Saturday, September 4, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in our rush! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about rush along with our answers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

What is Rush?

Rush is a time when Delta Sigma Pi hosts a series of informational, professional, service and social events on and around campus. This is a great opportunity for those interested in joining our Brotherhood to meet us and see what we are all about. It’s the perfect venue to ask any questions that you may have and to grab a slice of free pizza!

When does Fall 2010 Rush begin?

Although the specifics regarding each event are still being planned, we will kick everything off on September 20th with the Professional Fraternity Council’s United Rush.

Why should I join Delta Sigma Pi?

A professional fraternity such as Delta Sigma Pi offers an ideal balance of professionalism, service and social interaction. Although a business fraternity is a great way to develop professional skills, ultimately the strength of the fraternity lies in the individual Brothers and the unique lifelong friendships we develop. We often find that many people are initially interested in the professional aspect of the fraternity, but end up noticing the Brotherhood is the most rewarding aspect.

How is Delta Sigma Pi different from other business organizations on campus?

Each organization is different and unique in the purpose it serves. What distinguishes us from other organizations is simple: brotherhood. This fraternal bond is formed through commitment and this is something we ask of all brothers. However, we do highly encourage you to be involved with various organizations on campus to not only broaden your horizons, but to meet others who share a passion and interest with you, whether it be related or unrelated to your career goals. Our brothers are also actively  involved in intramural sports, religious organizations, dance teams, a capella groups and more!

Can we be involved with Beta Alpha Psi?

Beta Alpha Psi is an honors organization opened to students pursuing a degree in either accounting, finance or management information systems. Due to the fact that they are an honors society, and not a fraternity that falls under Greek Life, you are allowed to be a member of both Beta Alpha Psi and Delta Sigma Pi like many of our brothers.

Can we be a brother of both Delta Sigma Pi and Alpha Kappa Psi?

Alpha Kappa Psi is another professional fraternal organization and therefore, unfortunately, no student is allowed to be a brother of both organizations. Though our ideals are similar in nature, we are very different organizations culturally and we encourage you to be open minded and evaluate both for yourself to see which is a better fit for you. Although there is a competitive rivalry, it certainly is a friendly one and there is much mutual respect between the two organizations. We firmly believe this pushes all of us to strive towards excellence. Nonetheless, many brothers from both fraternities are friends and it isn’t uncommon to see us co-hosting events, interning, or working on projects and assignments together.

I am a first semester Freshman. Can I rush?

Although as a first semester freshman we are unable to extend a bid to you, you are absolutely able (and encouraged!) to rush as a first semester Freshman. This way, when your second semester comes along, you would have already met most of the Brothers and know what the process is like–your chances of being offered a bid are greatly improved by doing so.

I am a first semester transfer student. Can I rush?

Unfortunately, as of Fall 2010, according to Greek Life, we are unable to extend a bid to first semester transfer students. Similar to first semester freshmen, we definitely encourage you to still attend our rush events. This way, when your second semester comes along, you would have already met most of the Brothers and know what the process is like–your chances of being offered a bid are greatly improved by doing so.

I am a Senior. Can I rush?

Now with the fifth year that most accounting majors will need to stay for in order to be 150 credit hour compliant for the CPA Examination, instead of speaking in terms of “seniors” or “graduate students”, the rule of thumb is that you must have at least one semester after the semester you pledge in order to rush. As a senior or graduate student, you must be able to demonstrate that you are not only interested in what you can get out of Delta Sigma Pi, but also how you can give back. With that said, although it is uncommon for us to extend a bid to fourth year non-accounting student or fifth year accounting-student, it is definitely not unheard of or impossible.

Do I have to be enrolled in the School of Management to rush?

We welcome any student who is interested in what we are about to participate in the rush process. However, according to the bylaws set forth by the Central Office, we are only allowed to extend bids to those on a business oriented career path. In our situation, we are only able to extend bid offers to those enrolled in the School of Management or are studying either Economics or Actuarial Sciences in Harpur College. To any student who has not yet declared a major, we can only extend a bid to you if you have the intention of following a business curriculum.

What distinguishes Delta Sigma Pi?

Delta Sigma Pi has a rich tradition here at Binghamton University. Established in 1981, we hold the distinction of being the oldest professional fraternity at BU. Delta Sigma Pi is unique in its singular focus on business development and stresses the importance of developing the most well rounded young professionals who uphold the highest level of integrity. With a membership consisting solely of business students, Delta Sigma Pi offers a program directly applicable both to the undergraduate business major and to the contemporary corporate environment. In addition, Delta Sigma Pi offers a vast network of members and alumni at such prestigious firms as listed on the Career & Internship Page.

Is there a “type” of person the fraternity is looking for?

There is no one single type of person that Delta Sigma Pi looks for. On the contrary, the fraternity values diversity and welcomes individuality. You’ll find that the Brothers of Delta Sigma Pi range in all sorts of backgrounds, interests, and career aspirations. We have Brothers hailing from New York to L.A., San Juan to Seoul, England to Santo Domingo; we have Brothers who choose to work at anywhere from the Big Four firms and investment banks to the Peace Corps and many other not-for-profits. So, simply put, no…there is no one “type” of Deltasig.

How is Delta Sigma Pi involved on campus?

Brothers of Delta Sigma Pi are heavily involved in campus activities through participation in student organizations, student government, and employment activities. Brothers have taken leadership positions in the Beta Alpha Psi, American Marketing Association, Finance Society, ALPFA, BMMMO, Ascend, the Professional Fraternity Council, among many others. Apart from that, don’t be surprised if you find a few Deltasigs TA-ing for some of your courses or helping you in the School of Management Advising Office. Both the SOM Administration and Faculty are very familiar with Deltasigs because they know we’ll never hesitate to lend a hand.

How is Delta Sigma Pi involved in the community?

Although Delta Sigma Pi is proud of the accomplishments of our fraternity, we also recognize the value of mutual help and humility. The Brothers of Delta Sigma Pi are also heavily engaged with activities that help better the local Binghamton community. This community has allowed us students to thrive and we not only see the importance of but also the need to give back. Delta Sigma Pi actively participate in blood drives, nursing home visits, highway cleanups, etc. Delta Sigma Pi has recently co-adopted a portion of Vestal Parkway with one of the big four accounting firms, KPMG.

How exactly does Delta Sigma Pi promote professional development?

If you bring the initiative and willingness to learn, Brothers will never hesitate to help you. If offered a bid and you decide to pledge, from day one you have just opened yourself up to a well of knowledge and experience that many Brothers are eager to share. From résumé critiques, interview preparation to studying for exams, or simply grabbing lunch, as Brothers, we are there for each other every step of the way.

Have more questions?

Don’t hesitate to contact Senior Vice President Taniel Chan at taniel.chan@binghamton.edu