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About SigEp | Brothers | Alumni | Parents | Events | Recruitment

Potential Parents

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Brother Sam Madden (far right) standing in front of the Parthenon on SigEp's 2005 Quest to Greece

What can SigEp do for your son?

When SigEp recruits, we make it our goal to recruit the most well-rounded individuals on campus. The parents of our potential members are quite often the most proud, but also the most concerned about their son's well-being. Unfortunately due to a lot of stories in the media, Greek Life has been held in a very negative light in recent years, and the image of "frat boy," "Animal House" culture very often raises concerns for those exploring Greek Life AND the parents of these students.

Fortunately, SigEp prides itself on being different, and most of our parents quickly realize that a lot of the horror stories they hear in the media are quite contrary to the culture of our fraternity.

Below is a list of Potential Parent FAQ's and Answers which we hope will help to better educate you about our fraternity and ease any concerns you may have. Should you have any additional questions, please do note hesistate to contact Chapter President Scott deRoche (sderoche@uvm.edu), Vice President-Recruitment Dan Kropp (daniel.kropp@uvm.edu), or our Alumni Advisor Michael Languasco (mlanguasco@chittenden.com).

What is a fraternity?

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 SigEp pride itself on being "different"?

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?

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 like ours, he instantly becomes a brother. The BMP does away with the "pledge model" of the fraternity experience, and puts an emphasis on continued development throughout college and beyond.

You should expect he will be involved in the chapter, on campus, and in the community. At Vermont Gamma, we are all held to GPA standards, as well as standards for campus and chapter involvement. These standards aim to foster an environment through which we motivate one another to make the most of our college careers. By your son becoming a SigEp, he will be exposed to a life of balance and encouraged to pursue leadership.

What is Sigma Phi Epsilon's stance on hazing?

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 and substance abuse?

Sigma Phi Epsilon does not promote the use of alcohol in any manner whatsoever.

At SigEp, we go to great lengths to educate our new members on alcohol and its effects. Through the programming of both the University and our national headquarters, SigEp 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?

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 some of SigEp's alumni, and what do they say about the SigEp experience?

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.

Click here for a list of prominent SigEp alumni.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Aside from the names mentioned at the top of the page, please feel free to contact UVM's Greek Advisor Kim Monteaux ( kimberlee.monteaux@uvm.edu).

Also, Sigma Phi Epsilon's National Headquarters is available to help answer your questions. Inquiries are always welcome because they clarify the Fraternity's mission, vision, and any misconceptions that may be associated with Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Sigma Phi Epsilon | 371 Main Street | Burlington, VT 05401

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