"Rush" is our word for recruitment. Rush is open to the entire campus community, and potential new members are invited to come to our events to get to know us. Normally, our events would take place at our house or on campus, but this semester they will take place online.

Pledging is a semester-long process where a potential member associates with our fraternity for several months before becoming a brother. Anyone with an interest in chemistry can pledge, including students in a non-chemistry related major; the only requirement is a promise to take or have taken three semesters of chemistry. The purpose of the pledge process is not only to allow members of the fraternity to learn about pledges but also to let pledges figure out whether Alpha Chi Sigma is the right organization for them.

Although most fraternities for women call themselves sororities, fraternity is the more general term for a greek letter organization. We are a fraternity in the true sense of the word. All members are referred to as brothers, including our female members.

A professional fraternity selects its members based on common professional goals and interests. The more common social fraternities choose their members based on similar social interests. However, professional fraternities can have just as much fun as social ones; just ask any one of our members!

Absolutely not. As a professional fraternity, we have a zero-tolerance policy on hazing. Pledges who are uncomfortable with what is asked of them by a member of the fraternity should voice their concerns and, if necessary, report the matter to one of the fraternity officers.

Anyone who is going to take at least three chemistry or chemistry-related classes may pledge our brotherhood. This means most scientists and engineers are automatically qualified. You may pledge any time you like - this includes graduate and professional years. We usually conduct pledging in both the fall and spring semesters.

We hope so! If you don't find it fun, you won't find being a member fun either. If, unfortunately, you view coming to fraternity meetings and events a hassle rather than a time for fun, perhaps you might reconsider joining our fraternity.

Pledging should be a similar workload to a 2-unit course, averaging around 6 hours per week. We have mandatory pledge meetings once a week and recommended activities on some weekends. The time commitment is more than that to join most clubs, but much less than that to join a social fraternity. Beyond mandatory events, many pledges find themselves voluntarily spending more time with Alpha Chi Sigma than required.

As a pledge you will have a Big, an active member to act as mentor and help you through the pledging process. You have to learn about the fraternity's history and alchemy (yes, you will be quizzed). Mostly though, you will be having fun and learning what brotherhood is all about.

No. However, members who wish to live in the house receive priority over non-members. They also receive a nice discount on rent--which is already very reasonable and includes room and board (food).

Yes. In fact, several of our brothers are also in social fraternities and sororities.

No. Alpha Chi Sigma has about 50 collegiate chapters throughout the country. One of the coolest parts about the fraternity is visiting another chapter or meeting brothers from a different part of the country. It can be surprising how much we all have in common.

Yes. We have a few active members who are graduate students. In fact, many professors are also Alpha Chi Sigma brothers, including some with Nobel prizes. Since we are a professional fraternity, we also have an active presence in industry and a number of professional chapters. Alpha Chi Sigma is not just for undergrads, it's for life.