Delta Zeta Sorority
Xi Rho Chapter
Information for Parents
Whether your daughter is considering joining Delta Zeta or she is already a sister, this section is designed to give parents more information about our sorority. With all of the negative sterotypes surrounding greek and sorority life, it is understandable for parents to be concerned and even confused about their daughter's interest and involvement in it. We hope to be able to adress your fears, answer your questions, and in general help you understand who we are, what we do, and why being a Delta Zeta is such a wonderful experience.
Hazing
One of the most common concerns for parents is a fear of hazing practices among greeks. Despite what you may hear on the news or read in the papers, this practice has become extremely uncommon thanks in part to the Universities and Nationals of various greek organizations. When hazing does occur, the media jumps on the story to sell their papers, but much less (if any) attention is given to those organizations who are not engaging in any form of hazing. Below is an excerpt from our National's extensive policy on hazing as well as Clarkson's policy on hazing.
"A Delta Zeta New Member Program offers personal development, sorority, education, and enriching sisterhood experiences. Hazing is the most destructive kind of meaningless, negative, and harassing activity. Delta Zeta regards any form of physical or mental hazing as an unproductive, ridiculous, and hazardous custom that has no place in our New Member Program as it defeats the basic premise and standards upon which Delta Zeta was founded. Hazing was rejected long ago by Delta Zeta National Policy and violates National Panhellenic Conference Policy."
"Clarkson University will not tolerate any individual, organization, or sports team that permits or participates in hazing or any other practice detrimental to the physical safety, mental health, or human dignity of the individual. Any individual, organization, or sports team authorizing any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health, which includes but is not limited to the forced consumption of liquor, drugs, or any other substances; creation of excessive fatigue; morally degrading or humiliating games; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization or sports team, shall be subject to University disciplinary action, in addition to any other legal penalty pursuant to the penal law or any other law to which a violator or organization may be subject. University disciplinary action in the case of a student may result in his or her reprimand, suspension, or expulsion; and in the case of an organization, rescission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property."
Please click here for more information about greek life at Clarkson.
Academics
Academics are a top priority for Delta Zeta. We have a minimum GPA required to join as well as to hold positions and to remain in good standing with our organization (2.5). Academics are important both to Clarkson, and to our National, both of which reward chapters for high academic achievements. We have received many such awards and last semester had the highest GPA among Clarkson sororities and the second highest among all recognized greek organizations at Clarkson (3.3). In addition, our average GPA is consistently higher than the all women's average at Clarkson.
We have several programs in place to maintain our high academic standing. A time of particular concern is during the New Member Period. During the New Member Period, we have mandatory study hours, Sunday-Thursday for three hours each night. Study hours are proctored by sisters who are there to answer questions as well as make sure that a proper (quiet) study environment is maintained. Many girls find that they get their highest GPA during the semester they join Delta Zeta as a result of this required study time. Also duing the New Member Period, sisters are assigned as mentors to each New Member that have similar majors or have taken similar classes to those the girl is currently enrolled in. This provides each New Member with someone to go to for help with their classes. Another resource available to all sisters are the "house files". These are old notes, quizzes, and exams for various classes that we have on file from alumnae and sisters that finished a class and donated their work to help future sisters succeed. To conclude this section is an excerpt from our National's website on scholarship:
"One of Delta Zeta’s strongest tenets is that of academic achievement and excellence. Our Sorority is founded on the principles of learning, not only in the scholastic setting, but in every phase of life. Your daughter has met certain scholastic requirements to become an initiate. Her chapter is dedicated to helping her maintain her grades and continue to succeed academically. The academic chair of each chapter works to implement study and mentoring programs to help sisters succeed. Many of our collegiate chapters have received recognition for outstanding GPAs and for individual members who have received scholarships, President and Dean’s list designations, and other academic awards. Your daughter also has the opportunity to apply for national and local Delta Zeta scholarships, which will allow her to continue her academic success."
Financials
Financials are an important part of any organization, and as a result, there are certain financial obligations involved in becoming a Delta Zeta. Semesterly dues are either $192 of $212 depending on whether or not you are living in the house. Living in the house costs $6100 a year. The cost for housing and a meal plan combined on campus is $9648, so living in the house saves you $3548 a year! When looked at this way, even with the added cost of dues, you still save over $3000 a year as a Delta Zeta. To help with financial obligations both Nationally and locally, payment plans are available and are very flexible. Both our National and our local Treasurer are happy to work with you to come up with a plan that works for you. A section of our National's website on Membership Fees says the following:
"The membership fees your daughter pays are used in many ways. First and foremost, the majority of chapter dues stay within the chapter to meet expenses such as Rush, New Member Education programs, college programs, social activities, rent or mortgage payments, and local Panhellenic dues. Nationally, the Sorority makes other disbursements such as insurance, business expenses for national headquarters, travel expenses, and membership services. Members can receive information on these disbursements at any time. Your daughter’s membership in Delta Zeta also entitles her to a lifetime subscription to the Sorority’s national, quarterly magazine, The LAMP, which we invite parents to read as well."
Still concerned?
If you still have concerns or have other questions you haven't found answers to here, feel free to contact our President, Kim Pierce at pierce.kimberly@gmail.com or visit our "Contact Us" page for the contact information of other sisters. We are more than happy to talk with you!