There is a lot of talk on the evening news about greek life. More often than not, the topic of discussion isn’t about what greek organizations have done right, but rather what they have done horribly wrong. We strive to be different, tearing down the stereotype and scorning the “frat boy” image. We hope these questions and answers help give you an idea of what our Fraternity values, and what it doesn’t. Of course, we want to hear from you if you have any other questions or concerns.
Does your fraternity haze?
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. 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.
Resources for recognizing and preventing hazing are available on the web at StopHazing.org.
Does your fraternity have “pledges” for a semester or year?
No. As soon as you become a member (the day you join) you have the same rights and benefits as any other member of the fraternity. In 1992, Sigma Phi Epsilon shocked the fraternity world by implementing the Balanced Man Program for new chapters. Since that time, many of our “traditional” chapters have seen its overwhelmning benefits, and have switched to the Balanced Man Program.
The pledging model desires to tear down men to reform them, while we believe in making the best even better. The only difference between a new member and a older member in our chapter is the level of knowledge of the fraternity. When it comes to getting the work of the fraternity done, every member from our newest brother to the chapter president contributes.
Does your fraternity want their members to be “just like them?”
Absolutely not. Being a Sigma Phi Epsilon is to espouse high ideals and strive constantly to achieve them. We expect our members to be gentlemen, to strive for high academic achievement and to treat others with respect and decency. Within these goals, each and every one of our Brothers maintains their own wholesome individuality, their own religious and social beliefs, and ambition. The fraternity is a vehicle for our members to achieve great things.
Does your fraternity participate in campus events and competitions?
Of course. We believe it is important for our fraternity to be actively involved in campus activities and events. Sigma Phi Epsilon is well known to compete in almost every event we can, from Alpha Phi Omega’s All-Sing, the Greekfest Stepshow, SAC Lipsync and all intramural sports. While our list of achievements is long, our hard work and dedication pays off both in the trophies we win and the fun we have preparing for these events.
How does your fraternity give back to the community?
We give back to the community in three ways. First, we dedicate our time and talents to community service ventures led by our fraternity or in conjunction with other organizations. Sigma Phi Epsilon gives countless manhours each year to worthwhile causes, from our roadside cleanup, Read Across America, CDS Field Day, Walk for the Cure and Habitat for Hummanity to name a few.
Second, we give financial support by raising money for Child Abuse Prevention, YouthAIDS, local “Project Graduation” programs and many others. We encourage our members to be involved with other service organizations, raising money for the American Red Cross, early learning programs and supporting our soldiers overseas. We always rise to the occasion when it comes time to support worthwhile causes.
Finally, we give back to our community by taking divisive social issues headon. In November of 2004, Tennessee Kappa embarked on a six month-long journey to bring the “Writing on the Wall” project to UT Martin. By promoting social and cultural awareness, our fraternity serves the greater good of our campus and our region.
What is your fraternity’s stance on alcohol and substance abuse?
Sigma Phi Epsilon does not promote the use of alcohol in any manner whatsoever. The fraternity does allow members of legal age (21 years old) to consume alcohol at our social functions as regulated by our Interfraternity Council. Our Risk Management guidelines are the strongest among fraternities, outlining the requirements of guest lists and designating several non-drinking members as responsible for the order and enjoyment at our events. Alcohol should only be used in a safe and responsible manner by people of legal age, and at no time is a member ever forced or cohersed into drinking.
Sigma Phi Epsilon goes to great lengths to educate its members on alcohol and its effects. Through national programming, our fraternity 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.
Our chapter has a zero tollerence policy when it comes to the use of illegal substances. Drug use does not fit in our concept of a Sound Mind or a Sound Body, and therefore has no place within the fraternity. Any member found to be in possession of or using illegal drugs will be expelled.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does your fraternity haze?
- Does your fraternity have "pledges" for a semester or year?
- Does your fraternity want their members to be "just like them?"
- Does your fraternity participate in campus events and competitions?
- How does your fraternity give back to the community?
- What is your fraternity’s stance on alcohol and substance abuse?