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What is the
difference between a pledge program and a "new member"
program?
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When can I wear
letters?
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Why do you
criticize "frat guys?"
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Are my
friends/family allowed at the chapter house?
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How long is the
pledge semester?
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What is the
cost?
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Will my grades
be affected during the pledge semester?
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Do you have parties?
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Will I be hazed?
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What is
Initiation?
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What is "The
Ritual?"
Q: What is
the difference between a pledge program and a "new member"
program?
A: Very little.
Every fraternity has a designated period during which new
associates (e.g., "pledges," "new members," etc.) are
introduced to the chapter and fraternity.
Typically, one will spend this time learning the history,
literature, beliefs, etc., of the fraternity while engaging
in activities designed to bolster one's experience.
Whether referred to as a "Pledge Program," "New Member
Program," or anything else, they are the same: One must
complete this preliminary stage before becoming a full-fledged
member of the fraternity.
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Q: When can I
wear letters?
A: If you are
asked to pledge Sigma Chi you will undoubtedly feel
excitement and a sense of pride, which you'll want to
demonstrate by showing you are associated with the
Fraternity. You can accomplish this by wearing your
highly-recognizable Sigma Chi pledge pin or shirts with the
words "Sigma Chi" on them. Sigma Chi letters, however,
indicate you have been initiated into the Fraternity and
their use is more restricted.
The letters,
SC,
are copyrighted by the Fraternity and their reproduction is
strictly regulated. Only companies licensed by Sigma
Chi International may produce these letters on products and only Initiates
of Sigma Chi are permitted to wear them. (This
prohibition does not apply to mothers, sisters, wives,
daughters, sweethearts, housemothers, or fiancées
of members of the Fraternity.)
(A Side Note):
Some fraternities give letters to people shortly after they
have accepted a bid. In our opinion this makes as much
sense as Fresno State granting you your degree and asking
you to show up for classes each week for four years.
As anyone knows, you respect and appreciate something more
if you feel you've earned it.
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Q: Why do you
criticize "frat guys?"
A:
"Frat guys" are to fraternities what steroid-users are to
organized sports. It's no secret we at Sigma Chi feel as much
affinity toward frat guys as does the public at large. A
fraternity is comprised of men who behave honorably and in a
manner consistent with their stated values, ideals, etc. A
frat guy is what you’ll see on Dateline or Animal House,
whose behavior is both sophomoric and detrimental to those
who choose to act like respectable fraternity men.
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Q: Are my
friends/family allowed at the chapter house?
A: Of course.
In fact, if your friends live up to our
Jordan Standard they should
consider pledging as well. Granted, Sigma Chi is a
secret fraternal organization. But you'll know if a
particular event is intended for members only. Any
other time your friends and family are more than welcome to
come by the chapter house. We encourage it.
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Q: How long
is the pledge semester?
A: Eight weeks.
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Q: What is
the cost?
A: $315 (Fall
'07). This includes your Pledging & Initiation Fees
paid to the General Fraternity, your Norman Shield and other
pledging materials, Pledge Pin, Initiation Badge & Certificate, and house maintenance
& misc. fees.
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Q: Will my
grades be affected during the pledge semester?
A:
We hope so—in a good way. Part of the pledge program is
devoted to time management/prioritization, study skills, and
academic writing. In order to be Initiated you must
achieve a minimum 2.5 semester GPA, though we expect you to
meet or exceed the chapter's aggregate GPA goal of a minimum 2.75.
While at Fresno State,
school should come first. You must make it
a priority to graduate in a timely manner and to maintain
good academic standing. This strategy not only will
allow you to venture into the "real world" with more
confidence and marketable skills, but also open the door to
scholarships/grants while in college and opportunity for
post-baccalaureate work afterward.
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Q: Do you have parties?
A. Yes, but not the sort
you're probably thinking of. Our insurance premiums
are more per year than the price of your car. Because
of our liability we have restrictions on how our social
events are organized:
Drugs are strictly
forbidden. And if alcohol is present, it cannot be
served to anyone under 21. (For larger functions we
hire security guards to enforce these rules.) Most
social events are private and theme-oriented (e.g., Sigma
Chi Formal, Italian Wedding, 80s Prom, etc.), and only Sigma
Chi Pledges, Brothers and guests are invited.
As with any Sigma Chi
function, it is expected that everyone conduct himself as a
high-minded man and a gentleman. Abuse of alcohol and
conduct unbecoming a Sigma Chi are grounds for expulsion
from the Fraternity.
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Q: Will I be hazed?
A:
No. Some fraternities
feel that pledges should "earn" their way in. As such,
pledges are hazed throughout the semester and those who
haven't quit become members.
We have a different
philosophy: It is more difficult to live up to the
Jordan Standard every hour
of the day than to endure hazing activities a few days per
week.
Moreover, in order to receive a bid from Sigma Chi you will
have already demonstrated more strength than a hazing
environment could ever evoke—strength of character.
As a Sigma Chi Pledge, it is assumed you strive for the
characteristics in our Jordan Standard.
By living up to
these criteria—and the values you will learn during the
pledge semester—you will have "earned" your way into the
Fraternity, but in a manner becoming a Sigma Chi.
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Q: What is Initiation?
A: In Sigma Chi,
Initiation (or "I-Week") is when one becomes a Brother
(Member) in Sigma Chi.
Your pledge semester will have prepared you for this
inspiring, positive experience—the completion of which will
mark your entry into the Fraternity and lifelong bond with
over 250,000 other Sigma Chi Initiates.
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Q: What is "The Ritual?"
A: The Sigma Chi
Ritual contains the secret components of our Fraternity.
You will be introduced to The Ritual during I-Week and will
perform elements of it throughout college and after
graduation.
For example, a
non-secret portion of our Ritual (The White Rose Ceremony)
is how a Sigma Chi who has passed away (entered the Chapter
Eternal) is honored at his gravesite by his Brothers.
This ritual is performed publicly and demonstrates that the
bonds of brotherhood do not end upon graduation.
Like the White
Rose Ceremony, our Ritual is specific to Sigma Chi and is
what bonds every member. You will learn more about The
Ritual and rituals in general during the Pledge Semester.
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