Parents Information
Dear Tri Sigma Parents/Guardians:
Tri Sigma has enriched the lives of its members for more than a century, and provides opportunities for personal growth, academic achievement, leadership development, service to others, and a lifetime of friendship.
This is such an exciting time! We realize that meeting academic demands and achieving scholastic success while honoring her commitment to the sorority will be a balancing act—and we are here to assist in navigating the way.
Rest assured, there are limitless opportunities awaiting your daughter within Tri Sigma. Comprehensive chapter support services, educational programs, publications, leadership conferences and membership development are also benefits available to your daughter as a member of Tri Sigma. Whether she participates in campus activities, intramural athletics, service projects or assumes a leadership role within her chapter, the national organization will be right alongside her to provide resources, mentors, and educational opportunities designed to promote personal development.
Please know that safety, harm reduction and prevention are extremely important—and Tri Sigma understands the value of guiding our members in responsible decision-making. Chapter activities should meet the social and developmental needs of college students, while also complying with state and federal laws and in accordance with Tri Sigma’s zero-tolerance hazing policy.
Sorority life is an enjoyable and rewarding journey and we invite you, as parents, to join in the fun. Take some time to learn a bit about this wonderful sisterhood. Congratulations to you and your daughter—and best wishes during these college years and beyond!
Tri Sigma National President, Joyce Newcom O’Daniel
If you have questions about your daughter's experience, she can be your first resource followed by the local Chapter Advisory Board (C.A.B.) Chair, then either the campus or National Support systems (sigma@trisigma.org).
Great reading for both parents and students!
Dear Mom & Dad, I want to join a sorority:
Q: Aren't fraternities and sororities just like the movie "Animal House" and the TV show "GRΣΣK"?
A: Nobody likes stereotypes. Unfortunately, after the showing of movies and shows, fraternity and sorority members have been categorized as partiers who are irresponsible, arrogant, and abusive. In reality, fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendships. Organizations have public standards regarding academics, behavior, and community.
Q: What is alcohol really like in a Greek organization?
A: Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with Greek ideals. All fraternities and sororities are expected to uphold state, county, and city laws, as well as university policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. In addition, fraternities and sororities are not allowed to purchase alcohol with chapter funds.
Greeks at UW-Stout participate in many alcohol-free social activities, including intramural sports, philanthropy events, community service, and educational activities. Students who choose not to drink will know that it's ok and feel comfortable with their decision. They will be in an environment where they can experience the same brotherhood or sisterhood, regardless of their decisions concerning alcohol.
Q: I'm concerned about my student's grades--what impact would membership have?
A: Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Greeks assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs which might include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops. Your daughter can access the network of their Greek sisters who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisors. Greeks can also take advantage of the knowledge older members have about their major, classes, professors, internship and other academic opportunities. We require all members to have a 2.5 GPA to join, as well as to remain in current good standing with the chapter.
Q: Who is actually in charge of the sorority?
A: Members elected to officer positions manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors. Collectively, the Panhellenic Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council oversee the policies and the recruitment processes for sororities. UW-Stout also has professional staff that provides direction and guidance to the Greeks on campus. This staff is headed by the Civic Engagement and Greek Life Coordinator, Jessica Kielcheski. (kielcheskij@uwstout.edu)
In addition, most of UW-Stout's chapters are part of national organizations, which offer support, advice, and direction through a paid professional staff and regional volunteers.
Q: Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a sorority?
A: Each sorority is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, the only expenses will be regular dues. Many sororities offer housing to their members. In almost every case, it is about the same expense to live in sorority housing than on campus. Most houses are located near campus as well. Sorority houses offer many of the same amenities as in campus housing: internet, cable, and phone service, study areas, recreation areas, and a great community! You do NOT have to live in the sorority housing, as it's an option given to members.
Q: Being Greek sounds like it takes a lot of time.
A: Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that involved college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through Greek involvement, your student will learn how to balance their academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments. Your daughter will make their own decision about how involved to become in a Greek organization. We know that your daughter's first priority is school first and we schedule our events around that.
Q: How does my student go about joining a sorority?
A: Sororities undergo a process of meeting people and making friends called "Recruitment". Recruitment offer your daughter an opportunity to meet other people on campus and learn what each Greek organization has to offer its members.
Each organization has its own unique programs and strengths, yet all are primarily based on the development of character, social skills, friendship, service, and academic skills. Just like researching, visiting, and choosing a college, your student should seek out the Greek organization that best fits their personality, needs and desires. Potential New Members will find that there is a place for everyone.
Q: What is my role as a parent?
A: Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your daughter as they meet people through the recruitment process. Greeks will be more than happy to tell him or her (and you) about their organizations. If you have questions, please feel free to contact our Civic Engagement and Greek Life Coordinator, Jessica Kielcheski. Jessica can answer your questions or direct you to individual organization advisors, students within organizations, or student officers within the Councils that organize Recruitment. She can be contacted at: kielcheskij@uwstout.edu
