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1. What is Sigma Nu all about?
Sigma Nu is a general college fraternity, originally founded in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute. We are the only men’s general fraternity in the college world founded on the principle of honor and in firm opposition to hazing. The three cardinal principles of Sigma Nu are Love, Honor, and Truth. Sigma Nu has founded over 250 chapters at various colleges and universities across the United States and Canada, and is one of the largest fraternities in the college world.
2. How much will it cost?
Financial responsibilities are broken up into two categories: those paid to the national organization and those paid to the local chapter. As for the national dues, there is a one-time candidate fee of $90.00 and a one-time initiation fee of $220.00. Fees to our national office are approximately $150-$175 per academic semester. In contrast, the dues paid to the local chapter will be decided by its members when the constitution and by-laws are written. The members will decide on a budget based on the activities that they want to hold and the expenses they will incur, and then determine how much income needs to be brought in through membership.
3. What is LEAD?
LEAD is an acronym for Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, Development, which is Sigma Nu’s five phase ethical leadership development program. This practical, interactive curriculum includes sessions that tackle issues ranging from leadership, brotherhood building, ethics and values, risk management, controversy with civility, and creating effective change, all the way to civic duty, campus involvement, mock job interviews, negotiating salary offers, and much more. All of our undergraduate members have the opportunity to experience LEAD from the time they embark on their journey as Sigma Nu’s. Visit www.sigmanu.org/lead to learn more about this innovative program.
4. How much time will it take?
Being in a fraternity does involve a time commitment. As a general rule, joining a fraternity will take up the time comparable to adding a three-unit class to your schedule. Being in a committee, you can add an additional lab. Being an executive officer, such as Vice-President or Treasurer, you can expect to take on an internship. Being the President can be compared to taking on a new job.
5. Is there hazing?
As mentioned above, Sigma Nu is the only fraternity founded in firm opposition to hazing. Our founders at VMI were adamantly opposed to the practice, and thus formed the organization to oppose the hazing practices that were common to the time. This tradition is held up today in Sigma Nu, which does not condone or allow any kind of hazing to occur within its chapters.
6. What about drinking?
Sigma Nu believes in upholding the laws of the community, the university, the state, and the nation. Therefore, underage drinking is not condoned by the fraternity. While members who are of legal drinking age may do as they wish, Sigma Nu promotes responsible social activities while recognizing that alcohol in no way is the center of or even related to the fraternity. Sigma Nu welcomes individuals regardless of whether they do or do not use alcohol.
7. Why is this opportunity unique?
Few people ever have the opportunity to create a fraternity. These individuals will have the chance to shape what this chapter will look like and be known for. The traditions that Sigma Nu at PCT will be known for 50 and 100 years from now will be started by the men who join today. And while joining an existing fraternity chapter is most common and certainly another great option, it simply does not afford the same opportunity as this.
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