Our Badge
The badge, a Sigma Chi cross of gold and of white and black enamel, contains two chains connecting the upper arms, crossed keys on the upper arm, an eagle’s head on its right arm, a scroll on its left arm, clasped hands and seven stars on the lower arm, and the Greek letters SC in the center. The symbols and borders and gold, with white background on each arm, and black background in the center.
Only initiated members of the Fraternity may wear the badge. When suitably dressed, member may wear the badge over the heart, on the left beast approximately midway between the waist and the neck. It is to be worn with the upper arm slanted slightly toward the left shoulder. It may be worn on a collared shirt, pull-over sweater, or vest, but never on the lapel of a coat.
While only initiated members may wear the badge, coat of arms or Sigma Chi Greek letters, this regulation does not apply to such items as pins for sweethearts, wives or housemothers. Recognition pins are to be worn only in the upper corner of a coat lapel approximately one-half inch from each edge (and not in a buttonhole or near the lapel’s center).
The Pledge Button
The pledge button is a small Norman shield of blue bearing a white Sigma Chi cross. When suitably dressed, the pledge may wear his button or pin. With a suit or sport coat, it is worn in the buttonhole of the left lapel or as close thereto as it practical. When a coat is not worn, it is placed on the left side of the shirt front between the pocket and buttonholes and over the heart. Pledges should refrain from wearing the pin on a t-shirt, sweatshirt or other non-collared shirt. It may be worn on a pull-over-type sweater.
The Seal
The Fraternity seal is circular. Around the top of the outer edge is the name Sigma Chi Fraternity, and at the bottom are the numbers 1855. The central portion contains seven stars and a seven-branched candlestick.
The Flag of Sigma Chi
The flag is rectangular, the length being one and one-half times the width, the upper half being blue, the lower half being old gold, with a white Sigma Chi cross standing upright in the center and parallel to the lesser sides.
The Coat of Arms
The coat of arms -or crest- is a Norman Shield of blue bearing a white Sigma Chi cross, the shield being surmounted by a scroll in white and blue and a crest of a eagle’s head holding a key of gold. The public motto, “In Hoc Signo Vinces” is placed below the shield on a scroll. The meaning of our public motto is, “In this sign you will conquer”. It is pronounced: “in hoke sig’no win’case”.
Color of Sigma Chi: The colors of Sigma Chir are blue and old gold.
The Flower of Sigma Chi: the White Rose
Preamble to the Constitution of 1856
BELIEVING that many advantages are to be derived from a secret fraternity organization; appreciating that closer communication of kindred hearts which adds so many incentives to virtuous exertion; and feeling that there is union in strength; We do hereby form ourselves into an association for the development of the nobler powers of the mind, the finer feelings of the heart, and for the promotion of friendship and congeniality of feeling.
The Founders of Sigma Chi -1856
The fundamental purpose of the Sigma Chi Fraternity is to cultivate an appreciation of and commitment to the ideals of friendship, justice and learning. These ideals and objectives have been at the heart of Sigma Chi since it’s founding by seven men at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, on June 28, 1855.
These seven men believed that the principles they professed were imperfectly realized in other fraternal organizations. Although this vision of Sigma Chi was based upon the notion of shared ideals, they believed that true brotherhood would thrive best among men of different temperaments, talents and convictions.
Our guiding principles, unchanged for almost 150 years, continue to define the essence of Sigma Chi. Like all Greek organizations, Sigma Chi’s ideals and purposes are set forth in a secret document called our Ritual. Sigma Chi also has a set of signs, symbols and heraldry that supports our teachings.
