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.

So you've gone through recruitment, been extended a bid, and just *might* join and become a Kappa for life! What next?

In Gamma Gamma, the New Member Experience (typically lasting one's first full academic year) is a period of introducing and welcoming new Kappas into our chapter. During this time, new members get to meet their new sisters through fun sisterhood events, like Taq in the wheat fields, or simply through casual one-on-one hangouts, like coffee or lunch dates. Once new members feel comfortable and acquainted with their active member sisters, each new member receives a "big" and becomes part of a family unit within Kappa. The big's role in her little's life is to personally guide and wholeheartedly support her, creating a bond of trust and friendship that often extends beyond Kappa. Aside from getting to know the chapter as a whole, new members attend events with their fellow new member pledge class. Whether it be a day of bowling or an overnight college cabin trip, the fall and spring new member retreats are sure to strengthen the ties new members have with each other in Gamma Gamma.

Additionally, the New Member Experience is an opportunity to learn about Kappa Kappa Gamma itself! Weekly new member education meetings are held so that new members are up to date on the structures, bylaws, traditions, and leadership positions within Gamma Gamma. Our chapter values community and always encourages its new members to be as active within the chapter as they feel comfortable.

By the end of one's New Member Experience, Kappas typically have the option to live in section with their pledge class sisters their sophomore year, if having pledged during their first year. At this time, new members grow into middle members (soon likely to have littles of their own!) as the next new member class accepts their bids.