Members In Training

An educational guide for the Recruitment class of the Kappa Omega Chapter at Elmhurst College.

WEEK 1 EDUCATION

Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903 
at the University School of Music at Ann Arbor Michigan.

We were founded by seven wonderful women:
• Mary Storrs Andersen
• Elizabeth Campbell
• Francis Caspari
• Nora Crane Hunt
• Leila Farlin Laughlin
• Georgina Potts
• Minnie Davis Sherrill

THE PURPOSES OF SIGMA ALPHA IOTA (FUFGOSA)  
• TO FORM chapters of women college students and alumnae who have
a sincere interest in music.
• TO UPHOLD the highest standards of music.
• TO FURTHER the development of music in America and throughout the world.
• TO GIVE inspiration and encouragement to members.
• TO ORGANIZE the cultural life of Sigma Alpha Iota members as a contributing
factor to their educational growth.
• TO SUPPORT the ideals and goals of the member’s Alma Mater;
• TO ADHERE to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community and fraternity life.

ABOUT OUR CHAPTER:
The name of our chapter is KAPPA OMEGA
We are found in province GAMMA B
Our Province officers name is BETH LOPEZ

The other college chapters in our province are:
• Northwestern – Beta
• Northern Illinois University –  Beta Mu
• Augustana –  Delta Tau
• Vandercook –  Lambda Delta

The locations of the Alumnae chapters in our province are:
• Rockford
• Evanston
• Oak Park
• Lagrange
• Chicago

OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD
President – Lisa Pedersen
Vice President of Membership – Mary Thompson
Vice President of Ritual – Jennifer Seiler
Recording Secretary – Michealeena Cairo
Corresponding Secretary – Kelly Thelen
Treasurer – Brianna Harris
Sergeant at Arms – Rebecca Tannahill

 

 

WEEK 2 EDUCATION

Privileges of Membership
– TO HAVE contact with musicians all over the United States
– TO MAKE friendships with many Sigma Alpha Iotas who share the same ideals
– TO BE RECOGNIZED and esteemed by members of all other national
fraternities as a “fellow Greek”
– TO BE ENCOURAGED to seek the highest goals in personal development
and professional stature
– TO WEAR the badge as an introduction to Sigma Alpha Iota college
and alumnae chapters and members everywhere
– TO HAVE opportunity at Province Days and National Conventions to
broaden friendships to include members from other chapters
– TO BELONG to a closely-knit organization whose province and national
officers visit chapters to bring assistance and stimulate maintenance of
the fraternity’s high standards of musicianship and scholarship and acquaintance
with the broad scope of the fraternity
– TO FIND opportunities for leadership training in the chapter guided by national
policies and instructional materials
– TO MEET and know the nationally recognized musicians and supporters of music
who are Distinguished members
– TO PARTICIPATE in fraternity projects – scholarships, promotion of American music
through the Inter-American Music Awards program, assistance in rehabilitation through
music both in this country and in foreign countries, and other nationally organized
and recognized endeavors of SAI.

The Responsibilities of Membership
– To represent the fraternity positively at all times
– To cultivate broad friendships and be democratic in all campus contacts
– To be ethical at all times
– To respect the authority of chapter, province and national officers
– To refrain from the discussion of internal fraternity affairs with non-members
– To practice the high ideals of Sigma Alpha Iota at all times

Sigma Alpha Iota Statement of Hazing
Hazing is defined as “any act or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or any action taken or situation created which produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment or ridicule.”  Such activities include: road rips, the public wearing of apparel which is conspicuous and no normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts and late work sessions  which interfere with scholastic activities.
SIGMA ALPHA IOTA CONDEMNS HAZING!!!
Sigma Alpha Iota with all the members of the Professional Fraternity Association does not allow hazing of its prospective members.
Sigma Alpha Iota recognizes that the pre-initiation period is a time for education, inspiration, and dedication of the candidate, and a time for the promotion of professionalism, ethics and dignity through exposure to the privileges and responsibilities of membership as exhibited by our college and alumnae chapters.

THE GOVERNANCE OF SAI
Sigma Alpha Iota is governed by the National Convention which is composed of one delegate from each college and alumnae chapter, and the members of the National Officers Conference who are in attendance.

THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD OF SAI
National President – Elizabeth Nordling
National Vice President, Alumnae Chapters – Dr. Leslie S. Odom Miller
National Vice President, Collegiate Chapters – Christine Bruns
National Vice President, Extension and Fraternity Development – Marcie Richardson
National Vice President, Finance – Jennifer Zerangue
National Vice President, Membership – Susan Bermann
National Vice President, Ritual and Fraternity Education – Dr. Deborah R. Volker
Chairman, Board of Directors, SAI Philanthropies, Inc. – Daryle Gardner-Bonneau
Executive Director – Ruth Sieber Johnson

 

 

WEEK 3 EDUCATION

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
The National MIT fee is $50.00 and is due at the time of PINNING
The National INITIATION and badge fee is $200.00 and is due at the
time of the NATIONAL EXAM
National Dues are $25.00 for an entire year and $12.50 for half a year

THERE ARE 2 REGULATION BADGES AVAILABLE TO YOU:
1) 10K gold with semi-crown set pearls- $80.00
2) 10 K gold with Full crown set of Pearls- $90.00

INDIVIDUAL HONORS: 
Sword of Honor – a golden word given for outstanding fraternity service or for exceptional
campus or community leadership
Ruby Sword of Honor – a gold sword inset with a ruby, given each year for the candidate
chosen as the province leadership award winner
Rose of Honor – a gold rose with a ruby center, given only to those alumna who have given
outstanding  or extraordinary service to the fraternity, the community, and the
local chapter
Rose of Dedication –  A gold rose with a pearl center, surrounded by the laurel wreath,
and is given for 25 years or more of outstanding continuous service to the fraternity, to the
community, and the local chapter.
Ring of Excellence – This is the fraternity’s highest honor. It is a ring in the shape of the
fraternity badge with 2 engraved roses on the shaft. It may be given for outstanding service
to the National orginization, or given to an internationally renouned artist, scholar, or
teacher who was initiated as a college or non-student member.

Scholastic Award – Awarded anually to the graduating senior in each college chapter who
has attained the highest grade point average during her college years and whom the head
of the Music department reccomends.
Collegiate Honor Award – Awarded anually to a collegiae member recognized for
musicianship, scholorship, and fraternity service and whom the head of the music
department reccomends.
National Outstanding Treasurer Award – This is presented anually based on nominations
from Province officers.
National Collegiate Leadership Award – Awarded annually and selected from province
leadership award winners.
National Alumnae Leadership Award – Awarded annually  for outstanding service
to the fraternity, the local chapter, and the community.

Other awards include:
The Dorthy Whinery Special Leadership Award
National Outstanding Advisor Award
Member Laureate
Honorary Member
National Arts Associate
Friend of the Arts