FAQ
What is a Sorority?
A sorority is a women’s student organization that is formed chiefly for service and/or social purposes. A sorority provides academic enhancement, friendship, development of leadership skills and the opportunity to serve the community. As a national organization, a sorority generates personal and professional growth through networking and participating in other activites well beyond your college years.
A Sorority Is…
What is an Active Member?
A member who has been initiated into lifelong fraternity or sorority membership and participates in chapter activities at the collegiate level.
What is an Alumni/Alumnae?
Initiated fraternity or sorority members who have graduated from college.
How do you know which is right for you? Why do you want to belong to a Sorority?
This is a very important question that needs to be taken seriously and should be well thought out. Is there any one right answer? Absolutely not!
RESEARCH!!! Being a part of a sorority is a life-time commitment and you need to know what you are getting into. Get on your campus’s website and research the local chapters. What types of community service do they do? What other campus organizations do they belong to? Get on the inter/national organizations’ websites. What are their missions? What types of leadership development do they offer?
How do you meet the members of the sorority you wish to belong to?
Nothing works better than to get out and about on the campus. Our members are extremely active all over campus! They are members of other organizations from RA’s, to student government, from culture specific groups to honors organizations. So if you see us on campus say hello! Also, come to our events and activities. If you only come to RUSH week, you have not given us the chance to get to know you. And when you speak with us, be yourself and ask questions! This helps the conversation and is a sign of your interest.
What is the sorority looking for in a member?
Well the answer to this could be a number of things, but for the most part someone who is going to be dedicated, focused and well rounded. If you are not, then at least be willing to be the best person you can be. It is often said that once you join a sorority you are buying friends, but the truth is you are building a bond of life long friendships and experiences that will be with you forever, in most cases. We all were founded by strong, focused women. Imagine being involved in something that may be as old as your grandmother or even your great-grandmother. The bottom line is just like in life, Greek life is what YOU make of it. One thing we do stress is, please keep your reputation intact. A horrible reputation can follow you forever!! Remember once you are a member of any organization you represent all of its members and in turn, they represent you.
Is rush a selective process?
Yes. Interested women will take part in a rush period through which Zeta Sigma Chi members will assess each individual’s qualifications.
What fees are involved?
As with any other Greek organization, there are certain fees that are required during the process. Fundraising for these fees is highly recommended. ZSC works with groups to create flexible payment plans. All fees submitted during the process are given back to the members in a number of ways.
What I don’t have the grades to become a member?
Well that’s easy, WORK ON THEM!! Your education is first and foremost…. Not just to become a member of a sorority, but for yourself. That is why you are in college in the first place!
“I want to be popular!”
If this what you want, you are DEFINITELY not ready to become Greek. Being a member of a sorority is not just about the wearing letter and representing. It is about uplifting yourself, your sisters and the community at large.
There is a stereotype that women who are in sororities are just paying to have friends.
Women who are in sororities do make new friends but they have other friends as well. There are so many ways to make new friends in college that there is no way that sorority women just have friends in their own sorority. Be mature in your decision making. Be realistic about which women you feel most comfortable with, and do not be swayed by others’ opinions.
Can I rush if I am a senior?
Membership to Zeta Sigma Chi extends far beyond the college years. Seniors who are selected to establish a chapter are expected to commit one year to their own chapter or regional expansion and development. Seniors should also be advised that the process of establishing a chapter could proceed beyond their graduation date.