma Rho are able (and encouraged to) participate in professional Greek organizations in addition to their membership in Phi Sigma Rho. However, women are ineligible for membership if they concurrently belong to another social Greek organization

What does "Associate Panhellenic Chapter" mean?

At UIUC, we are an Associate Member of the Panhellenic Association because we do not participate in formal recruitment due to our major requirements. However, we participate in and host similar events to other Panhellenic chapters including sisterhood activities, date parties, events with other Greek chapters, and philanthropies. We also participate in all Panhellenic programming, have Panhellenic delegates, and are eligible to apply for Panhellenic Scholarships.

How/when can I join?

We hold recruitment twice a year, once at the beginning of fall semester and once at the beginning of spring semester. For more information about our recruitment events, check the events section of our website!

I'm not sure about joining! What should I do?

We encourage you to attend one of our recruitment events even if you are uncertain about joining. Our events are all free and no-obligation, so come out and meet the sisters before you make a decision!

Chapter Motto

"Reach for the stars, the future is ours"

Crest
Jewel

Pearl

Flower

Orchid

Animal

Penguin

Our Core Values

Friendship

There are many different reasons to join a sorority, but at the top of the list is likely sisterhood. Our sisterhood cultivates friendship, creating a network of sisters who guide us and strengthen our lives. Our sisters' commitment to one another is enriched through shared values and everlasting devotion. Our rituals connect our hearts and minds, forming strong friendships that last beyond college.

Scholarship

Our sisterhood was founded for women in a rigorous academic program - engineering - making academic excellence and professional success in an already formidable and male-dominated field even harder. Our sisterhood focuses on providing assistance and encouragement to all sisters as they accomplish their academic and career goals. The aid from sisters with similar majors and classes is priceless.

Encouragement

Everyone experiences tough times, but your sisters will always be understanding and supportive. Our members inspire each other to try harder and do better in all that they do. Our sisters provide constant support to one another through both the challenges and victories. We are forever linked through our sisterhood, a shared bond that inspires and encourages each of us to continually reach our goals.