What is "Recruitment?"
The term “Recruitment" refers to the process of attracting, screening, and selecting qualified people for a position at an organization or firm. It is important to remember that without new members a fraternity chapter will ultimately fail and dissolve, thus rendering new members the lifeblood of every fraternity. This is the sole reason why Recruitment is so important to each chapter on campus. Chapters that fare better in the future years are most often those chapters that initiate large numbers of quality men during the course of Recruitment.
What is a "Bid?"
A bid is a formal invitation to pledge a fraternity. Each fraternity and chapter has its own method of choosing which potential new members will receive a bid. At Washburn University, we use a card system, White Cards for informal interest, Green Cards for more serious interests (which is what a prospective member would fill out,) and then a red card which is for when a member leaves the Fraternity. The card system helps our Greek Life Director keep membership straight on their sides.
Who is a "Pledge?"
A "pledge” is the first level of membership in Kappa Sigma. Kappa Sigma’s pledgeship lasts approximately 60 days, and is an opportunity for new member to develop bonds with the Brothers of Kappa Sigma and learn more about Kappa Sigma.
Why pledge a fraternity at all?
Since the founding of the American College Fraternity movement in 1776, fraternities have grown to symbolize leadership, independence, scholastic achievement and service to their various campuses and communities. Fraternity men represent a very small percentage, only 2% of the male population of the United States. However, that 2% is a very powerful group of individuals! Fraternity men have gone on to hold many of the top positions in our nation, from the business world to the political arena.
It is certainly no surprise that today's college and university students express a keen interest in the Greek System. The opportunities are endless and the benefits speak for themselves. Each year thousands of young men enter the working world with the competitive advantage of fraternity experience and alumni contacts.
For many men, the fraternity becomes a life-long family and network of friends. Many men maintain the friendships throughout life, and come back year after year to their home chapters to join in activities with the underclassmen Brothers.
Trying to explain why someone should join the Greek System is a tough thing to explain. Its something that is very difficult to put into words, something one must first experience in order to gain the full meaning and appreciation for it.
Helpful Information about Rushing Fraternities
- •Be Yourself. There is nothing more important than being yourself during rush. You'll end up with the right fraternity for you, and you'll be happy with your decision.
- •Beware. Look out for fraternities who belittle or make derogatory remarks about other fraternities.
- •Evaluate each fraternity carefully.
- •Take your time. Joining a fraternity is an important decision. Be sure that the fraternity that has given you a bid is the one you will be happy with. You do not have to accept a bid right away; even though it is called rush, rush is the one decision you will not want to rush into. If you receive a bid and decide to not accept it right away, you can always participate in Rush Week again.
- •Consider all chapters during Rush week. Because Washburn University has five fraternities, do not discount one chapter during Rush week. Give all chapters a fair chance.
- •Ask questions. We have tried to answer many frequently asked questions on this page, but know that this is not all the questions.
What exactly is Kappa Sigma based upon?
The Four Cornerstones of Kappa Sigma
Fellowship
Want to get more from your college experience? Kappa Sigma makes it happen. Joining Kappa Sigma provides opportunities for fellowship, fun and personal growth that you simply can't get elsewhere. Over 210,000 men have joined and enjoyed the unmatched experiences, involvement and lifelong Brotherhood that Kappa Sigma offers.
Want to get more from your college experience? Kappa Sigma makes it happen. Joining Kappa Sigma provides opportunities for fellowship, fun and personal growth that you simply can't get elsewhere. Over 210,000 men have joined and enjoyed the unmatched experiences, involvement and lifelong Brotherhood that Kappa Sigma offers.
Leadership
Take the lead. In Kappa Sigma, Brothers learn to get involved in their communities and take the lead when something needs to be done. Countless Brothers, including senators, governors and CEOs, have said Kappa Sigma gave them the leadership skills they needed to succeed.
Take the lead. In Kappa Sigma, Brothers learn to get involved in their communities and take the lead when something needs to be done. Countless Brothers, including senators, governors and CEOs, have said Kappa Sigma gave them the leadership skills they needed to succeed.
Scholarship
You're in college for an education. Kappa Sigma helps you excel in the classroom. From its earliest beginnings in Renaissance Italy, Kappa Sigma has existed to promote scholarship in its members. Over $250,000 is awarded each year by the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund to Brothers who excel in scholarship and leadership. At the chapter level, Brothers help you learn about the campus, provide advice on professors and classes and help you study for those important assignments.
You're in college for an education. Kappa Sigma helps you excel in the classroom. From its earliest beginnings in Renaissance Italy, Kappa Sigma has existed to promote scholarship in its members. Over $250,000 is awarded each year by the Kappa Sigma Endowment Fund to Brothers who excel in scholarship and leadership. At the chapter level, Brothers help you learn about the campus, provide advice on professors and classes and help you study for those important assignments.
Service
Helping others is part of being a Kappa Sigma. Brothers spend thousands of hours working in their communities and raise thousands of dollars for worthy causes each year. From organizing park clean-ups to serving as Big Brothers to organizing charity rock concerts, Kappa Sigmas work hard for their causes. College is fun, but only service gives you the great feeling of knowing you've helped someone and made a difference.
Helping others is part of being a Kappa Sigma. Brothers spend thousands of hours working in their communities and raise thousands of dollars for worthy causes each year. From organizing park clean-ups to serving as Big Brothers to organizing charity rock concerts, Kappa Sigmas work hard for their causes. College is fun, but only service gives you the great feeling of knowing you've helped someone and made a difference.
What is Kappa Sigma's Mission Statement?
The Fraternity should complement and enhance the educational mission of the host institution.
The Fraternity is committed to fostering a close cooperative partnership with all colleges and universities where chapters exist. The Fraternity should promote academic achievement and assist each member to achieve his academic potential. By helping members adjust to the college environment, we can help them pursue their degree goals. Co-curricular activities can be as valuable as the classroom experience; hence, the Fraternity should promote involvement in all aspects of campus life.
The Fraternity is committed to fostering a close cooperative partnership with all colleges and universities where chapters exist. The Fraternity should promote academic achievement and assist each member to achieve his academic potential. By helping members adjust to the college environment, we can help them pursue their degree goals. Co-curricular activities can be as valuable as the classroom experience; hence, the Fraternity should promote involvement in all aspects of campus life.
The Fraternity should promote the ideal of Brotherhood.
The creation of lifelong friendships is a primary benefit of Fraternity membership. The Fraternity fulfills the need of students to belong to an extended family and frequently provides the opportunity to enhance those personal relationships through group living situations. As Brothers, our members have an obligation to have a caring concern for the welfare of our members. Brotherhood is a lifetime commitment; therefore, we should encourage strong alumni-undergraduate relationships for the mutual benefit of the students and the alumni.
The creation of lifelong friendships is a primary benefit of Fraternity membership. The Fraternity fulfills the need of students to belong to an extended family and frequently provides the opportunity to enhance those personal relationships through group living situations. As Brothers, our members have an obligation to have a caring concern for the welfare of our members. Brotherhood is a lifetime commitment; therefore, we should encourage strong alumni-undergraduate relationships for the mutual benefit of the students and the alumni.
The Fraternity should actively contribute to the personal growth and development of its members.
We teach young men social skills that will benefit them throughout their lifetime. The multitude of leadership opportunities available through the Fraternity prepares members for success in their chosen careers. Chapters should organize well-rounded programs and strive for excellence and quality in all undertakings.
We teach young men social skills that will benefit them throughout their lifetime. The multitude of leadership opportunities available through the Fraternity prepares members for success in their chosen careers. Chapters should organize well-rounded programs and strive for excellence and quality in all undertakings.
The Fraternity should promote ethical behavior and decision-making.
The lessons taught from Fraternity ritual should be incorporated into the daily lives of the members. Kappa Sigmas are expected to act as gentlemen at all times, and the Fraternity must demand the highest standards of personal conduct. The Fraternity should instill a sense of responsibility and integrity. The dignity of all persons shall always be respected; intolerant or abusive behavior cannot be tolerated.
The lessons taught from Fraternity ritual should be incorporated into the daily lives of the members. Kappa Sigmas are expected to act as gentlemen at all times, and the Fraternity must demand the highest standards of personal conduct. The Fraternity should instill a sense of responsibility and integrity. The dignity of all persons shall always be respected; intolerant or abusive behavior cannot be tolerated.
The Fraternity should encourage service to others.
Members, both individually and collectively, should work toward the betterment of their campus and community, and in so doing contribute to the betterment of themselves.
Members, both individually and collectively, should work toward the betterment of their campus and community, and in so doing contribute to the betterment of themselves.
Who are some notable Kappa Sigma Alumni?
Click here to find more information on notable Kappa Sigma alumni.
How much emphasis does your Colony place on scholarship?
Each week, every brother is required to complete a certain number of study hours depending on their previous semester's GPA. Grade checks are held each semester, and will vary based on GPA. Not only does this help to check in on each brother, but it gives each member a chance to see where they stand in the class and a chance to interact with their professors. If certain grades are not reached a brother will be placed on Academic Probation until those grades are brought up to standard.
What kind of social activities do you have each year?
A great advantage in joining a Fraternity is the opportunity to meet new people. Each Fraternity on Washburn’s campus participates in many social events. Kappa Sigma averages at least two social events each month to give the brothers a chance to interact with students around the Greek Community and Washburn’s campus. Social activities are anything from Buffalo Wild Wing trips to Movie Nights and formal socials with one of the four sororities on campus to just hanging out with the other brothers.
How involved is your chapter with IFC, student government, and other student organizations?
It is a requirement of our Nationals to have each member involved in at least one other organization on campus. Our members take this to the extreme, as almost all our brothers are involved in at least 2 major organizations on campus, with some of them being involved with as many as 5 or 6 with major roles in each organization. Campus involvement is very important to us.
What kind of time commitment does joining your fraternity take?
In addition to standard weekly meetings, Kappa Sigma requires all members to actively participate in all Kappa Sigma sponsored events, along with all pledge activities and various community service and fundraising opportunities. We participate in several weekend activities outside of social events (retreats, brother-only movie nights, etc.) that are scheduled as well. There is a time commitment, but it is not unachievable. You will take out of a fraternity what you put into it.
How much will joining your fraternity cost?
Fall Semester:
- •$40 Pledge Initiation Fee (paid directly to Nationals at beginning of pledge period)
- •$150 Formal Initiation Fee (paid directly to National upon completion of pledge period)
- •$200 Colony Dues if paid in full or $55 a month for 4 months
Spring Semester:
- •$40 Pledge Initiation Fee (paid directly to Nationals at beginning of pledge period)
- •$150 Formal Initiation Fee (paid directly to National upon completion of pledge period)
- •$200 Colony Dues if paid in full or $55 a month for 4 months
What are your standard dues?
Our standard dues are $400 per school year if paid in full, OR $440 per school year if paid monthly.
Do you have a house? How much does it cost to live there?
The Gamma-Nu Colony of Kappa Sigma does not currently have a house. If you walk through campus, however, you will see the old Kappa Sigma house, which both the active chapter and local alumni are working to reclaim and eventually remodel. Many of the brothers live on campus in the Living Learning Center or at the Washburn Village, with others living in off-campus residences.
Not having a house has its own benefits as well. Not only does it keep the cost of our Dues down, but it also gives the brothers a chance to live where they want to live. Several of the brothers live together in off-campus houses and apartments near the University.
What is your New Member Education Program (pledge period) like?
Our pledge period generally lasts 30-60 days, and consists of learning about the Fraternity as a whole and our specific Colony, along with getting to know the brothers and the brothers getting to know you.
What is the purpose of pledge period?
The purpose of our pledge period is to offer each pledge the opportunity to see, first-hand, what they are interested in joining, and to truly make the right decision on whether or not they want to be a Kappa Sigma. It also allows the brothers to get to know the pledges as people more than just casual friends.
What types of community service does your fraternity take part in?
It is a requirement of our Nationals for each brother to participate in at least 25 hours of community service a semester. Our brothers tend to go above and beyond this, sometimes averaging around 40-50 per brother. Our colony participates in everything from walk/runs for a multitude causes, to helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity, to simply raking leaves and shoveling snow.
During the Fall of 2010, the Fraternity held a week-long series of philanthropy events to help raise money for the Livestrong Foundation, which helps those with testicular cancer. This was very successful for its first year, and we were able to raise over $1,000 for the Livestrong Foundation.
What are the requirements for joining your fraternity?
Requirements for joining the Gamma-Nu Colony of Kappa Sigma:
- 1.Be a full-time Male student in good standing at Washburn University.
- 2.Have at least a 2.0 GPA
I have more questions that aren't answered here. Who can I ask or where can I get the answers?
Many of the answers about fraternity life and Kappa Sigma as a whole are answered at our national site, http://www.kappasigma.org
