Chapter Size and the "Dunbar Number"

The Limits of Friendship (in "The New Yorker")

BY MARIA KONNIKOVA

I saw this article in "The New Yorker" and it  got me thinking about chapter size and how 'effective' the college fraternity experience is. The Dunbar number? Generally speaking it is the number of people you call "friends". The article goes into it with more nuance, but lets call it 150 for now.

For years I have maintained (based only on anecdotal observation) that the minimum size of a good chapter is 50 men. Fewer that that and the chapter struggles to fill the operational positions for exec and the support areas.There is also difficulty managing finances (with the inevitable slow- and non-payers). and even fielding competitive intramural teams.

In reading this article I am led to consider whether there is an upward limit as well. Can you really have a full-on 'brotherhood' experience with more than 150 fellow chapter members? Perhaps there s a risk that a 150+ sized chapter will effectively split into multiple "sub-chapters" - groups who stick together and have independent agendas, even to the detriment of stated overall chapter goals and strategic vision. I know there are some 200+ member chapters. How do you keep it real?

Take a look at the article and share your experience and thoughts about it. Did you belong to a large "Sigma Phi Everyone" chapter, or a large chapter of another fraternity? How well did the experience work out. Was your chapter a smaller (100 or less) size? How effectively did you get to know all your brothers and did you work well together?

I'm not purposely leaving out sororities either. However, I suspect that there will be differences based on the presence or absence of a "Y" chromosome. I'd like to hear about it if only to show the contrast. Too many degrees of freedom and the examination gets unwieldy for this non-social scientist.

Lets hear your viewpoint. Comment either on the blog, Google+, or Facebook. I am hoping for some interesting discussion.

Housemother gives KU’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity a touch of home

Housemother gives KU’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity a touch of home - KansasCity.com:

BY DUGAN ARNETT

The Kansas City Star

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/05/04/4997970/for-fraternity-house-mom-its-all.html#storylink=cpy

At the moment, she was cutting flowers for the dining room in preparation for that evening’s dinner, but at alternate times over the next couple of hours, she would meet with a vending machine representative, refill her candy dishes, check on the temperature in one of the house’s sitting rooms and retrieve a patched-up pair of jeans for one of her boys.

“As you can see,” she said between chores, “my job consists of mom-like things.”

Company is the housemother at Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Kansas, a smiling, joking presence who, when not overseeing the various tasks around the house, is charged with keeping tabs on the 95 testosterone-infused young men who fill the building and nearby annexes.

For the past eight years, she has served as the lone maternal presence inside the big house at 1645 Tennessee St. in Lawrence: taking sick fraternity members soup, teaching them to use a washing machine and generally filling in for the dozens of mothers who are unable to regularly look after their sons once they leave for college.

Company is one of almost 30 housemothers on the KU campus who fill a long-standing Greek life tradition. And with Mother’s Day quickly approaching, it seems like the perfect time to recognize this unusual kind of “mom.”

“I can’t fathom sending my kids there without Sally,” said Tammy Thomas, who has served as president of the Mom’s Club and has sent two children through SigEp.

Today, the job comes as naturally as breathing for Company.

She’s a constant stream of motion, checking on this, looking into that, making sure the boys know her door is always open.

A decade ago, however, it would have been hard to imagine this life.

Wall Street pipeline fraternity snubbed by JPMorgan for excessive hazing rituals

SAE fraternity announced their no-pledging directive on the same day JP Morgan decided to stop doing business with them.

The bank, which has said it would pay more than $23 billion to resolve regulatory and criminal investigations, has cut ties since last year with about 2,000 clients that could attract scrutiny.  In February, JPMorgan said that it was reconsidering the relationship with SAE to avoid tarnishing its reputation.

A cynic would say "It's all about the Benjamins". A more charitable person might conclude the build-up of unsavory news stories caused misgivings both internal and external. Read the article and decide for yourself.

Wall Street pipeline fraternity snubbed by JPMorgan for excessive hazing rituals | Financial Post:

Early this month, JPMorgan Chase & Co. stopped managing an investment account for a prominent client: the charitable foundation of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, one of the nation’s largest fraternities.

The bank was concerned about SAE’s bad publicity, according to Anthony Alberico, a JPMorgan vice president who dealt with the foundation. SAE has had 10 deaths linked to drinking, drugs and hazing since 2006, more than any other fraternity.

“If JPMorgan is going to turn us down, who’s next?” said Bradley Cohen, SAE’s national president. “What if universities start saying SAE’s not welcome?”

The snub by the largest U.S. bank validated a startling decision that Cohen, seeking to protect future members, had already reached. On March 7, the same day JPMorgan formally cut ties with the fraternity, the 51-year-old Cohen announced an end to one of SAE’s defining traditions: pledging, the months-long initiation where recruits sometimes fall prey to brutal hazing. The move catapulted Cohen into national prominence and drew criticism from alumni such as Texas oilman-turned-investor T. Boone Pickens. SAE became one of only a handful of 75 national fraternities to eliminate pledging.

“How much longer can we sustain these losses — loss of life, loss of credibility to those who join and drop out because they were lied to, loss of valuable resources and loss of our reputation as leaders and as true gentlemen,” Cohen told SAE brothers this month at the University of La Verne in California during his first public address since the announcement.

Sigma Phi Epsilon President Will Ham - Auburn Family

Sigma Phi Epsilon President Will Ham - Auburn Family:


Find more videos like this on Auburn Family


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CNU SigEp: This is Our Story [Rush Version]

Another great Rush video. This one is from Christopher Newport University (VA Pi). Thanks to "SigEpic" for bringing it to our attention.

My Story - SigEp - Sigma Phi Epsilon - UC San Diego - Cal Rho

A page from the UC San Diego SigEp chapter (Cal Rho) web site.
Members relate in their own words why they joined SigEp and what it means to them now. More stories on the web page.

My Story - SigEp - Sigma Phi Epsilon - UC San Diego - Cal Rho

Upon starting my first quarter at UCSD, it seemed like everybody else on campus walked with such purpose and I was just a lost freshman. So when I found SigEp, I found much more than guidance; I found encouragement. Being a part of this brotherhood has immersed me in an atmosphere much more “stimulating” than the res halls. Because when I overhear my brothers talking about their new internship, or how hard they studied, or how they have to organize their day, or how much ridiculous fun they had over the weekend, it encourages me to live my life with a new perspective. Basically, you won’t find me on the couch anymore. Although I am far from the “Balanced Man”, SigEp is the encouragement I need to become one.

See more stories

Sigma Phi Epsilon help out The Fuller Center

SigEps from Cincinnati OH help out in Shreveport LA. Check out the FB page for more pics.

Sigma Phi Epsilon helps out The Fuller Center

POSTED BY LEE JETER 

/ DECEMBER 21, 2012

Sigma Phi Epsilon student volunteers from University of Cincinnati at Fuller Center Grocery

Sixteen student volunteers from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Cincinnati arrived in Shreveport, Dec. 16-21 to help out The Fuller Center for Housing for Northwest Louisiana.

The students assisted with the landscaping and beautification of the forthcoming Fuller Grocery store at 300 North Allen Ave., in Shreveport. They also assisted with organizing, cleaning and merchandising duties at the Fuller Center Surplus Store, located at 4221 Linwood Ave., Shreveport.

The group of young men was headed by team leader Matt Meriweather. See more pics of the work they did on the Fuller Center Facebook page.

Sig Ep Christmas - You Tube Video

A nice and uplifting song and video on a weekend that has had too much tragedy.
You may have to click through to YouTube to see it.

Sporting shotguns and breaking clays with VCU's SigEp | Survival

This brotherhood experience may not be for everyone but these guys from VA Commonwealth University - SEC had a fun and instructive outing. And they are much better prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse. 

Sporting shotguns and breaking clays with VCU's SigEp | Survival

It appears that our summer intern just can’t let go.
After bringing his brothers (from the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity) up from Virginia Commonwealth University for an afternoon of shotgun lessons, our Mister James Poole filed this report with NRAblog.

Centreville, Virginia – As the fog cleared that morning, blazers and bowties were turned in for shooting vests and 12 gauge shells. The students of Virginia Commonwealth University were on “Fall Break” and the fraternity brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) took the opportunity to participate in a private Trap Shooting Clinic hosted by NRA Education and Training.

The SigEp brothers started the day with a safety briefing on shotguns and proper Trap Shooting etiquette. The brothers then took positions on the shooting line where they were given 1-on-1 coaching from NRA staff. When everyone was ready, the clays started flying. Cheers roared out as they began breaking target after target, it was obvious they were fast learners.

After two rounds the novice shooters had become pros (even if only in their own minds). Comparing scores and bragging about shots they crushed; you would never believe some of them had never handled a shotgun before.

SD Alpha - SigEp 30Sec Commercial

Here is another in our series of "Great Recruiting Videos". This one is from SD Alpha -South Dakota State University. In 30 seconds they communicate the message of "Sound Mind", "Sound Body", and "This fraternity will be different."

Good job Guys.

Best. Rush. Video. Ever.

Thanks to Tennessee Eta for this video. It is perhaps the best encapsulation of what "Fraternity" means I have seen. No frenetic music. No quick cut photos or videos, but a simple message that will challenge and inspire anyone who sees it.


It is long - 8 minutes - but well worth the time. Not a SigEp? Watch it anyway for an short explanation of what the concept of fraternity and sorority is really about. You will not regret it.

SigEp Katrina 2006 - YouTube

This excellent video was just uploaded. Too inspiring not to share.

SigEp Katrina 2006 - YouTube: ""

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Paul Ryan’s Frat Brothers Are ‘Excited For His Candidacy’

(Ed. Note The sole point of this article is to show how fraternity men are primed to get ahead. No endorsement of any candidate is intended or implied, nor should one be inferred.)

Paul Ryan’s Frat Brothers Are ‘Excited For His Candidacy’ | Politicker: "

The Delta Tau Delta logo.
(Photo: MiamiUDelts.com)

During his time at Miami University in Ohio, Mitt Romney’s newly-minted running mate, Paul Ryan, was a member of the Gamma Upsilon chapter of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Joseph Gorman, the sergeant at arms of Miami’s Delta Tau Delta chapter, spoke to The Politicker about how the fraternity’s current members are reacting to the news of Mr. Ryan’s selection.

“It’s definitely positive for Greek life on Miami’s campus,” said Mr. Gorman. “It pushes the opportunity to see Greek life as a positive thing.”

Mr. Gorman also said the Delta Tau Delta brothers are expecting Mr. Ryan to visit their frat house, which is known as “The Shelter,” sometime soon.

“I hear that he may come back very soon since he’s been chosen for this.” said Mr. Gorman."

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Frats tell all on living the Greek way of life

Frats tell all on living the Greek way of life - The Daily Helmsman:

Every year near the beginning of the fall semester, Greek organizations at the University of Memphis look to add to their ranks.

Many aspects of student leadership tout being social as an integral part of having a balanced and well-rounded college experience, but Greek members say it is not for everyone.

The U of M has three Greek councils. The National Pan-Hellenic Council consists of eight chapters of the historically African-American fraternities and sororities. The Interfraternity Council consists of 10 chapters of the historically white fraternities. The Panhellenic Council is made up of seven chapters of the historically white sororities. However, no chapter at the U of M discriminates its membership based on race.

Students can be part of a fraternity, have fun and still do well in school, according to Michael Maxey, a sophomore in Sigma Phi Epsilon. 

“Anybody could do it, if they actually want to and they’re not just here to party,” he said. 

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Top Fraternities: 2012

The Daily Beast has released its 2012 listing of Top Fraternities and Sororities.

Sigma Phi Epsilon returns from life changing quest to Greece

Sigma Phi Epsilon returns from life changing quest to Greece:

Archie Messersmith, an advisor for the University Program Board and the advisor for ISU’s Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter, said SigEp believes in “sound mind, sound body,” and that the fraternity strives to keep themselves in shape while also being leaders in the classroom. He served as a mentor at this year’s Tragos Quest to Greece and explained many apply but few are selected. 

“The trip is called Tragos Quest to Greece and it is named after one of our past grand presidents Bill Tragos. It’s SigEp’s premiere leadership experience where sixteen undergraduates are chosen from around the country, after hundreds apply. The trip is fully funded by the fraternity and for ten days sixteen undergraduates and five mentors travel across the country of Greece,” Messersmith said.

Despite the beautiful scenery, the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon stayed focus as they had assigned readings and were accompanied by a professor from the University of Crete. In the mornings, the fraternity men would have discussions about mythology and the readings of Greece, and relate them back to today’s society. 

“We would get on the bus and see ancient ruins somewhere whether it was the Temple of Apollo or Olympia … it was big things in Greece that we had read about that we got to see in real life. The purpose of the trip is for the men to have this experience in Greece, where modern-day philosophy was said to have begun, and then have conversations and tie them back to our fraternity with the idea that when these men [return home] they will be forever changed, and then they in turn will give back to the next generation,” he said.

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Rush Video - Washington State SigEp

This is another Rush Recruitment video I think is a fantastic example of the "Best in Class" content that our chapters can come up with.



Does your chapter have a great video to use for recruitment or other purposes? Let us hear about it.

SigEp Improv, That Shit Cre - YouTube

SigEp Improv, That Shit Cre - YouTube:
"This is a bit NSFW (language). In fact I am not certain how appropriate is is in any context. But I am sharing it because some effort and thought went into the video. I'd appreciate someone letting me know if this is mainstream (and I am closing in on "full-geezer" status) or if others are somewhat taken aback, as I was, by the way this scenario plays out.

Now "Get Outta my yard" and go watch it."

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SigEp Makes a Profound Impact - UNC

The SigEp UNC website has an interesting feature - a Q&A with an alumnus about his time in the chapter. Are other chapter websites doing something like this? Tell us about it in the comments.

SigEp Makes a Profound Impact

Thank you to John DeSalva ’87 for participating in this Q&a

Why did you join Sig Ep as an undergraduate?
I originally rushed Sig Ep as an undergraduate because of a friend of mine.  I was a freshman.  He was a junior transfer from Radford in Virginia.  He had pledged Sig Ep in Radford, and when he came to UNC, he went straight to the Sig Ep house.  He was the one who made the recommendation to me that I should check out Sig Ep, and I am glad that I did.

What is the funniest memory from your Sig Ep days?
That’s a tough question to answer.  There were a lot of them.  The ones that most immediately come to mind are some of the trips I went on, in particular my pledge-class trip to Washington DC, a Chapter Leadership regional meeting I went to in Knoxville and bringing some of my brothers home to New York with me over breaks.

How do you stay connected with your brothers as an alumnus?
I have stayed connected with my brothers mainly through Facebook, e-mail and Christmas cards.  After graduation, I moved to the NYC metro area, and have been here ever since.  I now live in Connecticut with my wife (also a Carolina grad), and our kids.  I don't get back to North Carolina often.  One of the last times I did, I got to visit with Tony Baker ‘88, whom I had not seen in probably 20 years or more.  That was really nice.

After 9/11, I received a phone call from Jeff Kennedy ‘87, who had been flying for the Air Force, and actually had flown patrols over NYC in the days after the attack.  I hadn't talked to Jeff in years, but he found me.  Jeff had come to NYC with me once during a break, and we reminisced some as we caught up a little bit.  National tragedy brought that bond back and a few days later, Jeff sent me a copy of the photo of us Sig Eps taken during a visit to the observation deck of the World Trade Center.  It sits on my desk at home to this day.

The pride inside

The pride inside | The Quinnipiac Chronicle:

"Imagine being in a room with almost 100 other students. You’re sweating profusely. You’re shaking convulsively. You’re breathing heavily. You’re about to stand up and admit something that has haunted you your entire life, something that may instantly cast you out.

Madeline Hardy | The Quinnipiac Chronicle

Michael Castro’s courage inspired other men in his 

fraternity to come out.

The day had finally come. Michael Castro, a Quinnipiac senior, walked into his weekly Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter meeting with deep-seated confidence. But on the inside, Castro was anything but calm. Through sweat and bated breath, Castro stood up in front of his 90 brothers and revealed the secret he had buried deep down for years:


“I have something to say. I don’t want any of you to think of me any differently. I’m still the same person. I cherish all of your friendships, and I don’t wanna lose anyone through saying this, but I’m gay.”"

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