FAQ'S

Are Pi Kappa Alpha and PIKE the same thing?

Yes, PIKE is a common nickname for the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and our members are often referred to as “Pikes.” As more and more fraternities were founded, many with very similar Greek letters, PIKE became an easy way to differentiate Pi Kappa Alpha from groups with similar names.

How large is Pi Kappa Alpha?

At UC, Pi Kappa Alpha has grown to currently be the largest fraternity on campus, with 155 initiated members, and 2,500+ active alumni.

Pi Kappa Alpha is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world, with over 220 chapters and colonies throughout the United States and Canada, and with an undergraduate membership of close to 14,000 members. Since the Fraternity’s founding in 1868, over 240,000 men have been initiated into Pi Kappa Alpha.

What is PIKE known for?

At UC, the Pikes are known for their active campus leadership, success on the athletic fields, commitment to scholarly learning, and integrity and moral character. We have brothers from a range of majors, including DAAP, Engineering, Business, CCM, Arts & Sciences, and more.

The Fraternity’s values are expressed in the written words and symbols of the secret ritual, which every member strives to include in his daily actions through a set of standards called The True Pike. Pi Kappa Alpha’s members seek to be an example to their peers by exemplifying Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, and Gentlemen.

Some of our signature events that are well-known around campus include the annual Pike Spike Volleyball Tournament, alumni and family friendly football tailgates, parents' weekend, and our Karen Wellington Foundation philanthropy week.

What is Pike University?

Pike University is the leadership education program of Pi Kappa Alpha. It seeks to provide educational programs aimed at fostering leadership, management and personal development skills in order to prepare our members for success. Pike University events address the educational needs of all of our members, from new members and new initiates, to chapter officers, to our dedicated alumnus volunteers. There are 12 or more events hosted each and every year. Learn more about Pike University.

How will the Fraternity affect my grades?

One of the biggest adjustments a new collegiate has to make is getting used to the time management and personal accountability required to be successful academically. Academics are emphasized from day one at Pi Kappa Alpha. Academic scholarships, tutoring, and brother mentoring are all activities that take place in the new member education program and remainder of the fraternity experience. A commitment to scholastic excellence carries on well beyond initiation. Our chapter offers financial incentives for outstanding scholastic performance each year, and brothers in the same major can offer advice on the best path to graduation. Additionally, studies show that fraternity membership increases student retention by 28%, and that 70% of Greek members graduate compared to only 50% of non-Greek students. Furthermore, as of Spring 2023, the average GPA in Pike was a 3.465. This GPA not only surpasses the average GPA at UC, but the highest GPA in the Interfraternity Council (IFC).

How will the Fraternity help me after graduation?

There are over 129,000 living Pi Kappa Alpha alumni. While membership in the Fraternity cannot guarantee a member a job after graduation, a network of such magnitude will definitely open some doors along the way. Some notable prominent Pikes include Tim McGraw, Bobby Bowden, Stephen Covey, and Scott Van Pelt. At UC, notable alumni include Mike Dever, Bill Ogle, Mark Stuhlreger, David Szymanski, David Tepe, and Jeff Quinn.  On top of the alumni network, members of Pi Kappa Alpha also receive valuable life lessons and leadership training through their experiences within the Fraternity. There are numerous leadership roles available in the chapter as well as activities including community service projects, philanthropies, and social events that will help develop the necessary leadership and social skills to be successful after graduation.

How much does it all cost?

Fraternities charge membership dues in order to provide the funds to run well-rounded programs that will add to a student’s college experience, just like most professional clubs. Active member dues as of 2022-2023 were $775/semester. These dues go towards funding events like Pike University, Formal, Semi-Formal, PIKE Convention, as well as smaller events on campus, such as tailgates, socials, alumni events, scholarship dinners, and Greek activities.

A recent study of the Fraternity’s chief competitors revealed that Pi Kappa Alpha ranks first overall as the most affordable amongst the top ten fraternities in total cost per member. Payment plans are offered by Pi Kappa Alpha so that membership can be made available to students of all financial backgrounds.

Does Pi Kappa Alpha haze?

Pi Kappa Alpha, along with many other fraternities, abolished hazing in its chapters many years ago. In order for a chapter’s charter to remain in good standing with the International Fraternity, it agrees not to participate in hazing activities, as they are counter-productive to the positive growth of college men. Hazing is strictly prohibited by the University of Cincinnati as well.

Click here to read more about our anti-hazing policy.

What is my role as a parent?

We encourage all of our parents to be involved and ask a lot of questions. This will likely be a growing experience for you and your son. There is a lot of information available on this website, but if you have more questions we highly encourage you to reach out to us.

Parents get involved in many ways at Pi Kappa Alpha. Some of the most notable ways include attendance and support at tailgates during football season, attendance at Parents Weekend (Mom Prom and Dad's Golf Outing), and Casino Night. Parents often get to know the entire fraternity, alumni, and active families throughout the entire experience.

What is the time commitment?

The fraternity isn’t intended to detract from your other obligations. It is merely here to enhance your college career. Balancing your time is part of the process. The mandatory obligations within the fraternity are minimal. Once initiated, you can choose to be as involved or uninvolved as you wish, depending on your preference and outside obligations.

What if I don’t drink?

There is nothing in this fraternity that states you must drink. A responsible social life is a part of fraternity life, not its primary purpose. The majority of events we host have nothing to do with alcohol, and those which do are completely voluntary.

May I be involved in other student organizations?

We encourage all of our members to get involved on campus. In fact, we are one of the only chapters in the nation that requires every initiated member to be involved in at least one outside student organization or group. Our involvement outside of Pi Kappa Alpha has helped us solidify our fraternity as one of the best. Our international fraternity also has scholarships available to members who are in academic honor societies.

Scholarship and service are two areas which Pi Kappa Alpha places a great deal of emphasis on. You will find that our organization promotes many of the same ideals that honors/service fraternities do in addition to much more. We also co-sponsor events with other student organizations all the time.

Currently, we have about 25% of brothers in leadership positions on campus. Greek students are more involved on campus and achieve more success in the classroom and on the job than non-Greek students, and much of the reason is because of our involvement in multiple arenas within the university.