Sigma Chi - Eta Sigma Chapter

Pledgeship is a probationary period for potential members before they are fully initiated into Sigma Chi.  It is a ten week process that consists of intellectual exercises to cultivate potential members into becoming brothers; this includes learning the history of Sigma Chi, the operational workings of Sigma Chi and our specific chapter, leadership skills, and allows the potential members to become an integral part of the chapter before initiation.  The process also fosters friendship and trust between potential members and their pledge class as well as with the active chapter.  

The pledge program is set by the pledge class 'Magister', or pledge teacher.  The pledge program is intended to prepare the pledge brothers for initiation and teach them about the ideals of Sigma Chi.  During pledgeship, the potential member is given a Pledge Pin to be worn throughout pledgeship, and a Pledge Manual, which is an instructional guide to the history and workings of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

While you may have heard that it is a normal Fraternity tradition to 'haze pledges', Sigma Chi and especially the Eta Sigma Chapter take a strict zero-tolerance stance on "any act performed by any Sigma Chi or pledge member that results in an environment of servitude or in any way endangers or demeans a Sigma Chi or pledge member, regardless of that person's willingness to participate in that act."  That quote is taken directly from the official Sigma Chi pledge manual.

FAQ's

Here this Fall's Pledge Educator will answer some questions that seem to be frequently asked.  Hopefully he can answer some of yours.  If you are still curious about the pledge process, you can contact John McCowan at jmccowan@uci.edu.

 

How much time does pledgeship take?

We like to think that pledging a Fraternity is proportional to taking an extra class.  The only time that is required is Sunday nights, when Pledge Class Meeting is held.  Other than that it is up to the pledge class to decide how often and when to meet, which means that school schedules and prior commitments can be easily scheduled around.

 

How long is pledgeship?

The pledge process usually lasts about ten weeks.

 

How much does pledgeship cost?

UCI Sigma Chi dues are $330 a quarter, which is less than average for UCI Fratenities.  Sigma Chi does not force pledges to pay extra money for extra parties and pledge activities.  Any extra expenses are completely optional, such as buying a pledge class shirt, and are not surprise fees or pressured upon the pledge class.

 

So, what type of hazing do you guys do?

Sigma Chi and the Eta Sigma Chapter take a strict zero-tolerance stance on hazing.

 

Ha ha ha, but really, do you guys haze?

Really, you won't be hazed here.  If at any time one feels like he is being hazed, the pledge educator is always available to talk to about the situation, and to stop it immediately.  This has never needed to happen, though.

 

What are the advantages of being in a Fraternity?

The advantages of being a part of a college Fraternity stretch throughout your undergraduate career as well as into your career/post graduate life.  

Through Sigma Chi, one can find leadership opportunities, both within the Fraternity as well as in outside organizations.  Brothers in our chapter have been a part of ASUCI, SPOP, Interfraternity Council, Greek Songfest Exec, and many other leadership oriented campus organizations.  

In addition, Sigma Chi can offer you a thrilling social life, with events such as sorority exchanges, campus wide parties, and weekend-long formals, giving you the opportunity to expand your social network.  

But, most important to us, our chapter has a strong brotherhood.  This brotherhood can do anything from offering you friends to eat with on campus, to getting you a job or internship opportunity when the time is needed.

How much does active membership cost?

As before stated, active membership is $330 a quarter.  These costs include such benefits as hosted campus wide events, a formal event every quarter, which includes hotel and buffet costs, and multiple sorority exchanges every quarter.