What is Sigma Alpha Iota?
Sigma Alpha Iota is an International Music Fraternity that serves the community and aims to better the individuals within it through music and sisterhood.
What Does Sigma Alpha Iota Do?
At the national level, Sigma Alpha Iota aims to support females participating in music. Our chapter has done Badge Days for local Girl Scout Troops, made collections for donations to local non-profits, made significant contributions to SAI Philanthropies, Inc., put on semesterly Sister Musicales, and more. We do many service projects such as working with local Girl Scout Troops, keeping up with baskets of feminine products within HSOM bathrooms, cleaning up our Adopt-A-Street, sending faculty care packages to the Hayes School of Music staff, playing music in nursing homes, holding a Halloween trunk or treat as a safe place for local students to experience Halloween, and much more. We also aim to build sisterhood through service, music, volunteering, and social events and to celebrate our chapter, our community, and our sisters!
Why Should I Join SAI?
SAI is a wonderful way to make new friends and meet other women who share your love of music! You'll create new friendships and bonds with members of our other music fraternities - Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi - as a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. There are several awards and scholarship opportunities available to members of SAI. There are also a variety of leadership opportunities for our members within the organization so that you can prepare for your future in the workplace! You'll also have the opportunity to attend National Conventions and Province Days which will allow you to network with people in all different fields who can help you with your future endeavors. It is a great way for music majors to further their passion for music, make changes in the music community and make connections. For non-music majors, it is a wonderful way to keep music as an active part of your life while you work on your degree.
What Makes You Eligible for Membership?
- Must have completed at least one semester at Appalachian State University.
- Have an established GPA at Appalachian State University of at least 2.5.
- Have completed or be enrolled in at least one music course.
- Have a sincere interest in music.
What if I'm Not Eligible?
Still come out and meet our members! Even if you don't meet one or more of our requirements, we'd still love to see you at Recruitment Week! We initiate new members every semester so we'd still love to see you next semester!
How Much Does it Cost to be in SAI?
As a Member in Training (MIT), you will pay $50 at your Pledging Ceremony for your MIT pin, Manual for Members book, and Song Book. $250 will be due at the time of your National Exam; this will cover the cost of your other member materials, your member badge, your member card, and your member certificate. You will be able to fundraise up to half of the $250 during your process. After you have been initiated, National Dues are $50 each year, and Chapter Dues are $85 each semester.
I Don't Think I Have Time.
Sometimes potential members can feel like they don't have time for a fraternity or that their schoolwork, social life, or work will be affected. While it's true that there are time commitments for members, we understand that our members have other obligations and will try to work with you as best as we can. SAI holds scholarship as one of its biggest priorities and expects the same of its members. Several of our members have jobs, are involved in other campus organizations and activities, and have demanding majors. It can be done!
What Does the Member in Training Process Entail?
You'll attend our Pledging Ceremony, and, afterwards, you will have weekly meetings with your Big and your Vice President of Membership (VPM). These meetings will prepare you for the National Exam that you'll take before Initiation. In the meantime, you'll build sisterhood, learn about Sigma Alpha Iota, and get to know your future Sisters as well as learning the in's and outs of what our members do such as fundraisers and service projects!
Does SAI Haze?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Sigma Alpha Iota maintains a very strict no hazing policy that each and every member must sign her name to. It is incredibly important that our members and potential members feel comfortable, safe, and cared for.
Can I Still Be in Another Fraternity if I'm a Member?
Yes! While we do have exclusive membership with Mu Phi Epsilon, Delta Omicron, and Phi Beta, our members can also be members of other Greek organizations as long as they are still able to meet our requirements for members.