PARENTS | wsusigmachi

Undergrads are learning about University and news media practice of unjust information dissemination

Parents and friends,

It’s quite striking how a relatively minor incident can quickly get turned into something that sounds much worse. So, we thought it best to communicate with you immediately with complete transparency.

At an off-campus gathering hosted by the Sigma Phi Epsilon liveouts, a fight broke out between some Sig Eps and some Sigma Chis on August 25.

It’s not clear how it got started, honestly. Our guys, of course, say the Sig Eps started it. But we understand how there can be conflicting versions.

But here’s what’s important: As soon as it started, some Sigma Chi members told all the Sigs and pledges to go back to the house immediately. And the University has acknowledged that Sigma Chis tried to de-escalate things. Once back at the house, all the Sigma Chis were told to stay inside the house to de-escalate things. But members of Sigma Phi Epsilon gathered outside the house on the sidewalk obviously hoping to re-engage. Still, Sigma Chi leadership told everyone to stay inside. The Sig Eps left after a few minutes. Sigma Chi leaders stayed on the front porch to control the situation and oversee anyone leaving the house. To make certain, leadership drove pledges and live-out members back to their dorms and apartments to ensure there was no more fighting.

Nevertheless, some Sig Eps returned to the Sigma Chi house. When police drove by and stepped out, the Sigma Phi Epsilon members left. Due to the scale of it all, an incident report was sent out and, as per university policy, a review or “investigation” – which sounds so much worse than it is. One or two news outlets have reported that “an investigation” is underway. It’s really a routine review. And we welcome it. We are eager to work with the university so that those who were out of line are held responsible.

A fight between two fraternities is something that has happened on every campus in America for more than a century. That doesn’t make it right. But context is important.

We are extremely proud of our conduct on this night in question and all other times. WSU Sigma Chi has an exceptional record as a top house in philanthropy, in grades, in intramural athletics, as gentlemen, and we are honored as one of the best Sigma Chi chapters in America. Our alumni are proud of who we are and of our conduct. Sigma Chi teachings of integrity and good character run deep with us.

Please know that you can be proud of the Sigma Chi members and pledges. Because we are proud of ourselves.

Alex Simonson

WSU Sigma Chi President

We love Sigma Chi parents!

We're so proud to have your son among our beautiful brotherhood for a lifetime. He now has access to significant scholarships, personal and professional mentoring locally and nationally, the most advanced character and leadership training in all the fraternity world, and a life time of closeness he'll find nowhere else.

COSTS: Did you know that this magnificent house is NOT the most expensive fraternity?! It just looks that way. In fact, it is less expensive to live in the new Sigma Chi house than dorms and apartments and nearly all single family houses when you factor all the costs such as parking, security and damage deposits, wifi and cable, kitchenware and furniture, laundry and food costs. Further, all brothers who move out of the house must pay a live-out fee every semester, with no exceptions. Want details on costs? Just ask. If you hear someone say a brother has moved out of the house to save money, it is a false presumption. And remember, in an apartment or single-family house, there is no leadership to bolster a safer environment.

BENEFITS AND SCHOLARSHIPS: When a young man chooses to become a member of Sigma Chi, he has access to unparalleled opportunity for more than $115,000 in scholarships, leadership training, personal and professional career mentoring from seasoned adults, character building and learning people skills that will pay out throughout a lifetime. Read more about the annual Krach Transformational Leadership Training offered to any undergraduate Sig here. We say: Sigma Chi for college, for life.

LIVING IN THE HOUSE: Each brother is expected to live in the fraternity during his college experience so he can benefit the most. Some time ago, the undergraduates voted to require that each brother live in the house for at least four semesters. This allows him to gain from all those benefits and keeps his chapter financial viable. They are a group of men who are largely self-governing and must remain financially healthy on their own, just as they will in life. Those brothers who violate this chapter by-law or who fail to pay their live-out fee (most of which goes to WSU IFC dues and national Sigma Chi member dues) will be fined, taken to collections and/or have their membership revoked for reneging on their oath and contract. Conversely, those brothers who have gained the most from Sigma Chi are those who have lived in the house all four years during college and continue their Sigma Chi experience all through life. After graduation, they will have many years to live in an apartment - but only four years to live and experience a college fraternity, especially the largest and best one in all the fraternity world.

HAZING: We don't haze. We don't have stupid traditions. We have strong alcohol restrictions in place as well as a longstanding culture against abusing hard alcohol. In fact, Sigma Chi has been a leader among fraternities in these areas for many years. And we're proud of that.

PARENTS CLUB: You are also invited to join the WSU Sigma Chi Parents page on Facebook. Click here. It's run by Sigma Chi Parents Club chief Miranda Alvis. She's easy to reach on the Facebook page.

We can't wait to meet you and talk about this incredible opportunity your son now has. You can also read more about our national Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Sigma Chi Foundation at www.sigmachi.org

Questions? jeffburnside@outlook.com