National When and Where was AEPhi founded? AEPhi Sorority was founded on October 24, 1909 at Barnard College in New York, N.Y. Who founded AEPhi Sorority? The seven founders were Helen Phillips, Ida Beck, Rose Gerstein, Augustina "Tina" Hess, Lee Reiss, Rose Salmowitz and Stella Strauss.  Why was AEPhi founded? Often, in the late 19th and early 20th century organizations were formed on certain religious beliefs that were shared by most or all of its founders.  While avoiding prohibitive sororities, our 7 founders created Alpha Epsilon Phi, ultimately making us the first sorority founded on the basis of non-discrimination.  Tina Hess recalled: "The reason that we felt the need of a sorority at Barnard in those days was, as I have already mentioned, the need of something artificial to keep us together; artificial only in its organization, but beautiful in its ideals. We wanted a group of girls chosen not because of any special scholastic preeminence, financial circumstances or other arbitrary standards but a group who had common interests and were dominated by the ideals of true friendship."  How many chapters does AEPhi have? Alpha Epsilon Phi has internationally established itself with over 95 chapters in North America. What is National? National is Alpha Epsilon Phi, Inc. and all of its constituent parts combined as one.  It encompasses all collegiate chapters, alumnae, national workers and national office. Where is the sorority headquartered? Our national headquarters is in Danbury, Connecticut. Why is it pronounced "Fie"? The Greek letter F, in AEPhi, is pronounced "Fie" when following a consonant (Alpha Epsilon Phi).  It is pronounced "Fee" when following a vowel. What is a legacy? A legacy is a sister, a daughter or a grand daughter of a sorority member. Phi Sigma Chapter When was Phi Sigma chapter founded? The Phi Sigma chapter of Alpha Epsilon Phi was founded on October 2nd, 1988. Why are you the "Phi Sigma" chapter? Greek organizations usually name the chapters of their national organization under another set of Greek letters, often starting with alpha and working through the alphabet in the order that they were founded. When and where are meetings held? Chapter meetings are held on Tuesday nights on campus, in the student center building. What are the responsibilities of membership? The strength of AEPhi rests on the fulfillment of six basic obligations-academic, financial, social, campus activities, sorority activities and sisterhood.  Alpha Epsilon Phi membership, properly filled, provides a key to doors which prepare us for a more meaningful, worthwhile and rewarding experience. Can I be involved after graduation? The vows taken when initiated are for life, not just for college.  Alumnae are encouraged to remain an active force in AEPhi, and often still stay involved with their chapter!  It is as alumnae that each of us realizes the deeper, truer more enduring meaning of our sorority. New Members How long is the new member period? Our new member program is an 8 week program, which allows for thorough lessons to familiarize new members with all of our fundamentals and values. How much time will it take out of my schedule? During your new member period, the time you spend will vary.  New members are expected to attend new member meetings and mandatory events, in addition to various other activities planned throughout the semester.  During recruitment ask more specifically about the time commitment that would be expected of you. Is there a minimum G.P.A. requirement? Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority does have a minimum G.P.A. requirement for new members and for actives. Women who go through recruitment during their first term must have a high school g.p.a. of 2.6 or higher, those women joining after their first term must have earned a minimum 2.5 average during the term immediatly prior to joining, while all actives must have at least a 2.5 to remain in good standing. What is hazing? We define hazing as "any act or tradition that may endanger the physical, mental or emotional well being of another; requests, encourages or suggests violation of any law, be they local state or federal; is mentally or physically demeaning; or requires a personal or menial task of another individual, either publicly or privately." Do you haze? It is the policy of Alpha Epsilon Phi that hazing is strictly forbidden.  Do new members get badges? Yes, AEPhi has a distinct pin worn only by new members of our organization.  After initiation you can wear the Alpha Epsilon Phi badge. Are you like the sororities depicted on TV.? Although many sitcoms strive to show Greek life in its true light, they fail to show each Greek organization distinctively.  Some chapters do resemble a stereotype more than others, however that usually depends on the campus.  We have yet to see members or new members like lambda lambda lambda at WSU's campus, but hey there is always a first!  Recruitment Why should I join a sorority? A sorority offers understanding, friendship and maturity by affording each of us the opportunity to practice tolerance and mutual respect.  While being a part of a sorority you learn to share ideas, criticism, cooperation and unity while striving to uphold the values of the Greek organization as a whole.  You can be involved in activities to better the community, the campus, your sorority and you, while strengthening the bonds developed between sisters. Which sorority is the best? Every sorority on Wayne State's campus has their own unique style, history and traditions.  As a potential new member it is important for you to pick the sorority that you feel most at home with, so that you have a great college experience and the sorority is then strengthened by your commitment. How will I know which sorority is best for me? In making this decision, the most important thing you can do is keep an open mind.  Many began there freshman year thinking they know the type of sorority they would like to belong to, but then things caused them to change their mind. Just remember, the sorority you choose will most likely determine who you live with, who you share your most private thoughts with, and who will be beside you through the most important years of your life. What is Recruitment? Recruitment is a series of gatherings held at the beginning of the fall and winter semesters at Wayne State that gives interested students the chance to become a part of our sorority.  It is a great way to introduce potential new members to AEPhi in a relaxed social setting. What Are Some Questions I Should Ask During Recruitment? Why did you pick your sorority? What will it cost to be a new member?  What types of social activities are planned for this semester? If I join your chapter, will I be expected to participate in all activities?  Is there a minimum G.P.A. required to join? What are some of your chapters symbols and philanthropies? Are the women of the chapter involved in other campus organizations? If so, which ones? I am interested in Recruitment, now what? If you'd like more information about Recruitment please go to our recruitment form, by clicking here, or e-mail us at av9071@wayne.edu.