The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity is a private association of educated men who endeavor to live honorably and humanely. Its Brotherhood is open to men of talent and character, but to those in particular who as gentleman feel an affinity with one another in the common ways of college life and, moreover, in the pursuit of excellence. Such men may differ in their origins, backgrounds, and beliefs, and even be set upon diverse purposes, interests, and vocations. Yet as Brothers in Phi Kappa Psi, they are vitally united in their dedication to the highest standards of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual integrity.

Phi Kappa Psi encourages all its Brothers to express the true measure of their abilities and personalities through the great joy of serving others. Although the Fraternity is not in itself a religion, its ethical principles are derived from ancient wisdom and hallowed traditions that serve to advance the noble elements within human nature and thus work to overcome baseness and corruption. Phi Kappa Psi affirms its sense of fraternity to be joyous and life-giving for men capable of comprehending and accepting the meaning of its privileges, challenges, and obligations. Relying on the discipline and responsibility of its individual Brothers, Phi Kappa Psi, alone of all fraternities, entrusts the governance of its Chapters and of the general Fraternity to its student leaders, whose exercise of authority is balanced and complemented by its alumni.

For young men Phi Kappa Psi helps to shape the random experiences of the college years into a more stable form in which life begins to reveal larger, clearer purposes, and friendships become firm and lasting. In the middle years the Fraternity helps to sustain mature men in the settled courses of life, strengthening their resolve and renewing their spirits through the ripening of friendship. In later life the Fraternity helps to impart the harmony and wholeness that can lead the principled man, upheld by the loyalty of his friends, to understanding and contentment. Above all, Phi Kappa Psi creates a moral order for the conduct of life that, generation after generation, unites men of honor, decency, and good will in enduring friendship and Brotherly love.

(Taken from the Phi Psi Manual.)

I believe that Phi Kappa Psi is a brotherhood of honorable men, courteous and cultured, who pledge throughout their lives to be generous, compassionate, and loyal comrades;

I believe that I am honor bound to strive manfully for intellectual, moral, and spiritual excellence; to help and forgive my Brothers; to discharge promptly all just debts; to give aid and sympathy to all who are less fortunate;

I believe that I am honor bound to strengthen my character and deepen my integrity; to counsel and guide my Brothers who stray from their obligations; to respect and emulate my Brothers who practice moderation in their manners and morals; to be ever mindful that loyalty to my Fraternity should not weaken loyalty to my college, but rather increase devotion to it, to my country, and to my God;

I believe that to all I meet, wherever I go, I represent not only Phi Kappa Psi, but indeed the spirit of all fraternities; thus I must ever conduct myself so as to bring respect and honor not to myself alone, but also to my Fraternity;

To the fulfillment of these beliefs, of these ideals, in the noble perfection of Phi Kappa Psi, I pledge my life and my sacred honor.

Written by John Henry Frizzell, Massachusetts Alpha 1898,
and Kent Christopher Owen, Indiana Beta 1958,
Adopted by the 1964 Grand Arch Council.

(Taken from the Phi Psi Manual.)