What is SigEp about?

Sigma Phi Epsilon is a fraternity, a group of men bound together by ritual and common goals. For SigEp, those goals include building balanced leaders for America's communities through our cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love.

Why are you different from other fraternities?

All fraternities are different although they may participate in the same types of activities. Each chapter on each campus develops its own personality that reflects the membership at that time. Put simply, SigEp is different from the Alpha Delta Gammas, the Phi Kappa Psis, the Alpha Phi Alphas, and the Pi Lambda Phis because of who we are and who belongs to each of our organizations. The key to happy fraternity life is finding the group of men with whom you feel most comfortable.

How much does it cost?

Fraternity membership can be expensive, but the benefits it offers far exceeds its costs. SigEp Brothers pay dues each term of $400, which includes a $100 parlor fee. Rent for those brothers living in the house is $1,650 per term and the $100 parlor fee is discounted from chapter dues. There may also be assessments for special events.

Will becoming a SigEp interfere with my classes?

Absolutely not! Sigma Phi Epsilon is meant to supplement your academic experience. Your education is the primary reason you came to Loyola. SigEp makes every effort to schedule activities around classes but sometimes you might miss an activity due to class or required study time.

Will my grades suffer?

The only path to good grades is hard work whether you're in a fraternity or not. To emphasize this, SigEp has a number of programs and incentives to help you academically and reward excellence. The fraternity requires all pledges to take part in a study skills seminar at the start of each brotherhood development period. Mandatory study hours take place one night each week. As a result, many pledges find their G.P.A. actually increases. The chapter also take part in the academic recognition program sponsored by the national fraternity and has its own program called SigEp Scholars, which rewards high G.P.A.s with discounts on dues and assessments.

How much time does fraternity life take up?

In you first semester, as a pledge, you should plan to spend around six to eight hours a week. After that, the amount of time you dedicate to the fraternity is up to you. But you should remember the value of your SigEp experience is proportional to the amount of time you invest in it. Learning to manage your time effectively is an important part of your growth experience and a hallmark of a Balanced Man. It is a skill that will help you to succeed both in college and beyond.

Will I still have a life outside of SigEp?

Of course you'll still have a life outside of the fraternity. Even the most active members take part is other activities. Some of our brothers are varsity athletes, others serve on the Student Government Association or the University Programing Board, and many belong the honorary or professional societies. SigEp is just a part of a balanced collegiate experience.

What types of things does SigEp do?

SigEp participates in all aspects of campus life. The fraternity sponsors the premiere social event, Waikiki, and holds smaller, more personal events throughout the year. As part of its member development program, the chapter conducts a variety of seminars on topics ranging from study skills to financial management to networking for career success. Several times each semester, brothers gather to give their time and talents to a number of philanthropic endeavors including Habitat for Humanity, the Crescent City Classic, and Lusher Academy. Once each term, we leave the confines of the urban campus for a retreat where we renew our commitment to our ideals and participate in group initiative activities. We also field an intramural team for almost every sport. With so many things to offer, few participate in everything, but the fraternity attempts to offer something for everyone.

If I join, will I have to drink?

Well, yes, but not necessarily alcohol. If you should decide to indulge, SigEp expects you to do so responsibly. Excessive consumption of alcohol can damage both your health and your academic record. On the other hand, if you decide not to drink alcohol you can still have a good time. We always have non-alcoholic beverages at all our functions.

Will I have to live in the house?

Living in the fraternity house is integral to your Sigma Phi Epsilon experience. Most brothers who live in the house gain a deeper understanding of each other and,overall, have a better fraternity experience. As such, we expect everyone to spend at least one semester and prefer you stay for the full academic year. Of course, there are exceptions. If you live at home or work for residential life (thus living rent free) you are exempted from the live-in requirement. Likewise, brothers who are married or enrolled less than full time can also be excused. Occasionally, there are less spaces in the house than the number of brothers who desire to live there. In those cases, people living in the house have priority.

What do you do in a fraternity?

As a fraternity member, you'll develop skill not taught in your university classes. For example, the fraternity will offer a setting to learn social skills or develop your leadership potential. It will give you a place to go when you need a break from studying and an opportunity to give of yourself through its philanthropic activities. The fraternity is a place where you can grow as an individual and learn to be an effective part of a team, thus helping you to succeed both at college and in life.

Why do fraternity members call each other "brothers?"

The term "brother" comes from the sense of family we share among one another. Fraternity membership is a lifelong experience. You Sigma Phi Epsilon experience will endure long after graduation as should your devotion to Sigma Phi Epsilon and its ideals. As family, your fraternity brothers will be at your side in both good time and bad. And this family extends from the newest 18 or 19 year-old initiate to the oldest alumnus and not only those from Loyola but all SigEps from across the nation.

What is "Pledging?"

Fraternities often refer to their new member development period as "pledging." The term come from the pledge or promise a novice member makes to learn about his fraternity and seek full membership through initiation. SigEp calls this time in a new members life the Brotherhood Development Period. Typically, it lasts six to eight weeks during which the new member is taught the history of the fraternity and chapter, the expectations of membership in Sigma Phi Epsilon, and a variety of Life Skills. This is accomplished through inspirational activities which could be ritualistic or social in nature. The period ends with a uniform examination required for admission to full membership. Pledging should not be confused with member development, which is an on going process throughout the undergraduate experience. Member development activities include retreats, seminars, and participation in philanthropic activities.