For your son, making the transition from high school to a college or university may seem like an imposing challenge. One or more of the following questions may be on his mind:

The Basic Expectations talk about alcohol. What is it really like in the fraternity? 

Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternity ideals. All fraternities are expected to uphold state, county, and city laws, and university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. In addition, our chapters are not allowed to purchase alcohol for members, nor have any kegs or common sources of alcohol on chapter premises.  The days of large quantities of alcohol at a social function are gone. Instead, you will find fraternity members participating in alcohol-free social activities. Students who choose not to drink will know that it is OK and feel comfortable with their decision.

I'm concerned about my son's grades--what impact would fraternity membership have?

Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Sigma Alpha Mu can assist in that transition, many chapters offer scholarship programs which might include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. Your son can access the network of fraternity members who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisers.  While Sigma Alpha Mu is concerned about the academic achievement of its members, your son is still ultimately responsible for utilizing the resources made available.  Each year the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation awards many scholarships to its currently enrolled members, based on criteria such as academic excellence, financial need or field of study.  After your son"s initiation, he is encouraged to apply when his chapter receives notification.

New fraternity candidates all experience a period of orientation and education. During this time your son and the other new candidates will participate in weekly meetings to learn about the fraternity and the university, leadership retreats, community service projects and activities designed to build friendships among the new candidates and the older fraternity members.  Sigma Alpha Mu is opposed to hazing and is committed to an eight-week membership education period which instills a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members. This period will assist your son in overcoming some of his concerns about success in college.

Who is actually in charge of the fraternity?

Chapter members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the local chapter organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisers.  In addition, your son's chapter is part of an international fraternity organization which offers support, advice, and direction through a paid professional staff and regional alumni volunteers. As you can see, a variety of individuals oversee the operations of the fraternity.

Sigma Alpha Mu is supported through dues charged to all undergraduate members and through voluntary alumni dues of alumni members. In the first year of membership, a one-time initiation expense is assessed as well as yearly dues and liability insurance charges. If housing is offered by the local chapter, lodging and meal costs are competitive with other housing options. A variety of payment plans is usually offered.

What is the liability insurance program?

Sigma Alpha Mu maintains group liability insurance coverage so that all chapters, colonies, housing corporations, alumni clubs, regional governors and chapter advisers are covered for general liability at a reasonable premium. Currently the total liability limit is $2 million general liability and $5 million excess liability. The premium for this insurance is assessed to each initiated member and candidate.

Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time.

Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time.  Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through his fraternity involvement your son will learn how to balance his academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments. 

What is my role as a parent?