The International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, Mu Chi chapter, is looking for the leaders of tomorrow. Commonly known as FIJI, our chapter is James Madison’s premier social fraternity. Founded in 1848, Phi Gamma Delta is a men’s social fraternity that has over 150 undergraduate chapters throughout the United States and Canada. We take pride in the secrecy of our fraternity and the established brotherhood we’ve come to love.
Here is some useful information to look at if you have some questions about FIJI and rushing.
What is FIJI?
Phi Gamma Delta, commonly referred to as FIJI, is an international fraternity established on May 1st, 1848. To find out more, please feel free to visit our history page.
What does it take to become a Phi Gam?
The journey of becoming a brother of Phi Gamma Delta is one filled with excitement, challenges and personal growth. During rush period, the active brothers of the chapter will select a few distinguished individuals to be granted a bid to pledge the fraternity. This bid is only offered if 100% of the chapter votes for the bid to be extended to the particular individual. Throughout pledge-ship, each pledge is evaluated by the chapter to ensure they are progressing towards their goal of becoming an initiated brother.
Will I be alone on this journey?
No man is an island. We at Phi Gamma Delta are more than just an organization or a club on campus. We are a brotherhood that believes in the life-long commitment that is expected out of each one of us. Once affiliated with Phi Gamma Delta, you will have a big brother who will guide your through pledge-ship. This man’s responsibility is to make sure that you are doing well and is always aware of what is going on. Furthermore, you will have a graduate big brother, who, as a distinguished individual of society, will act as a liaison between you and the professional world. Currently our graduate big brothers vary from lawyers, doctors and businessmen to teachers, researchers and well-to-do entrepreneurs.
Will my grades suffer during pledge-ship?
Each person is an individual. There is no way to predict how each man will spend his time during this period. Because of all the independence and fun that any college environment has to offer, it is very easy to lose track of what we are all here to achieve – a superior level of education. As a result, Phi Gamma Delta will not allow anyone with low grades to become an active brother. Mandatory study hours and peer tutoring are an integral part of pledge-ship. In college, as well as in life, we as brothers would be truly useless to each other unless we achieved our fullest potentials, both as intellectuals and as gentlemen of a higher calling.
Are the rumors about hazing true?
The International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta has a zero-tolerance hazing policy. Pledge-ship is designed to unite individuals, not breed hate. While we will challenge your ability to be a leader of men and a free thinker, we will never instigate any physical or mental trauma to any of our brothers. Hazing simply has no place amongst our ranks, and neither do individuals who take pleasure in the suffering of others.
What about my parents? They simply don’t understand.
College, regardless if one joins a fraternity or not, is a time to take the step from boyhood to manhood. FIJI strongly encourages you to bring your family along for the ride in taking that step. The best way to help your parents understand is to simply bring them to our chapter house to meet the brothers in person. Our Parent’s Day is designed exclusively for that purpose. Parents get a chance to meet all the Phi Gams, as well as each other, while enjoying a great day at the fraternity house.
Is it all about partying?
No. While it is nice to loosen up from time to time, it is imperative to keep the focus on contributing to the general wellbeing of society. We feel that we are privileged individuals attending a privileged institution. As such, it is our duty to offer a helping hand to those less privileged than us. Community service, philanthropic work, and volunteering are as important to us as keeping our social relations alive and vibrant.
How much time and money should I put aside?
Pledge-ship gives you the workload equivalent of a 3-credit class. You will learn a great deal of Phi Gamma Delta history, and, surprisingly enough (because of the influential status of many of our brothers), a lot of US history as well. You will also learn what values we hold close to our hearts, and what practices we consider ethical or unethical. Most importantly, you will learn a lot about yourself and how to bring out the finer qualities that lie within each man of honorable character.
Is there financial help?
Yes and no. Yes, we are the only fraternity nationwide to offer guaranteed scholarships for pledges with excelling GPAs, however we expect each and every brother to live up to his financial obligation each semester.
OK. I think I have what it takes to become a Phi Gam. What next?
Please contact our rush chairmen and president for more information, or, better yet, swing by the house and come meet us! Our doors are always open for people with good hearts and noble souls!
Jake Ronza, Chapter President: jronza@gmail.com
Patrick Lennon, Rush Chairman: lennonph@dukes.jmu.edu
Andrew Anzalone, Rush Chairman: anzaloac@dukes.jmu.edu