RECRUITMENT
Frequently Asked Questions
*We hold recruitment in the Fall and Winter. For the most up-to-date recruitment information, check the Events Page!
What is SAI?
Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity, was founded in 1903 "to form chapters of music students and musicians who shall, by their influence and their musical interest, uphold the highest ideals of musical education; to raise the standard of productive musical work among the students of colleges, conservatories, and universities." Currently, SAI's membership includes 220 active college chapters and 121 alumnae chapters. As of August 2022, Sigma Alpha Iota included 134,390 initiated members.
Who is eligible for membership? Do I have to be a music major?
SAI is inclusive to women, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals. We welcome both undergraduate and graduate members. To be eligible for membership in Sigma Alpha Iota, you must be a currently enrolled student of Northwestern (carrying 3 or more credits) with a cumulative GPA of 2.50. You must have taken, be enrolled in, or plan to take at least one NU music class, performing ensemble, or private lesson. You do not have to be a music major or minor!
What kind of activities does Beta Chapter do?
Beta chapter is a very active SAI chapter. We have chapter meetings once a week on Sundays at 7 p.m., which includes a choir rehearsal.
We hold at least one philanthropic event every quarter. Some of these events include helping Girl Scouts earn music badges, performing at local retirement homes, and volunteering at the Music Institute of Chicago. Beta chapter also organizes a variety of social events, including barbecues, outdoor adventures, a formal in the spring, and casual trips to on-campus and Chicago musical events. Finally, we showcase our choir and other talented ensembles in quarterly recitals, where all members have an opportunity to perform.
What kinds of opportunities are available to SAI members?
SAI Philanthropies, Inc., offers national scholarships to members for undergraduate, graduate, and summer studies. With alumnae chapters all over the country as well as many international members, SAI offers many contacts in the field of music and in virtually every other profession imaginable. Members of Beta Chapter enjoy performance opportunities, practice space, housing, and a community ready to support them in all their endeavors.
Where have I seen Betas around campus?
You may have seen us selling roses on Valentine's Day, hosting an all-you-can-eat pancake night, or at bake sales outside Tech and Kresge. We perform at Ryan Field as members of the NU Marching Band, on stage at Pick-Staiger with every ensemble from Concert Band to Symphonic Wind Ensemble (conducted by our very own Beta alum Dr. Mallory Thompson!), give talks at research conferences, and work hard at the Norris Student Center. Betas truly do it all!
Can freshmen join? What about seniors?
Freshmen are only not eligible for Fall Recruitment due to University policy (the Freshman Freeze) and National SAI regulations. Freshmen can only join SAI during Winter Recruitment (a delay of one quarter from the time they arrive on campus). Freshmen are, however, allowed to come to any fall recruitment events they may wish and are eligible to attend recruitment in Winter Quarter when another recruitment period will take place. Students from all other years are encouraged to attend our events. We have had members who pledged as late as Winter Quarter of their senior year!
What are the obligations of membership?
Attendance at weekly chapter meeting/choir rehearsal, as well as other events such as recruitment, philanthropies, and fundraising, is required. Excused absences include performances and classes. Flexible attendance plans are available under certain circumstances. Members must perform once a quarter, either at the chapter recital or at a monthly musicale. Although we encourage all members to live in the SAI house at some point, there is no "housing requirement."
What is the recruitment process like?
SAI Recruitment consists of three events: an informal game night, a formal performance night where we chat, eat and listen to performances by Beta members, and a formal luncheon. At these events, you get to meet the members and learn more about our chapter. As they are open events, no previous sign-up is necessary and you are free to attend parts of any of the three events as your schedule permits (although of course we encourage you to spend as much time with us as possible). If you are unable to fully participate, please do not hesitate to contact us to see if we can make other arrangements!
What happens after pledging?
The member-in-training period is focused on education, fun, and bonding with your future SAI siblings. It takes place over the course of about a month. There are about three hour-long meetings during this period called MIT lessons. At these meetings you get to know your class, as well as the active members. You learn the history, tradition, and principles of our fraternity. At the end of the period, you'll take and pass a national exam. In addition to the MIT lessons, there are a number of fun bonding events and outings, like spa nights and crafting. Every MIT also performs (alone or with a group - nothing to be worried about!) in a MIT recital and participates in a service project.
What are the costs of membership?
The MIT fee, which includes the Manual for Members and the SAI Songbook, is $50. The fee for initiation is $250.00. This includes the National Initiation fee, the badge fee (for your 10k gold SAI pin), and $12.50 for a half year of National Dues.
Beta dues for full members are $288.50 for 2022 - 2023 and break down as follows:
$72.70 Beta Chapter dues x 3 quarters
$48 national dues (plus insurance)
$22.40 essential expenses (convention fund, annual service charge, bank fee)
For members who live in the house at 720 Emerson, $50 of annual dues are waived. These dues are payable on a quarterly payment plan or other flexible schedule if necessary.
Beta Chapter dues go straight back to the chapter! They funding recitals, outings, gifts, and budgets for leadership to create their own events. In order to keep dues low, we run fundraisers each quarter, which also go straight back into the chapter.
We are dedicated to working with ALL prospective and current members to ensure cost is never a barrier to our community. SAI offers scholarships of up to $300! Plus, Northwestern University's SAAF will pay for up to $600 of 'activity funds' upon application.
Can I be a member of SAI and another sorority at the same time?
Absolutely! Since Sigma Alpha Iota is not a member of the Northwestern Panhellenic Association (PHA), members can be active in both a Panhellenic sorority and SAI. Our chapter meetings are held on Sunday nights so they do not conflict with Panhellenic chapter meetings and we try to be as flexible as possible when there are event conflicts.