SigTau woos UNCP, set to recruit this spring

By Hannah Simpson
Around the Town Editor

The Office of Greek Life will welcome Sigma Tau Gamma to the campus after Spring break.

National representative and Leadership Consultant Michael Smoll arrived Feb. 7 to tour the campus and interview with Office of Greek Life Director Sara Jahansouz.

“A lot of why we really pursued this...is because of the historical background,” Jahansouz said.

Sigma Tau Gamma, SigTau for short, in the 1950s was one of the first national organizations to integrate between racial boundaries. It was also one of the only Greek organizations to have a non- discrimination clause.

“They set the foundation for integrations within [the Greek] groups,” Jahansouz said.

“This seemed like an ideal opportunity seeing as our campus is so diverse,” she continued.

SigTau boasts approximately 65 chapters across the Northeast and Midwest. It was founded in Warrensburg, Mo., where its headquarters now rest.

Molls said the organization is concentrated at smaller, regional universities.

Molls said the fraternity is unique because of its eight-week new member process, as opposed to the usual semester long initiation.

Despite being a fraternity, the faculty adviser will be Career Services Director Sara Francisco.

The former national SigTau president, currently faculty at UNC-Wilmington, has agreed to lend a hand as the group begins, Jahansouz said.

Molls said there is a lot of alumni presence in the organizaiton, as well as benefits for members.

SigTau members can receive the Roskens Scholarship if a GPA of 2.75 is maintained, Smoll said.

Each Greek organization that bids for a spot at UNCP must provide a copy of their constitution and bylaws, hold liability insurance with a minimum of $1 million coverage and documentation that the headquarters supports the chapter, among other requirements.

Jahansouz said as many as six Greek organizations may come to UNCP next year.

“This is just the beginning of more national groups coming to campus,” Jahansouz said.