Infractions cost fraternity its chapter 2 years ago
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity is making a comeback at USC this fall, recruiting new members and planning events for this year.
After the organization’s charter was withdrawn in 2011, following an undisclosed infraction of national association rules, the fraternity was not expected to return to campus until 2015.
However, with approval from university staff members and headquarters, the fraternity decided to return this year.
Shane Lay, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s director of new chapter development, said the fraternity decided to not participate in the formal fraternity recruitment process this year. Instead, the organization is hosting recruitment events and information sessions throughout the year.
“Our philosophy of year-round recruitment enabled us to better articulate who we are and how we’re different in the fraternity community,” Lay said. “The USC community has responded well to our messaging and helped us identify potential members by referring men whose values align with our own.”
The fraternity is now focusing on the Balanced Man Program, which allows potential new members to join the organization at any point throughout the year. Other fraternities on campus only allow new members to pledge at formal recruitment sessions in the fall and spring.
That method has been successful for the chapter so far this semester, with almost 50 men now a part of the chapter. Lay also said the chapter’s academic record was a marker of success, because its cumulative 3.5 GPA is one of the highest among USC fraternities.
In addition, Sigma Phi Epsilon wants to partner with the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, as that charity is the fraternity’s national philanthropy. The men will also field intramural teams to compete in the fraternity league.
“Each of these things helps to accomplish the ultimate goal of creating a culture of excellence and building a reputation in the USC community as the fraternity that challenges the stereotypes of Greek life,” Lay said.
To prepare for its return to campus, Lay said Sigma Phi Epsilon initially trained alumni, volunteers and undergraduate members. Many of the volunteers were graduate students in the Higher Education Student Affairs program and local mentors who were not affiliated with the fraternity. Members also attended regional and national leadership events over the summer and met with successful chapter members from across the nation.
Lay says the fraternity is looking to recruit “values-based men who know the value of hard work” and that many of the new members were involved with sports in high school and graduated at the top of their class.
“We are no ordinary fraternity, so we look for extraordinary men,” Lay said.