Q: What does Sigma Alpha Epsilon require for new member education or pledgeship?
A: Pledge requirements are stated in the Fraternity Laws, Section 47, stipulating a pledgeship from four to twelve weeks during which a complete course of education prescribed by the chapter shall take place. The Fraternity Laws state that the education should include orientation on the history, laws and traditions of SAE on both national and local levels. Also included is instruction as to standards, culture and gentlemanliness, which are expected of a member of SAE. The Fraternity Laws do not require any written or oral examinations at any time during, before or after pledgeship. Hazing is prohibited.
Q: Does Sigma Alpha Epsilon have a preferred philanthropy and community service project?
A: SAE encourages all chapters to become involved in their campus and local community through various organizations. The Fraternity’s preferred philanthropy is the Children’s Miracle Network because of its great capacity to impact children’s lives and the proximity of numerous hospitals to active chapters. On April 6, 2002, the Fraternity launched its “True Gentleman Day of Service,” with more than thirty-five chapters participating in a community service program. This event has grown to involve more than 114 chapters in its most recent year, 2006. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is a national partner with National Youth Service Day.
Q: What do collegiate dues pay for?
A: Collegiate dues pay for a number of functions of the Fraternity: operating costs of the collegiate chapter, the mortgage and utility payments of the chapter house, risk management insurance premiums, and dues to the national fraternity and UNM Interfraternity Council.
Q: What is the True Gentleman Initiative (TGI) Program?
A: The TGI is an award winning SAE Foundation program that delivers resources to all undergraduate members and chapters. The program focuses on uniting stakeholders – the host institution, alumni, Fraternity Service Center and undergraduate chapter – to support and develop the chapter. The TGI is a key component of continuing member education beyond the pledge period with a focus on internet and campus resources. The TGI develops its resources around 12-core areas of chapter operations. Visit www.thetgi.net for more information. Key resources include more than 150 core area resources to review, download, or print. These files include sample programs, time-tested ideas from chapters throughout the Realm, training presentations, and event fraternity music files! Additionally, each chapter has a complete online library of officer notebooks. Chapter officers can record officer goals, update job descriptions, save important files, and print officer notebook information. The TGI’s online officer notebooks saves chapters time by creating a notebook framework and solves the problem of misplaced officer notebooks. Chapter officers can archive their work so that future chapter officers can learn how previous officers organized chapter work.
Q: What are general benefits of membership offered by Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
A: Benefits of membership include an environment for the creation of life-long friendships and academic success, a network of more than 190,000 living alumni, numerous leadership and educational programs that complement the goals and objectives of the host institution, a scholarship and loan program offered by the SAE Foundation and a lifetime subscription to the award-winning The Record magazine.
Q: How does SAE educate its members on alcohol, hazing, and risk management?
A: SAE uses a risk management guide entitled Minerva’s Shield that covers risk management policies. We also provide education at our Leadership Schools, both regional and national. SAE has a hazing hotline in place for individuals to reports any hazing concerns anonymously [(800) 233-1856, ext. 399]. SAE also addresses these issues regularly in publications such as The Record and The e-Recorder. Any questions about alcohol, hazing or risk management can be directed to sae@unm.edu
Q: What is the support network provided to members and chapters?
A: The support network consists of a university adviser, chapter adviser, house corporation member, a regional volunteer president (province archon), a regional director and the Fraternity Service Center staff based in Evanston, Illinois. These stakeholders understand the mission and goals of the organization and can assist the member or local chapter with any programs or challenges. The True Gentleman Initiative Program also offers a framework to develop the chapter or individual’s goals. Visit www.thetgi.net for more information.
Q: How do I join Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
A: Membership with Sigma Alpha Epsilon begins at an active chapter or colony at a college or university. Existing members extend invitations to new members and pledge them during a pledge term not to exceed 12 weeks. Pledgeship assimilates new members to the active chapter and prepares them to make contributions to advance the ideals of the organization and chapter. For more information, contact sae@unm.edu.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon does have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.3 for initiation.
Common Parents' Questions
Q: What volunteer opportunities exist for parents?
A: Many of the strongest chapters have strong participation by mothers and fathers. This can include an active parents or Minerva Club or being a member of the house corporation or advisory board. Parents can also assist in the organization of Parents’ Day, House Improvement Day, homecoming, etiquette dinners or golf outings. Experienced adults can always improve any undergraduate event. |
