Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a national fraternity with an active chapter at UCLA, announced Sunday it would discontinue the pledging process.
Under new organization-wide rules, instead of the typical quarter wait before earning full status in the chapter, initiates will become brothers in the fraternity immediately after their initiation.
The national chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, comprised of about 240 chapters at colleges and universities nationwide, said in a statement it initiated the change after many chapters were shut down because of “a number of incidents and deaths, events with consequences that have never been consistent with our membership experience.”
According to data published last week by Bloomberg, there have been at least 10 deaths at Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter events linked to hazing, alcohol and drugs since 2006.
“Our Supreme Council decided to enact this change between conventions in order to protect Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s future and to eliminate a class structure between our new members and our active members,” Sigma Alpha Epsilon said in the statement.
Ty Barbo, president of UCLA’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter and a third-year international development studies student, said his fraternity will work with the Interfraternity Council and other organizations to reform its recruiting system for new members.
Barbo said in the future the UCLA chapter may initiate a year-long period for prospective members during which they can learn more about the organization’s values and get to know the brothers. After the year, interested individuals may be extended a bid to become a pledged brother.
In their statement, Sigma Alpha Epsilon described a similar reform, which it termed a “holistic educational period.” The statement did not mention how long this period might be.
Barbo also said the removal of the pledging process could attract members who wouldn’t otherwise be able to join because of the time commitment required for rushing.
“I’m excited for the changes,” Barbo said. “I think it enhances leadership education and allows prospective members to get actively involved in the organization.”
Greek adviser Mande Adams could not be reached after multiple requests for comment.