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Scholarship |
| It is true that no device or organization can force a man to study. The will to study comes from within. However, the will to learn can be inspired and stimulated from others. That is a purpose of Sigma Tau Gamma. The Fraternity provides a favorable atmosphere for productive study, and upperclassmen make it a point to show new members how to organize their time and manage their course load. Freshman associates are eligible for up to $100 in scholarship money from the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation for achieving a high grade point average during their period of association. This program is used by collegiate chapters to encourage the academic achievement of new members during their period of association. Associate scholars also receive a certificate suitable for framing from the Foundation. The Roskens Scholastic Achievement Award, developed and funded by the Foundation, recognizes undergraduates who attain a minimum semester grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Award recipients receive a custom-printed Sigma Tau Gamma Scholar T-shirt and a certificate suitable for framing. The Headquarters office also sends a letter to the student's parents in recognition of his scholastic achievement. Collegiate chapters achieving the highest scholarship index are also recognized by Sigma Tau Gamma each year at the National Conclave or Grand Chapter meeting. The Emmett Ellis Scholarship Award recognizes chapters with the highest composite grade point average for the previous academic year. |
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Wellness |
| Diet And Exercise |
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Recent studies have indicated a connection
between proper nutrition and general health and mental achievement.
Proper nutrition can only be attained by eating three balanced meals
each day while avoiding "fast food" or other foods high in saturated
fats . Cardiovascular exercise will also enhance the physical and
mental well-being of the undergraduate member of Sigma Tau Gamma
Fraternity. Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, tennis, skiing, golf
and racquetball are some examples of excellent cardiovascular activities
which may be continued for recreation and exercise throughout one's
lifetime. Participation in intramural sports also gives undergraduate
members of the Fraternity an opportunity to exercise. Sigma Tau
Gamma Fraternity encourages its members to participate in intramural
sports not only because of the benefits derived from physical exercise,
but also the important lessons learned by being a part of a team.
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| Relationships and Sexuality |
| Relationships women are
often fostered during a young man's college years. Sigma Tau Gamma
undergraduates are given the opportunity to meet and develop relationships
with members of the opposite sex at many chapter social events throughout
the year. Sigma Tau Gamma does not condone extramarital sexual activity,
but does encourage those members who are sexually active to practice
safe sex. AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are primarily
transmitted during unsafe sex. Sexual partners are at greatest risk
when their judgment is impaired due to the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Extramarital sexual activity can also result in unwanted pregnancy
and the enormity of dealing with the consequences of a new human life.
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| Spirituality |
| The Principles of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and the teachings of the Founders embody the teachings of many of the great religions and philosophies of the world. Although no allegiance to a particular religion is required for membership in Sigma Tau Gamma, it is vital that each member hold high values and principles like those found in these religions. Sigma Tau Gamma is not a religion or sect. However, the root of the word religion refers to realignment, and Sigma Tau Gamma's Principles of Value, Learning, Leadership, Excellence, Benefit and Integrity give our members a guide for daily realignment in their lives. A man's spirituality, whether it be based on "religion" or not, should grow as an undergraduate member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. Our chapters are spiritual entities in and of themselves. Whether the members of these chapters attend a different place of worship each week or simply encourage spiritual and religious growth, the chapter house must be a place of reverence for religious principles and a source of strength for each member. |
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Etiquette |
| Introductions |
| Introductions are simple if you know
the system. The most important thing to remember about introducing
people is to do it, even if you forget names. A male is always presented
to a female, and the younger person is always presented to the older
person. The person being presented is mentioned second. Example: "Mary
Brown, I would like you to meet my Fraternity brother, Tom Smith."
(Female first . . . male second.) "Uncle John, I would like you to
meet my roommate, Ben Brown." (Older male first . . . younger male
second.) As with most rules, there are exceptions, of which you must
be the judge. Example: "Senator Thomas, I would like you to meet my
date, Janet Young." (Older male of distinction first . . . younger
female second.) |
| Shaking Hands |
| Many people feel they can judge another
person by his or her handshake. A good, vigorous handshake can be
the difference between a successful first impression and an unsuccessful
one. Men stand up when shaking hands, while women remain seated. A
good handshake is one that is held for about three or four seconds
and is made with a firm, but not bone-crushing or fish-limp grip.
This asset will be invaluable to all your relationships, especially
during rush. |
| Making a lasting impression |
| Personal correspondence is fast becoming
a lost art, but if done correctly, is a great way to make a lasting
and positive impression. Personal notes tell a lot more about you
than you think. For starters, they should be legible and in your own
handwriting . . . usually not typewritten. They should promptly follow
the occasion. They should be conversational and not sound stilted.
For "thank you" notes, you should describe and name the gift (if it's
money, don't mention the amount), express your pleasure and appreciation
in receiving it, and then thank the person for their generosity and
consideration. After receiving an invitation marked RSVP (which stands
for "please respond" in French), you are obligated to respond as soon
as possible, saying if you can or cannot attend. The words "regrets
only" on an invitation require a response if you cannot attend. Use
notepaper or stationery " perhaps with your name or monogram. Don't
use a page from a spiral notebook. Check a reference manual for the
proper placement of the date and greeting. Arriving At The Restaurant
Arriving at the restaurant, knowing who leads to the table, seating
women (and yourself), ordering for the woman and tipping all have
a practical reason, which is to help keep you and your guests at ease.
Check in advance for the restaurant hours, reservations, costs, dress
requirements and parking. If there is a head waiter who comes forward
to seat you, the man steps back and lets the woman go first. Otherwise,
the man goes first. Everyone is seated from the left side of his/her
chair unless something prevents it. The man should assist the woman
and then seat himself to her left. At some "traditional" restaurants
it is courteous to order for the woman. You should recommend food
to her, ask the waiter for information (if needed) and place her order
before yours. |
| Table Manners |
| Recognize that the three things we
eat with today " the knife, fork and spoon " each have a specific
use, purpose and proper way to be handled. Normally, they are placed
on the table in order of use, starting from the outside and working
to the plate. A good guideline is to use a fork on a flat plate and
a spoon in a bowl. It is important to also hold a knife, fork and
spoon properly. Pass food to your left. Pass the salt and pepper together.
Don't reach across the table or over another person. Ask that the
dish be passed to you. Eat fruit cocktail with a spoon. Don't use
a fork. Eat pie " even a la mode " with a fork. Don't use a spoon.
Cut one bite of meat or vegetable at a time. Don't cut numerous bites.
Keep the salad and bread plates to your left. Don't move them around.
Never leave a spoon in a bowl, cup, glass or dessert dish. Place the
knife and fork on the edge of the plate while eating and in the center
of the plate when finished. Keep your napkin folded in half on your
lap throughout the meal except when using it to wipe your mouth. Eat
noiselessly. Never speak when your mouth contains food. Avoid mention
of unpleasant subjects at the table. Talk only with those seated close
to you. If forced to leave the table, ask to be excused. Don't stack
your dishes. Don't assist the waiter unless an unusual situation seems
to require it. |
| Gratuities |
| We must remember that tips are part of the employee's salary (unless there is a service charge on your bill) and part of what we pay for the overall service. The wine steward (if his services were enlisted) receives 10 percent of the bill. Bartenders receive 10 percent. The waiter receives 15-20 percent (depending on the service). |
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