Tri Sigma

Collegiate members of Tri Sigma should:

• Be excited about going to chapter meetings
• Focus on academics
• Communicate positive messages instead of those indicating fear or intimidation
• Be held accountable for actions and appropriate behavior
• Learn new things about herself through her Tri Sigma experiences
• Develop leadership and personal development skills
• Serve the local and campus community
• Feel supported by chapter members

Here are some ways you can be supportive:

• Ask questions, look through pictures, and explore this website.
• Discuss the time management surrounding juggling class, homework, social obligations, and extracurricular activities.
• Attend family weekend.
• Consider shopping at purpleandpearls.com—Tri Sigma's official boutique—for her next gift.
• Contribute to the Foundation in honor of your daughter’s initiation/birthday/election to a leadership position.
• See if the chapter or House Corporation has a Parents Club. If not, consider starting one!
• Attend their Founders Day events
• Make a contribution to their philanthropic events
• Ask questions about recruitment, big sister, weekly meetings, and upcoming events
• Learn about other opportunities by getting in touch with the president, chapter advisor, or the House Corporation. New members should receive this information in the form of a contact list. There may also be a parent's newsletter you can request to receive.
• Be mindful of conflict. Business can mix with pleasure. Create an open dialog with your daughter about the relationships she has and help her learn how to resolve conflict effectively. One often used philosophy Tri Sigma employs is one presented by Douglas Stone in Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most.
• Pay your daughter’s lifetime alumnae dues as a graduation gift.

People you should know:

• Chapter Advisor - primary contact for chapter concerns and questions
• House Corporation President (if applicable) - primary contact about housing obligations (fees, live-in requirements, etc.)
• Campus Fraternity/Sorority Advisor - primary contact for campus questions
• Assistant/Associate Director of Chapter Services - contact for concerns not resolved by either the chapter advisor, chapter officers, or House Corporation Chapter President
• Your daughter’s Big Sister and/or Little Sister

If you have questions about your daughter's experience, she can be your first resource followed by the local chapter advisor then either the campus or National Support systems. Nationally – each chapter has an assigned consultant and asst./assoc. director of chapter services working to support and guide the chapter. You may reach any of these support resources by contacting National Headquarters at 540-459-4212.

Having a child go off to college can be a confusing time when it comes to balancing boundaries with showing support and knowing when to intervene. Here are some times to speak up or ask more questions:

• Not having enough time to study - a normal Tri Sigma week includes 5-7 hours of meetings/activities
• Does not feel included or supported by the chapter
• Required weeknight programming past 10 p.m.
• Grades significantly or suddenly decline
• Acting strange or secretive about chapter programming
• Excessive drinking
• Running errands for members
• Being required to carry certain items at all times
• Required individual chores or activities performed outside the entire membership
• Excessive fatigue, lack of sleep, or mental exhaustion

Tri Sigma has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against hazing. Any woman found accountable for hazing will no longer have the privilege of membership.

If you have any concerns, contact National Headquarters at 540-459-4212 and ask to speak with your chapter's assistant/associate director of chapter services. As a common practice, we do not disclose the name or information about a caller reporting concerns. We do hope to obtain the caller's name and number in case we have additional questions for clarification which might help us address concerns.