Phi Beta Psi Sorority is a national non-academic service sorority founded in Columbus, Ohio, on February 15, 1904. Our national membership is currently around 1,300 members in 66 chapters and 6 associate chapters located in 10 states.
Theta Alpha Omega Chapter of Phi Beta Psi was chartered on December 9, 2012, in Michigan City, Indiana, with 11 charter members. We have added several new members since that time.
The purpose of Phi Beta Psi is to participate in charitable work, to promote friendships among its members, and to establish and assist other chapters of Phi Beta Psi working toward our common goals.
Phi Beta Psi is a volunteer organization, not funded by any government entity. Phi Beta Psi is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Projects
Our national project is cancer research. We raise funds used for cancer research grants awarded annually through our Charity Trust Fund. Phi Beta Psi has awarded over $9,000,000 in cancer research grants. A volunteer Medical Advisory Board of doctors reviews grant applications and provides funding recommendations. We are proud to have been a part of many successful breakthroughs in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and we continue to fund novel and promising approaches to cancer research.
Indiana chapters also participate in the State Project of medical technology scholarships. We provide scholarships to Indiana students studying in specific medical technology fields related to cancer, including cytology, radiology, nuclear medicine, and more.
All (100%) of monies donated and proceeds from fundraisers designated for these causes are disbursed for the cause. The sorority has no paid staff members or officers, and administrative costs are covered by dues, allowing 100% of our fundraising proceeds to be used for their intended purpose.
Membership
Any woman who is at least eighteen (18) years old or a high school graduate, and whose principles and ideals are in accord with those for which the sorority stands, shall be eligible to apply for membership.
Potential new members are welcome to attend chapter meetings and informational events held by the chapter. Women who are interested in joining can fill out an informational questionnaire indicating her desire to join. A membership committee chaired by the Chapter 2nd Vice President will provide the candidate’s information to the chapter at a regular meeting before a vote is taken. A candidate will be accepted for membership when she receives an affirmative vote of 3/4 of the ballots cast.
Once a candidate is accepted for membership, an initiation date is set. A $15 initiation fee is required, which offsets the cost of a recognition pin, membership certificate, a copy of the sorority Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules and the Charity Trust Fund Rules and Regulations. Dues for the current year are also payable at or prior to initiation.
Yearly dues are $50 total (National dues of $35, state dues of $5, and chapter dues of $10). These can be paid on a monthly basis or in one amount. Yearly dues must be paid by May 1 of each year for the following fiscal year. Our fiscal year runs from June 1 to May 31.