What is fraternity?
In 1776, the first Greek letter fraternity was founded. Phi Beta Kappa was founded by a group of William and Mary students in Williamsburg, VA. The basic founding principle of Phi Beta Kappa was to offer an outlet for students to further their philosophic knowledge, as well as provide a social outlet for the students of William and Mary. “Phi Beta Kappa, like Sigma Nu, was organized for those with ability, ambition and serious purpose in life.” wrote Dick Vaughn, author of Sigma Nu’s timeless essay The Way of Honor. Sigma Nu seeks members who have a serious purpose in life, as well as an ambition to succeed in whatever they do. Sigma Nu offers a collegiate experience that will further his ambition and ability to succeed during his time in school as well as his experience that will come following his collegiate career.
What is required to become an initiated member?
- A candidate must be a matriculate of the host institution.
- A candidate must have agreed to abide by the formal obligations of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
- A candidate must have completed, to the satisfaction of the Epsilon Xi Chapter, the Candidate Education (Phase 1) of the LEAD Program, which has been adopted by the chapter to emphasize the ideals, objectives, and traditions of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
- A candidate must have satisfied all scholarship requirements for initiation imposed by both the Epsilon Xi Chapter and University of Mississippi where the Chapter is located.
- A candidate must have paid all financial obligations levied on him for Initiation.
Will Sigma Nu inhibit my son’s education?
Sigma Nu exists to cultivate and develop ethical leaders. An education is the most important part of that process. Your son is a student first, and a Sigma Nu second. To ensure this is happening, Sigma Nu, in accordance with the North-American Interfraternity Conference, has a minimum standard that members must maintain at least a 2.5 individual GPA. However, many of our Chapters have a higher requirement for membership. In fact, Sigma Nu chapters nationally average above a 3.0 GPA.
What does Sigma Nu do for my son after college?
Not only does Sigma Nu provide lifelong bonds and friendships, we also provide the tools necessary to achieve success after college. The LEAD Program teaches our undergraduate members important skills such as networking, interview and resume building, and crisis management, to name just a few. By participating in Sigma Nu’s educational curriculum, your son will be equipped for success. Sigma Nu will also provide an opportunity for philanthropic activities and community service. Many of our chapters require a minimum number of community service hours from their members.
The Truth about Alcohol
Another common misconception of fraternity men is that all they do is drink. We are an Honor fraternity. Though our individual chapters may, and do, hold social functions, brothers are expected to uphold local, state, and federal law as well as the rules of the host institution and Sigma Nu. Sigma Nu Fraternity takes risk reduction extremely seriously. Should chapters violate our Risk Reduction Policy and Guidelines, they are subject to disciplinary action from the General Fraternity. Our priority is to ensure the safety of our members and guests and uphold the local, state, and federal laws.
The Truth about Hazing
People often associate hazing with fraternities. Sigma Nu is unique in the fact that we were founded based on Honor, which stems from our Founders rebelling against the common practice of hazing at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. That principle still holds true today. Sigma Nu also sponsors an anti-hazing hotline and email address to anonymously report acts of hazing. This service is not only available to our undergraduate members, but to you as well. Should you believe that someone is being hazed, please call our toll-free Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-800-NOT-HAZE or send an email to anti-hazing@sigmanu.org. You do not have to give your name.
As a parent, what can I do to help?
Get involved! We encourage you to seek out the chapter officers and alumni. Meet with them if you have concerns. They should be able to answer any questions that you may have. Above all else, you should be asking your son questions. Questions such as:
- How is your experience going so far?
- Are you doing okay balancing the new time commitments?
- How are your grades?
- What have you been learning through Sigma Nu?
- Have you taken GreekLifeEdu yet? What stood out to you?
- What has your new member program involved?
- What’s going well in the chapter? What’s not going so well?
- Do you believe you are being hazed?
- What emphasis is placed on alcohol in your chapter?
By asking these questions, you will be able to determine if Sigma Nu is the right fit for your son. Should you have any concerns, you can contact our office at headquarters@sigmanu.org or (540) 463-1869.