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

Other important information:

• Costs
• Academics and Student Support
• Leadership & Benefits of membership