Dear Parents:
We are pleased that your daughter accepted our invitation to membership in Sigma Sigma Sigma (“Tri Sigma”). We welcome her to our national sorority Sisterhood! Since 1898, Tri Sigma has provided opportunities for growth, academic achievement, leadership development and a lifetime of friendship.
Tri Sigma believes in outreach in our communities. Centering on our theme “Sigma Serves Children”, chapters engage in a variety of efforts for the betterment of children. Tri Sigma’s philanthropy supports hospital “play therapy” programs for children at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill and Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
As a non-profit corporation, Tri Sigma relies on the dues and fees paid by alumnae and collegiate members to support the general operation of the sorority. This is returned to the membership through chapter support services, educational programs, publications, leadership conferences and membership development.
Your daughter will also have responsibilities to her local chapter: chapter dues and housing fees (if applicable), academic requirements and attendance at chapter meetings and activities. Please be aware that Tri Sigma activities should never include underage drinking or hazing. Instead, chapter activities should meet the social and developmental needs of college students. Most of all, chapter life should be fun and beneficial to her life as a student.
The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation is a scholarship source and provides funding for leadership and educational chapter programs for your daughter and her chapter members. The Foundation also secures funding for our philanthropy. The Foundation welcomes tax-deductible donations!
Our commitment is to enhance the lives of women; we promote high moral character and social conscientiousness, enriching the lives of close to 100,000 women. We hope that you are pleased that your daughter has chosen Tri Sigma. We are looking forward to providing her with a meaningful and fulfilling life-long experience.
We invite you, as parents, to join in the spirit of Tri Sigma. If you would like to become more involved with the local chapter or in another capacity, please contact us!
With best regards,
Laura Sweet
National President
The New Member Experience
Since the founding of the first sorority in 1851, these organizations have thrived and multiplied into hundreds of international organizations while making a positive and tremendous impact on the service and social structure of higher education systems. Sororities form a proven support network to help young women with the daunting transition from high school to university. The lifelong friendships your daughter will make through her sorority will last into post-graduation years.
As a family member, you will have many questions concerning your daughter's involvement in Tri Sigma. Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your daughter throughout the recruitment process. Once a member, there are many opportunities for you to share in this aspect of her college life. Almost all of the chapters on campus host events such as family weekend or special mother/father functions. Chapters recognize that when your student comes to college, you, as a parent, also become a part of the university family! Ask questions and get involved!
Tri Sigma strives to be a sorority dedicated to friendship, character, and conduct. In our Mission Statement, there are three basic tenets for our existence as a Sisterhood. They influence every facet of our lives. One of the tenets is, "Promotes a perpetual bond of friendship."
New Member Program - Arc Sequence of Essential SigmaOverview
The Essential Sigma program is cutting edge in the fraternal world and we hope that you enjoy the experience. The purpose of the Essential Sigma program is to provide membership education throughout your collegiate experience. In the past, we have focused primarily on the new member program and providing education before members were initiated. However, the needs and wants of our collegiate members change. In an effort to provide timely educational programming and help you become the best women possible, we have crafted a program that changes as your membership changes. The Essential Sigma program will take your from bid day to Circle Degree on and graduation!
Fact Sheets
Fact sheets are a very important part of the Arc Sequence. They provide guidance and a focus for which Sigma education can begin. The fact sheets are an instrument for which our members can learn from, and also review. Fact sheets are not quizzes, and should not be used as such. The only test which is completed is the National Test. All Fact Worksheets are included in the Essential Sigma workbook for New Members.
Contemplations
Sigma Contemplation are a series of questions designed to stimulate your thought process – “tickle your brain” – to help you pull together the sorority experience. There are no right answers; this is just about new members taking some time to reflect both on their own and with a group of new members.
Contemplations will be introduced at the end of each Arc Group. Before the next meeting, new members should take time to reflect and respond to the questions. Responses will be discussed at the next Arc Group meeting.
Length of Orientation Program and Initiation Date
The ideal program should be 6-8 weeks in length. Members are to be initiated no later than 8 weeks after acceptance of their invitation to membership. The initiation date is set before Arc Degree and the new members are to be informed of the date at Arc Degree. An announced initiation date gives the new members time to meet the financial obligations.
Session 1
Our Sisterhood Begins…
Session 2
Your Pledge is Your Promise
Session 3
Together we Inspire Greatness
Session 4
Academic Success - Foundations for the Future
Session 5
We are our Sisters’ Keepers
Session 6
Sigma Jeopardy
Session 7
Partnerships in Services (plus National Test)
Session 8
Sigma Sigma Sigma is yours for Life
Session 9
Post Initiation Meeting
Terms and Lingo
Accreditation
National program which outlines the minimum standards and expectations for collegiate chapters. Guidelines for performance are outlined for membership selection, financial stability, ritual and values, sisterhood and group life, campus and chapter leadership, member development, philanthropy, scholarship, chapter organization, and Panhellenic participation.
Alumna
A Sorority member who is no longer in college (plural is alumnae).
Alumna Advisory Board (AAB)
This is group of Tri Sigma alumnae and/or campus faculty who support, guide, and work with collegiate chapters in all phase of operations. Positions may include Chapter Advisor, Recruitment Education, Honor Council, Financial, Accreditation, Ritual, Housing, Alumnae Relations, Essential Sigma, or Scholarship Advisors.
Badge
This is the proper term for the triangle badge given only to initiated members.
Chapter
A membership unit of a sorority or fraternity. We belong to a sorority and chapter not a house.
Convention
Convention is the supreme governing body of the Sorority. Each chapter has a delegate who attends and helps frame the future of Tri Sigma through resolutions at business meetings. Workshops, programs, awards and ritual ceremonies are also presented in an effort to foster personal development, lifelong development, lifelong involvement, responsible citizenship, and a powerful sisterhood experience.
Essential Sigma (ES)
A comprehensive membership education program that spans the new member period through graduation and beyond. The purpose of the Essential Sigma program is to foster the development of well-rounded Sigma women that emphasizes leadership, personal growth, mentoring, career development, service and lifelong friendships and Sorority involvement.
Honor Council
The confidential collegiate peer accountability process. Used to ensure members are meeting membership standards in the areas of financial, academic, participation, and conduct.
National Headquarters
The Mabel Lee Walton house is home to our administrative offices and national archives. Chapters may schedule visits to the Walton House for retreats or bonding.
New Member
A woman who has accepted the bid of a sorority and has taken the first step toward full membership but has not yet been initiated. She is not considered a pledge, “baby”, “baby violet”, newbie’s, etc.
Panhellenic
The cooperative organization of collegiate members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities represented on a campus. Often referred to as a “CPH”.
The Triangle
National magazine of Sigma Sigma Sigma. Sent to all collegiate and alumnae members 3 times a year. If you are not receiving update your address at National Headquarters.
Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI)
The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation funds numerous scholarships for collegians to attend the North American Interfraternity Conference’s (NIC) principle-centered leadership institute, designed to create momentum toward positive change for campus fraternal communities.
Policies
Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority is resolved that hazing and alcohol abuse among its membership have no part in chapter programming. Adherence to these policies is not only mandatory, but is the personal responsibility of every member and chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma. The Sorority will hold its chapters and individual members accountable to all policies and procedures established by the Executive Council.
Hazing, underage and/or binge drinking and other drug use in Tri Sigma chapters have significant consequences for all of us. Insurance rates increase, our Sorority reputation is devastated, parents are afraid for their daughters and legal actions implicate the local chapter, university and National Organization. When a member or chapter decides to commit an unlawful act, it affects us all.
Hazing has no place in Tri Sigma and the abuse of others is a direct contradiction to the vows we commit to during every Ritual. For chapters that disregard the national alcohol or hazing policies, they will receive a Policy Violation fee which is used to risk reduction and educational program to change behaviors. In addition, chapters found in violation of national policies will face disciplinary sanctions. The status of those chapters with repeated violations will be reviewed regularly by the Executive Council. If it is determined that progress is not being made or that members fail to uphold our standards, the chapter charter will be suspended.
Tri Sigma has a strong policy against hazing. As an organization, we are proud to be a Premier Level sponsor of http://www.HazingPrevention.org, which sponsors National Hazing Prevention Week. The purpose of National Hazing Prevention Week is to promote local campus and community awareness of the dangers of hazing.
Anti-hazing PolicySigma Sigma Sigma will not tolerate hazing and any member found to be in violation of out hazing policy will immediately have her membership terminated.
>>View all Tri Sigma Policies (includes policies on Anti-Hazing, Alcohol, Controlled Substances, Media, Fundamental Standards, Visitation, and Position Statements.)
Anti-Hazing HotlineTri Sigma is a sponsor of the Anti-Hazing Hotline, an anonymous hotline that anyone can use to report hazing. It is a toll-free number. We encourage all sisters to call (888) NOT-HAZE or (888) 668-4293 if you have any concerns about hazing in your chapter.
Be in the know
An Ideal Experience is when your daughter is …
We are pleased that your daughter accepted our invitation to membership in Sigma Sigma Sigma (“Tri Sigma”). We welcome her to our national sorority Sisterhood! Since 1898, Tri Sigma has provided opportunities for growth, academic achievement, leadership development and a lifetime of friendship.
Tri Sigma believes in outreach in our communities. Centering on our theme “Sigma Serves Children”, chapters engage in a variety of efforts for the betterment of children. Tri Sigma’s philanthropy supports hospital “play therapy” programs for children at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill and Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
As a non-profit corporation, Tri Sigma relies on the dues and fees paid by alumnae and collegiate members to support the general operation of the sorority. This is returned to the membership through chapter support services, educational programs, publications, leadership conferences and membership development.
Your daughter will also have responsibilities to her local chapter: chapter dues and housing fees (if applicable), academic requirements and attendance at chapter meetings and activities. Please be aware that Tri Sigma activities should never include underage drinking or hazing. Instead, chapter activities should meet the social and developmental needs of college students. Most of all, chapter life should be fun and beneficial to her life as a student.
The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation is a scholarship source and provides funding for leadership and educational chapter programs for your daughter and her chapter members. The Foundation also secures funding for our philanthropy. The Foundation welcomes tax-deductible donations!
Our commitment is to enhance the lives of women; we promote high moral character and social conscientiousness, enriching the lives of close to 100,000 women. We hope that you are pleased that your daughter has chosen Tri Sigma. We are looking forward to providing her with a meaningful and fulfilling life-long experience.
We invite you, as parents, to join in the spirit of Tri Sigma. If you would like to become more involved with the local chapter or in another capacity, please contact us!
With best regards,
Laura Sweet
National President
The New Member Experience
Since the founding of the first sorority in 1851, these organizations have thrived and multiplied into hundreds of international organizations while making a positive and tremendous impact on the service and social structure of higher education systems. Sororities form a proven support network to help young women with the daunting transition from high school to university. The lifelong friendships your daughter will make through her sorority will last into post-graduation years.
As a family member, you will have many questions concerning your daughter's involvement in Tri Sigma. Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your daughter throughout the recruitment process. Once a member, there are many opportunities for you to share in this aspect of her college life. Almost all of the chapters on campus host events such as family weekend or special mother/father functions. Chapters recognize that when your student comes to college, you, as a parent, also become a part of the university family! Ask questions and get involved!
Tri Sigma strives to be a sorority dedicated to friendship, character, and conduct. In our Mission Statement, there are three basic tenets for our existence as a Sisterhood. They influence every facet of our lives. One of the tenets is, "Promotes a perpetual bond of friendship."
New Member Program - Arc Sequence of Essential SigmaOverview
The Essential Sigma program is cutting edge in the fraternal world and we hope that you enjoy the experience. The purpose of the Essential Sigma program is to provide membership education throughout your collegiate experience. In the past, we have focused primarily on the new member program and providing education before members were initiated. However, the needs and wants of our collegiate members change. In an effort to provide timely educational programming and help you become the best women possible, we have crafted a program that changes as your membership changes. The Essential Sigma program will take your from bid day to Circle Degree on and graduation!
Fact Sheets
Fact sheets are a very important part of the Arc Sequence. They provide guidance and a focus for which Sigma education can begin. The fact sheets are an instrument for which our members can learn from, and also review. Fact sheets are not quizzes, and should not be used as such. The only test which is completed is the National Test. All Fact Worksheets are included in the Essential Sigma workbook for New Members.
Contemplations
Sigma Contemplation are a series of questions designed to stimulate your thought process – “tickle your brain” – to help you pull together the sorority experience. There are no right answers; this is just about new members taking some time to reflect both on their own and with a group of new members.
Contemplations will be introduced at the end of each Arc Group. Before the next meeting, new members should take time to reflect and respond to the questions. Responses will be discussed at the next Arc Group meeting.
Length of Orientation Program and Initiation Date
The ideal program should be 6-8 weeks in length. Members are to be initiated no later than 8 weeks after acceptance of their invitation to membership. The initiation date is set before Arc Degree and the new members are to be informed of the date at Arc Degree. An announced initiation date gives the new members time to meet the financial obligations.
Session 1
Our Sisterhood Begins…
Session 2
Your Pledge is Your Promise
Session 3
Together we Inspire Greatness
Session 4
Academic Success - Foundations for the Future
Session 5
We are our Sisters’ Keepers
Session 6
Sigma Jeopardy
Session 7
Partnerships in Services (plus National Test)
Session 8
Sigma Sigma Sigma is yours for Life
Session 9
Post Initiation Meeting
Terms and Lingo
Accreditation
National program which outlines the minimum standards and expectations for collegiate chapters. Guidelines for performance are outlined for membership selection, financial stability, ritual and values, sisterhood and group life, campus and chapter leadership, member development, philanthropy, scholarship, chapter organization, and Panhellenic participation.
Alumna
A Sorority member who is no longer in college (plural is alumnae).
Alumna Advisory Board (AAB)
This is group of Tri Sigma alumnae and/or campus faculty who support, guide, and work with collegiate chapters in all phase of operations. Positions may include Chapter Advisor, Recruitment Education, Honor Council, Financial, Accreditation, Ritual, Housing, Alumnae Relations, Essential Sigma, or Scholarship Advisors.
Badge
This is the proper term for the triangle badge given only to initiated members.
Chapter
A membership unit of a sorority or fraternity. We belong to a sorority and chapter not a house.
Convention
Convention is the supreme governing body of the Sorority. Each chapter has a delegate who attends and helps frame the future of Tri Sigma through resolutions at business meetings. Workshops, programs, awards and ritual ceremonies are also presented in an effort to foster personal development, lifelong development, lifelong involvement, responsible citizenship, and a powerful sisterhood experience.
Essential Sigma (ES)
A comprehensive membership education program that spans the new member period through graduation and beyond. The purpose of the Essential Sigma program is to foster the development of well-rounded Sigma women that emphasizes leadership, personal growth, mentoring, career development, service and lifelong friendships and Sorority involvement.
Honor Council
The confidential collegiate peer accountability process. Used to ensure members are meeting membership standards in the areas of financial, academic, participation, and conduct.
National Headquarters
The Mabel Lee Walton house is home to our administrative offices and national archives. Chapters may schedule visits to the Walton House for retreats or bonding.
New Member
A woman who has accepted the bid of a sorority and has taken the first step toward full membership but has not yet been initiated. She is not considered a pledge, “baby”, “baby violet”, newbie’s, etc.
Panhellenic
The cooperative organization of collegiate members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities represented on a campus. Often referred to as a “CPH”.
The Triangle
National magazine of Sigma Sigma Sigma. Sent to all collegiate and alumnae members 3 times a year. If you are not receiving update your address at National Headquarters.
Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI)
The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation funds numerous scholarships for collegians to attend the North American Interfraternity Conference’s (NIC) principle-centered leadership institute, designed to create momentum toward positive change for campus fraternal communities.
Policies
Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority is resolved that hazing and alcohol abuse among its membership have no part in chapter programming. Adherence to these policies is not only mandatory, but is the personal responsibility of every member and chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma. The Sorority will hold its chapters and individual members accountable to all policies and procedures established by the Executive Council.
Hazing, underage and/or binge drinking and other drug use in Tri Sigma chapters have significant consequences for all of us. Insurance rates increase, our Sorority reputation is devastated, parents are afraid for their daughters and legal actions implicate the local chapter, university and National Organization. When a member or chapter decides to commit an unlawful act, it affects us all.
Hazing has no place in Tri Sigma and the abuse of others is a direct contradiction to the vows we commit to during every Ritual. For chapters that disregard the national alcohol or hazing policies, they will receive a Policy Violation fee which is used to risk reduction and educational program to change behaviors. In addition, chapters found in violation of national policies will face disciplinary sanctions. The status of those chapters with repeated violations will be reviewed regularly by the Executive Council. If it is determined that progress is not being made or that members fail to uphold our standards, the chapter charter will be suspended.
Tri Sigma has a strong policy against hazing. As an organization, we are proud to be a Premier Level sponsor of http://www.HazingPrevention.org, which sponsors National Hazing Prevention Week. The purpose of National Hazing Prevention Week is to promote local campus and community awareness of the dangers of hazing.
Anti-hazing PolicySigma Sigma Sigma will not tolerate hazing and any member found to be in violation of out hazing policy will immediately have her membership terminated.
>>View all Tri Sigma Policies (includes policies on Anti-Hazing, Alcohol, Controlled Substances, Media, Fundamental Standards, Visitation, and Position Statements.)
Anti-Hazing HotlineTri Sigma is a sponsor of the Anti-Hazing Hotline, an anonymous hotline that anyone can use to report hazing. It is a toll-free number. We encourage all sisters to call (888) NOT-HAZE or (888) 668-4293 if you have any concerns about hazing in your chapter.
Be in the know
An Ideal Experience is when your daughter is …
- Excited about going to chapter meetings
- Communicating positive messages instead of those indicating being scared, intimidated, or stressed
- Feeling that the chapter communicates a message that academics come first
- Being held accountable for actions and appropriate behavior
- Learning new things about herself through her Tri Sigma experiences
- Developing leadership and personal development skills
- Serving her local and campus community
- Supported by the members and new members in her chapter
- Attend Family weekend
- Pay your daughter’s lifetime dues as graduation gift
- Consider looking at the merchandise page or contributing to the Foundation in honor of your daughter’s initiation
- See if the chapter or House Corporation has a Parents Club (or consider starting one)
- Attend their Founder’s Day events
- Make a contribution to their Philanthropic events
- Ask questions about recruitment, big sister, weekly meetings, and upcoming events
- Learn about other opportunities by getting in touch with the President, Chapter Advisor, or the House Corporation. New members should receive this information in the form of a contact list. There may also be a parents newsletter you can request to receive.
- Not having enough time to study
- Does not feel included or supported by the chapter
- Tri Sigma programming every night of the week and it is going past 10pm/11pm
- Grades are slipping a lot
- Acting strange or secretive about chapter programming
- Cannot be reached easily as a new member (especially close to initiation)
- Having to drink excessive amounts or run errands for members
- Chapter Advisor
- House Corporation President (if the chapter has a house)
- Campus Fraternity/Sorority Advisor
- Chapter President
- Your daughter’s Big Sister
- Professional Opportunities
Not only will Tri Sigma compliment your daughter’s collegiate experience with critical skill development such as leadership, time management, conflict resolution, or event planning but also open doors in life after college and an alumnae.
Tri Sigma also has number employment opportunities for recent graduates, including:
Leadership Consultants
Leadership Consultants travel to our collegiate chapters as directed by their Supervisor, the Director of Chapter Services, and work to…Support our chapters, Strengthen the National Organization, Develop personal and professional skills, and make an impact in Tri Sigma! Women serving in this one-year position receive insurance benefits, 4-weeks of training (including topics like conflict resolution, consultant, program development, assessment and evaluation, consultation and analysis skills, accounting and budgeting), and can expect to gain:
- Professional experience
- Independence
- Ability to adapt to difficult situations
- Management and organizational skills
- Lifelong friendships
