The Cornell Experience

In addition to the challenge of adjusting to the academic life at one of the world’s premier universities, first-year students struggle to find close friends, find their pace in day to day living, and find a home at Cornell – a sense of place on a large, complex campus. Other students experience their undergraduate careers as nomads, moving from residence to residence over the course of four years – missing a sense of belonging so critical to educational success and personal well-being. Not for those who join Sigma Phi.

Why a Fraternity?

At their best, fraternities provide a small residential community, both intimate and empowering, that enriches and enhances the college experience. The comprehensive 2014 Gallup/Purdue Study concluded that students who joined fraternities or sororities had higher measures of well-being in their careers, families, health, communities and lives, and as alumni, they reflected more favorably about their on-campus experience, demonstrating a higher degree of loyalty to their alma mater.

Why Sigma Phi Society?

Sigma Phi is hard to describe. Our own friends and family often say, “it’s not like any fraternity I know.” Our students are motivated by academics, driven by ambition, and inspired by the special camaraderie at One Forest Park Lane.

Our five guiding principles: (1) We’re small, taking only 10-15 students each year in a thoughtful, meaningful selection process; (2) We encourage students to live in for all three of their upper class years benefiting from a community of peers, mentors and devoted friends; (3) We underwrite program initiatives such as the alumni-funded distinguished speakers series and leadership development programs; (4) our alumni are engaged, providing governance, mentoring, networking, and philanthropy; and (5) we have a beautifully maintained facility and an endowment to steward our landmark home on the hill.

We welcome parents and guardians to contact us with any questions about how Sigma Phi might be the right place for your student to experience Cornell and launch their post-graduation life.