New Member Program

The whirlwind of going through Recruitment, being extended a bid and then joining Kappa for life can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Kappa gives our new sisters a warm welcome by extending friendship and mutual support through our new member program.

The new member period is a time to learn about the Fraternity and educate women on the expectations and requirements of being a Kappa. Each new member is given a Big Sister to guide her through this new stage of her life. New members also attend a retreat to foster and develop the new friendships and connections within the chapter.

Going through recruitment is an overwhelming, but rewarding process. Opening up your bid on bid day is one of the most unforgettable feelings knowing that you’re about to meet your future best friends and bridesmaids. Gamma Zeta’s new member program extends a warm welcome to our newest sisters, providing them with guidance, sisterhood, and support as they embark on their journey with Kappa Kappa Gamma.

The new member period involves being educated on the expectations and requirements of being a Kappa, which includes many fun bonding events and activities. During this new member period, each new member will get a “Big” to guide her throughout this new stage of life. The Big/Little process is central to the new member experience, where each new member is paired with an active member who serves as their mentor and friend. New members will also have their own retreat to foster and develop the new friendships and connections within the chapter. This focuses on encouraging bonding between the new member class, as many of them do not know each other prior to accepting a bid.

Following the celebration of bid day, the new member period officially begins, marked by formal pledging. Kappa Kappa Gamma recognizes the mix of emotions that are a part of the process of beginning college and joining a sorority. We aim to welcome our members into the chapter with enthusiasm, teaching them how to represent Kappa with respect and pride.

At the University of Arizona, Kappa prioritizes the academic and social success of our new members. Our weekly meetings, led by myself and the new member committee introduce different chapter officers and concepts, emphasizing the importance of each individual member and their responsibilities within Kappa. This is demonstrated through slide show presentations as well as Minerva learnings, which are online educational programs designed for new members of Kappa. A certain number of these learnings must be completed in order for new members to learn important information about the fraternity, as well as qualify to be initiated. These meetings also provide various opportunities for the new members to bond through fun games that will be played at the new member meetings. 

Throughout the Big/Little process, sisterhood events, Sunday new member meetings, and the friendships and bonds that are formed during the new member period, we aim to create a new home for each new member. Being away from home can be scary, but Kappa is a new home to each girl that opens up her bid to Kappa. I am so excited to welcome MC 25 into our incredible sisterhood and I look forward to the memories that we will create together.

Loyally,

Millie Mersiowsky

New Member Experience Director 2025

New Member Experience Director 2025