A Sorority?

This is from the Gamma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Read below for some challenging questions

you should consider before making that decision:

Lambda Kappa contact info at the end of the page

 What is a Sorority?

A sorority is defined as a women's student organization that is

formed chiefly for social purposes and has a name consisting of

Greek letters. However, it offers much more than just membership

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 activities well beyond your college years.

Why do you want to belong to a Sorority?

This is a question that needs to be taken SERIOUSLY and should be well

thought out and answered honestly. Is there any one right magic answer?

Of course not, but it should be answered from the heart.

How do you know which is right for you?

The one thing that I can not stress enough is DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!

Being a part of a sorority is a life-time commitment. You need to know

what you are getting into. You would not go to college without

finding out any information right? So why would you do the same

when trying to decide on a sorority. The Internet is a great place to start.

Should you make your interest known early?

Note:  This question is going to be answered from a Sigma Gamma Rho perspective. 

How are you going to become a part of this organization unless you let

us know that you are interested. The key is to go about it

in a professional manner. Do not be pushy,  just be yourself

and let us know that you would like additional information on the

sorority. It is ok to let us know that you are interested,

but you do not have to let the entire world know! Also remember,

just because you may have family and or friends who are a part

of this organization, WILL NOT guarantee membership,

therefore sucking up is a waste of time and a huge turn off!!

How do you meet the members of

the sorority you want to belong to?

Well the best way is to get out there and be active on campus.

Most Greeks are "VERY ACTIVE" on the yard. They are in other

organizations, RA's, tutors, etc. You are bound to encounter

someone who is apart of the sorority, you wish to belong to.

Specifically for us, if you see us on the yard, speak and say hello.

You can feel free to introduce yourself or email us for more information.

Also, come to our events and activities.  If you only come to the Interest

Meeting, you have not given us the chance to get to know you and

decide if we want to invite you into our family.

 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 . The history

behind each sorority is amazing and 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. It can be a wonderful experience,

or it can be horrible. One thing we do stress is, please keep your reputation intact.

A horrible reputation can follow you forever!! It can not only ruin your

chances of getting into a sorority, but it can hurt you in other areas

of your life as well. Remember once you are a member of any organization

you represent all of your sorors and vise-versa.

 What if you do not have the grades

to become a member of a sorority?

Well that is easy, WORK ON THEM!! Not just to become a member of a

sorority, but for yourself. Your education is MOST IMPORTANT.

That is why you are in college in the first place, at least that should be your

reason. The key is to not let your grades slip in the first place, because it is very

hard to bring them back up. We all have pitfalls from time to time,

but try to keep them at a minimum.

 Ever wondered why you may have been

rejected from a particular sorority, even

though you had the minimum GPA?

Just because you have the 2.5 (or whatever is required) does not

mean that you will definitely be asked to become a member.

You are probably not the only person applying for membership.

That means you need to make yourself stand out, with community service,

talents etc. This is not to say that you should not apply with the

minimum GPA, but have something to show the chapter that

you would be an asset. Also it is wise not to bad-mouth the

sorority, especially if you ever choose to apply again.

 "I want to step, do the call and be popular!"

If this has ever come out of your mouth, you are DEFINITELY not

ready to become Greek. Being a member of a sorority is not just

about the colors, stepping and the call. It is about uplifting

yourself and the community. A lot of people do not realize how

much Greeks actually do, within the community and on the college

campus! Three letters across your chest is not going to make you

any more or less attractive. As we say, if you were lame before

then chances are, you still will be. If  it does change others opinion

about you, then they probably are not your real friends in the first place.

 What is an Informational and a Formal?

An informational or interest meeting is when a sorority has

an open house, for women who are either interested in that sorority

or just need information on Greek life period. A Formal is usually

when the sorority plans to have intake of new members. Some are

open while others are closed and by invitation only!  You must

be invited to the Sigma Gamma Rho Formal Rush.  That is

why it is important to express your interest early.

 As a Freshman should you go to a sorority's informational?

Yes!! Each sorority has diffrent requirements for when you can become

a member and if you are interested in becoming a part of that

organization in the future, you should know the requirements early.

In most cases you have a better chance of becoming a member if

you apply as, for example, a sophomore rather than a senior in college.

 "I heard that if you are asked to start doing

favors for sorority members or are

pre-pledged, then you will automatically

become a member of that organization?"

There are no guarantees that you will EVER become a member of

that sorority. Maybe you will, maybe you won't? Do not EVER

let your quest to become a member of any sorority interfere with

your feelings of SELF-WORTH and COMMON SENSE.  Besides all

this is technically hazing, which is illegal for the organization and

according to state law.

 How much is it to become a member of a Sorority?

Usually it is a lump sum in the beginning and then you will pay

dues to your chapter and national headquarters. Every sorority

is diffrent so you must inquire, but it is well WORTH IT!!!!

Our final bit of advice is to ask, ask, ask. No question is a dumb

question. If the person can not answer it, then they will not.

Do not get caught up with which sorority runs the yard, or who steps the best,

or you heard that a certain sorority's members were conceited.

Find out for yourself. Nine times out of ten you will find that the rumors

are false!!!! Most importantly, "BE YOURSELF."

Membership Intake Chair: Soror Tyler Young (youngt4@mailbox.winthrop.edu)

President: Soror Mary Alisa Orum(orumm2@mailbox.winthrop.edu)

Thinking about joining the Lambda Kappa Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho?

Please feel free and open to speak with any of the members on campus!

We are happy and approachable and will answer as many of your questions as we can.