PAGE 7 | SIGMA PHI EPSILON
A SHIFTING HIGHER
EDUCATION LANDSCAPE
O
ver the last 15 years, higher education in the U.S. has
experienced notable shifts marked by steep increases in college
expenses and the widespread adoption of online learning platforms.
Perhaps one of the most consequential changes is the 16% decrease
in male enrollment in undergraduate programs. In essence, fewer
men are pursuing higher education than ever.
This issue is also pressing at the University of Maine. On campus,
enrollment has dropped by almost 10% since fall 2018, decreasing
from 8,861 students to just 8,021. With sixteen fraternities recruiting
from fewer students, recruiting quality members requires increasing
levels of excellence.
Fraternities like SigEp play a crucial role in establishing lifelong
connections for young men. Studies indicate that fraternities
cultivate stronger bonds among their members and the university,
offering a sense of satisfaction and connection that non-members
do not often experience. These connections create spaces for
vulnerability and positive mental health. This enduring connection
extends well beyond graduation, enriching both the campus
community and personal relationships.
Maine Alpha consistently demonstrates SigEp's values through its on-
campus work. Maine Alpha members rise to the occasion time and time
again, both in and out of the classroom, by illustrating the strength and
quality of our brotherhood.
The time is now to reward the dedicated on-campus brothers and
alumni with a house that feels like home.
