Cornerstone of Candidate Process
Anti-Hazing Roots
In 1869 Sigma Nu was founded at Virginia Military Institute in protest of the hazing behavior being conducted by other social societies at the time. Since then the all policies and procedures of Sigma Nu are aligned to insure that each member is treated with respect and fraternal regard.
In alignment with the National Organization, Beta Beta has a strict no hazing policy and values itself on not asking anything of new members that active brothers would not do themselves.
LEAD
Sigma Nu's LEAD program is a four phased education program meant to supplement a Sigma Nu's collegiate education. During the candidate process, new members will complete 12 sessions on topics ranging from the history of the fraternity to chapter operations to the Basics of Leadership.
To learn more about each of the 12 sessions you can visit the phase one overview website.
Alumni Support
Alumni support are integral to the new member education process. They serve as facilitators to the LEAD sessions and attend the candidate ceremonies. Additionally, the Alumni Advisory Board has an advisor dedicated to working with the New Member Educator to ensure the process creates a strong foundation for each candidate's Sigma Nu experience.
Big and Little Pairings
During the new member education process, each candidate is given a Big Brother to help assist with the transition to the chapter. The role of the Big Brother is to help the new member become apart of the brotherhood and help them feel at home.
Candidate Class Retreat
Towards the end of the new member educational process the new member educator facilitates an off campus retreat for the candidates. This retreat is focused on building the brotherhood among the new member class through reflection and team building activities. Last year the new members chose to play laser tag and then have a fancy dinner of discussion and reflection.
Initiation
Upon completion of the candidate education process each new member is invited to the initiation ceremony. It is conducted by alumni and current brothers and meant to affirm the decision of each candidate to become a brother of Sigma Nu.
