Do I want to join a sorority? That is a question that many young women attending college ask themselves. Sorority offers students a way to get involved on campus and become connected with like-minded women. But, how do you decide if being a sorority woman is for you?
The first step is learning what sorority really is. Let’s put aside stereotypes we see in movies and think about what the sorority experience is like in real life.
Sororities are values-based social organizations that provide many opportunities to
Develop friendships
Attend social events
Succeed academically
Build professional skills
Sororities were founded based on values. Today those values guide the programming and events each chapter hosts. These programs and the sorority environment prepare women to academically succeed and build the skills employers want to see most. Sororities are also social organizations. Chapters host socials and sisterhood events to create and deepen friendships.
Sororities are designed to be environments that foster personal growth and friendship for women.
Each sorority and each chapter will share in similar values but also vary somewhat from one another. The philanthropy events, socials, sisterhoods and chapter meetings can be completely different depending on what university you attend. This variety is why there is a strong emphasis on participating in your campus’ recruitment process.
Recruitment is educational and provides a place for exploration.
During the recruitment process, you will have the opportunity to meet members from each sorority on your campus. This is where you can ask questions about time commitments, dues, events and more. Here is where you will discover the most if you want to join a sorority because you get a sample of the experience through the members you meet. You can learn more about the process of recruitment here.
If you decide to join a sorority and once you have participated in initiation, you become a lifelong member of that organization.
This lifetime membership grants you certain privileges such as professional development and networking, volunteer opportunities and more. Once you leave campus, alumnae membership can be very rewarding and can help you make connections with women around the world due to volunteering and involvement.
This privilege of lifelong membership also has the stipulation of single-membership, meaning you may only ever initiate into one sorority. If you happen to transfer during your collegiate membership you may join another chapter of your initiated sorority at a different university. If the university you transfer to does not have your organization, you begin your alumnae membership.
Joining a sorority is a personal decision and one that requires knowing what being a sorority member entails. Before making your decision, you should do the proper research and this website is a great place to start!
