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I. Qualifications for pledging

a. Pledging is open to all students at Southwest Missouri State University in good academic standing as defined in the bylaws and standing rules of this chapter.

 

II. The purpose of pledge period is:

a. To learn the meaning of service in Gamma Sigma Sigma.

b. To learn the history, ideals, and organization of the local and national sorority.

c. To encourage the interaction of new and active members.

 

III. Pledge period

a. The length of the pledge period is a maximum of ten (10) school weeks, but will be set by the Vice President of Membership each pledging semester.

b. Hazing will not be tolerated. No member of Gamma Sigma Sigma shall plan, conduct, or participate in any activity which may be considered hazing.

c. If the requirements stated in this document are not met by the end of the pledge period, a pledge may not be allowed to become an active member. The member may repeat the pledge period with the next class, if so chosen.

 

IV. Required hours of service

a. A minimum of fifteen (15) hours of service must be completed by activation. No previous hours will be counted. Five (5) additional hours must be completed by the end of the pledging semester for a total of twenty (20) hours.

b. The twenty (20) mandatory service hours must be completed through a minimum of five (5) different projects.

c. Only five (5) of the required twenty (20) hours of service may be completed through personal service, however, any additional hours will be added after the required service is completed. Personal service is defined as service projects not introduced through the sorority.

d. All members are required to participate in a minimum of two (2) projects which are chosen from a list of mandatory projects. The Vice President of Service will make the recommendations for the list, with the approval of the entire sorority.

 

V. Pledge Dues

a. Initial fees at time of pledging

i. $20 one-time pledge fee

ii. $10 travel pool fee

iii. $40 national membership dues

iv. Delta Xi chapter membership fee

v. $2 scholarship fee

b. Each pledge is expected to pay the amount in full to the active body treasurer.

c. Prospective members must pay all dues prior to activation in order to become an active member.

 

VI. Attendance

a. Attendance at all events is strongly encouraged in order to become more educated about the sorority and the business of the chapter.

b. A maximum of five (5) absences are allowed from mandatory events throughout the semester. Mandatory events include:

i. Weekly meetings (both pledge and active).

ii. Required service projects.

iii. One informal rush.

iv. Formal rush.

v. Founder’s Day (Fall).

vi. Activation.

vii. Pledge fundraisers

viii. Get To Know Ya

ix. Sisterhood Retreat

x. Any events for which the member has chosen to sign up, unless another member of the sorority is found as a replacement.

c. Attendance is required at all committee meetings. Failure to attend two (2) committee meetings will result in one (1) absence for the semester.

d. Exceeding the maximum five absences may result in probation, upon review of the Executive Committee.

 

VII. Big Sisters

a. Each pledge will be assigned at least one Big Sis.

b. Each Big Sis and Little Sis will meet as much as possible throughout the pledge period.

c. Any concerns experienced by the Little Sis should first be directed to the Big Sis, as each Big Sis can help with explanations and guidance.

d. If a Little Sis is dissatisfied with the Big Sis, the problem should be discussed with the Vice President of Service (Pledge Mom) as soon as possible.

 

VIII. Pledge Tests

a. Weekly quizzes over assigned information are given at each pledge meeting.

b. Pledges are encouraged to pass the National Pledge Test with a score of seventy (70) percent or higher.

c. The Vice President of Membership and any assistant will administer and grade all tests and quizzes.

d. Formal Questioning is a process by which each member of the pledge class is asked questions about information contained on quizzes. The questioning is done during active meeting, in front of the active members.

 

IX. Pledge Pins

a. While not required, wearing the pledge pin after having received it is strongly recommended. This action shows pride in the sorority, as it is an honor to be a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma.

 

X. Pledge Books

a. Pledge books are given as a gift during Secret Week, and the contents shall include (but are not limited to)

i. Pledge’s name and Gamma Sigma Sigma (on cover or first page).

ii. Information for each quiz.

iii. Names of the Executive Committee members, ranking, and description of duties.

iv. Any information the Big Sis wishes to include.

b. Pledge books are to provide pledges with important information, as well as hold memories of the pledge period. Pledges are encouraged to carry the pledge book at all meetings.

 

XI. Pledge class responsibilities

a. The pledge class (with the direction of the pledge class Vice President) will be responsible for planning and completing at least two (2) service projects. One project is to be held on campus, while the other is off campus.

b. The pledge class (with the direction of the pledge class Treasurer) will be responsible for planning and completing at least one (1) fundraiser for the pledge class. The money raised should be used at the discretion of the pledge class, with emphasis on service or scholarship donations.

c. The pledge class (with the direction of the pledge Social Chairperson) will be responsible for planning and completing at least one (1) social activity. Active body participation is recommended.

 

 

 

These Pledging Policies are the policies followed by the Delta Xi Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma, pending approval from the National Offices.

 

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