Parents
As your child leaves you for the first time to attend college, there are many things that could be running through your head. How will my son survive? Will he succeed academically? Will he make life-long friends? How do I know that he is making positive life decisions?
The Grand Valley Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon can help you with many of those questions. As a national fraternity, we are designed to "Build Balanced Leaders for the World's Communities," and by our every-day actions we continue to uphold our mission statement plus the Laker Values that Grand Valley has instilled upon us. By taking interest in Sigma Phi Epsilon, your son is already making positive life-decisions and is already building himself to become a better and more successful man. If your son chooses to become a member, he will embark upon a life-long journey that will better him as a whole.
There are many questions that parents have as their children begin college and the SigEps at Grand Valley are here to help. We have developed this section for you - the parents - and we hope to address any questions that you might have for us. Links to frequently asked questions, information about the Balanced Man Scholarship and Program, along with our chapter information from our National Headquarters are above. However, if we did miss a question on the site, please, do not hesitate to Contact Us or visit the SigEp Nationals Website for more information, or have your son give you one of our brother's phone numbers and call us directly. We are here to help you understand the Balanced Man way of life and the journey that is Sigma Phi Epsilon.
"This Fraternity Will be Different..."
-Carter Ashton Jenkins, Richmond College, 1901
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Fraternity?
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A fraternity is a group of men who believe and live by the same set of values, and foster a close friendship through those values. These values bind together not only the current chapter members, but members and alumni throughout the country. Fraternity men incorporate these values in all aspects of their lives, never letting go of those beliefs. Sigma Phi Epsilon's values are Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love.
- Why does Sigma Phi Epsilon pride itself on being different?
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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.
- My son is considering joining a SigEp Chapter, what can I expect?
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When a young man joins Sigma Phi Epsilon, he immediately finds out he has joined something unique. In joining a Balanced Man Program (BMP) chapter, he instantly becomes a brother. The BMP eliminates pledging from the chapter experience, and puts an emphasis on continued development throughout college and beyond. You should expect that he will be involved in the chapter, on campus, and in the community. By your son becoming a SigEp, he will be exposed to a life of balance and encouraged to pursue leadership.
- What is the cost of membership in the Fraternity?
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As a Balance Man Chapter, the cost of joining is $275 within 24 hours of joining the fraternity. Each Sigma Phi Epsilon member pays this registration fee, and it covers the following things:
- Lifetime Responsibility of Brotherhood, the manual of the Fraternity
- Balanced Man Pin
- Membership Card
- Membership Certificate
- The Quest, a guide to continuous development in the Balanced Man Program
- Subscription to The Journal of Sigma Phi Epsilon, the alumni magazine of the Fraternity
After the semester your son joins, he is required to pay dues as well. The Michigan Kappa chapter is currently at $300 per semester. Part of this amount goes into our operating budget, part of it goes to National dues. Every fall your son pays $115 in annual dues. He also pays for liability insurance, which is assessed in the spring. The amount varies from year to year. This year it is $128 per member, and last year it was $126. These national dues are included in the $300 that the Michigan Kappa Chapter currently requires. - What is Sigma Phi Epsilon's Stance on Hazing?
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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.
Sigma Phi Epsilon truly believes that the words “hazing” and “fraternity” are not interchangeable. SigEp has, for many years, been breaking the stereotype that fraternities haze. The National Fraternity, through programming and leadership opportunities, has promoted the idea of safe and responsible development. Hazing is the direct opposite of everything Sigma Phi Epsilon represents. - What is Sigma Phi Epsilon's perspective on alcohol & substance abuse?
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Sigma Phi Epsilon does not promote the use of alcohol in any manner whatsoever. It is the national fraternity’s opinion that alcohol should only be used in a safe and responsible manner by people of legal age.
Sigma Phi Epsilon goes to great lengths to educate its members on alcohol and its effects. Through national programming, Sigma Phi Epsilon helps its members understand the consequences of one’s choices when alcohol is involved. SigEp also promotes risk management guidelines to help chapters and members make smart decisions when it comes to alcohol. - What is the Leadership Continuum?
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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.
- Who are the Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni and what did they think of the experience?
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Sigma Phi Epsilon has a long tradition of alumni. These men excel in their respective fields. Among them are businessmen, world leaders, renowned artists, and all-star athletes.
The greatest thing about SigEp alumni is they truly believe in the SigEp Experience. The proof is that our alumni continue to volunteer to help chapters and members. They continually donate money to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation for programs and scholarships. SigEp alumni believe that the SigEp experience is a lifetime commitment, and that is why they keep coming back to support the fraternity and its endeavors.
Check out some of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s prominent alumni - Who can I contact if I have questions?
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If you have any further questions, please, do not hesistate to ask us. You can fill out a contact form here. There are also links to the different leaders currently in the chapter and specific contact information for them if you wish to use it. We welcome every and all questions and apprecaite feedback
Also, the Sigma Phi Epsilon National Headquarters Staff are always available to answer your questions as well.
