Q:What is a fraternity?
Q:What is a fraternity?
A:A fraternity is a group of men who believe 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 members and alumni throughout the country. Fraternity men incorporate these values in all aspects of their lives, never letting go of those beliefs. Sigma Phi Epsilon follows the Principles of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love.
Q:Why does Sigma Phi Epsilon pride itself on being different?
A:SigEp prides itself on being different because that difference has helped us come to lead the fraternity world. SigEps refuse to be stereotyped as "frat boys," nor its chapters 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.
Q:My son is considering joining a SigEp chapter, what can I expect?
A:When a young man joins Sigma Phi Epsilon, he immediately finds out he has joined something unique. In joining a Balanced Man Program (BMP) chapter, he instantly becomes a brother. The BMP eliminates pledging from the chapter experience, and puts an emphasis on continued development throughout college and beyond. You should expect he will be involved in the chapter, on campus, and in the community. By your son becoming a SigEp, he will be exposed to a life of balance and encouraged to pursue leadership.
Q:What is Sigma Phi Epsilon's stance on hazing?
A:Sigma Phi Epsilon is clear and concise in its stance against hazing. Hazing is illegal; therefore it has no place in the Fraternity. Sigma Phi Epsilon holds its members to the highest possible standard, so breaking the laws of the country, state, and university will not be tolerated. Sigma Phi Epsilon truly believes that the words "hazing" and "fraternity" are not interchangeable. SigEp has, for many years, been breaking the stereotype that fraternities haze. Hazing is the direct opposite of everything Sigma Phi Epsilon represents.
Q:How many guys live in the house?
A:The house is currently at its capacity of 61 men. Most of the rooms are triples, followed by quads and there are a few doubles.
Q:What is a Residential Learning Community?
A:The Residential Learning Community (RLC) is something unique to Sigma Phi Epsilon. The idea was created in the late 90s, and about 50 chapters nationwide are accredited RLCs. The goal of an RLC is to integrate intellectual expansion and curiosity with everyday life at the chapter house. There is more to college than getting good grades, and the RLC helps members to see that. There are many facets to an RLC. First, there is a faculty fellow who holds weekly office hours, in an office built specifically for that purpose. Our faculty fellow, Dr. Miriam Pittenger of the Classics Department, is very engaged with our members and their academic careers. Second, making connections with faculty on campus. We invite faculty to the house and speak on their field of concentration, or just to tell stories and get to know us better. Third, special programming is set up to help members expand their minds and talk about topics that don't normally come up. Programs like the SigEp Book Forum allow members to have engaging conversations on topics ranging from business ethics to Aristotle. RLC chapters are also held to a GPA higher standard than ordinary chapters.
Q:What is the Balanced Man Program?
A:The Balanced Man Program (BMP) is a system of personal development that helps brothers grow as leaders, scholars, gentlemen and athletes. It consists of different Challenges - Sigma, Phi, Epsilon and Brother Mentor - that require brothers to fulfill certain requirements to be able to move on to the next challenge. The different requirements get brothers involved with the community and the chapter, and most importantly, they create strong bonds with each other. It truly is a unique member development system that turns young men into strong leaders and better brothers.
Q:What kinds of financial obligations are there?
A:New members pay a one-time membership fee to the National Fraternity, plus reduced dues for the semester. There are semester dues paid at the beginning of every semester, which go toward social and brotherhood events, member development programs, and other house operations. Members that live in the house pay rent to the Alumni Board, the owners of the house. The price to live in the house is comparable to what you would pay to live in the dorms.