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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is a fraternity?
A fraternity is an exclusive group of men who believe in and live by the same set of values and foster a close friendship through those values. These values bind together not only the current chapter members but also the alumni of the group. Through incorporating these values in all aspects of their lives, not only are the bonds between members of the group strengthened, but all people who come in contact with the group should benefit. The values Sigma Phi Epsilon seeks to instill in each of its members are Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love.
What exactly is Recruitment Week? And what is 'Rush'?
Typically called 'Rush', Recruitment Week is the Lambuth-sponsored time in which fraternities are allowed to seek new members to welcome into their organizations. Carefully scheduled with several rules to its workings, the week acts as a fair chance for all fraternities and sororities to present their organizations to all interested parties. The 2006 IFC Recruitment Week begins Sunday, September 10, 2006.
Where can I find a list of scheduled events for Recruitment Week?
If you click here, you will find a detailed list of events and explanations for all of Recruitment Week. To look at the overall August and September calendars, please click here.
What happens during Recruitment? Isn't it just a bunch of parties?
No, it is actually a carefully scheduled week of activities that provide opportunites for any Lambuth student to learn more about the fraternities on campus. They can then decide if fraternity life is for them, and if so, which fraternity best suits them. Activities include Rotation Night, Theme Night, and Nights Out. There are no actual “parties” during Recruitment Week.
What is Sigma Phi Epsilon's perspective on alcohol & substance abuse?
Sigma Phi Epsilon does not promote the use of alcohol in any manner whatsoever. It is the national fraternity’s opinion that alcohol should only be used in a safe and responsible manner by people of legal age.
Additionally, SigEp goes to great lengths to educate its members on alcohol and its effects. Through national programming, Sigma Phi Epsilon helps its members understand the consequences of one’s choices when alcohol is involved. SigEp also promotes risk management guidelines to help chapters and members make smart decisions when it comes to alcohol.
Will there be drinking during Recruitment Week?
No, Lambuth University is a dry campus. And as such, no recruitment event will involve alcohol.
Does joining a fraternity mean I have to clean up after people and be a "pledge"?
In SigEp's case, you are a brother from the day you sign your bid. You carry a voice and vote in chapter meetings, and there is ABSOLUTELY NO HAZING! Through the Balanced Man Program, we build each other up, and help each other become better men.
Sigma Phi Epsilon is clear and concise in its stance against hazing. Hazing is illegal; therefore, it has no place in the Fraternity. SigEp holds its members to the highest possible standard, so breaking the laws of the country, state, and university will not be tolerated.
We truly believe that the words “hazing” and “fraternity” are not compatible. SigEp has, for many years, been breaking the stereotype that fraternities haze. The National Fraternity, through programming and leadership opportunities, has promoted the idea of safe and responsible development. Hazing is the direct opposite of everything Sigma Phi Epsilon represents.
Why does Sigma Phi Epsilon pride itself on being “different”?
SigEp prides itself on being different because that difference has helped us come to lead the fraternity world. SigEps won't allow themselves to be stereotyped as “frat boys,” nor will its chapters be known as “animal houses.” Sigma Phi Epsilon is dedicated to the idea that a fraternity is much more than a social organization---it is an institution of higher learning, one that centers around the ideals of allowing one to live his best life.
How much does it cost to be a member of SigEp, and where does the money go?
To join Sigma Phi Epsilon each member pays a national registration fee of $275 due within 24 hours of joining, and chapter semester dues are $______. After the first semester, members can expect to pay $400 per semester. This may seem like quite a bit at first, but after seeing what it pays for, it makes a bit more sense.
The national registration fee pays for:
* Lifetime Responsibility of Brotherhood (akin to a manual of brotherhood)
* Balanced Man Pin (the pin the new member recieves after joining)
* Membership Card
* Membership Certificate
* The Quest (a guide to continuous development in the Balanced Man Program)
* Lifetime Subscription to The Journal of Sigma Phi Epsilon
Much of the money goes toward the chapter budget, funding six different, structured committees. The first, the Programming Committee, is in charge of planning and ensuring the orchestration of events throughout the semesters' calendar. This includes issues forums, sorority swaps, brotherhood retreats, new member retreats, philanthropic events, and, of course, parties. The second, the Membership Development Committee, is in charge of the development program, namely the Balanced Man Program (read more on that here). The last three, the Finance, Recruitment and Communications Committees use it for various purposes concerning their operation.
The individual chapter also makes payments to the national fraternity for the nation's best (and least expensive) fraternal insurance, chapter and member development experiences, such as EDGE (which is free for all brothers), and more. Simply put, a fraternity is not paying for one's friends. It is paying for a fun, memorable, safe, and enlightening journey of self-growth and friendship through your college years. The only friends you buy are the 14,000 undergraduates and 255,000 alumni SigEps worldwide.
Do I have to join just now? What if I'm not ready?
Accepting an invitation from any fraternity is a big decision. If you do not feel confident in your choice, by no means are you required to join. Just enjoy the week and have fun. Try not to feel pressured into doing anything you don't feel comfortable doing.
Who are some of SigEp’s alumni, and what do they say about the SigEp experience?
Sigma Phi Epsilon has a long tradition of alumni. These men excel in their respective fields. Among them are businessmen, world leaders, renowned artists, politicians, and all-star athletes.
The greatest thing about SigEp alumni is they truly believe in the SigEp experience. The proof is that our alumni continue to volunteer to help chapters and members. They continually donate money to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation for programs and scholarships. SigEp alumni believe that the SigEp experience is a lifetime commitment, and that is why they keep coming back to support the fraternity and its endeavors.
Check out some of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s prominent alumni here.
How can I find more information on Sigma Phi Epsilon?
You can click here for information about SigEp recruitment, here for general information about our chapter, and here for information on our national fraternity.
I'm interested. Sign me up!
Feel free to contact any member of SigEp or the Lambuth Greek advisor for an IFC recruitment form.
If you have any further questions, or would like to request an IFC Greek Recruitment Form, you can contact Vice President of Recruitment Anthony Johnson at ajohnsonspe@gmail.com.
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