Recruitment Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I Rush SigEp?
What makes SigEp different from other fraternities at UNI?
What is the Balanced Man Program?
What is the SigEp Leadership Continuum?
What kind of community Service does SigEp do?
How much are dues?
I don't like paying for my friends.
How do I know I will not be hazed if I join Sigma Phi Epsilon?
What is the minimum GPA to be a member?
What happens if I do not have a high enough GPA?
How can SigEp help my future?
Why should I rush SigEp?
Sigma Phi Epsilon is the largest fraternity in the United States. SigEp at UNI promotes the principles that are essential in succeeding in college, relationships, and life. TOP
What makes SigEp different from other fraternities at UNI?
SigEp prides itself on being different because that difference has helped us come to lead the fraternity world. SigEps refuse to be stereotyped as "frat boys," nor its chapters as "animal houses." Sigma Phi Epsilon is dedicated to the idea that a fraternity is much more than a social organization -- it is an institution of higher learning; one that centers around the ideals of allowing one to live his best life.
Sigma Phi Epsilon is not a pledging chapter. Because of its balanced man ideal we believe that upon admittance a new member has the same responsibility and impact upon the fraternity as a full brother. Therefore, a new member has full voting rights and is eligible and encouraged to run for leadership positions within the fraternity.
Sigma Phi Epsilon empowers each member to take control of their lives in order to become a balanced man. SigEp annually gives out awards to recognize the achievements of its members. SigEp consistently has the highest fraternity GPA in addition to being Intramural All-Sport champions 9 out of the last 14 years. SigEp believes a sound mind in a sound body is necessary to be a balanced man. TOP
What is the Balanced Man Program?
In striving to attain this ideal, we promote the development of a healthy, sound body, because the body is the vessel of the mind; and the understanding that the development of the mind reaches its full potential only if the pursuit of knowledge becomes a lifelong quest.
"The Journey to a Balanced Life" is perhaps the best way to describe the Balanced Man Project. It is a program based on the concept of life as a continuous journey. This journey will be marked by many challenges. Sigma Phi Epsilon is striving to better prepare its members to face and surmount these challenges by providing one of the most innovative programs in the collegiate world.
Supported and encouraged by the fun and excitement of fraternal life, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon will move through the Journey of Brotherhood. The completion of each stage in the Journey is self-determined. Members set their own goals and create their own plans for the achievement of those goals. There is an emphasis on involvement both in the community and in the chapter through service to others and active participation. With the experience and exposure provided by working in these settings, members empower themselves to become effective leaders.
The Journey of Brotherhood is comprised of five stages:
The goal of the Sigma Challenge is to adjust and assimilate into the Chapter and campus community. In the Phi Challenge, members begin to understand the benefits of fraternalism. The goal of the Epsilon Challenge is to explore the issues a leader faces. Members develop and utilize the skills of a servant leader in the Brother Mentor Challenge. TOP
What is the SigEp Leadership Continuum?
Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Leadership Continuum is a balance of self-development and team leadership skills training composed in four programs: EDGE, the Carlson Leadership Academy, the Ruck Leadership Institute, and the Quest to Greece. Through self-discovery, analysis, and interaction, brothers develop skills necessary to lead balanced lives and to continue leading the fraternity world. TOP
What kind of community service does SigEp do?
Sigma Phi Epsilon annually fundraises more $30,000 dollars for charaities in the Cedar Valley. In addition to leading a university-wide food drive for the Northeast Iowa Foodbank, SigEp also participates in the Adopt-a-Highway Program, visits elderly care centers around the Cedar Falls-Waterloo Area, fundraises for the Northeast Iowa Women’s Shelter, and has become “Partners in Education” with Edison Elementary School. In recognition for the outstanding work done by the men of SigEp, Sigma Phi Epsilon recently received the award for “Best Philanthropy and Community Service” at the 2008 UNI Greek Awards. TOP
How much are dues?
Dues are $307
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Lifetime Responsibility of Brotherhood, the manual of the Fraternity
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The Quest, a guide to continuous development in the Balanced Man Program
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Subscription to The Journal of Sigma Phi Eplison, the alumni magazine of the Fraternity
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Balanced Man Pin
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Membership Card
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Membership Certificate
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Dues to the UNI Interfraternity Council
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Chapter Liability Insurance
I don’t like paying for my friends.
SigEps don’t not like paying for their friends either. Sigma Phi Epsilon is not just a group of friends; Sigma Phi Epsilon is a brotherhood and a family. Therefore, a member’s dues allow SigEp to have social events with sororities and have many other functions away from campus at a discounted rate, less than what an unaffiliated person would pay. TOP
How Do I know I will not be hazed if I join Sigma Phi Epsilon?
The SigEp National website states our national and local stance on hazing in the following excerpt:
“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. Hazing is the direct opposite of everything Sigma Phi Epsilon represents.”
Our Balanced Man Program ensures that all new members go through a development program that is conducted in a safe and responsible manner. Sigma Phi Epsilon prides itself on upholding our ideals and no act of hazing will be tolerated in the fraternity. TOP
What is the minimum GPA to be a member?
The minimum GPA is a 2.75. Although the University of Northern Iowa allows a 2.25 minimum GPA, Sigma Phi Epsilons devotion to excellence has raised the minimum GPA to a 2.75. TOP
What happens if I do not have a high enough GPA?
If by chance, a member is unable to make grades, that member goes on a one semester probation. While on this probation, the member is to attend a study hall in order for that member to bring up their grades to the minimum standard. If after the probationary period the member still has yet to make grades, they become disaffiliated from the fraternity. Because SigEp is devoted to obtaining and keeping its members we will not leave you by the wayside. SigEp will assist you in any way possible to help bring to back to the fraternity. TOP
How can SigEp help my future?
Sigma Phi Epsilon is devoted to building balanced men and balanced leaders. SigEp has many leadership programs that coincide with the balanced man continuous growth philosophy. Among the programs offered are the Carlson Leadership Academy, the Quest to Greece and the EDGE program. TOP
If you have any other questions, please visit our contact page and give us a call. We are always happy to answer your calls with any questions you may have about joining.