Sigma Alpha Epsilon - DePaul University

Q: What are general benefits of membership offered by Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
A: Benefits of membership include an environment for the creation of life-long friendships and academic success, a network of more than 190,000 living alumni, numerous leadership and educational programs that complement the goals and objectives of the host institution, a scholarship and loan program offered by the SAE Foundation and a lifetime subscription to the award-winning The Record magazine.

Q: How does Sigma Alpha Epsilon support its chapters and members with educational programs?
A: SAE has developed the web-based True Gentleman Initiative (TGI) Program, which is the framework for all educational programming. The program is based on 12-core areas of chapter development and builds partnerships between the chapter, host institution, alumni, parents, and Fraternity Service Center. Each chapter has a complete library of online officer notebooks to store and record officer information, files, and officer goals. The website also has a section dedicated to personal development, called the “Portfolio.” Chapters have the ability to have their outstanding programs featured as “programs of the week” on the TGI’s homepage area called “What’s New on the TGI.” The SAE Foundation sponsors the annual Leadership School to deliver personal development training and skill building to more than 400 brothers each year. The SAE Foundation also recognizes top students with a generous scholarship program. The TGI program was awarded the “Outstanding Educational Programming Award” by the Association of Fraternity Advisors in December 2002.

Q: Does Sigma Alpha Epsilon have a preferred philanthropy and community service project?
A: SAE encourages all chapters to become involved in their campus and local community through various organizations. The Fraternity’s preferred philanthropy is the Children’s Miracle Network because of its great capacity to impact children’s lives and the proximity of numerous hospitals to active chapters. On April 6, 2002, the Fraternity launched its “True Gentleman Day of Service,” with more than thirty-five chapters participating in a community service program. This event has grown to involve more than 114 chapters in its most recent year, 2005. Sigma Alpha Epsilon is a national partner with National Youth Service Day.

Q: What does Sigma Alpha Epsilon require for new member education or pledgeship?
A: Pledge requirements are stated in the Fraternity Laws, Section 47, stipulating a pledgeship from four to twelve weeks during which a complete course of education prescribed by the chapter shall take place. The Fraternity Laws state that the education should include orientation on the history, laws and traditions of SAE on both national and local levels. Also included is instruction as to standards, culture and gentlemanliness, which are expected of a member of SAE. The Fraternity Laws do not require any written or oral examinations at any time during, before or after pledgeship. Hazing is prohibited.

Q: What is the support network provided to members and chapters?
A: The support network consists of a university adviser, chapter adviser, house corporation member, a regional volunteer president (province archon), a regional director and the Fraternity Service Center staff based in Evanston, Illinois. These stakeholders understand the mission and goals of the organization and can assist the member or local chapter with any programs or challenges. The True Gentleman Initiative Program also offers a framework to develop the chapter or individual’s goals. Visit www.thetgi.net for more information.

Q: What do collegiate dues pay for?
A: Collegiate dues pay for a number of functions of the Fraternity: the member services department at the Fraternity Service Center, the regional director program, a portion of the costs of the annual John O. Moseley Leadership School, TGI Institutes, risk management services, upkeep of the Levere Memorial Temple and many other general services provided by the Fraternity Service Center. The dues also cover the case costs of The Phoenix pledge manual, badge, and membership cards.

Q: What are the costs associated with membership?
A: It cost an individual $85 to pledge a local chapter and $225 to initiate. These are one-time fees. The risk management program fee is $170 per member each year and annual dues are $105 per member each year. Membership dues are voted on by the general convention every two years. Local chapter dues are separate from national fees and can vary depending on membership numbers and programming. Undergraduates in good standing are encouraged to take full-advantage of all the membership benefits. Local chapters may have additional dues or fees associated with their own budgets, including housing, meal and lodge fees.

Q: How do I join Sigma Alpha Epsilon?
A: Membership with Sigma Alpha Epsilon begins at an active chapter or colony at a college or university. Existing members extend invitations to new members and pledge them during a pledge term not to exceed 12 weeks. Pledgeship assimilates new members to the active chapter and prepares them to make contributions to advance the ideals of the organization and chapter. If you are interested in joining Sigma Alpha Epsilon at DePaul University, please send an e-mail to our chapter e-mail at SAE.DePaul@gmail.com. Sigma Alpha Epsilon does have a minimum GPA requirement of 2.3 for initiation.