FAQs

Many women are interested in sororities but aren’t so sure about the facts and details. We know that the decision is hard to make, so here is some information we hope will help!

What are the requirements for joining Phi Sigma Rho? back to top

  • Be a female student in an engineering or science major.
  • Be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0) and a full time student.
  • Not a member of another social sorority or fraternity (Pre-professional and service-oriented sororities and fraternities are okay).

What UCSD majors fall under “science and engineering”? back to top

There may be exceptions, and this list is subject to changes in major requirements and classes:

  • Biology
    • General Biology
    • Biochemistry & Cell Biology
    • Bioinformatics
    • Ecology Behavior & Evolution
    • Human Biology
    • Microbiology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Physiology & Neuroscience
  • Chemistry
    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry/Chemistry
    • Bioinformatics
    • Chemical Physics
    • Earth Sciences
    • Environmental Chemistry (B.S. degree only)
    • Molecular Synthesis
    • Pharmacological Chemistry
  • Environmental Systems
    • Earth Sciences
    • Ecology, Behavior & Evolution
    • Environmental Chemistry
  • Jacobs School of Engineering
    • Bioengineering
      • Bioengineering
      • Bioinformatics
      • Biotechnology
      • Pre-medical
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Computer Science and Engineering
      • Computer Science (B.S. degrees only)
      • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
      • Engineering Physics
    • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
      • Engineering Science
      • Environmental Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
    • Structural Engineering
      • Structural Engineering
      • Engineering Sciences
  • Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Mathematics/Applied Science
    • Mathematics/Computer Science
    • Mathematics/Probability and Statistics
    • Mathematics/Scientific Computation
  • Physics
    • Physics
    • Physics with Specialization in Astrophysics
    • Physics with Specialization in Biophysics
    • Physics with Specialization in Computational Physics
    • Physics with Specialization in Earth Sciences
    • Physics with Specialization in Materials Physics
  • Scripps Institute of Oceanography: Earth Sciences
    • Earth Sciences/Geology
    • Earth Sciences/Geochemistry
    • Earth Sciences/Geophysics

What about other sororities? back to top

Go Greek! We recommend exploring the other Panhellenic and MGC sororities. If you are really looking for sisterhood and lifelong friends, don’t listen to stereotypes and gossip. Different chapters of different sororites at different campuses have very distinct and separate personalities, and the most important thing is the sorority’s fit to you, not their letters or colors or reputation. During recruitment events, look out for women who you identify and get along with or maybe even look up to- it’s a good start, when it comes to finding your best fit!

How does the Recruitment process work? back to top

Our recruitment period (sometimes “rush”) is usually a little less than a week long, consisting of nightly events to help potential new members (PNMs, or sometimes known as rushees) get to know the sisterhood and the sisters. While attendance is not required, it’s recommended- we get to know you, and you get to see if we’re a good fit to your interests. There is usually an optional interview process, which is also highly recommended. While this can be a little intimidating, think of it more as an opportunity for us to meet you face to face, so that you’re not lost in the crowd.

After the recruitment period select PNMs will receive an invitation, or “bid”, to join the sorority and are given a few days to accept or reject the bid.

What happens after I accept a bid? back to top

  • Attend the Induction Ceremony.
  • Pay associate dues.
  • Attend weekly membership education meetings.
  • Fulfill all candidate requirements.

After all of these are completed, the candidate will attend the Initiation ceremony in which she will officially become a member of Phi Sigma Rho.

Do you haze? back to top

No. We as a chapter, as a national organization, and as a member of the Panhellenic council, pride ourselves on treating others with respect. We strive to provide a constructive rather than destructive environment for growth; all women associated with Phi Sigma Rho reserve the right to refrain from participating in any activity, without consequence, based on personal or religious beliefs, values, and/or moral reserve.

I’ve heard sororities are really expensive… back to top

Most of the women in this sorority have rigorous academic schedules, so our sisterhood focuses more on spending time together and less on expensive formals and trips. As a result you’ll find that dues for this sorority are relatively low compared to those for some other sororities. However, the downside is that there are fewer fancy formal and trips- but don’t you have a midterm to be studying for anyway? ;) We also offer installment-style payment plans and scholarships, so financial considerations are available for those who seek it.

Will this take time away from school/sports/friends/family/work? back to top

One of the goals of the sorority is to help with school/sports/friends/family/work, and so we hope to contribute to these commitments rather than take away from them. Sisters in similar majors and classes offer a great deal of academic support, and often we find teammates or rallying partners in each other whether for IM or just recreational sports. Not only is Phi Sigma Rho a place to find a home away from home, sisters are a great way to meet people with similar interests or to find that job/lab hookup you’ve been looking for.

A sorority can be a time-consuming commitment, but no one here is trying to be in a cult- we have other commitments too, so there’s no need to worry or expect that being in a sorority will “take over your life”!

If you have any unanswered questions about recruitment, feel free contact our VP of Recruitment at xpsr.vprecruitment@gmail.com.