FAQ for Parents

Question:

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

Answer:

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.

Question:

What are the costs associated with membership?

Answer:

It cost an individual $75 to pledge a local chapter and $215 to initiate. These are one-time fees. The risk management program fee is $156 per member each year and annual dues are $90 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.

Question:

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

Answer:

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.

Question:

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

Answer:

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.

Question:

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

Answer:

The support network consists of 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.

Question:

How do I recommend a young man for membership?

Answer:

There are three main ways to recommend a individual to become a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. First, you can use the recruitment recommendation that is found in the back of each issue of The Record magazine. Fill it out and send it to the Fraternity Service Center so it can be forwarded to the appropriate chapter. Second, you can send an e-mail to anyone at the Fraternity Service Center with the individuals name, university or college enrolled, any other relevant facts including hobbies,gpa, and/or athletics, as well as contact information including e-mail address. This information will be forwarded to the chapter and chapter advisor. Third, you can contact the local chapter (by using the directory on this site) and ask to speak with the recruitment chairman.

Question:

What volunteer opportunities exist for parents?

Answer:

Many of the strongest chapters have strong particpation by mothers and fathers. This can include an active parents or Minerva Club or being a member of the house corporation or advisory board. Parents can also assist in the organization of parents day, house improvement day, homecoming, etiquette dinners, or golf outings; experienced adults can always improve any undergraduate event.

Question:

How do I recommend a young man for membership?

Answer:

There are three main ways to recommend a individual to become a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. First, you can use the recruitment recommendation that is found in the back of each issue of The Record magazine. Fill it out and send it to the Fraternity Service Center so it can be forwarded to the appropriate chapter. Second, you can send an e-mail to anyone (cmundy@sae.net) at the Fraternity Service Center with the individuals name, university or college enrolled, any other relevant facts including hobbies,gpa, and/or athletics, as well as contact information including e-mail address. This information will be forwarded to the chapter and chapter advisor. Third, you can contact the local chapter (by using the directory on this site) and ask to speak with the recruitment chairman.