| Letters: | Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΦΡ |
| Sigma Phi Rho | |
| Crest: | RHOShield.png |
| Birthplace: | Wagner College |
| Affiliation: | Independent |
| Status: | Active |
| Type: | Social |
| Emphasis: | African American |
| Scope: | National |
| Motto: | "Strong character and good moral judgment are the essence of dignity" |
| Colors: | Brown, White, and Gold |
| Symbol: | Ram |
| Nickname: | The Rho, Rhoman, Death RHO |
| Flower: | White and Gold Roses |
| Pillars: | Scholarship, Brotherhood, Leadership, Service, Empowerment |
| Publication: | The Scales |
| Chapters: | 21 active |
| Colonies: | 12 |
| Address: | 653-A Malcolm X Blvd. |
| City: | New York City |
| State: | New York |
| Zip Code: | 10037 |
| Country: | United States |
| Homepage: | National Website |
Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc. (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΣΦΡ) is an African American collegiate fraternity.[1] It was established at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York in 1978.
Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc. was started in 1978 and chartered by thirteen men from Wagner College in 1979.[2] The founding members of Sigma Phi Rho were:[3] The Beta chapter was added at the State University of New York at Brockport in 1980, followed by the Gamma chapter at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 1981.[4]
The fraternity's national headquarters is located in New York City.
The motto of Sigma Phi Rho is "Strong character and good moral judgment are the essence of dignity". The fraternity's colors are brown, white, and gold. Its pillars are Scholarship, Brotherhood, Leadership, Service, and Empowerment.[5]
To become a member of Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity Inc. there is a fraternal educational training. Membership of Sigma Phi Rho is open to all sophomores attending an accredited four-year college or university. Academically, the candidates must have at least a 2.7 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. All candidates must have a documented record of community service. All candidates must display strong character, good moral judgment, and leadership abilities.
There are four classes of membership of Sigma Phi Rho fraternity which are active, inactive, alumni, and honorary. An active member has the full privilege to participate in all fraternity activities. An inactive member has restricted participation in the chapter activities[6] An alumni member has finished college and is possibly pursuing an advanced degree. An honorary member has the rights and privileges of full membership. To become an honorary member a person has to have done something remarkable, whether it's through community service, academically or some other achievement.
Sigma Phi Rho is a non-hazing organization. Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Incorporated does not consent to, condone, or authorize any act of hazing, both mentally and physically, or violence towards potential candidates as a term or condition of membership[7]
Following is a partial list of Sigma Phi Rho chapters. Active chapters are in bold. Inactive chapters are in italics.
The Rho Rhoses is the women's auxiliary group for Sigma Phi Rho. The Rho Rhoses was also founded at Wagner College on December 4, 1980.[8] To become a member of Rhoses, there are certain programs in place in order to become a fully blossom, including the Bud program. The Bud program starts the young women who are interested, as Seeds or Rose Buds. The purpose of the Rose Buds is to aid and assist brothers in the training process, in addition to serving their school and aid in its development and growth.
The Rhoman's Court is the official group for high school students interested Sigma Phi Rho.[9]
The Prophets are an interest group for college freshman. Since Sigma Phi Rho does not accept freshmen into the "Scales" Club, this group helps develop and mentor these young men. During the Prophet experience, Rho Brothers help freshman acclimate to college life and prepare for their possible fraternal journey—specifically focusing on developing scholarly habits, character, and good leadership qualities.