Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Jewish in order to participate in Recruitment for Sigma?
No, definitely not! Many sisters in ΣΑΕΠ chapters around the country are not Jewish. No one in Sigma will ever try to convert you to Judaism, and we value the diverse experiences and perspectives that sisters of every faith bring to the table. Though ΣΑΕΠ is based on Jewish values, membership is not limited to Jewish women. We welcome and actively encourage women of any background or faith, who have a sincere interest in the organization and a respect for the values upon which it is based, to participate in recruitment. We have never denied anyone a bid based on their religion, nor will we ever.
What is "Rush"?
Rush typically takes place during the first month or two of the Fall and Spring semesters. During rush, interested women come to several events during the week to see if Sigma is right for them. These events are meant to give rushees a sense of what the sisterhood is like and a chance to get to know the women of Sigma.
How does Rush Week work?
Rush Week consists of five or more events that allow prospective members to get to know the sorority and its members. Recruitment ends with the delivery of bids for membership, bid day celebrations, and a special ceremony that welcomes the rushee into the sisterhood as a new member.
What is a Rushee?
A rushee is a woman who is interested in potentially joining our sisterhood and attends recruitment events in order to get to know us better.
How can I receive a bid?
Sigma is looking for friendly, motivated women who genuinely want to become a part of the organization. Assuming you show a genuine interest in the organization, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and are a currently registered student at Binghamton University, you will be eligible to receive a bid for membership. Because we do not know how many girls will be eligible to receive a bid during any given recruitment period, we cannot guarantee that you will receive one. Sigma does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, or sexual orientation.
What is a New Member?
If you are offered a bid for membership, and you decide to accept your bid and join Sigma, you will become a new member for the quarter. As a new member, you will be expected to attend weekly meetings and events that allow you to get to know your new member class, the organization, and the sisters on a deeper level. You will also be able to participate in many sisterhood, social, community service, religious, and other activities with the sisters.
How do I become a Sister?
If you successfully complete the new member process, you will be an official member of Binghamton's Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi.
I’ve heard that sororities have expensive dues. What are your dues?
Many sororities charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars each quarter. It is Sigma’s priority to offer members an affordable Greek experience. We are committed to keeping dues low while still putting on amazing events and activities for our members. Dues are slightly higher for pledges, to cover the cost of extra new member activities and supplies beyond the regular sorority events that include all members, as well as initiation costs. No rushee who has been offered a bid should see the cost of dues as an obstacle to accepting her bid and becoming a new member; if dues may be an issue for you, please speak to the President of the chapter.
What will my dues cover?
Dues cover costs and supplies associated with the new member period and special new member activities, national dues paid to the National Board on behalf of each member, the initiation fee, various paraphernalia (i.e. clothing, souvenirs), and costs and supplies associated with programming open to new members: many different sisterhood, social, religious, community service, fundraising, and philanthropic activities.
I’ve heard about chapters hazing before? Do you haze?
We do not haze. Hazing is illegal, and against the national policies of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi, as well as the Binghamton University's campus Greek Life policies. You will never be asked to participate in any activity that could be considered hazing. You have the right to decline participation in anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. New member activities are designed to encourage bonding between new members as well as between new members and sisters, and should be enjoyable and rewarding for all involved.
What are the requirements to join greek life at Binghamton University?
While we maintain a practice of non-exclusivity, and strive for a sense of community that encompasses every different kind of individual, we must remain in compliance with university policy. Ergo, in order to rush ΣΑΕΠ at Binghamton University, you must...
No, definitely not! Many sisters in ΣΑΕΠ chapters around the country are not Jewish. No one in Sigma will ever try to convert you to Judaism, and we value the diverse experiences and perspectives that sisters of every faith bring to the table. Though ΣΑΕΠ is based on Jewish values, membership is not limited to Jewish women. We welcome and actively encourage women of any background or faith, who have a sincere interest in the organization and a respect for the values upon which it is based, to participate in recruitment. We have never denied anyone a bid based on their religion, nor will we ever.
What is "Rush"?
Rush typically takes place during the first month or two of the Fall and Spring semesters. During rush, interested women come to several events during the week to see if Sigma is right for them. These events are meant to give rushees a sense of what the sisterhood is like and a chance to get to know the women of Sigma.
How does Rush Week work?
Rush Week consists of five or more events that allow prospective members to get to know the sorority and its members. Recruitment ends with the delivery of bids for membership, bid day celebrations, and a special ceremony that welcomes the rushee into the sisterhood as a new member.
What is a Rushee?
A rushee is a woman who is interested in potentially joining our sisterhood and attends recruitment events in order to get to know us better.
How can I receive a bid?
Sigma is looking for friendly, motivated women who genuinely want to become a part of the organization. Assuming you show a genuine interest in the organization, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and are a currently registered student at Binghamton University, you will be eligible to receive a bid for membership. Because we do not know how many girls will be eligible to receive a bid during any given recruitment period, we cannot guarantee that you will receive one. Sigma does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, or sexual orientation.
What is a New Member?
If you are offered a bid for membership, and you decide to accept your bid and join Sigma, you will become a new member for the quarter. As a new member, you will be expected to attend weekly meetings and events that allow you to get to know your new member class, the organization, and the sisters on a deeper level. You will also be able to participate in many sisterhood, social, community service, religious, and other activities with the sisters.
How do I become a Sister?
If you successfully complete the new member process, you will be an official member of Binghamton's Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi.
I’ve heard that sororities have expensive dues. What are your dues?
Many sororities charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars each quarter. It is Sigma’s priority to offer members an affordable Greek experience. We are committed to keeping dues low while still putting on amazing events and activities for our members. Dues are slightly higher for pledges, to cover the cost of extra new member activities and supplies beyond the regular sorority events that include all members, as well as initiation costs. No rushee who has been offered a bid should see the cost of dues as an obstacle to accepting her bid and becoming a new member; if dues may be an issue for you, please speak to the President of the chapter.
What will my dues cover?
Dues cover costs and supplies associated with the new member period and special new member activities, national dues paid to the National Board on behalf of each member, the initiation fee, various paraphernalia (i.e. clothing, souvenirs), and costs and supplies associated with programming open to new members: many different sisterhood, social, religious, community service, fundraising, and philanthropic activities.
I’ve heard about chapters hazing before? Do you haze?
We do not haze. Hazing is illegal, and against the national policies of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi, as well as the Binghamton University's campus Greek Life policies. You will never be asked to participate in any activity that could be considered hazing. You have the right to decline participation in anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. New member activities are designed to encourage bonding between new members as well as between new members and sisters, and should be enjoyable and rewarding for all involved.
What are the requirements to join greek life at Binghamton University?
While we maintain a practice of non-exclusivity, and strive for a sense of community that encompasses every different kind of individual, we must remain in compliance with university policy. Ergo, in order to rush ΣΑΕΠ at Binghamton University, you must...
- Have earned a minimum of 12 credit hour. (Freshman must have earned 12 credits at Binghamton University. Transfer students must have earned 12 credits while matriculated at another accredited college or university.)
- Be a matriculated, FULL-TIME undergraduate student enrolled at Binghamton University.
- Have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.
Special thanks to the Nu Chapter at UCSB for the use of their FAQ
