Frequently Asked Questions

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What is pledging?

Pledging is a multifaceted experience within any fraternity, but it can be thought of as the extended process of joining a brotherhood. Pledges study and uphold the values of the fraternity, spend time getting to know the brothers, and eventually prove themselves to the brotherhood. Pledging is the rare experience of choosing your family and the rewarding process of making lifelong connections. Of our fraternity's three objects, the first is arguably the most important - "to bind it's members with a tie of true and lasting friendship."

 

How much of a time commitment is pledging?

Pledging Alpha Chi Sigma requires some amount of effort, but the experience is ultimately what you make of it. There are three core components of pledging:

 

1) Around six mandatory events throughout the semester, all on Friday evenings or Saturdays

2) Weekly to bi-weekly pledge meetings, time determined by the pledge class

3) Spending time with the active brotherhood, conducting interviews, and learning about the fraternity

 

While this may seem like a lot, hundreds of past pledges have managed to balance these activities with academics, volunteer duties, work, sports, etc. We try to make the pledging process as fun, exciting, and rewarding as possible, so if you want to pledge but have second thoughts on making the schedule work, let us know!

 

How can I get involved in service work as a pledge?

Each semester, committees within the chapter find opportunities to give back to our community through chemistry outreach, philanthropy, tutoring, or professional activities. AXΣ participates in Big Event and Relay for Life every year, as well as being a part of Virginia Tech's annual Chemfest event. Our philanthropy committee is also incredibly involved at the Warm Hearth Retirement Home, Margaret Beeks Elementary School, Blacksburg High School, as well as through many other events. We provide tutoring services at the CLC in Hahn Hall North twice every week. Additionally, pledges are given two opportunities each semester to participate in Highway Cleanup as part of our chapter's adopt-a-highway involvement.

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Is Alpha Chi Sigma like other fraternities on campus?

No. While we share many of the same social and service goals as VT Greek Life, Alpha Chi Sigma is unique in being a professional, co-ed, chemistry fraternity. This means that we:

 

- Hold ourselves to a professional standard in both academic and social contexts

- Strive to advance chemistry both as a science and as a profession

- Do not refuse any potential member of good character on the basis of race, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity

 

What are the requirements for pledging?

While anyone is free to attend our open rush events at the beginning of each semester, there are a few conditions for pledging:

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- All pledges must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and cannot be on academic probation

- Cannot be in their final semester at Virginia Tech

 

I've heard that some fraternities haze. Is this true for AXΣ?

No. As with any other professional fraternity at Virginia Tech, Alpha Chi Sigma has strict anti-hazing rules. From our bylaws:

 

"The Fraternity does not tolerate or condone any manner of hazing. Hazing activities are defined as: "Any action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off Fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule." Such activities include, but are not limited to: the use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical or psychological shocks; and any other activities inconsistent with Fraternity Law, ritual or policy, or with the applicable laws and regulations of the state, province, county, city, or educational institution. " 

 

Can I be involved with Alpha Chi Sigma as a graduate student or professional?

Yes! Our spring 2015 pledge class included six VT graduate students and one of Virginia Tech's esteemed organic chemistry professors. While there are plenty of opportunities for professional activities, networking, and skill-building in the fraternity, graduate pledges are all welcome to join undergraduate brothers and pledges in all activities throughout the semester. Fraternity is what you make of it, and while we try to offer as many opportunities for service, leadership, and brotherhood as possible for our pledges, we ask that they put in the effort and dedication to make the most of the pledging experience.

 

I want to rush AXΣ, but I don't go to Virginia Tech. Where else can I get involved?

Alpha Chi Sigma has active chapters across the United States. In the state of Virginia, there are five active chapters located at Hampden-Sydney College (BX), Longwood University (ΓΧ), University of Virginia (AK), James Madison University (ΓK), and Virginia Tech (ΓI). Additionally, the Virginia Tech chapter worked with students and professors at Christopher Newport Univesity and successfully created a new colony at CNU. For a list of all the active chapters, colonies, and pre-colonies of Alpha Chi Sigma, refer to the national website.

 

I want to know more about Alpha Chi Sigma - where should I go from here?

For those interested in the activities and opportunities that AXΣ offers, see the SERVICE page.

If you have a specific question you would like to ask us directly, check the CONTACT page to find out how to connect with us!