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Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity is an evolving organization. New chapters are essential to our ability to thrive in a competitive fraternal marketplace. You may have a once in a lifetime chance to be a Founding Father of an Alpha Sigma Phi Chapter. Your name could perpetually rest among some of the Fraternity's most prestigious Brothers. To be a Founding Father in Alpha Sigma Phi means that you have the vision to see the value in true brotherhood. A value that provides generations of men with the ability to learn life skills, improve as men, create lifelong friendships and live a purposeful life. Your interest in wanting to establish a chapter at your college or university represents the first step in bringing the values, ideals and opportunities that many members of this fraternity have witnessed since joining Alpha Sigma Phi. Starting a chapter is an exciting process, but we’re sure you’ve got questions. We’ve tried to answer some of the common questions here, but if you need additional assistance, please contact the Director of Expansion and Growth at Fraternity Headquarters. Q: How do I start a chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi at my campus? A: If you already have a few guys interested in starting a chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi at your campus you’ll want to contact Fraternity Headquarters and your campus Greek Advisor. Set-up a meeting with him or her to talk about the possibility of bring a new fraternity to campus. Make sure you’ve done a little research before this meeting (i.e. when did the last new fraternity start at your campus, why would this fraternity be different, are there enough men interested?). Having answers to a few key questions is a great place to start. Bringing Alpha Sigma Phi to your campus then begins with recruitment and then the colonization process can begin. For an overview of Alpha Sigma Phi’s expansion process and procedures, contact the Expansion Coordinator at Fraternity Headquarters. Q: How long does it take for a colony to become a chapter? A: The Alpha Sigma Phi colonization period varies depending on the campus. With very few exceptions, the group will be a colony for a period of at least nine months - and no more than two years - before they become initiated members of the Fraternity. During this period, the colony must prove to be efficient in all areas of chapter operations, must put together a chartering petition, and must gain the support of campus administration. Then the colony can become a chartered chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi. Q: What kind of alumni support can a new colony expect? A: All colonies of Alpha Sigma Phi can expect to work with local alumni to help solidify their presence on campus. Alumni volunteers will work with the colony to establish effective chapter operations, develop scholarship programs, teach recruitment skills and devise a long-term plan of action. With more than 60,000 living alumni, there's a strong possibility that alumni waiting to volunteer are living right in your backyard. Q: As a colony, can we participate in IFC-related activities? A: Yes. We encourage all colonies to take an active role in campus events, including the Interfraternity Council (IFC), student government, new student orientation, intramural athletics, leadership honoraries and any other activity that promotes personal and professional growth. Participation in these organizations will help colony members achieve a greater understanding of how to effectively manage the operations of the Fraternity. Plus, it will give colony members an opportunity to meet potential new members. Q: What kind of support would the Fraternity Headquarters provide a colony? A: Alpha Sigma Phi employs individuals who work for the national fraternity, located in Carmel, Indiana. These staff members provide expertise in several areas: member services, chapter operations, recruitment assistance, alumni relations and development, and any other assistance to ensure that each colony is successful. Visits from staff and alumni volunteers will be planned throughout the colony period, as well as after chartering. Q: Do colonies receive houses? A: Alpha Sigma Phi does not provide housing to colonies, although if a housing opportunity becomes available, we will provide guidance and advice if it is feasible for all parties. If applicable, we will work with any existing alumni to locate funds and/or potential donors. We feel that the initial focus should be on the recruitment and education of new members, with housing being more of a long-term goal. If a possibility does arise, however, we will work with the colony in any capacity to help them. Q: Are members of the interest group and colony covered under the insurance policy of the Fraternity? A: Yes. Interest group members are automatically covered under the Fraternity’s insurance policy at no cost to the members until they become a colony. Once colonized, the colony is charged a reduced insurance premium (50% of the total cost possible) once per academic year. Q: Does the Fraternity prefer to re-establish old chapters or start new ones? A: Alpha Sigma Phi can provide a great fraternal experience and a lifetime of memories to its students, so we are always looking for opportunities to share the experience with others. Due to existing alumni and volunteer support, it is sometimes easier to re-establish a once-dormant chapter, but we are always searching for new colleges and universities to establish our brotherhood. In the last few years, the fraternity has been especially looking at colleges and universities in southern and west coast states. |
