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| Recruitment | |||||
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| Frequently Asked Questions For Prospective Members | |||||
Why join a fraternity?
Being a part of a fraternity is more than parties, wearing letters, and attending meetings. Joining a fraternity means making friendships that will last a lifetime. Membership in a fraternity means a commitment to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. A fraternity makes a large university like SJSU smaller and more personal. Joining any fraternity makes you a part of a much larger group in society that is dedicated to leadership and service [1]:
We encourage you to do your research: read about us on this website, check out our national website, talk to one of our brothers on campus, visit the house, etc. If you have the opportunity to go through formal recruitment or “rush” we also encourage you to check out other fraternities on campus and compare them to make sure that you find the best “fit”. Why choose Sigma Nu? 
There are many specific reasons to be interested in Sigma Nu: we offer friendships, leadership experiences, housing, social events, athletic competition, academic support and networking opportunities to name just a few. Though, many of these features can be found in other fraternities and clubs on campus. So then what makes Sigma Nu unique? The Zeta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu at San Jose State prides itself on two noticeable areas of uniqueness: our values and our diversity.
Our values have been summed up with the description “Sigma Nu is an Honor fraternity”. When James Frank Hopkins started gathering material at VMI for the Legion of Honor, which was to become Sigma Nu, he had one towering standard: He sought men who could “govern each act by a high sense of honor.” He welded them into a fraternity, not a club, for men, not boys, based upon the Honor Principle, not expediency and situational ethics [2]. We use honor as a goal and test for every action. We are the only fraternity founded in opposition to hazing and we are honor bound to treat each other, including candidates, as we expect to be treated. Our diversity can be easily seen when you meet a group of Sigma Nus. We are probably one of the most diverse fraternities on campus and we strive to introduce even more diversity into our brotherhood. We seek leaders from all parts of the campus community and backgrounds. We defy the simplistic labels which are put on so many other organizations on campus. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and assets as it allows us to learn from each other and apply our unique perspectives and abilities to every endeavor. It requires far more effort to make a fraternity work if it is based on honor and diversity than on hazing and stereotypes, but the end product is a tighter brotherhood and more rewarding experiences for our members. How do I become a Sigma Nu? When, where and how do I start? 
Besides meeting one of our brothers on campus during the regular school year, one of the best opportunities to ask questions and meet other prospective members is to stop by the house during one of our formal recruitment events which typically occur during the first few weeks of the fall and spring semesters. The events during this time are often referred to as “Rush”. Look for our announcements about Rush in the "news" area of this websiteDuring these events you can get an idea of the things we do and the kind of people we are while having fun. We recommend that you attend as many events as possible so you can make sure that Sigma Nu is right for you and give us the opportunity to let us get to know you as well.
To start the process of becoming a brother in Sigma Nu, you must be given a formal invitation, also called a “bid”. Bids are usually only given during the “Rush” period, and are the result of a unanimous decision of the brotherhood. To be considered for a bid, the chapter usually needs to get an idea if you’re the type of person that could both contribute to and benefit from the fraternity. After accepting the bid, you will be given information about starting the candidate program. What does the candidate program consist of? 
The candidate program is designed to teach candidates important topics such as the history and values of Sigma Nu, chapter operations, ethics, team work and time management. Candidates meet weekly to participate in our LEAD program, discuss issues and be informed about important chapter events. Candidates are encouraged to learn leadership and team work through holding leadership positions, organizing events and working on a candidate class project. The candidate program also includes fun events which the whole chapter is involved in such as big brother revealing week, a formal dance, retreats, road trips, serenades, exchanges with sororities and initiation week. Ask one of our members for a copy of the “syllabus” which outlines all of the activities and requirements for the program.
What is LEAD? 
LEAD is our four part membership development program. The acronym “L.E.A.D.” stands for: Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, and Development. As a candidate, you'll participate in Phase I of the LEAD program. This phase studies the basics of leadership, the national and local history of Sigma Nu Fraternity, and helps develop team building through retreats and other activities to get the candidate class working together. LEAD sessions talk about ethics, help clarify your values, and teach you how to work best with different personalities. The candidate program trains you to manage your time and balance a busy schedule, which will ultimately help you be successful academically. Most importantly, it helps you understand what makes Sigma Nu different is our core values of love, honor, and truth. The LEAD program will help you get focused on your goals and develop you into what you want to be. It will build your confidence, improve your self-esteem, and help you understand who you are and push you to be your best. LEAD will give you the skills you need to be a successful leader and help you get the most from your Sigma Nu experience. Is there hazing involved? 
No. Sigma Nu stands firm against hazing. As opposition to hazing was one of the reasons we came into existence, we still will not tolerate it. In the last ten years, Sigma Nu has suspended or revoked more of its own chapter charters for hazing violations than all the other national fraternities combined [2]. Although that is not a record we are proud of, it does indicate the strength of our conviction. If you are one to submit to these unwarranted practices, you should not be a Sigma Nu.
How much time does it take? The candidate program takes approximately 11 weeks from orientation to initiation. Each candidate is expected to participate in weekly candidate class meetings, attend mandatory events, and take the time to complete LEAD sessions. It has been said that the candidate program is similar to the time commitment of a lower-division 3 unit course. That being said, we are here to assist candidates in making sure they succeed academically and maintain important relationships with family and friends. Time management skills are critical. How much does it cost? Candidates must make two payments during their candidate semester. First, each candidate must pay a one-time “fee” directly to the national Fraternity to become officially registered as a candidate, participate in the candidate ceremony and receive their pin. This money is not received or used by the chapter. Second, candidates must pay “dues” to the chapter, which cover their share of the costs for social functions, house maintenance and other typical expenses. Please talk to one of our members for more information on the current amounts and how the money is used. What are the academic requirements? Candidate must have a GPA which is at least equal to the current San Jose State Interfraternity Council's GPA requirement (please ask one of our members for the current GPA requirement). To be initiated into the Fraternity, each candidate must attain a GPA of at least 2.5 during the semester in which they complete the candidate program. Candidates must maintain study hours and be involved in the chapter’s scholarship program during their candidate semester. Can candidates live in the house? Candidates can typically live in the chapter house during their candidate semester if there is vacancy. Please ask one of our members or call the house phone (408) 279-9473 for more information about the current vacancy and rates. What if my family doesn’t approve? We believe gaining the support of your family is important. Unfortunately there are many stereotypes and myths about college fraternities out there which tend to overshadow the reality. Give them the information they need to reach their own conclusions. Show them this website, consider inviting them over for a tour of the chapter house, refer them to one of our members or one of our advisors who can answer their questions either over the phone or in person. |
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| Prospective Member Interest Form | |||||
| Please provide us with the following information so that we can contact you about recruitment: | |||||
| Sigma Nu Fraternity, Zeta Iota Chapter · 155 South 11th Street · San Jose, CA 95112 · (408) 279-9473 |