Sigma Chi Initiation Week

The Jordan Standard

The confidence of the Founders of Sigma Chi was based upon a belief that the principles which they professed and the ideal of the Fraternity which they sought were but imperfectly realized in the organizations by which they were surrounded.
The standard with which the Fraternity started was declared by Isaac M. Jordan to be that of admitting no man to membership in Sigma Chi who is not believed to be:
A man of Good Character, a Student of Fair Ability, With Ambitious Purposes, a Congenial Disposition, Possessed of Good Morals, Having a High Sense of Honor, and a Deep Sense of Personal Responsibility.

Sigma Chi Creed

I Believe in fairness, decency, and good manners. I will endeavor to retain the spirit of youth. I will try to make my college, the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and my own chapter more honored by all men and women and more beloved and honestly respected by our own brothers. I say these words in all sincerity; That Sigma Chi has given me favor and distinction; that the bond of our fellowship is reciprocal, that I will endeavor to so build myself and so conduct myself that I will ever be a credit to our Fraternity.

The Spirit of Sigma Chi

The Spirit of Sigma Chi, as conceived by the founders more than 140 years ago yet visible and alive today, is based on the theory that…
Friendship among members, sharing a common belief in an ideal,
and possessing different temperaments, talents, and convictions,
is superior to friendship among members having the same temperaments, talents, and convictions, and that
Genuine friendship can be maintained without surrendering the principle of individuality or sacrificing one’s personal judgement.

The Founding of Sigma Chi

One of the DKE brothers was running for office of poet and six members decided they would not be voting for him because they did not believe he was qualified. Those six brothers asked to hold a dinner to discuss the matter. These six were our founders. Only one of the six who opposed them showed up with a DKE alumnus who believed they should be expelled. Benjamin Piatt Runkle then took off his badge and slammed it on the table in which his five brothers followed.

The Badge of Sigma Chi

The white cross

Date Established

June 28, 1855

Benjamin Piatt Runkle

Courage

Thomas Cowan Bell

Wisdom

William Lewis Lockwood

Integrity

Isaac M. Jordan

High Ambition

Daniel William Cooper

Self-Control

Franklin Howard Scobey

Courtesy

James Parks Caldwell

Fidelity

Courage

Being willing to stand up for what you believe in, accepting the consequences of difficult choices and decisions.

Wisdom

Seeking knowledge, understanding what is learned and then applying these lessons to life's situations and circumstances.

Integrity

Being truthful, just, and having a high sense of honor in all areas of life, regardless of the presence or absence of others.

High Ambition

Exhibiting energy and motivation to every task, every day. Aspiring for something better, and reaching beyond your grasp.

Self-Control

Being pure and noble in thoughts and actions and being able to approach life's circumstances and temptations with restraint.

Courtesy

Showing politeness and manners in one's attitude and behavior toward others -- being respectful in nature and loyal in friendship.

Fidelity

Remaining true to principle, loyal and faithful to a higher power, whether it be a chapter, state, nation, or supreme being.

Public Motto

In Hoc Signo Vinces

Consul

President or CEO of the chapter. Presides over chapter meetings and other chapter affairs and activities and is responsible for the security of the charter, ritual and ritualistic materials.

Pro Consul

Serves as vice president or chief operating officer of the chapter. Chairman of the chapter's executive committee.

Annotator

Keeps accurate records, reports and minutes of chapter meetings and transcribes those records into the chapter minute book.

Quaestor

Treasurer of the chapter. Responsible for collecting and safeguarding all funds due the chapter. Prepares the budget before the start of the chapter's fiscal year and presents it to the chapter's executive committee.

Magister

Prepares the pledge brothers for initiation into Sigma Chi

Recruitment Chairman

Organizes the chapter's membership recruitment program. Responsible for emphasizing Sigma Chi's academic and financial obligations, providing information to parents and communicating the values of fraternity membership in general.

Tribune

Coordinates the preparation and mailing of all necessary chapter correspondence. Assists the Consul and other officers in preparing and submitting officer and chapter reports on time. In charge of alumni relations.

Chapter Editor

Publishes at least two chapter newsletters a year. Coordinates publication of other chapter printed material.

Historian

Gathers and makes a permanent record of members and activities in the form of a scrapbook or chapter history.

Kustos

Preserves the privacy of the chapter room and assists with chapter meeting and other specified gatherings.

Risk Manager

Assists in the development and implementation of the chapter's safety program. Coordinates the safety education of members, pledges, and employees.

House Manager

Coordinates chapter efforts regarding cleanliness, safety, care and maintenance of the chapter house.

Interfraternity Council Representative

Atttends all interfraternity council meetings and communicates information pertaining to the IFC back to the chapter.

Public Relations Chairman

Responsible for the design and implementation of an effective public relations program. Helps the chapter maintain a favorable reputation, implements high-quality programs and services, sponsors and participates in public service projects, and generates favorable publicity.

Steward

Coordinates the chapter meal service and kitchen operations.

Scholarship Chairman

Seeks to create and maintain an environment conducive to scholastic achievement among members and pledges.