What is new member education and how long will it take?
More than anything else, new member education is a learning period. During this period, a new member or an aspirant gets educated about the values and ideals of Sigma Beta Rho and its history and traditions. Most importantly, during this period all aspirants get acquainted with the brothers of the fraternity and vice versa. A new member educator is assigned to each new member class who will lead the new member class through this learning process. The new member educator will be interacting with the aspirants very closely during this period and would act as the judge of the successful completion of new member education program. There is no pre-determined time period for the successful completion of the new member education program.
If I work or am taking classes, will I be able to have time for new member education?
One of the major virtues of any successful individual is being able to manage his or her time most efficiently. Efficient time management is one of the key elements stressed during the new member education period. We understand that many people have obligations besides the fraternity. We honor those obligations and will make every attempt to accommodate your schedule. However, it is for you to decide if you want to manage your time efficiently. You will find that Sigma Beta Rho is very flexible with respect to school work and/or jobs.
Will my grades drop if I try to become a new member?
Grades drop when schoolwork is not completed fully or in time. New member education may take a good amount of time away from your normal life style. Effective time management is very important in this situation. New member education program mandates study hours for every aspirant without an exception. Most universities and colleges encourage this and often require this to be part of new member education program.
Will I be hazed?
No! Sigma Beta Rho is strictly a non-hazing organization. Our constitution strictly forbids brothers from hazing aspirants. Any hazing incident would end up in expulsion of the member from Sigma Beta Rho.
How much will it cost to become a new member?
Sigma Beta Rho does not charge a fee to participate in the new member education program. However, new member education program might require you to purchase certain materials that would be needed during the new member education period. These materials are affordable by average college students.
If I go to a school far away, how will I become a new member?
Depending on where you go to school, some sort of a unique arrangement will be worked out between you and the National Council. A new member educator might be assigned who will visit your school and lead you through the new member education program, or you might be asked to visit another college or university to participate in the program.
