Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi

[PeaceLoveSAEPi]

Sigma definitely, although my chapter is more diverse than others, is based a lot on Jewish values. (My chapter is probably the most diverse chapter on my campus; we have Muslim, Hindi, Christian, and Jewish members).
We're in the process of changing our national philanthropy to AJWS I believe. Even though a lot of us aren't Jewish, we all embrace the culture, etc. I'm very involved in Hillel and the Jewish community even though I'm Christian, and for example, Purim is one of my favorite times of the year. It's a really great experience for me being exposed to a new culture.

Also...someone told me that for AEPi the requirement is that it must be 50% Jewish at least, so it's a little different. I think I heard of a campus that was closed temporarily because of it (at Towson University I think, but it could be just a rumor). A big difference is that AEPi is a Jewish fraternity, while SAEPi considers itself "Jewish-interest".

Also, I don't think DPhiE is a Jewish sorority, it definitely isn't at my campus. And I think it was asked earlier- SAEPi isn't in NPC, etc. We don't belong to a national council right now, and I don't think that will change soon (my chapter is just in the Multicultural Greek Council locally).

[Psi U MC Vito]

In all seriousness what would draw somebody to join a special interest organization if they are not in that group? Like a Christian in SAEPi or a white guy in ODPhi?

[PeaceLoveSAEPi]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

In all seriousness what would draw somebody to join a special interest organization if
they are not in that group? Like a Christian in SAEPi or a white guy in ODPhi?

That's actually a really good question. Initially, I found my sorority and didn't realize they were Jewish (because I was an idiot) but once I did, I realized it didn't matter. The reason I love my sorority is because of the sisters, and how much they really care about me. I fit better in SAEPi than the other sororities I rushed.

Most of the girls that are recruited that join that aren't Jewish join because we show them that so many of us are happy with our sorority. We like the diversity we have. We're a really great set of girls, and we have a lot of fun. Plus, the non-Jewish members we recruit enjoy being immersed in the Jewish culture, like I do.

[jazing]

I will not confirm nor deny 50% requirement, that is more of what the chapter wants to do.

[melindawarren]

Originally Posted by jazing

It's more to how the recruitment works. But I suppose it could very well work, but they would have to have quite a bit of involvement with Hillel/Chabad. I mean, Hillel at my campus has our support at every event by at least 25% of the brotherhood.

I can't speak for every SigDelt chapter, but I think mine in particular makes good use of its relationship with the campus Chabad and Hillel-they played a large role in both my chapter and the local that became Sigma Delta Tau.

[amIblue?]

I think several SigDelt chapters don't participate in formal rush with the other NPC groups. I think I remember that melindawarren's chapter doesn't from her recruitment story, and I know they don't at UGA. I'm kind of thinking this is not unusual at other schools, either. Am I making this up or making an assumption on a sliver of knowledge?

[Senusret I]

We're all clear about why the sorority expanded the way it did, right?

No shade; I respect this sorority and one of my acquaintances is in it.

[AlwaysSAI]

^^^^This is the organization that was featured in MTV's "Sorority Life", right?

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by AlwaysSAI

^^^^This is the organization that was featured in MTV's "Sorority Life", right?

Yes, indeed.

[Senusret I]

Yes ma'am, first season. And pretty much the only season to get it right, if you ask me.

[sigmagirl10]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

We're all clear about why the sorority expanded the way it did, right?

That show certainly kickstarted expansion, but we in no way use it now, and I don't think it promotes the interest in starting new chapters. I am a founding member of my chapter and none of us had any clue that the show even existed, much less that our sorority had been on it. After we colonized I watched the first couple of episodes and got a good laugh, and our new members seem to always discover it and respond similarly. For us it's a bit embarrassing, but we just don't associate ourselves with the show. I'm going to guess that the expansion requests we get these days have nothing to do with the show and everything to do with girls wanting a different kind of a sorority experience, a Jewish sorority experience, or both.

Regarding Hillel/Chabad, my chapter is on a "very Jewish" campus (about 18% of the students) and our members are very involved with both organizations. While we don't account for a huge percentage of the attendance, simply because the Jewish population of our campus is so large, many of our members have found out about Sigma initially through one of the Jewish orgs on campus, and we collaborate with both orgs for many events.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by sigmagirl10

That show certainly kickstarted expansion....

Which is all I was saying.

[Greek_or_Geek?]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

I think several SigDelt chapters don't participate in formal rush with the other NPC groups. I think I remember that melindawarren's chapter doesn't from her recruitment story, and I know they don't at UGA. I'm kind of thinking this is not unusual at other schools, either. Am I making this up or making an assumption on a sliver of knowledge?

It is my experience that SDT is much more open minded about this than other NPC sororities. I believe Alabama and Texas are two more competitive Greek schools where SDT has allowed their chapters to not participate in formal recruitment.

[jazing]

Well, I believe it really comes down to having a Jewish Programing chair or not. We have had one for a few years now and it really helps.

[PeaceLoveSAEPi]

Originally Posted by sigmagirl10

That show certainly kickstarted expansion, but we in no way use it now, and I don't think it promotes the interest in starting new chapters. I am a founding member of my chapter and none of us had any clue that the show even existed, much less that our sorority had been on it.

Agreed. I never saw Sorority Life, and still never have. I don't think our founding mothers had, either.

Originally Posted by jazing

Well, I believe it really comes down to having a Jewis Programing chair or not. We have had one for a few years now and it really helps.

We have a Religious Chair, which is the same thing. We have Jewish events very often. We are known on campus for having a Hanukkah party every year cosponsored by our Hillel, and we have an open event every month for Rosh Chodesh.