FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

For Students

  • I am worried about my grades. If I rush and subsequently pledge, will my grades suffer?

    We realize the importance of a strong academic record and we have a strong program in place to ensure success. We encourage the scholastic development, not destruction, of potential new members. Pledges attend mandatory study hours to help them with their studies. Pledges also have access to tutoring and mentoring from upperclassmen brothers.

  • How long has Sigma Alpha Epsilon been at Cal State Northridge?

    SAE has been at CSUN for over forty years as we were founded locally in 1961 as Pi Kappa Tau and chartered as California Nu Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon in 1967.

  • What is Sigma Alpha Epsilon like Internationally?

    Sigma Alpha Epsilon is the largest fraternity in the world, with over 250,000 initiated brothers. SAE has many accomplishments and is widely recognized as one of the top fraternal institutions in the world.

  • How long is the pledge period?

    Our pledge period is generally a semester long. During this colonization period however we expect this training to be much shorter.

  • How do you join the Greek community?

    Membership in a general Greek organization is open to all students. Recruitment is a series of week long activities designed to introduce interested students to the chapter members and vice versa. Formal Recruitment, held during the first month of classes, allows students the opportunity to visit each chapter and express interest in membership. At the end of the Formal Recruitment Week, students may receive an invitation for membership, called a bid.

  • How much time does it take to be in a fraternity or sorority?

    Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one’s time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through Greek involvement, one will learn how to balance his or her academic work, campus involvement, and social commitments.

For Parents

  • What benefits does my son receive with his initiated membership in Sigma Alpha Epsilon?

    Members dues pay for a number of functions through the Fraternity Service Center based in Evanston, Illinois, including consultation from the Member Services Department, the assistant executive director program, personal development through the annual Leadership School, TGI Institutes, risk management programming, a subscription to The Record, access to more than seventy-five alumni associations, the SAE Foundation scholarship and loan program, and many other general services provided by the Fraternity Service Center.

  • How does SAE educate its members on alcohol, hazing, and risk management?

    SAE was the first fraternity to create a Leadership School in 1935 to address personal leadership skills and chapter issues, the first to develop a Men’s Health Issues Committee in 1987, and the first to create a hazing hotline (800-233-1856, ext 399). SAE educates all its members on the risks of alcohol, drugs, and hazing through communication vehicles including The Phoenix, The Record, and the e-Recorder. The Fraternity has seminars at all national events on risk management, at-risk behavior, and crisis management. In 2002 SAE created the “Body, Mind, and Soul” video that discusses the negative impacts of club drugs and was presented to more than 2,000 undergraduates.

  • How will my son grow and develop with his membership in Sigma Alpha Epsilon?

    The Fraternity’s mission is to promote the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, and service for our members based upon the ideals set forth by our Founders and as specifically enunciated in “The True Gentleman.” Using our Ritual and “The True Gentleman” as building blocks, the Fraternity creates an environment that fosters relationships and opportunities for personal growth and enduring friendships. With more than 200 chapters, 75 alumni associations, and 150,000 living alumni, we believe the Fraternity provides a life-long development network. The SAE Foundation also complements the Fraternity by providing leadership programming and financial aid to deserving brothers.

  • What local support system is in place to provide guidance and support for my son and his chapter?

    The support network consists of the alumni association, a university advisor, chapter advisor, house corporation member, a regional volunteer president (Province Archon), and an Assistant Executive Director for the region. These shareholders 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 and resources to develop the chapter or individual’s goals via the web at www.thetgi.net.

  • What volunteer opportunities exist for parents?

    Information coming soon.

  • How do I recommend a young man for membership?

    Visit our Recruitment page.