HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO SIGMA PHI COMMUNICATIONS

Twice a year, the Sigma Phi chapter at Cornell University publishes The Epsiloner, our bi-annual magazine, to keep members and friends of the chapter up to date on the state of the organization and, most importantly, to keep the brotherhood connected.

Our goal is to make The Epsiloner and all Sigma Phi communications as interesting, informative, and engaging as possible. To do that, we count on our alumni to keep us up to date on what’s happening in their lives and to share the news, stories, accomplishments, and experiences that make our brotherhood extraordinary.

All Sigs are encouraged to submit news and stories to The Epsiloner, the Sigma Phi blog, email communications, and other chapter materials. Whether it’s a professional accomplishment, a family birth, graduation, wedding, death, an adventure in Egypt, a mystery trip with your grandkids to the Beehive Trail in Acadia, finally crossing Wrigley Field off your bucket list, embarking on a new chapter in life, a reunion with brothers, or simply something you think other Sigs would enjoy hearing about, we want to hear from you.

Your contributions help keep the brotherhood connected and make our communications a richer reflection of the Sigma Phi brotherhood and the many generations of Sigs who have been part of it.

Letters to the editor

We welcome letters to the editor and questions, which can be submitted to The Epsiloner editorial staff using the form. The Epsiloner reserves the right to publish any letter received, and letters may be edited for space and clarity. 

The Epsiloner Guidelines

The Epsiloner of Sigma Phi at Cornell University is the official publication of the Fraternity. All Sigs are encouraged to submit news and stories to The Epsiloner stories can include volunteer service, professional awards, academic recognition, Sigs entrepreneurs and more.

Thank you wanting to contribute to our bi-annual newsletter.

    • Please submit stories via the form on our website at cornellsigmaphi.org/submit-a-story. You will receive a confirmation email after a completed submission.

    • Make sure your story addresses the who, what, where, when and why within the story to make for the most compelling, comprehensive content. The more details, the better.

    • Remember to include your name and the name of the person who wrote the article, if it differs from the person submitting.

    • Include your submission in the provided text box. Attach separate JPG or PNG file(s) for your digital images. Include photo captions in the space provided, listing all member names for groups less than 10.

    • Be sure to spell all names correctly. Include each member’s chapter of initiation. When writing about a married member, include their first name, initiated last name and current last name.

    • See the photography guidelines to ensure images meet publication requirements.

    • Winter Issue — October 1

    • Summer Issue — June 1

    The deadline dates apply to all submissions. The deadlines also appear in each issue of The Epsiloner. However, it is not necessary to wait until the deadline to email or to send hard copy submissions — stories and pictures are welcome at any time.

    • When submitting a story for publication, be sure to include the following at the beginning of your submission:

      • Name

      • Chapter

      • Officer Title (if any)

      • Date

      • Author (if different than submitter name)

    • Please be advised the editorial team may make edits to submitted content before publishing. Some submissions may be edited for clarity, to fit space constraints or other editorial considerations. If direct quotes require editing, a member of the editorial staff will contact you and the quoted member for approval.

    • As a general rule, The Epsiloner does not print stories about social parties or mixers, weddings, engagements or pinnings.

    • Unfortunately, space is limited, and we cannot guarantee the publication of any submission.

    • All photos and written submissions become the property of Sigma Phi, are subject to editing and may be used for other educational or marketing purposes by the Fraternity.

    • Please remember to follow the Photo and Video Release and Waiver Practice when hosting events where minors are present and being photographed and/or recorded. For more information, please refer to the Photo/Video Release and Waiver Practice document available on the Resource Library.

  • We welcome photos and videos from alumni events, reunions, family gatherings, chapter memories, philanthropy events, and personal collections. Please review the guidelines below before submitting content.

    PHOTO GUIDELINES

    Please send the highest-quality version of your photos available.

    • Send original photos directly from your phone or camera whenever possible.

    • Do not submit screenshots, blurry images, or photos downloaded from Facebook, Instagram, or other social media sites.

    • Avoid sending photos through text messages when possible, as texting can reduce image quality.

    • Clear, well-lit photos work best.

    • Group photos, candid moments, historical photos, and event pictures are all encouraged.

    • Horizontal (landscape) photos generally fit best in the newsletter layout, though vertical photos may still be used.

    • Light editing is fine, but avoid heavy filters or excessive photo effects.

    When submitting photos, please include:

    • The event name or occasion

    • Approximate date or year

    • Names of individuals pictured (if known)

    • A short caption or description


    VIDEO GUIDELINES

    Videos may be featured in the digital newsletter, on chapter communications, or through embedded links.

    • Please send videos in their original format whenever possible.

    • Short clips generally work best.

    • Try to keep videos steady and easy to hear.

    • Horizontal (landscape) videos are preferred, but vertical videos may still be accepted depending on the content.

    IMPORTANT:
    When submitting a video, please let us know:

    • If the audio should be included

    • Please let us know if the video contains important audio (such as speeches or conversations) that key, or background music/noise that should be removed before publication.

    This helps us properly edit and prepare videos for publication.

    CONTENT GUIDELINES

    All submitted content should reflect positively on the fraternity and its members.

    Please avoid submitting:

    • Inappropriate or offensive content

    • Excessive profanity

    • Unsafe or illegal activity

    • Copyrighted music or media that you do not have permission to share

    SUBMISSION NOTES

    Please label files clearly whenever possible.

    Examples:

    • Homecoming_2025_GroupPhoto.jpg

    • AlumniWeekend2018_Dinner.mp4

    Submit content by the published deadline to be considered for the upcoming issue.

STORY / LETTER TO THE EDITOR SUBMISSION FORM

The Epsiloner

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