Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the fraternity?
The name of the fraternity is “Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity.” The nickname for the fraternity is “Lambda Betas" or "Betas." The chapter at the University of Southern California is Omega Gamma, nicknamed the "Oh So Clean Gentlemen."
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What does Sigma Lambda Beta stand for?
Sigma Lambda Beta is a social fraternity that promotes the awareness of the Latino culture as well all other cultures that make up the rich diversity found within society. Additionally, Sigma Lambda Beta believes in advancing young, collegiate men to become better men. This organization prides itself in upholding Brotherhood, Scholarship, Community Service, and Cultural Awareness as its principles. Every member of the organization lives out these beliefs in their school work, job, and communities.
What are the requirements for membership eligibility?
In order to be eligible for membership, a collegiate student must be a full-time student at the institution of the collegiate entity where he is pursuing membership. Additionally, the interested gentleman must have at least a 2.50 cumulative Grade Point Average (3.0 graduating high school GPA for first semester students).
Will becoming a member affect my academics?
Yes! Your academics will be affected positively. Sigma Lambda Beta encourages and reinforces the importance of scholarship. You came to college to get an education. The fraternity requires that each member maintains a 2.50 minimum G.P.A. Members dedicate themselves to having study hours, participate in scholarship programs, attend their classes, and are guided towards knowing campus resources that will assist them in succeeding academically.
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Will I be hazed?
Sigma Lambda Beta does not promote or condone any behavior related to hazing. During the education process for membership, your son will learn the history of the organization, develop time management & leadership skills, and connect more with the membership. None of the activities should affect your son’s ability to take care of the priorities in his life. If there is an incident in which hazing takes place, there are policies & protocols in place to address and and correct the matter. If you know of any hazing by Sigma Lambda Beta, please contact us at 319.626.7686.
What is the price for becoming a member?
The new member fee is $315 and is a one-time non-refundable payment that will be broken into an induction fee ($180) at the beginning on the new member’s education process and an initiation fee ($135) collected about half-way. This fee covers the certificate and pins each member receives as well as the general liability insurance the fraternity is required to maintain per member, and the overall general operation costs of the fraternity. Thereafter, membership fee is $110 per semester which helps fund the fraternity’s general operating costs, resources available to our members, our full-time staff, as well as the liability insurance the fraternity is required to maintain per member. If you receive a semester GPA of 3.50 or better, your membership cost is reduced to $55 for the following semester.
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What are the benefits of being a member of Sigma Lambda Beta?
You will become a part of a network of men that will help one another grow, for life. You will benefit from networking in order to get jobs or build up your career, as well as having a support system at school to keep you uplifted and motivated to succeed. You will further be able to develop into a wiser, smarter, and well-rounded man through your involvement and character development as a member of the organization.
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How long will it take before I am an official member of the organization?
The membership education process can last up to 10 weeks.
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Will I be able to have a life outside of Sigma Lambda Beta?
The organization encourages & favors men that have a life outside of the fraternity. All of the members involve themselves in the operations of the fraternity at their school, yet the members also have freedom to take part in things that are important to them. That freedom reinforces the support system that the brotherhood has so that no member feels that their priorities have no worth in the organization.
I'm not Latino. Can I still become a member?
Of course! Our fraternity may be Latino-based but it is greatly multicultural, from coast to coast! Our founding fathers were of Latino, African-American and Asian descent. Sigma Lambda Beta prides itself in being one of more larger and diverse organizations out there. We place a heavy importance on culture, and the more diverse our organization is, the more we can all grow and learn from each other.
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