Why Join A Fraternity at University of Montana
Obtaining a degree is the number one purpose to attend the University of Montana, clearly. The vast majority of students live on campus their freshman year, and then choose a small number of roommates to move into an apartment or rental house their Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years. But there is a much more enriching and maturing experience available to those who choose to join Greek Life. Fraternities and sororities offer an instant extended friendship group that spans all years of collegiate education. Greek Life members are more likely to finish school and obtain a degree, they are less likely to want to leave UM, they tend to return more after college for UM events such as Homecoming, and become donors to UM at a higher rate than non-Greek alumni.
Greek Life also instills maturity and leadership through mentorship and the added responsibilities of holding positions within the chapter that others rely on you for the overall success of the chapter.
Why Choose SAE Fraternity at University of Montana
While SAE is one of the largest National fraternities in terms of membership, the Missoula chapter is very modest in size and scope compared to large university chapters. We are committed to strong academics and maintain a minimum GPA to be a member in good standing. Our chapter average GPA is 3.0, and we had 16 Dean’s List members last school year! We enforce quiet times Sunday -Thursday similar to that of on-campus living, and have required study tables for all Freshman, and any member not maintaining the minimum GPA, which have proven very effecting in instilling good study habits and assistance for those who may not have arrived in Missoula with those skills intact. SAE has also ELIMINATED the notion of a “pledge” who has to “prove” that they desire to become a member by suffering through an extended pledge ship culminating in “hell week” and “activation” ceremonies that most associate with hazing rituals like paddling, embarrassment, and humiliation. Our new members are treated with dignity and respect because we work hard during the recruitment phase to find and attract high-quality men with high moral character and dignity. Our National Creed is The True Gentleman, by John Walter Wayland, which is what we strive to live up to.
Our fraternity chapter house is located at 1120 Gerald Avenue in Missoula. It’s a short 4 block walk right down University Avenue to campus. It has its own parking lot and street parking so there is no need for an on-campus parking pass.
It was constructed between 1898-1901, and was architected by famed Montana architect A.J. Gibson, who also designed UM Main Hall and Clock Tower, Geology Building, Math Building, Physics Building, Forestry Building, the original Gymnasium, the Wilma Theater, the Court House, and many prominent University District homes and Missoula commercial buildings. The home was commissioned by the William Russel family and was first occupied at the end of 1901, and enjoyed great prominence within Missoula, and it was on the cover of AJ Gibsons business brochure for a few decades. SAE Fraternity first occupied this property in 1930 and has rented and occupied it since then. We do not refer to this as a “frat house”. This is our fraternity home. We take great pride in our home, and it is to be kept clean and maintained. Our members can expect a clean kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas, and we have schedules and rules in place to ensure everyone pulls their weight. It is rented from a non-profit entity called Sigma Alpha Building Corporation (SABC), which was incorporated in 1930 when it purchased the property. SABC is responsible to maintain the property, lease the rooms and space to members of SAE, and to collect associated billing from those members.
We expect Freshman to live on campus, and Sophomores and Juniors to live in the chapter house. Members sign a 4-semester rooming agreement. The house live-in maximum is only 23, so depending on the recruitment numbers each semester, many members do move out their junior year to make room for the incoming Sophomores.
Can I Afford to Become an SAE
While there are costs associated with being a member of a Greek Life chapter, SAE has worked hard to provide a cost structure that is comparable to a student renting a room off campus in an apartment or house. Our rent, meal plan, social fee, and all membership related fees are at or below current costs associated with Missoula rental rates plus utilities, food, Internet/TV, etc. Our meals are prepared by a chef through a contract with Upper Crust, a company who provides meals for Greek Life across the US. The meal plan includes a serve -yourself breakfast 7 days per week, with lunch and dinner 5 days per week. We also provide a fridge shared by all members, and cooking appliances like air fryer, hot plate, microwave, toasters, BBQ grill, etc. for those who want to cook something over the weekend.
Is There Guidance for the Chapter
The SAE chapter operates itself with a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and multiple other chapter positions to run all aspects of the chapter. There are “chapter advisors” who are alumni of SAE and are there to offer guidance and advice. While they cannot and do not tell members what to do, they help chapter leadership conduct their roles and maintain SAE rules and regulations throughout the membership. These chapter advisors live both in and out of Missoula, and are accessible by all members. They also conduct house visits on a regular basis to inspect the property and answer any questions the members may have.
Can I Use Loan or Scholarship Money to Help Pay for Greek Life Expenses
Yes, SAE expenses include room and board, and you can designate with the UM where you want any “left over” funds that have been deposited into your UM GrizPortal, after tuition is paid, to be directed. That can include your checking account which you can then use to pay your SAE charges.
Are Fraternities Only for the Wealthy
No, SAE at UM is a very diversified chapter. Members come from all over the United States and abroad, and from all backgrounds and economic sectors. Many of our members work part-time jobs, as do many college students. This is why our affordability goals are typically better priced than off-campus living costs to ensure cost is not a deterrent to fraternity membership.
SAE at UM is committed to many worthwhile causes throughout the year including philanthropic partners like the YWCA of Missoula, Loving Loic Foundation, and Movember, as well as working within our own neighborhood on projects like raking leaves and shoveling snow for neighbors in need, “Can-The-Cats” food drive to stock the UM Food Pantry helping faculty and students dealing with food and basic needs, and
Our social events are coordinated and registered with UM and UM Fraternity and Sorority Involvement (FSI) and align with UM social event policies.
SAE at UM is A Great Choice!
In summary, graduating college is a noteworthy life achievement no matter what. Graduating college with the additional training, experience, leadership and friendships provided from Greek Life is an added leg-up in life preparedness and competing in the job market. It is often said that people skills and leadership skills developed in Greek Life are utilized more in life-after-college than what you learned on campus in order to pass tests and earn a degree! SAE provides those well-rounded experiences, lifetime skills, and friendships!
SAE Members were awarded 30k worth of educational scholarships this year from SAE alumni.