The Balanced Man
It was 1989. Sigma Phi Epsilon, as a national fraternity, was seeing the highest numbers ever with recruitment, but it was also seeing the lowest numbers ever with retention rates. Most of the freshmen that joined the fraternity were not members by the time they reached their junior year. Something wasn't working and it needed to be fixed.
The Grand Chapter Conclave of 1989 worked together and changed our mission statement to "Building Balanced Leaders for the World's Communities," and with it they developed the Balanced Man Program. Rather than using the pleding program that fraternities had been using for hundreds of years, Sigma Phi Epsilon decided to change it all, to be the first, and to be the best. The Balanced Man Program was born.
With the Balanced Man Program, instead of having a few weeks of pledging for the potential new members, SigEps developed a four-year continuous program of development and improvement, based on the ancient Greek principles of Sound Mind and Sound Body. Any new member that joins Sigma Phi Epsilon is automatically a full member; they do not go through a trial period where they walk on eggshells to be allowed in. They then concentrate on building themselves as well-rounded men, starting with improving themselves, then their Chapter, then the Community that surrounds them. Hundreds of options are available for each member to build themselves how they wish to be built, with constant support and guidance from a mentor that is different from their "Big Brother."
With the constant support of brothers and their undergrad mentor, members of Sigma Phi Epsilon are known for doing better and acheiving more in college. This program has been tremendously successful for all SigEps around the nation. With the implementation of the BMP, we have grown to be the largest fraternity in the nation, with over 15,000 current undergrad members; we also maintain the highest nation-wide GPA, some of the highest retention rates, and because of the positive experience that SigEps create, we have over 275,000 lifetime members that work with, mentor, and help out the undergrad chapters around the nation.
Brother Jenkens, one of our founding Brothers from Richmond College in Virginia stated, "This Fraternity Will Be Different..." and with the usage of the BMP along with our stances against alcohol abuse, hazing, and acceptance of all men, we truly are different, and we will continue to do so to remain the best choice for going Greek as an undergrad member.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why did the Fraternity change anyway?
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A: In 1901, twelve men decided that the status quo was not good enough and set out to make a change for the better. As Founder Carter Jenkins put it, “This fraternity will be different.” Their changes resulted in the birth of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and the Balanced Man Program is the fruition of that dream. As the founders addressed changes in their environment, the Balanced Man Program addresses changes in today’s fraternity world. At a time when risk management and regulation have become common concerns, Sigma Phi Epsilon has learned to surpass these problems and focus on the principles of self-improvement and true brotherhood on which it was founded in 1901. Change created Sigma Phi Epsilon. Change propelled by the Balanced Man Program will perpetuate Sigma Phi Epsilon.
- Q: Why should you join a Balanced Man Program chapter?
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A: The Balanced Man Program offers many unique opportunities for SigEp’s. The program builds a strong brotherhood by developing individual members and group bonds, and by instilling the notion of “universal respect for self and others.” Implementing the Balanced Man Program provides chapters with many advantages: Programming for older members that keeps them involved.
- New opportunities for alumni and community members to be involved.
- An organized mentoring program for all members.
- Year-round recruitment opportunities.
- Programming that promotes the development of a sound mind in a sound body
- Q: Why is the Journey of Brotherhood idea the basis of the Balanced Man Program?
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A: Neither brotherhood nor individuals can develop and flourish overnight or through one brief experience. In addition to strengthening fraternal bonds and developing individuals, continuous experiences are critical for a man to appreciate and understand the values and ideals of the fraternity. Brotherhood is not a destination, but a road to be traveled.
- Q: How does a chapter recruit year round?
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A: Due to the flexibility of the Balanced Man Program, men can enter the fraternity at any time during the school year. It allows men to enter individually.
These FAQ's have been adopted from the SigEp National FAQ's. To read them all please vist http://www.sigep.org or Contact Us with your own questions!
