Costs and Considerations

As parents and their sons begin to consider joining the Greek community, there are several things to consider prior to beginning the rush process.

Cost

First and foremost on the minds of many parents is the cost of fraternity life. This issue alone should not be a deterrent to going Greek. The cost membership dues, housing, and associated spending is generally equitable, semester by semester, to what a student would spend anyway. Aside from that, Alpha-Sigma Chapter of Sigma Pi prides itself on having the lowest cost of any fraternity on campus because it does not feel that money should be a barrier for outstanding young men who wish to rush.

Sigma Pi Dues and Fees
New Member Fee (paid at time of pledgeship): $100
Initiation Fee (paid at time of chartering/initiation): $350
Membership Dues: $100/month
National Membership Dues: None (only fraternity at Arkansas to have this)
In-House Room Rate (not applicable until sophomore year, set by University Housing): $3955/year - double room

Time Commitment

Joining a fraternity requires members to make time for its activities and events. First, new members will have special requirements during their pledging period such as required study hours that may have to take the place of what would otherwise be free time. In addition, weekly chapter meetings are required, and things like committee meetings can occur from time to time. The fraternity also engages in philanthropic and community service endeavors in which members are expected to be both present and participatory.

Balancing out all of these less exciting time requirements though are such events as registered and Chapter-sponsored parties, tailgating before football games, brotherhood events, summer get-togethers, and more.

Housing Requirements

Like most college fraternities, Sigma Pi at Arkansas requires its members to live "in-house" for a set period of time. Alpha-Sigma's Bylaws state, "All active members within the fraternity with less than sixty hours of University of Arkansas approved academic credit hours or less than four completed semesters of coursework at the University of Arkansas, whichever is less, shall be required to live in Chapter housing for a minimum of two semesters." Exemptions from this requirement can be made on a case-by-case basis following a Bylaws-prescribed process, but it is encouraged that all members live-in because it is in such an environment that Members come to best know their brothers and build lasting friendships that extend beyond the college years.

In addition, Sigma Pi has contracted with University Housing at the University of Arkansas to provide a residence for our membership. By doing so, Buchanan-Droke Hall on campus has become the permanent residence of Sigma Pi until such time as the membership votes to seek accomadations elsewhere. This provides the Chapter with both a stable living environment and housing costs equivilent to those of on-campus students residing in University residence halls. In fact, members of Sigma Pi pay housing dues at the lower end of the Greek community because of this.

For more information on the benefits of joining a fraternity, please visit our page on the subject.