FAQ | Deltabeta

FAQ About SAI

Why is ΣAI a “fraternity” if its members are women?

When ΣAI was first established, it actually was called a sorority; however, that was later voted on and changed a few decades later. The word fraternity is derived from FRATERNITAS, an abstract feminine noun (Latin) meaning brotherhood, applying to both men and women.Today, all Greek-letter music organizations are called fraternities. Although we only initiate women at the college-level, we initiate both men and women as Distinguished Members.

Is ΣAI a sorority, professional organization, honor society...?
Not quite, to any of the above actually.We hold membership in the Professional Fraternity Association (PFA). Our membership is based upon the fact that we are "identified by, or related to a field of study or common interest;" however, we are not technically professional nor honorary. We are a member of the National Interfraternity Music Council (NIMC) which serves Greek-lettered musical organizations such as Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Delta Omicron, Mu Phi Epsilon, Phi Beta, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma..

Why Join ΣAI?
People join for all sorts of reasons. Sigma Alpha Iota is an organization which promotes interaction among women who share a passion for music, regardless of whether you are a music major or not. We are a fun-loving group that is active in all areas of campus music and campus life.
In addition to personal encouragement and support (not to mention performance, service, and social opportunities), members may receive scholarships, loans, and awards in many areas and at all levels of music-related study. Sigma Alpha Iota has long been recognized as a leader in the field of music and provides a lifetime of fraternity contact and musical involvement through our extensive alumnae association (i.e. your involvement in the fraternity doesn't have to end after you graduate).

What is Membership Recruitment/"Rush" ?
Recruitment is an informal time for prospective Members-in-Training (MITs) to get to know the current sisters and learn more information about the fraternity and the training process. There is absolutely no commitment during Recruitment, so even if you are unsure about whether to do ΣAI, we strongly encourage you to at least come and check out what it is that we do. There is no dress code for recruitment and all events are FREE FREE FREE!

What is the time and money commitment for SAI?

Unlike most social sororities, ΣAI only requires attendance at community service and weekly meetings. In addition to this, ΣAI excuses sisters from meetings with the following excuses: illness, professional engagement, class (rehearsal), work, or absence from city. Many of us are music majors and because of this, we plan our meetings around all rehearsals and we do not meet on weekends. We have many social events throughout the semester, but social events are always optional.

SAI is one of the most inexpensive greek organizations on campus. As a new member your total costs will be around $300. New members are allowed to fundraise up to half of their start up fees while they are completing the 6-8 week training period. After the first semester, member dues are usually around $100 and can be paid in installments.

“Greek life isn’t for me”
Sigma Alpha Iota is a life long opportunity! Whether you’re a music major or not, ΣAI offers so many performance, social, philanthropic, and musical opportunities! We focus on philanthropies to aid blind musicians, music therapy for veterans, aid in dying music programs in schools, etc. And if charity is not your thing, SAI gives away almost $100,000 in scholarships to its members every year! As a music professional, you can apply for grants/loans to aid in further study or your future classroom, performance competitions are held annually. SAI also offers study abroad grants and special internships for its members! It’s not just for advancement and fun in your college life, SAI has over 118 alumnae chapters all across the country so no matter where you move, sisters will be there to support you!