-- FAQ--

Why join Phi Sigma Rho?
Phi Sigma Rho has provided a balance between school and social life for thousands of young women since its founding in 1984. Because of this balance, the sisters of Phi Sigma Rho have grown into professional women, ready to face the world after college. Women of diverse backgrounds and interests have chosen to become sisters for numerous reasons, including:

- to meet other women in a traditionally male-dominated field, and to form bonds of friendship and encouragement with them.

- to stay active in campus activities, to find study assistance, to gain leadership experience, and to participate in community service and social activities, as well as career development.

- to become a part of the extensive network of woman engineers that are Phi Sigma Rho alums throughout the country and to be connected to recent Penn State Phi Sigma Rho graduates in the engineering world.

What does Phi Sigma Rho focus on?
Phi Sigma Rho works provides its sisters balance through the emphasis of:

-Social balance: Phi Sigma Rho provides a balance between studies and fun, a link to female friends in male-dominated majors, a chance to be active within the Greek community, and a group with which to participate in activities such as Homecoming and THON.

- Scholarship: Sisters receive support and encouragement from sisters in similar majors and and classes, mentoring from older sisters and advisors, and leadership experience, as well as numerous networking opportunities with alum from all over the country.

- Service: As a group, sisters of Phi Sigma Rho are able to accomplish much more in their endeavors to better their community. At Penn State, Phi Sigma Rho is involved heavily in Girl Scout Saturdays, a great opportunity to reach out and make a positive impact on younger girls while encouraging them to explore scientific and technical majors. The Lambda chapter is also a participant in THON, the world's largest student-run philanthropy. More information about THON can be found on the "Links" page.

- Sisterhood: Throughout their involvement with Phi Sigma Rho, sisters form strong bonds not only within their chapters, but with sisters all over the nation. These strong bonds will become lifelong relationships for many sisters.

What majors are eligible to join?
Any interested women enrolled in the College of Engineering or who are studying an engineering major within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences are invited to become a part of Phi Sigma Rho.

Is there a minimum GPA required to join?
Phi Sigma Rho requires that potential sisters have a GPA of at least 2.0 to join.

Does it cost money to join Phi Sigma Rho?
Yes. Currently, all sisters pay dues of $185 per semester. This money goes toward paying for National dues, insurance, and sorority expenses such as sisterhood activities, to pay start-up costs for fundraising events, etc.

Does Phi Sigma Rho have any kind of sorority housing?
There is currently no official Phi Sigma Rho housing within either a house or a dormitory floor. However, many sisters choose each other as roommates and live near other sisters. There is a housing committee looking into reserving an official Phi Rho space for the sisters to live in.

How can I join?!
Rush occurs in the first few weeks of both the fall and the spring semesters. Check out the Recruitment page for information about our upcoming rush!