Aspiring engineers have a new way of getting involved, both academically and socially as Sigma Phi Delta joins the ranks of academic fraternities.
“We are now a colony and just received our pledge pins,” sophomore Sigma Phi member Nick Peters said. “We have a minimum of 12 weeks from colonization to becoming a chapter, but that’s more so we can get to know our brothers.”
Sophomore and Sigma Phi President Aditya Sreekumar said they are an academic fraternity first and a social fraternity second. At schools such as the University of Illinois, Sigma Phi is a member of the Intrafraternity Council. But Sreekumar was advised not to join IFC as it would help them colonize faster.
The prerequisite for joining is simply being a male engineer.
“Unfortunately, [being an engineer] is required by our bylaws,” Sreekumar said.
However, the fraternity does have a “sweetheart,” or little sister option, which is essentially comprised of females affiliated with the fraternity, but not initiated members.
Sreekumar said the establishment of a sister chapter, Alpha Omega Epsilon, was in the works, but unfortunately fell through.
As a result, Sreekumar said having “sweethearts” is their way of being inclusive but also branching out beyond just their members.
“They hang out with us, they support us and, while they are not active members, we still consider them a part of us,” Sreekumar said.
This isn’t the first time Sigma Phi was on the Hilltop. The fraternity colonized in 1965, but closed in the 1990’s due to financial problems.
The colony went through recruitment this semester, but Peters said they do not have an exact number of new members because they still have a few weeks to accept their bids.
As the fraternity grows, Sreekumar hopes to add more executive positions.
“Sigma Phi has 20 official executive positions,” Sreekumar said. “As things like philanthropies come up, we’ll add more.”
The brothers hope to have a solidified meeting place and block off dorm rooms once they become a chapter.
