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.
For potential new members, recruitment is a whirlwind experience, spanning from the excitement of the first round to the unforgettable moment of receiving a bid to Kappa Kappa Gamma. 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.
During the new member period, we focus on educating our new sisters about the fraternity, its expectations, and the requirements of being a member. Each new member is paired with a Big Sister who serves as their mentor, helping them navigate this new stage of their life as well as forging a bond between member classes. Additionally, new members come together for a retreat, fostering new friendships and connections within the chapter. This specially focuses on encouraging bonding between the new member class, as many of them do not know each other prior to accepting a bid.
Bid Day is a momentous occasion where nerves and excitement collide. Opening the bid day card to the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter creates an unforgettable experience, marked by excitement and newly formed bonds of friendship and support. Following this celebration, the new member period officially begins, marked by formal pledging. Sorority recruitment is an eagerly anticipated event for many college applicants, and Kappa Kappa Gamma recognizes the mix of emotions that accompany this process. Through our new member experience, we aim to welcome our members into the chapter with enthusiasm, quickly integrating them into our community and teaching them how to represent Kappa with respect and pride.
At the Gamma Zeta chapter at the University of Arizona, we prioritize laying a strong foundation for our new members' academic and social success. Our weekly meetings, led by myself and the new member committee introduce different chapter officers and concepts, emphasizing the importance of each member's role and responsibilities within Kappa. This is done through presentations and Minerva learnings, 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 opportunities for new members to bond through memorable sisterhood events ranging from off campus events to icebreakers at weekly meetings. Central to the new member experience is the Big/Little process, where each new member is paired with an active member who serves as their mentor and friend. This process culminates in an exciting "Big Little Reveal" event, where each new member is united with their Big Sister, forming a bond that lasts throughout their college experience and beyond.
Through the Big/Little process, sisterhood events, Sunday meetings, and the friendships formed during the new member period, we strive to create a sense of belonging within our chapter. We celebrate individuality and foster a positive environment where each member feels valued and supported.I am thrilled to welcome PC 22 into our incredible sisterhood and look forward to the memories and bonds we will create together.
Loyally,
Leila Gimber
New Member Chairman 2024