F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What is Sigma Nu all about?

Sigma Nu is a general college fraternity, originally founded in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute. We are the only men’s general fraternity in the college world founded on the principle of honor and in firm opposition to hazing. The three cardinal principles of Sigma Nu are Love, Honor, and Truth. Sigma Nu has founded over 250 chapters at various colleges and universities across the United States and Canada, and is one of the largest fraternities in the college world.

2.   How much will it cost?

Financial responsibilities are broken up into two categories: those paid to the national organization and those paid to the local chapter. As for the national dues, there is a one-time candidate induction fee of $220.00 and a one-time initiation fee of $220.00. Fees to our national office are approximately $150-$175 per academic semester. We strive to keep our fees low and we proudly have the lowest dues on Greek Circle. T-shirts are usually around $10 but range in prices and are optional. Overall dues for the pledge semester are a total of $1040.00. Payments for actives are $700 in the fall and $500 in the spring to total $600 per semester.

3.   What is LEAD?

LEAD is an acronym for Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, Development, which is Sigma Nu’s five phase ethical leadership development program. This practical, interactive curriculum includes sessions that tackle issues ranging from leadership, brotherhood building, ethics and values, risk management, controversy with civility, and creating effective change, all the way to civic duty, campus involvement, mock job interviews, negotiating salary offers, and much more. All of our undergraduate members have the opportunity to experience LEAD from the time they embark on their journey as Sigma Nu’s. Visit www.sigmanu.org/lead to learn more about this innovative program.

4.   How much time will it take?

Being in a fraternity does involve a time commitment. As a general rule, joining a fraternity will take up the time comparable to adding a three-unit class to your schedule. Being in a committee, you can add an additional lab. Being an executive officer, such as Vice-President or Treasurer, you can expect to take on an internship. Being the President can be compared to taking on a new job.

5.   Is there hazing?

As mentioned above, Sigma Nu is the only fraternity founded in firm opposition to hazing. Our founders at VMI were adamantly opposed to the practice, and thus formed the organization to oppose the hazing practices that were common to the time. This tradition is held up today in Sigma Nu, which does not condone or allow any kind of hazing to occur within its chapters.