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 as well as in our chapter are not Jewish. No one in Sigma will ever try to convert you to Judaism, and we value the diverse experiences and perspectives that our non-Jewish sisters bring to our sorority experience. Though ΣΑΕΠ is based on Jewish interests and 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 Recruitment?
Recruitment typically takes place during the first or second week of the Fall and Spring quarters. During Recruitment, 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 Recruitment Week work?
Recruitment Week consists of five events that allow rushees 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 pledge.
What is a Rushee?
A rushee is you--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 2.0 GPA, and are a currently registered student at UCSC, you will be eligible to receive a bid for membership. Because we do not know at this time 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 Pledge?
If you are offered a bid for membership, and you decide to accept your bid and join Sigma, you will become a pledge for the quarter. As a pledge, you will be expected to attend weekly meetings and events that allow you to get to know your pledge 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 pledging process, you will be initiated as a sister of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi. Via your initiation, you will become a member locally in our Delta Chapter at UC Santa Cruz as well as a member in the national organization.
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 pledging 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 pledge; if dues may be an issue for you, please speak to the President of the chapter. Payment plans and scholarships are available.
What will my dues cover?
Dues cover costs and supplies associated with the pledge period and special pledge activities, national dues paid to the National Board on behalf of each member, the initiation fee, various paraphernalia such as shirts and pledge objects, and costs and supplies associated with programming open to pledges: 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 UCSC 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. Pledge activities are designed to encourage bonding between pledges as well as between pledges and sisters, and should be enjoyable and rewarding for all involved.
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 as well as in our chapter are not Jewish. No one in Sigma will ever try to convert you to Judaism, and we value the diverse experiences and perspectives that our non-Jewish sisters bring to our sorority experience. Though ΣΑΕΠ is based on Jewish interests and 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 Recruitment?
Recruitment typically takes place during the first or second week of the Fall and Spring quarters. During Recruitment, 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 Recruitment Week work?
Recruitment Week consists of five events that allow rushees 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 pledge.
What is a Rushee?
A rushee is you--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 2.0 GPA, and are a currently registered student at UCSC, you will be eligible to receive a bid for membership. Because we do not know at this time 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 Pledge?
If you are offered a bid for membership, and you decide to accept your bid and join Sigma, you will become a pledge for the quarter. As a pledge, you will be expected to attend weekly meetings and events that allow you to get to know your pledge 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 pledging process, you will be initiated as a sister of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi. Via your initiation, you will become a member locally in our Delta Chapter at UC Santa Cruz as well as a member in the national organization.
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 pledging 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 pledge; if dues may be an issue for you, please speak to the President of the chapter. Payment plans and scholarships are available.
What will my dues cover?
Dues cover costs and supplies associated with the pledge period and special pledge activities, national dues paid to the National Board on behalf of each member, the initiation fee, various paraphernalia such as shirts and pledge objects, and costs and supplies associated with programming open to pledges: 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 UCSC 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. Pledge activities are designed to encourage bonding between pledges as well as between pledges and sisters, and should be enjoyable and rewarding for all involved.