Potential New Members – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of a fraternity if it is online?
Fraternity arguably is more important these times than ever. While physically separated from our college, fraternity provides for a group of men opportunities to work together for common goals, build each other up, and most of all help still give a sense of being a college man. Sigma Nu remains a place of fellowship and brotherhood, whether online or in-person.
What are events going to look like as a candidate?
The applicable answer will be dependent upon your campus situation.
If the host institution is 100% virtual, candidacy will look different, but the true meaning of effectively transforming an unaffiliated male into a positive contributing Knight of the Legion of Honor remains the same. The chapter will still be able to provide a transformative educational and development process through a variety of online-based brotherhood building and educational experiences.
If the host institution is operating in-person with social distancing restrictions, the candidate education program will look largely the same with some necessary modifications. The safety of all members will be the highest priority and adjustments will be made to the candidate education program to align with local restrictions and guidance from public health experts.
What are the university’s restrictions on fraternities’ events?
The applicable answer will be dependent upon your campus situation. Regardless of the campus situation, the Fraternity experience will continue providing meaningful value to its members.
If the host institution is 100% virtual, the chapter will have deliberate plans in place for staying connected, operating and remaining intact throughout the academic term including regular meetings, and other informal and formal online gatherings.
If the host institution is operating in-person with social distancing restrictions, activities may be planned as usual, but they will likely look very different with necessary limitations on the number of attendees, social distancing, and other health and safety protocols. The health and safety of all members and guests must be prioritized above all in making decisions on chapter events.
How are dues going to be affected if everything is virtual?
Each chapter establishes its own budget to cover fixed and variable expenses. The only fees paid directly by members to the General Fraternity are the one-time candidate fee of $100 at the time of becoming a candidate and the one-time initiation fee of $230 at the time of being initiated.
Contact the chapter Treasurer to confirm the dues and billing cycle assessed by the local chapter.
How can I develop friendships and brotherhood through a virtual or socially distant candidate education process?
A virtual environment relies on only that! It might sound counterintuitive, but this virtual world is making us be more dependent on friendships, brotherhood, and the core of fraternity that enables us to stay strong and still feel like a college student during these times. Though we might have less in-person interaction, we are leaning more on brotherhood bonding now, maybe more than ever, to support each other through this unique and challenging time. Having a group of friends, whom you get to call lifelong brothers, supporting, listening, and caring for you is what Fraternity is all about. Who does not need that kind of support right now?
My parents are worried about me staying safe and distant. What is Sigma Nu doing, specifically, to ensure this?
The health and safety of all members are of paramount importance. All chapters are expected to follow local social distancing and other health and safety restrictions. And as always, chapter activities are to comply with the Fraternity’s Risk Reduction Policy and applicable host institution policies. The local chapter leadership and alumni advisors can assist in addressing any specific questions or concerns you have about the chapter’s health and safety protocol.