Contents

Weekly Requirements ............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Guest Presenters ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Guide Key ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Bid Day .................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Welcome Mee ng ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Session 1.................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Session 2................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Session 3................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Session 4................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Session 5................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Session 6................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Session 7................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Session 8................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Session 9................................................................................................................................................................................ 32

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Weekly Requirements
The Vice President of New Member Educa on (VPNME) is responsible for leading the new member welcome and
orienta on process which includes these weekly commitments:

What Who Purpose Resources

Chapter Meetings President with chapter Learning about chapter events and Meeting agenda
business
Orientation VPNME with all new Understanding chapter operations, New Member
Sessions members teambuilding, fostering belonging Orientation Sessions -
Facilitation Guide
Team Discussions NMOT with assigned small Discussing Essential Sigma lessons, NMOT Guide
group bonding with a smaller group, learning
commonly recited items (e.g., Stately
and Royal, Creed, etc.)
Essential Sigma New Members Topics focused on Sigma, Self, and Skills To Be Steadfast and
Lessons independently Essential Sigma e-
learning modules

The guides should be followed as outlined to align with the Essen al Sigma modules. The VPNME should review the
NMOT guide and be familiar with the content covered in the small group session.

Guest Presenters
Each week there is at least one guest facilitator. These leaders do not have guidance in their handbooks on the topics to
cover. The VPNME will need to provide the outcomes and topics to these leaders by sending a message, providing an
update in an officer mee ng, or asking that the guests review this facilita on guide to prepare for the session. The
VPNME should suggest that presenters create a short 1-page reference sheet (using Word, Google Doc, Canva) that
highlights any local informa on being covered so it can be uploaded to the New Member file folder in OurHouse
following their presenta on.

Guide Key
The guide uses type variations to signify how content should be shared.
 Standard type are samples of things to say and share but feel free to personalize the voice and make it flow.
 Bold type (apart from the headings) are questions or phrases to pose directly to the group.
 Italicized type are directions for the facilitator. Example: Share screen and or instructions for an activity.
 Timestamps indicate the approximate time the section should last.
 Partner shares: 2-3 people.
 Large group: all new members in attendance.

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Bid Day
 Guest: Director of Chapter Finances and housing representa ve (for housed chapters only)
 Materials:
 Financial Agreement Form
 Housing Contracts
 Reference the Bid Day Guide for addi onal expecta ons and planning prepara ons. This content only
reviews the informa onal points to be reviewed with new members about what is next.

Bid Day
Introduction TOTAL: 30 min
Introduce the new member education program by explaining these key points: TIME: 10 min
 Excitement about welcoming them to Tri Sigma and teaching them about the chapter and
organization.
 Share the support systems for new member education:
 VPNME: primary contact for questions about requirements (meetings, dues,
participation expectations)
 NMOT: small group facilitator and a primary contact about chapter events (locations,
further understanding of upcoming events, questions from chapter meeting reports)
 Bid Day Buddy: connector and hostess to help new members meet members at
chapter functions and events.
 Chapter leaders and Advisors will join the Orientation Sessions throughout the
program to share more about the position. In just a moment, new members will
meet the Director of Chapter Finances to go over the financial obligations.
 Today is about celebrating you and concluding the recruitment process. The next event is
your first ritual ceremony called Arc Degree.
 Share the date, time, and location for Arc Degree.
 Outline the ceremony and what to expect:
 Will line up quietly outside the room in alphabetical order, similar to
Preference.
 Invited into the room by the Ritual Manager. The room will have candles and
be dimly lit. Members will be in attendance to communicate their support
and to celebrate the first ritual ceremony being received.
 The Chapter President will lead and ask questions that require an “I do,”
yes/no, or “I will” response in unison to indicate you wish to pledge Tri
Sigma.
 The Chapter President will then present each new member with the colors of
Tri Sigma and new member pin while explaining its meaning. Then new
members will receive the sisterly embrace and sign the new member record
book to indicate the wish and commitment to formally pledge Tri Sigma.
 There is a song the members will sing but new members are not expected to
sing.
 Explain attire
 Whites are not required but will be needed for initiation – white dress pants
or skirt/dress and white or tan shoes. See To Be Steadfast for examples.
 Come in badge attire and explain the badge attire requirements – no jeans,
pants or dresses/skirts, nicer tops. Not as formal as Preference. Something
one might wear to an afternoon wedding or an interview.
 After the Arc Degree ceremony, there will be a few minutes for pictures and then a
welcome meeting to review the calendar and the new member program calendar.
 Share any make-up dates/times if someone cannot attend Arc Degree.

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  Introduce the Director of Chapter Finances who will review the fees that will be due
and non-refundable after Arc Degree.

Guests
Director of Chapter Finances TIME: 15 min
By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to explain to another new member or
parent/guardian:
 Purpose of dues (e.g., What do they go toward? What are the benefits? What might be any
other optional add-on fees?)
 Explain payment plan options for new members and specific steps to request being on a
payment plan
 Billhighway – the name of the platform for payments, will receive an invite after claiming the
Sigma Connect account, will then be billed, and begin receiving invoices.
 Set up the Sigma Connect account and Billhighway before Arc Degree.
 Amounts due (what, when, how much)
 Billing Cycle (posted on the 5th, due on the 25th)
 Late fees for payments made after the deadline
 Credit Card fees (charged anytime a card number and expiration date is entered)
 Preference for bank account payments to avoid processing fees
 Options on the profile page: adding a parent/guardian email address for statements and
being able to pay invoices
 Autopay: add account information and a withdrawal will be made for the balance due in full.

Reiterate availability to talk privately about any financial questions and that the best support is
provided when individuals proactively talk with the DCF.
 Provide the financial agreement form and review the contents on the local form.
 Answer any questions.
 Ask for the form to be returned at Arc Degree.

For housed chapters

House Manager/House Director/Director of Chapter Finances should:
 Provide the Housing Acknowledgement form (if there are live-in requirements) which
outlines the member requirements for living in the house or vacancy fees that may be
applicable if the house is not full. This is not the housing contract but rather an
acknowledgment of the expectations.
 Explain the expectations and content on the form.
 Answer any questions.
 Ask for the form to be returned at Arc Degree.

Assignments
 Review and complete the Financial Agreement and Housing Acknowledgement Forms and TIME: 5 min
bring the signed documents to Arc Degree.
 Set up Sigma Connect and Billhighway accounts after Arc Degree.
 Go to Essential Sigma to confirm access. This will also enroll new members in the Health
Promotion course which is due in 3 weeks.

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Welcome Mee ng
 Guest: Ritual Manager, Director of Member Development, NMOT (suggest everyone bring a change of clothes)
 Materials:
 All events should be added to OurHouse before Arc Degree including a re, loca on, and me.
 Create name cards with numbers on them to indicate the alpha order to line up in for Arc Degree.
 Consider color-coding the cards by NMOT to help expedite the announcement of the small groups. Have
the NMOT leaders bring a chapter shirt, hat, or sign for a er Arc Degree that corresponds to the color of
the cards for their group members. Use this as an opportunity to create some fun when announcing the
groups.
 In the example below: Hannah is first in line, then Paige, and finally Beth. Hannah and Beth are in the
same small group and their NMOT leader has a pink hat they’ve put on a er Arc Degree.

*Cards do not have to be printed. These could be hand-wri en and cut out from colorful paper.

Welcome Meeting
Instructions TOTAL: 60 min
Before Arc Degree: TIME: 5 min
 Collect Financial Agreement Forms and Housing Acknowledgement Forms
 Hand out the prepared cards with new member names and numbers to indicate the order
they should line up in for Arc Degree.

After Arc Degree:

Allow time for photos and mingling with the members after the ceremony outside the Arc Degree
room. This will also provide time to clean up the ceremony and reset the room for the welcome
meeting with the new members.

Guest Topics
Ritual Manager: TIME: 5 min
 Personal welcome and congratulations on Arc Degree.
 A brief explanation of the position and responsibilities.
 Explain that a Ritual Education on Arc Degree will be assigned in Essential Sigma.
 Extend the invite for questions by using OurHouse for text or email.

Director of Member Development:

 Personal welcome and congratulations on Arc Degree.
 A brief explanation of the position and responsibilities.
 Emphasize that this position is a resource for academic support and educational
programming.
 Explain that new members will complete a Study Skills Certification to help support their
academic success.
 School comes first and should be the priority in Tri Sigma.
 The new member program will also include information on balance and well-being to
help balance academic and Tri Sigma commitments.

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  The Study Skills Certification has 4 parts, is self-paced, and should be completed within 4
weeks. Explain where to find the Certifications in Essential Sigma.
 Encourage active learning by thoughtfully doing the exercises instead of simply clicking
through the content.
 Share any other chapter scholarship tools and resources, campus resources such as study
centers, career services, etc.

Announcements
Calendar of Events TIME: 10 min
Thank the guest presenters and move on to explaining the new member program requirements and
calendar of events.

Weekly requirements. Review the table in this guide to explain the 4 components of the program
(chapter meetings, Orientation Sessions, Team Discussions, and Essential Sigma).

If the chapter ordered To Be Steadfast, hand it out to new members as a welcome and Arc Degree
congratulations gift from the chapter. Otherwise, email the electronic copies during the NMOT
session of the welcome meeting.

Chapter Events. Share all relevant events with new members, including the dates, times, and
locations of:
 Orientation Sessions (large group, with VPNME)
 Big Little Reveal date (this is not a secret)
 Inspiration Week Dates and Events
 Initiation
 Panhellenic Council meetings
 Chapter meetings and which are CBMs and why they do not yet attend CBMs
 Other chapter events

NMOT
Indicate the Team Discussions (small group, with NMOT leaders) times/days will be determined
within their small groups. Are you ready to find out who will be in your small group and meet your
NMOT leaders? Generate excitement about learning who is in their small group and meeting their
NMOT leaders. Ask if everyone kept the cards from Arc Degree. On the count of 3, find the NMOT
leader wearing the same color as on their card! 1, 2, 3, go!

Meet your NMOT

Once everyone has found their group, indicate the rest of the time today will be getting to know your TIME: 35 min
small group. The NMOT Guide has instructions for the get-to-know-you activities and teambuilders
led by the NMOT leader.
Assignments
By next session: TIME: 5 min
 Pearls of Wisdom: Welcome and Ritual Education (Essential Sigma)
 Lesson 1: Social Excellence: Making New Connections (Essential Sigma)
 Read Section 1 of To Be Steadfast
In 3 weeks:
 Study Skills Certification (again explain location and enrollment, not auto-assigned, see the
Certifications tab in Essential Sigma in Learning Center, due in 3 weeks)
 Health Promotion program announced on Bid Day (auto-assigned in Essential Sigma)

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Session 1
 Guest: Chapter President, Director of Chapter Growth and Philanthropic Ini a ves Manager
 Materials: projector/screen with sound to show video and display any slides of informa on, verify lesson 1 and
welcome comple on

Making Social Connections

Guest Topics TOTAL: 65 min

 Welcome everyone to the session. TIME: 35 min
 Display the Creed and recite it together to start the Orientation Session.
 Introduce the two leaders and guests for this week’s session and give them the floor for the
first part of the session.

After the guests introduce themselves (name, pronouns, major, hometown, year in school, and
leadership role and responsibilities), the guest speaker(s) should come prepared to achieve the
learning objectives outlined for each.

CHAPTER PRESIDENT (approximately 10 mins)

Congratulate new members on receiving Arc Degree.
By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
1. Exchange the Sisterly Embrace with others.
a. Explain how to exchange based on the instructions in the Rituals of Sigma Sigma
Sigma. Have new members practice several times with those near them.
2. Uphold the expectations for wearing letters.
a. Be mindful of conduct at all times, especially in letters.
b. No drinking or smoking in letters (block, stitched, screenprint, etc.)
c. The national organization has no rules about wearing letters in a social setting
provided individuals are not consuming alcohol, but the local chapter expectations
are (share local chapter expectations).

Close with extending support when needed and excited to share the meaning of the 3 Greek-letter
Sigma’s at initiation which is called Triangle Degree.

DIRECTOR OF CHAPTER GROWTH (approximately 15 mins)

By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
1. Give a good handshake.
a. Explain the bump and squeeze method: bump the part of the other person’s hand
between the thumb and index finger and then squeeze. Share a short TikTok our
YouTube video example.
b. Practice by having new members do rotations where they find a partner, give a good
firm handshake, introduce themselves, and get to know one another. Give a signal
(change a slide, play some music, etc.) every 60 seconds to indicate moving to meet
another new member they have not met and to practice the bump and squeeze.
Completed 5-7 rotations.
c. Challenge new members to continue to practice on campus as they meet new group
partners in class, get introduced to other members at events, etc.
2. Introduce people into a conversation.
a. When a new person (example: Beth) enters the conversation and you are not sure
others in the group have met Beth:
i. Invite the new person in: Hi Beth! Please join us!

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 ii. Introduce the new person: Everyone this is Beth! She is a new member and
(insert something that might interest the group about Beth or perhaps how
you know each other)
iii. Introduce those in the group: Beth, if you have not met everyone yet, this
is…
iv. Share important information with the names: This is Kaitlyn, and she
oversees our intramural teams. This is Mary who is also the same major as
you. And so on.
v. Connect back to the conversation and invite the new person to join: We
were just talking about ____ show. Do you watch that show?
3. When joining a group conversation or have not seen someone for a long time:
a. Say your name first instead of assuming they remember: Hi! I have not seen you in
a while – I’m Kelly and we had a few classes together last semester, but we didn’t
have a chance to work on a project together. I remember you since you always had
great things to say in class. How have you been?
b. When you are new friends or acquaintances: A good practice is to say the other
person’s name when you see them. “Hi, Amber! Good to see you!”
c. Take the pressure off the other person: If a person does not say your name when
they are first saying hi, reintroduce yourself. “I know we’re all still getting to know
each other – my name is Beth!”
d. Practice by playing a game called Linked Up. Consider adding these instructions on
the screen.
i. Round 1: Practice when you are new friends - Find a person you know and
say hello including their name. Both are now a pair.
ii. Round 2: Practice taking the pressure off - Pairs should find another pair and
introduce themselves. Hi, my name is ___ and this is ___ (introducing your
pair). The other pair should do the same and this group is now a quad.
iii. Round 3: The quad should have a conversation to determine a topic or hobby
that is a shared interest for everyone in the quad.
iv. Round 4: Practice introducing people into the conversation - After 2-3
minutes, the quad should move around the room together and find another
quad – introduce each other following the steps, share what each quad was
discussing before, and then find a topic all 8 people share an interest.
v. Pause for questions and shout outs before moving onto the next section.
4. Properly wear a nametag: handshakes are exchanged with the right hand, therefore a
nametag should be on the right side to make it easy for the person to quickly move between
looking at the hand for a good bump and squeeze, glancing at the name tag before properly
making eye contact with the person with whom you are greeting.
5. Explain to others why chapter growth is important
a. Distinguish between recruitment and bid extension.
b. Recruiting is talking about our experiences, expressing pride in Tri Sigma, and putting
forth the best efforts at community events, in class, and on campus.
i. Bid extension is asking another person to join Tri Sigma.
c. Ask everyone to find a partner, practice the introductions and handshake, and then
talk for 2-3 minutes about why both recruiting and bid extension are important.
d. After 2-3 minutes, ask for the pairs to share some of their responses and help
reinforce the ideas that:
i. Everyone in the chapter recruits and should mindfully do so daily.
ii. Recruiting potential new members and being kind and inclusive to retain
current members are equally important.
1. The more that leave, the more that need to be recruited.
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 2. If members leave for negative reasons, that hurts recruiting efforts.
This is why communication and problem-solving are important if
/when anyone becomes frustrated – let’s resolve the issue instead of
just leaving. This is how we build communication and leadership
skills to be successful in life and professional settings.
iii. Bid Extension happens within a recruitment team or chapter setting.
iv. Growth helps the budget grow which can help the chapter do more of the
things they would like to do from service, to sisterhood, and even social
events. It does not mean dues decrease.
v. Growth is our lifeline, and it is a slippery slope.
1. 1-2 people leaving can quickly turn into 3-4 if issues go unaddressed.
2. It is much easier to recruit 1 to 2 and stay at Panhellenic total
throughout the semester. This also helps ensure that Panhellenic
total stays as high as possible to be able to maximize the number of
people contributing to the Panhellenic Community, dividing up
chapter workloads between more people, and ensuring dues do not
increase.

Close with a Challenge: Thank everyone for participating and challenge them to use these skills at an
upcoming philanthropy event, sisterhood, or other time when everyone is mingling - find a familiar
face and go join the group! When new people come up to a group already in conversation, new
people should be welcomed, introduced, and made to feel included in the conversation, not that they
are interrupting!

PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES MANAGER (approximately 10 mins)

By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
 Explain to another potential new member the chapter’s local efforts: MOD, Foundation,
other local chapter philanthropies, service hour requirements, and how the chapter
participates in other organization’s events.
 Articulate the difference between the various types of volunteerism: service, volunteerism,
philanthropy, and civic engagement. Lead a discussion:
 What is a way that you have volunteered or hope to volunteer?
 How are philanthropy, service, and civic engagement different but complementary to
each other?
 Share 2 examples of each and ask new members to turn to their neighbor to share
which category the examples belong to. Some examples include:
 Service: highway clean-up, food drive
 Philanthropy: raising money for March of Dimes, giving to the Tri Sigma
Foundation
 Civic Engagement: register to vote campaign, how to look up and write your
representatives
 Close with any questions and share dates and descriptions of any upcoming philanthropic
events.

Application
Thank the guest speakers and move into the application components that go along with the Essential TIME: 15 min
Sigma modules.

Values-driven vs Values-based.

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The values of Tri Sigma are wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love. New members learn the general
meaning of these in Essential Sigma and will learn the more formal meaning at the next ritual –
Triangle Degree. Service and philanthropy efforts is one way Tri Sigma externally show our values.

Discussion
● Greek-letter organizations are traditionally referred to as “values-based organizations.”
What does this mean?
● As values-based organizations, we are called to do 2 things:
o Promote ideals and provide value (write on board in the room or display on a slide)

Promoting ideals means that we tell the public what we believe in. By telling them, we are
elevating those values and showing how important they are. Examples of promoting our values are
our creeds or open mottoes.

Our creeds (their words and the way they are written) are examples of how we promote ideals.
Through them, we remind ourselves and others how important certain values are.

Our challenge to all members is not to be satisfied with just being “values-based.” Just being based
on something is not enough. Instead, we should strive to be “values-driven.”
 What is the difference? Consider recording thoughts on a flip chart.
 Paired Discussion: How would you describe a fraternity/sorority that is values-driven?

Summarize: Being value-driven means:

▪ Our actions and behaviors are influenced by the values of our fraternity or sorority.
▪ Our collective decisions and plans are driven by what our values tell us to do.
▪ We recruit new members and evaluate current ones by how much they meet the values we
believe in, not how long they have been in the chapter or their past contributions. What are
they doing right now, today?
▪ We strive to incorporate the values of our organization into our lives after graduation, as
spouses, parents, citizens, etc.

Being values-driven means that we are consistently aligned with the values of Tri Sigma. By doing
this, the fortunes of Tri Sigma, our personal lives, and society at large will be changed for the better.
This would make us more than a sorority. This is also why we have standards and expectations about
how, when, and where to wear letters and insignia.

One of the obligations members accept at initiation is to be a living, breathing, walking embodiment
of Tri Sigma’s values.
 Positively representing it always and forever.
 Initiation is a pledge and a promise to be the best possible representation of the
organizational values.

Just telling others about our values is not enough. We must adopt them individually and collectively.
Our actions and behaviors must reflect them. By doing this, we are providing these values to our
society. If we do not live out the values, then our words are empty.

Consider this: If you are the only member of Tri Sigma that someone meets in their lifetime, then the
only knowledge they will ever have of what Tri Sigma is, what it stands for, and what it values all
comes from you. From your actions, your words, and your deeds. It is a heavy obligation.

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Turn to a person next to you and share with them one person in Tri Sigma who embodies the
values of Tri Sigma whom you met through the recruitment process.

Close this section with a charge:

There is one clear message I hope you received throughout our conversations: Fraternities and
sororities are a BIG deal. We are extraordinarily significant organizations. Fraternities and
sororities are not just another extracurricular activity. If that is what members believe it is, then
that is how you will treat it. Making Sigma something more – something powerful – something that
matters – something that is needed in our world – then that is how we will treat it. And we always
treat the things that matter with care.

Let’s shift to talking about how Tri Sigma values show up in the relationships with have within the
chapter.

Activity
Our relationships and ability to work together and challenge each other to be our best is one way we TIME: 3 min
are values-driven. However, the nature of group dynamics may mean there are disagreements or
times we question our commitment to Tri Sigma. Because of this, it is helpful to understand it is
natural, as part of getting to know each other, that there will be conflict or disagreement. If we can
move through it, a deeper more meaningful friendship will form. This is true in chapter life and in
teams for academic projects and after college in professional work teams.

Consider adding a PowerPoint slide with the following information. Give a small review of the
content. And ask if anyone has any questions about the stages before starting an activity.

Forming – Occurs when the team members first come together as a team. Team members are
introduced to each other and start to establish relationships. There is a focus on establishing roles
and responsibilities, and team members are polite and respectful.

Storming – The team discovers teamwork is more difficult than they expected. Conflicts and
differences in opinions arise as team members start to establish their positions.

Norming – The team moves beyond the storming stage and begins to function as a team.
The team begins to establish norms and values for working together. Members start to develop a
sense of unity and work towards a common goal. Conflict is resolved, and trust is established.

Performing – The team is functioning as a high-performance team. The team is highly productive and
works towards achieving its goals. Members work together effectively, and communication is open
and efficient.

Adjourning – Breaking up the team when the required task(s) are complete. The team completes its
project or goal, and the team is disbanded. Team members reflect on their achievements, and there
is a sense of closure and accomplishment. This will be an important part of how the New Member
Orientation Program concludes as a group and within the NMOT.

*DEI Activity Awareness Note: Be mindful and think ahead if all new members can participate. Make TIME: 2 min
sure everyone can feel included in the activity and discussion.

In this next activity, we will be working in small teams to solve a problem.

1. Form a circle of 5-7 people and get shoulder-to-shoulder.
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 2. Explain that they will be put into a knot and will have to figure a way out of it.
3. Set a time for completion which is no more than 10 minutes.
4. Ask each person to place a hand in the middle of the circle and grasp another hand. Then ask
the participants to grab someone else's hand from the opposite side of the circle.
5. Instruct the group to "untie" their knot without letting go of each other's hands.

Notes:
 Be prepared to see little progress for quite some time (up to 5 minutes). However, once the
initial unfolding happens, the pace towards the final solution usually seems to quicken.
 Not every group will complete the task of “untying.” There are three ways "untying"
themselves can work: end up in one circle, two circles, or two intertwining circles.
 Not everyone will necessarily be facing the same direction at the end.

After no more than 10 minutes, bring the large group back together and ask: TIME: 14 min
 How many were able to successfully get untied without dropping their hands? (Cheer and
celebrate!)
 What enabled you to be successful?
 How did you feel while you were completing this activity? Tell us a little about why, too.
 What did you notice about the other members of the circle during this activity?
 Did anyone get frustrated during this process? Why? What was frustrating?
 Did you work through those frustrations? If so, how?
 Did anyone take the lead in the situation?
 Were some members quiet or afraid to speak? Did some members dominate the
conversation?
 Did your group go through any of the stages of team development? Which ones did you
notice?

Thank everyone for their participation and leave them with this food for thought:

Remember, real-life teamwork does not unfold as quickly as it did in our activity. A helpful skill will
be taking a moment to figure out your current stage in the various groups you have. Knowing this
helps you handle problems better and understand what is happening. When you know where you
are, you can help the team move to the next stage and work even better together. So, embrace the
journey, be patient with the process, and watch your teamwork flourish.

Announcements
By next session: TIME: 1 min
 Read section 2 and complete lesson 2
 Initiation date and time (again from Arc Degree)

In 2 weeks:
 Study Skills Certification (again explain location and enrollment, not auto-assigned)
 Health Promotion program announced on Bid Day

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Session 2
 Guest: Honor Council Chair and Vice President of Opera ons
 Materials: Create an online Sigma Speak game, screen/projector to display the game, yarn for web ac vity, verify
lesson 2 comple on

Social Excellence: Tri Sigma’s Mission in Action

Guest TOTAL: 55 min
 Welcome everyone to the session. TIME: 15 min
 Recite the Creed together to start the Orientation Session. New Members can reference To
Be Steadfast if it is not yet memorized.
 Introduce the guests for this week’s session and give them the floor for the first part of the
session.

After the guests introduce themselves (name, pronouns, major, hometown, year in school, and
leadership role and responsibilities), the guest speaker(s) should come prepared to achieve the
learning objectives outlined for each.

HONOR COUNCIL CHAIR

By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
 Submit an IRF
 Explain the meeting types to their NMOT
 Explain the whistleblower policy

Be sure to lessen fears of retaliation if a new member submits an IRF. Do a short mock meeting so
they know what to expect if ever sent.

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

For MLS chapters: If it is too much for this officer to attend twice, consider having the VPNME present
this information. By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
 Understand the importance of Touchstone as a measure of chapter health
 Submit an excuse in OurHouse
 Articulate appropriate excuses for missing chapter events
 Outline the chapter participation points system and individual requirements
 Find the point value, location, and check-in options for events in OurHouse
 Explain to another new member the participation expectations for new members until
initiation (if it is not the same as initiated members)
Sigma Speak
Thank the guest speakers and break the group down into small teams for a game. TIME: 15 min

Sigma Speak Trivia Game

 Use a platform such as Faabul (similar to Kahoot but free) to review the Sigma Speak terms
from To Be Steadfast.
 Consider matching new members by birthday month to form teams and work together to
identify the right term for the displaced definition. Provide a few minutes for introductions
once grouped by birth months then explain the rules of the game.
 Example Q1. Platform used to pay chapter fees. – BillHighway, Essential Sigma,
or Sigma Connect.
 Example Q2. Chapter accountability process – STEPS, Chapter Discipline, Points,
or Honor Council.

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Now explain more about the Big/Little process to get ahead of any “dirty bigging” or overly high
expectations about the perfect match.

 Big/Little selection and reveal process is a point of collaboration between the VPNME and
the VP of Harm Reduction who is the guest presenter in the next session.
 Big/Little pairs are simply a commitment to mentorship.
 The reveal will celebrate this commitment and be aligned with the idea of mentorship and
providing chapter support.
 Big Sisters are not party planners for their littles, nor should spending lots of money correlate
to being a good Big Sister. It is more about investing time in the relationship.
 If there are gifts, they may not include alcohol, nor should they be delivered by a non
member unless they are using a delivery service like UberEats.
 There is no hazing, quizzing, or alcohol involved in the reveal or after! Post-parties or things
happening in smaller groups like families may not involve problematic traditions such as
family drinks or traditions involving drinking. These may seem like “normal” college
environments, but these events often come with unintentional pressures due to traditions or
feeling the need to celebrate. If anything of this nature occurs, please report it to the
VPNME, NMOT, or Chapter President.
 Big/Little reveal events should be positive, fun, and not mess with your head or make you
earn it. Explain some basic expectations:
o New members should not be tricked into thinking their Big Sister is one person and
it is another. It might lead to disappointment or hurt feelings. This should be fun!
Part of the Big Sister training, which is required to be a Big, explains these
expectations, too.
o Bigs and members should not be asking you to guess who you think it is. Having a
new member guess is intimidating or might be embarrassing.
o It also should not be scary or require facts/information to be recited before getting
their Big Sister.
o Add any other local expectations or explanations of the process.

Activity
Move into the application components that go along with the Essential Sigma modules. TIME: 20 min

Let’s refresh ourselves on the Responsibility and Commitment section of the lesson this week by
sharing a topic or key point that stood out to you when completing the module.

Topics/ Key Points to get them chatting: Personal things they are committed to, personal things they
are responsible for, roadblocks and challenges, Oprah’s empowering video, determination and
resiliency, accountability and feedback seeking.

In this activity, we will dive into the essence of unwavering commitment within our sorority.
Together, we will uplift one another, embracing the spirit of steadfastness as we aim to become
strong and dedicated members.

Part 1:
1. Ask participants to stand in a circle. For larger groups, split into multiple smaller groups
and have officers help lead instructions for each group.
2. Explain that the ball of yarn will be thrown across the circle to a person of their choice.
3. As this is done, each participant will say aloud one commitment that they plan to make
to Tri Sigma during this year.
** Start to throw the yarn around now**

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 4. As the yarn is passed from person to person around and across the circle, each
participant will hold on to the yarn so that the final effect is a web connecting each new
member in a “Sigma Network.”
5. When each person is holding a piece of the yarn, explain that the web symbolizes the
chapter and how each of us must do our part and hold up our end of the responsibilities,
or our Sigma network will fall apart.

Part 2:
 What would happen if 1 person let go of the yarn? Select 1 person to let go.
 Now what about 3-4 more? Select several more to let go. Then get some reactions about how
people feel looking at the web and their observations.
 What are some things you can do to support each other as new members? There may be
times we all drop the ball or the web, but that does not mean someone cannot help us pick
things back up. What can you do to bring people back into the group or help someone who is
struggling? For each answer, tap a person who let go to pick back up their section of the web
until all sections have been collected. Again, get some thoughts and reactions.
 To close, cut strips of the yarn to take home as a reminder of their commitment and place in
Tri Sigma.

After everyone has their yarn, host a group discussion:

 Your new member book is called To Be Steadfast. What does it mean to be steadfast?
 What might be possible for our chapter if we were all steadfastly committed members?
 How do we take responsibility for ourselves and our own actions?
(Allow for open discussion and natural conversation to flow from members’ answers)

Divide the room into 4 sections. Assign each section a focus area: Upholding responsibilities,
perseverance, being accountable, and receiving feedback. Find a new person to talk with and discuss
their assigned section.
 What would a member be doing or saying in Tri Sigma to demonstrate the assigned focus?

For example, if the assigned focus is upholding responsibility...

 What would a member be doing if they were upholding responsibilities? (paying dues on
time, showing up to events on time, volunteering to help when possible)
 What would they be saying to communicate this commitment? (not complaining about
dues or events, encouraging others to go vs discouraging attendance, showing up and asking
to help)

After 3-4 minutes bring the group back together and ask for 3-4 people to share from each focus
area. Be sure to communicate what would be ideal in each area and help new members know what
is “right” especially if members or older members are not demonstrating those attitudes or actions in
the chapter. Then, leave them with this food for thought:

Think about how embracing responsibility, commitment, and accountability can truly shape your
journey. It is not just about your own personal growth, but also about making a positive impact on
those around you. With each small step you take to embody these qualities, you are not only
enriching your path but also creating a better journey for everyone around you. Keep this in mind
as you move forward. Your efforts matter more than you might realize.

Announcements
 Date: Big/Little reveal TIME: 5 min
 Assignments: By next session:

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  Read section 3 and complete lesson 3
 Study Skills Certification
 Health Promotion program announced on Bid Day

Session 3
 Guest: Vice President of Harm Reduc on/Director of Panhellenic Rela ons
 Materials: visuals for asser ve behaviors and defini ons, verify lesson 3 comple on and Health Promo on
programs are complete

Harm Reduction: Sisterhood and Safety

Guest TOTAL: 55 min
 Welcome everyone to the session. TIME: 30 min
 Recite the Creed together to start the Orientation Session. New Members can reference To
Be Steadfast if it is not yet memorized.
 Introduce the guest(s) for this week’s session and give them the floor for the first part of the
session.

After the guests introduce themselves (name, pronouns, major, hometown, year in school, and
leadership role and responsibilities), the guest speaker(s) should come prepared to achieve the
learning objectives outlined for each.

DIRECTOR OF PANHELLENIC RELATIONS

By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
 Describe the various fraternity/sorority councils on your campus (Panhellenic, IFC, Pan-
Hellenic, multicultural, etc.)
 Share community events planned by the Council (Greek Week, Hazing Prevention Week,
Homecoming, etc.)
 Know how to get involved with Panhellenic or Junior Panhellenic
 Reference other campus resources and support provided by the Fraternity/Sorority Life
office (university policies, social event registration, and other forms or processes that may
need to be accessed for the university or Panhellenic)
 Value the collaboration with other campus organizations
 Creating positive relationships with other organizations (share local expectations about
participating in other’s philanthropy events, sportsmanship during competitive events,
mingling during socials or campus events by using some of the introduction skills covered in
session 1, not posting or speaking poorly of other organizations, etc.)

VP of HARM REDUCTION
If possible, plan a program that gets the new members up, moving around, or playing a game. This is
a chance to help new members see the importance of harm reduction not just because “national says
so” but because part of sisterhood is safety and taking care of one another. By the end of the
presentation, new members should be able to:
 Uphold any local expectations regarding being a non-drinker for events (When would a new
member expect someone to intervene if they were not being appropriate during an event?)
 Confronting someone who has had too much to drink (How do they do so - Do you notify an
officer? Do you have a tap system to ask someone to leave an event?)
 Respond positively if someone from the chapter confronts/intervenes to address their
conduct.
 Identify high-risk behaviors and know why Tri Sigma has the social event procedures in place
to ensure safety. See the suggestions for activities below.
 Create a scenario(s) that includes violations of the policies or problematic behavior. Have the
new members identify the violations or concerns based on their knowledge from the

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 RM1/Harm Reduction module from Essential Sigma. Consider pre-gaming, alcohol in the
house, fake IDs, using a controlled substance before a chapter meeting, having a new
member by a DD for a chapter member, etc.)
 Place signs around the room...very risky, risky, moderately risky, and not risky. Create
situations and examples and have new members identify the level of risk. For example, a 21 st
birthday party with a shot book. New members would go stand near the sign to indicate if
they thought the activity was very risky, risky, moderately risky, etc. Once they pick their
location, ask them why they selected that section and what makes it risky. They might say….
 Heavy drinking
 When celebrating and are not thinking about how much you are
drinking
 Taking 21 shots or completing some sort of game with a 21st birthday
 Then ask them what can be done to make the event less risky or what
are better choices that could be made. They might say….
o Eat before you go out
o Have a non-drinker with you to help ensure you are not out of
control
o Drink water between drinks to help you stay hydrated
o Go out with friends who will not pressure you to drink too much
 Then talk with them about some of our policies and give examples of
WHY we have them…for example talk about our social events:
 Everyone must take the provided transportation to the event
 We have 10% of members plus two officers serving as non-drinkers
 Members get sent home if they are out of control
 Food and non-alcohol beverage alternatives must be available
 Members cannot pre-party before the event to ensure members are
not consuming too much before the event which was not monitored
by the chapter

Using an approach such as this helps new members think through the whys behind the policies and
helps them consider various environments and how to make them safer. At the end of the day, our
policies are about safety!

 Close this section by answering any questions new members have about the RM1 or the
Membership Agreements.

Activity
Thank the guest speakers and move into the application components that go along with the Essential TIME: 24 min
Sigma modules.

Listening Practice Activity

This week one of the sessions talked about communication and effective listening. Find a partner and
decide who is person A and who is person B. Pause to find a partner and decide who is A and who is
B.

In just a moment, you will have 60 seconds to talk about your favorite place/thing on campus and
why. Person A will be listening – not giving advice, not sharing a similar personal story, etc. Just
listen.
 See if anyone has questions and then begin the practice.
 After 60 seconds, pause the conversations, and do the same thing but switch roles. Those
who were talking are now listening. They have another 60 seconds in the breakout room.
 After 60 seconds, bring the participants back to the large group to debrief.
1. What was hard about that exercise?
2. Did anything feel uncomfortable? Why?

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Too often we try to problem-solve before we truly listen and been present. This is a pitfall we can
avoid by simply just listening to the person fully and helping them feel heard. This is not only a great
communication skill but also a part of being a good friend, leader, and Tri Sigma.

It is also important to have a positive response if someone is confronting you in a social environment
for your personal safety. We will take some time to practice how to intervene with others and how
someone should respond if/when confronted.

Consider placing the definitions of assertive, passive, and aggressive and components of assertive
behaviors on a slide or other visual.

DEFINITIONS:
 Assertive behavior is the ability to appropriately express what you want when you want
without feeling bad about it. Assertive behaviors enable you to act in your own best
interests, and stand up for yourself, without the anxiety of putting others down.
 Passive behaviors are restrained, allow your rights to be ignored, can be humiliating, and
result in an inhibited message.
 Aggressive behaviors include hostile words or actions that coerce others. Aggressive
persons are interested in winning by any means possible.

COMPONENTS of ASSERTIVE BEHAVIOR:

 Eye contact and looking an individual in the eyes when you are speaking to them.
 Holding your head up and having a non-slouching body posture when you are talking to
them.
 A tone that is serious without shouting but also not a whisper.
 Being near a person, leaning in to show interest but not in their face, making the person
back up or feel lectured.
 An expression that corresponds to the message. Do not try to be funny when you are
mad – it will not work.
 Content is direct without cursing or attacks. The person needs to be valued.
 Express your own feelings “I feel” …not the opinions of others.

Feel free to modify these example scenarios to be more specific or relevant but stay within the
general theme of the example.

Break into groups of 5-7, provide 7 minutes to complete examples 1-3.

There will be 3 scenarios provided, and the group should describe an assertive, passive/non-
assertive, and assertive response for each. Write the responses down and be prepared to role-play
the scenario and/or a response.

Example 1.
You are at a party and your friend is getting quite drunk. You have one drink and have a busy day
tomorrow – work, class, and papers. You do not want to drink anymore. Your friend looks at you and
says, “Have another one. Your work can wait!” – What would be a passive, aggressive, and assertive
response to this comment?

Example 2.
While getting ready to go out, most people are drinking heavily. One of your friends suggests that a
group of you plan a drinking game that involves chugging. Most of the people there seem to like the
idea. You typically do not drink much and do not think it is a good idea for you. You say…
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Example 3.
You have been out with a group of friends. The person who drove was supposed to stay sober but
ended up drinking. When you noticed, you stopped drinking after only 1 drink which was several
hours ago. You think you should drive or call an Uber for everyone. How do you approach the
situation?

After no more than 7 minutes, go through each example and ask for 2-3 groups to share their
assertive response. Allow space for praise and feedback to improve then move to example 4.

Example 4 moves away from the assertive, passive, and aggressive responses. Instead, use this last
example for everyone to create a personal response to this situation that is appropriate. Provide 3-4
minutes for individuals to type their response on their phone then have the groups share and provide
each other feedback.

Example 4.
You are at a friend's house for a party after pre-gaming with your roommates. As you arrive, the few
shots you took before going out start to make you feel a little off balance. A close friend notices and
asks you to stop drinking for an hour and instead enjoy the food/water at the event. You get some
food but have another drink after 15-20 minutes. Since it was consumed quickly to avoid being
noticed, you are showing more signs of intoxication including slurring your speech. Now more people
notice and one of the residents asks you to come talk away from the party. She expresses concern
and shares that she called you a ride home and she will be going with you. You are embarrassed and
angry but know you should respond appropriately – what is a response you can expect of yourself in
this situation?

After the groups have provided each other feedback, close the activity by having new members praise
and shout out others for their responses. Encourage the new members to share their outstanding
responses with the large group and also positively reinforce.

Thank everyone for participating and reinforcing the ideas of listening to each other, personal
conduct at all times, being assertive when confronting someone else and when standing up for
yourself, and the importance of responding appropriately when someone is trying to help you! Tri
Sigma should be a fun, safe, inclusive environment and it takes everyone to help ensure it is!

Announcements
 Dates: CBM (Ceremonial Business Meeting) Dates, explain why new members do not attend TIME: 1 min
 Assign: read section 4 and complete lesson 4

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Session 4
 Guest: Marke ng Manager and Communica ons Manager
 Materials: Visual for example thank you note, verify lesson 4 and Study Skills Cer fica on comple on

Self-Awareness and Lifelong Learning

Guest TOTAL: 50 min
 Welcome everyone to the session. TIME: 20 min
 Recite the Creed together to start the Orientation Session. New Members can reference To
Be Steadfast if it is not yet memorized.
 Introduce the guest(s) for this week’s session and give them the floor for the first part of the
session.

After the guests introduce themselves (name, pronouns, major, hometown, year in school, and
leadership role and responsibilities), the guest speaker(s) should come prepared to achieve the
learning objectives outlined for each.

MARKETING MANAGER and COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Collaborate to cover the following outcomes:
 Communicate how to positively represent Tri Sigma.
 Differentiate between PR and image.
o Understand that public relations includes everything each member says and does.
o Image is the impression each individual, a chapter, and the entire sorority makes on
others.
 Differentiate between marketing and communications
 Evaluate personal posts to adhere to any chapter social media standards.
 Submit photos in OurHouse to be considered for chapter social media posts or video footage.
Consider reviewing the Photo Video Tips provided by NHQ in the OurHouse files.
 Describe the expectations for sharing and prompting chapter events from personal accounts.

Activity
Thank the guest speakers and move into the application components that go along with the Essential TIME: 25 min
Sigma modules.

ETIQUETTE and PROFESSIONALISM

Starting with the large group: What etiquette item(s) surprised you the most? Which item of
etiquette are you most excited to know about and correct in your everyday life?

Let’s engage in an activity that puts the professionally written communication skills we have learned
into practice. We will be writing "thank you cards" to show appreciation to friends, family, Tri Sigma
members, teachers/professors/advisors, or mentors who have made a positive impact in your
collegiate journey so far!

Instructions:
1. Reflect on individuals who have supported or guided you during your time in Tri Sigma or
college.
2. Choose one person you would like to express your gratitude to. Think about the specific
ways they have helped you or others.
3. Use the professional communication skills you have gained from this lesson to craft a
thoughtful "thank you email." Include elements such as a proper salutation, concise and
sincere content, and a closing with your name.

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 4. Remember that the goal is to genuinely express your gratitude and showcase the
professionalism and etiquette you learned.

Let's take this opportunity to give thanks to those who have contributed to your growth and success.
By applying our communication skills in a meaningful way, we not only show appreciation but also
reinforce the importance of professionalism and etiquette in building meaningful relationships.

Thank You Email Example: (Recommendation: Add example to a slide)

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your
unwavering support and guidance. Your kindness, dedication, and mentorship have made a remarkable impact
on my journey, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities you have provided.

Your wisdom and encouragement have inspired me to strive for excellence, both personally and professionally.
Your commitment to [mention a specific aspect of support or guidance] has been a guiding light, and I
genuinely appreciate the time you have invested in my growth.

Thank you for being a source of inspiration and for making a positive difference in my life. Your generosity and
mentorship mean the world to me.

With sincere appreciation,

[Your Name]

Provide 10 minutes for reflection and to write/send the thank you email. Once everyone has
completed the exercise, bring the group back together for additional discussion:
 What was the process like for you to write and send the note?
 When else should we be sending thank you notes? (ex. In interviews, the person writes a
letter of recommendation, an unexpected or meaningful gift)

Divide the room into 3 sections. Assign each section a focus area: chapter, academics, and
professional. Find a new person to talk with and discuss:
 In what specific ways do you plan to incorporate the principles of etiquette and
professionalism into the assigned component of your daily life?
 How can these skills contribute to your success as a leader?

After 5-7 minutes bring the group back together and ask for 3-4 people to share from each focus area
and then lead a large group discussion:
 Why would we take the time to talk about this in Tri Sigma?
 What are some times/places we can practice and be each other’s coach or accountability
buddy?

Close with this food for thought:

What steps will you take to ensure these principles remain a consistent part of your personal and
professional growth? Consider how your actions and behaviors reflect not only on yourself but also
on the values of your sorority and your potential as a future leader. With each interaction, you
have the chance to elevate the standards of professionalism and create a legacy of respect and
success.

Announcements
 Date: deadline for badge and guard selection (reference brochure in To Be Steadfast) TIME: 5 min
 Assign: read section 5 and complete lesson 5

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Session 5
 Guest: C.A.B. (via Zoom or video pla orm if they cannot be present at the session), Member Reten on Manager,
and any remaining Officers/Managers
 Materials: signs to help everyone move from place to place in an efficient manner, verify lesson 5 comple on

Well-being: Embracing Possibility

Guest TOTAL: 45 min
 Welcome everyone to the session. TIME: 30 min
 Recite the Creed together to start the Orientation Session. New Members can reference To
Be Steadfast if it is not yet memorized.
 Introduce the guest(s) for this week’s session and give them the floor for the first part of the
session.
After the guests introduce themselves (name, pronouns, major, hometown, year in school, and
leadership role and responsibilities), the guest speaker(s) should come prepared to achieve the
learning objectives outlined for each.

MEMBER RETENTION MANAGER

By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
 Describe the various support statuses through NHQ (inactive, 5 th year) including the deadline
for request.
 Describe the purpose of Special Consideration.
 Know how/when/where to submit Special Consideration requests.
 Share how sisterhood is intentionally developed through programming.
 Give examples of ways sisters stay connected and how new members can expect to be able
to rely on others throughout their membership experience.

Advisors should be invited to share other insights on retention, special statuses, etc. Following this
section, those on Zoom can exit the session.

MEET THE MANAGERS AND OFFICERS

This is a mix-and-mingle event vs an education session. Consider a speed dating set-up for small
groups of new members to move and rotate to each leader to learn about their positions. Keep to
about 30-40 minutes. If there are fewer new members than leaders attending, consider having the
new members stay stationary and having the leaders rotate to each new member to share
information.

Activity
Thank the guest speakers and provide a moment for them to exit. Then, review these key pieces about TIME: 10 min
the upcoming Big/Little Reveal:
 Provide a refresher on the items from session 2.
 Share details of the Big/Little matching process and Big/Little reveal so that new members
know what to expect.
 Review details of what they can expect at the reveal – location, attendees, the time it starts,
anticipated length of the reveal, what to wear, it is alcohol-free (both, during and after), the
basics of how the reveal will go, and the series of events.

Share as much as possible to ensure they can relax and enjoy the event because they are prepared for
what will be occurring.
Announcement
 Date: Post-initiation Meeting TIME: 5 min

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  Assign: read section 6 and complete lesson 6
 Bring the Pillars of Character exercise responses to the next session

Session 6
 Guest: Inclusive Excellence Manager
 Materials: Pillars of Character handout and responses, verify lesson 6 comple on
 Discussion: This session has numerous paired discussions. Consider different ways to ensure new members are
mee ng and talking with a variety of people. For example:
 Find someone with the same birthday month, resident hall, hometown, favorite color, etc.
 If the new member group is large, it may take too much me to find that many pairs, and a concentric circle
might be be er. A concentric circle puts pairs into an inner and outer circle. Person 1 is on the inner circle
facing out to person 2 who has formed an outer circle facing inward. As the discussion proceeds, ask the
inner circle or outer circle to move several people to the right or le to quickly find a new pair. New pairs
should quickly do an introduc on and start the discussion. If the room for the session allows, arrange chairs
into the two circles before the session.

Leading with Human Dignity and Compassion

Guest TOTAL: 45 min
 Welcome everyone to the session. TIME: 20 min
 Recite the Creed together to start the Orientation Session. New Members can reference To
Be Steadfast if it is not yet memorized.
 Introduce the guest(s) for this week’s session and give them the floor for the first part of the
session.

After the guests introduce themselves (name, pronouns, major, hometown, year in school, and
leadership role and responsibilities), the guest speaker(s) should come prepared to achieve the
learning objectives outlined for each.

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE MANAGER

By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
 Be an ally (review content on Tri [Link] Inclusive Excellence page)
 Explain Tri Sigma’s Diversity Statement
 Review the diversity statement, emphasizing that more important than the words of
the statement is the commitment to acting in a way that aligns with this statement.
 Lead a discussion on the DEI module and how it applies to the Tri Sigma membership
experience.
 What is something that stood out to you about diversity, equity, and
inclusion in the Essential Sigma lesson?
 How will you contribute to an inclusive chapter experience?
 Thinking back to the identity wheel exercise in the Essential Sigma lesson,
what is an identity that feels especially important to you right now?
 Connecting to our value of wisdom, what is something about that identity
that is important for other sisters to understand?
 Identify ways to show compassion for others.
 Lead a discussion on compassion.
 Ask the group to define compassion or share examples of compassion or
practices related to compassion.
 Transition the conversation to self-compassion. Emphasize how it can
sometimes be easier to identify how we can treat others with compassion
than ourselves. Next, ask:
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  Who is someone in your life you can always count on for support?
 What are some examples of attitudes and actions that exhibit friendship
and compassion?
 Explain that affirmations are statements that confirm the truth.
 Lead a discussion on affirmations. Affirmations can be used to increase positive
emotions and manage negative emotions. Share an example of an affirmation you
use, then give the group five minutes to write their own. When finished, go around
the circle and share.
 Conclude by getting some thoughts on the role inclusivity, compassion, and
affirmations play in belonging and helping everyone feel welcomed and appreciated
in the chapter. This is one reason why there have been opportunities in these sessions
to shout out your peers and praise their thoughts, comments, and contributions.

Application
Thank the guest speakers and move into the application components that go along with the Building TIME: 20 min
Character program in Essential Sigma.

Starting with the large group:

 What pillar of character did you like learning about the most and why?

Refer to the “person of character” PDF that was linked in the module.

The instructions were to place a star by areas where you consistently exhibit strong character traits
(your strengths) and to circle the items where you recognize inconsistencies (areas for personal
growth and improvement). Follow these steps:

 Turn to a person near you and confidently communicate an area you starred as a strength
and why. Provide an example from your experiences that demonstrates how you have
embodied this trait.

Allow about 5 minutes for both people to share with their partner. You can also consider setting a 2-
minute timer and saying “switch” to make sure both partners get the opportunity to share.

 Choose a different person and openly share one of the areas you circled on your handout,
indicating an aspect you are looking to improve in terms of character traits. Engage in an
open conversation with your peer, discussing your reasons for wanting to improve in this
area. During your conversation, feel free to ask for suggestions or insights. They might offer
valuable perspectives, strategies, or experiences that could assist you in your journey of
personal growth.

Allow 5 minutes for these conversations. Pull the group back together and ask:
 What areas of character do we showcase well as a chapter? What are our collective
character strengths?

Share that focus is going transition to the importance of character to our external audiences. Divide
the circle into 3 sections. Assign each section a focus area: fraternity/sorority community events
(speakers, service, philanthropy events), classroom, and campus/community events (sporting events,
intramurals, homecoming, sisterhood, or date function at an off-campus space)

Find a new person to talk with and discuss:

 Why is character essential in your assigned focus area?

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  What risks or consequences exist if character is lacking?

After 3-4 minutes bring the group back together and ask for 3-4 people to share from each focus area.
After sharing ask:
 What do you think would be possible if we showcased ourselves as strong members of
character more often?

Allow for open discussion and natural conversation to flow from the responses. After several minutes,
summarize the conversation and conclude with these questions for their reflection after the program.
 When it comes to character, we do not have to be sick to get better. How can we strive to
be the best versions of ourselves?
 If the character you displayed was contagious, how would someone who followed you
around for a month act?
 Would they be trustworthy?
 Would they show respect and fairness to others?
 Would they hold responsibility and be good citizens?
 Would they be a caring individual?

Thank them for their participation and challenge them to catch another new member doing
something RIGHT this week and shout them out in the OurHouse group chat.

Announcements
 Assign: read section 7 and complete lesson 7 TIME: 5 min
 Dates:
 Fall: Officer election date and Manager applications
 Spring: NMOT Applications (process, deadlines, etc.)

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Session 7
 Guest: Restora ve Jus ce Manager (If the chapter is not an RJ chapter, use this me to review any media on
processes the chapter has in place to resolve member-to-member issues.)
 Materials: verify lesson 7 comple on

Communicating with Confidence

Guest TOTAL: 40 min
 Welcome everyone to the session. TIME: 15 min
 Recite the Creed together to start the Orientation Session. New Members can reference To
Be Steadfast if it is not yet memorized.
 Introduce the guest(s) for this week’s session and give them the floor for the first part of the
session.

After the guests introduce themselves (name, pronouns, major, hometown, year in school, and
leadership role and responsibilities), the guest speaker(s) should come prepared to achieve the
learning objectives outlined for each. By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE MANAGER

By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
 Explain Restorative Justice (RJ)
 Differentiate between RJ and the Honor Council
 Request an RJ meeting
 Identify those serving on the RJ team and know how to contact them with additional
questions

Application
Thank the guest speakers and move into the application components that are a continuation of the TIME: 20 min
Communicating Your Sorority Experience in a Professional Setting program in Essential Sigma.

Starting with the large group:

 What is a topic or key point that stood out to you when completing the module?
 Who can explain what an elevator pitch is to the group?

Instructions to the group:

 There will be 2 rounds. In round 1, your pitch will be about Tri Sigma during recruitment to a
PNM. In round 2, your pitch will be about yourself in an interview setting.
 Find a person you have not been a partner with during a previous session. Introduce yourself
and determine who is older and younger.
 You will have 6 minutes to:
 Identify your favorite part of Tri Sigma so far and develop an elevator pitch to be
shared during a recruitment coffee date.
 Envision you are doing an interview, and the person starts the interview by saying,
“Tell me about yourself!” – Develop your personal elevator pitch to respond to this
question professionally.
 ROUND 1:
 The younger person will be the Tri Sigma member giving their pitch first to the older
person who will be the potential new member (PNM) during recruitment.
 The PNM will ask, “Tell me about Tri Sigma!”
 Bring the group back together and ask for examples of elevator pitches that were about the
PNM. Pitches should share what a PNM would get out of Tri Sigma and the benefits of Tri

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 Sigma vs. their own story. This is also true about a preference speech – make it about the
other person and who they can contribute.
 Emphasize that a great pitch about the chapter is emphasizing how you can see the
other person in Tri Sigma not about you!
Round 2 IS about you and your skills – transition to round 2 and indicate this is a time to
practice being confident in talking about your skills and abilities.
 ROUND 2:
 The older person will go first with their pitch.
 The interviewer should ask, “Tell me about yourself.” or “Tell me something I
wouldn’t know about you from reading your resume.”

After both rounds, lead a discussion:

1. How did it feel to be in the interviewer and PNM role?
2. How did you approach the interview question when responding?
3. How did you approach the PNM’s question?
3. What did you learn from the responses of your partner?
4. How can you apply these skills in other places of chapter life?
5. What about applications outside of Tri Sigma?

Close with this food for thought:

Personal development is a continuous journey, and every effort you make to refine your skills, learn
from experiences, and embrace feedback brings you closer to your goals. Remember that it is okay to
embrace challenges, as they are opportunities in disguise. Keep striving, keep learning, and keep
reaching for your personal and professional aspirations.

Announcement
 Date: reminder on post-initiation meeting TIME: 5 min
 Assign: read section 8 and complete lesson 8

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Session 8
 Guest: Alumnae Rela ons Manager, Ritual Manager (for pre-ini a on mee ng por on) and New Member
Orienta on Team Leaders
 Materials: paper and envelops for le ers, verify lesson 8 comple on, Rituals of Sigma Sigma Sigma

Values-driven: supporting causes greater than ourselves

Guest TOTAL: 60 min
 Welcome everyone to the session. TIME: 15 min
 Recite the Creed together to start the Orientation Session. New Members can reference To
Be Steadfast if it is not yet memorized.
 Introduce the guest(s) for this week’s session and give them the floor for the first part of the
session.

After the guests introduce themselves (name, pronouns, major, hometown, year in school, and
leadership role and responsibilities), the guest speaker(s) should come prepared to achieve the
learning objectives outlined for each. By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:

ALUMNAE RELATIONS MANAGER

By the end of the presentation, new members should be able to:
 Find alumnae chapters and collegiate chapters on [Link]
 Update their email and address in Sigma Connect or OurHouse
 Find area alumnae using Sigma Connect > Member tools
 Access the Tri Sigma LinkedIn page
 Explain any annual event the chapter hosts with alumnae – Founders Day, Homecoming,
Alumni Weekends, etc.
 Explain ways that alumnae support the chapter, like advisory roles, fundraising, etc.
 Understand the meaning of Lifetime membership.
 Once initiated, they are always a Tri Sigma and should say, "I am a Tri Sigma" after
graduating instead of "I was a Tri Sigma."
 Correctly use alumnae, alumna, and alumni
 Explain that after graduation, members will be known as alumnae (plural,
pronounced Alum-KNEE) or alumna (singular, female).
 When you graduate from the college/university, you are an alumni (singular and
plural, gender neutral)

To close consider asking if anyone knows Tri Sigma alumnae – former teacher, family member,
neighbor, etc. Invite any story sharing, which upholds the policies, that new members may have heard
or learned from alumnae and their Tri Sigma experience. If none, share the date of any upcoming Tri
Sigma alumnae events.

Letters to Self
We are both steadfast and values-driven when we fulfill the lifetime commitment you are about to
make at initiation. What kind of Tri Sigma do you want to be in your collegiate and your alumna
membership? You will have 5 minutes to write a letter to yourself outlining the kind of Tri Sigma you
would like to be now and into the future. When you are a senior and receive Circle Degree, you will
receive this letter back at that ceremony. What would you like to remind yourself then about how
you are feeling now about Tri Sigma? Once you are done, print your first and last name on the
envelope, seal it, and bring it up.

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Pre-initiation Meeting
Thank the guest speakers and move into the pre-initiation meeting components. This is not a CBM. TIME: 15 min
Candidates are not required to wear white.

 Share in your excitement that initiation is coming up!

 Conduct a final verification that all new members have completed initiation requirements in
the Chapter Portal under Membership » Reports » New Member Initiation Eligibility.

Provide any final reminders on module completion, being current on dues and fees, and complete any
Honor Council goals to be eligible for initiation.

Announce the date/time of the Welcome to New Members Ceremony which will be during the next
CBM.

Explain the Membership Record Book. This is the initiation number control for the chapter and affects
permanent records. The Ritual Manager makes certain it is kept in the chapter ritual chest when not
in use during the Welcome to New Members ceremony. Signatures are to be in permanent ink. The
date is written above each group of signatures as they are entered during the Welcome to New
Members ceremony.

A fun national FYI a letter "C" is written with a member’s initiation number for the first initiation class
of a new and reestablished chapter. In Fall 2024, the Zeta Chi chapter will be reestablished. During
their initiation and installation, all initiates will have that C on their badge and have their names on
the chapter charter. This is only for charter members and during an establishment when installed as a
chapter.

Similarly, when the chapter initiates an alumnae initiate, an "A" is written following a woman's
initiation number only if she was initiated as an alumna.

Collect New Member Pins. A new member who has lost her pin should be charged $10 in Billhighway.

Share that within 48 hours of initiation, the chapter will mark new members as initiated in the
Chapter Portal, order their chosen badge (and guard if they paid for one), and these will be processed
by the official jeweler Herff Jones.

Announce the anticipated date/time/location of the badge presentation ceremony pending timely
receipt of the badges, membership certificates, and history book.

Review room set-up and role of the Ritual Manager.

 The Ritual Manager will work with the officers to set up the room and then wait outside until
all the initiates are present.
 Then Ritual Manager will lead new members silently into the initiation room and will assist
the Vice President of New Member Education.
 There will be a portion where new members kneel as part of initiation. There will be a pillow
and someone to assist everyone during the initiation. The Ritual Manager can make
accommodations for alternatives if someone is unable to safely kneel and stand. Please talk
with the Ritual Manager today about those needs or text/email after this meeting.
 New initiates stay in the room after being initiated and are invited to participate, as the other
initiated members do, in the remaining initiations. There will be some standing and sitting
during the other initiations.

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  At the close of the initiation, the Rital Manager will lead the initiates from the room and then
dismantle the room once all have exited.
 There will be time for photos outside of the room following initiation.

See if there are any other questions about attire, logistics, etc.

Follow the pre-initiation instructions in The Rituals of Sigma Sigma Sigma. It is essential that all
speaking points are reviewed, and new members have time to ask questions based on the information
being shared.

Activity
Following the pre-initiation meeting as outlined in the ritual book, new members should be grouped TIME: 25 min
with their NMOT who will lead a discussion by asking:
 What do you remember as the major emphasis of the Arc Degree Ritual?
 Was the Arc Degree ceremony anything like you anticipated or imagined?
 How do you define ritual?
 What are you anticipating the Triangle Degree Ceremony will focus on?
 After today’s discussion, do you wish to receive Triangle Degree and be initiated into
Tri Sigma?

Final preparation.
Before ending the meeting, the VPNME should prepare new members for the ritual by explaining each
of the following exactly as printed.
 As part of the National Panhellenic Conference, we are bound to Unanimous
Agreements; one agreement is The Panhellenic Compact. This agreement states, "A
woman who is or who has ever been an initiated member of an existing NPC sorority
shall not be eligible for membership in another NPC sorority."
 Meaning, if an initiated member terminates their membership in one sorority, they
cannot join another sorority. This includes transfers. If a person changes to another
school, they cannot join another sorority there, but Tri Sigma membership can be
transferred to join another collegiate chapter.
 There are Christian themes in the ritual that are representative of the religious identities
of our founders. We encourage each member to interpret the symbolism, teachings, and
wording according to her individual belief system. Following initiation, we encourage
sisters to speak openly to each other about their translation of these themes and how
they have made meaning of them in relation to their individual identities and
experiences.
 The secrecy of the ceremony may feel daunting, but the build-up to initiation is rooted in
ensuring that each new member has adequate time to confirm her commitment before
our ritual is revealed. The language is formal and includes a portion of recitation; please
ask for clarification during the ceremony rather than fumbling through words if you do
not hear what you are asked to recite. Similar to ceremonies like graduations, it may be
awkward or intimidating, but the intention is to celebrate you and what you bring to our
sisterhood.
Address any final concerns and share your excitement about the initiation!
Announcement
Date: Initiation- time, location, attire TIME: 5 min
 Dates of any other sisterhood or inspiration events leading up to and after initiation (non-
alcoholic) to celebrate the new members and their initiation.
 Assign: Post-initiation meeting (lesson 9). Will be available for individuals in Essential
Sigma after placing the badge order and listing new members as initiated.
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Session 9
 Guest: Ritual Manager
 Materials: Ritual equipment, verify lesson 9 comple on

Post-initiation meeting
Activity TOTAL: 35 min
Welcome the new members to their final session and congratulate them on their initiation! Lead a TIME: 30 min
brief discussion before reviewing the ritual breakdown:

1. Find a partner and share with them your high point from orientation or initiation and why.
Give the pairs 5 minutes to discuss, bring the large group pack together, and ask for any key
feelings or emotions they heard their partner share. As the words are shouted out, type them
on a PPT or write on a flip chart – happy, honored, excited, etc.
2. With that same partner, what made that high point possible? What were the traits and
attributes of that situation? Again, give several members to discuss and then collect/write
down key traits – sentimental, organization, members attended, big made it special.
3. What are your hopes and wishes for your Tri Sigma journey? Again, give several members
to discuss and then bring them back and invite several individuals to share their wishes.

Conclude this section by circling back to the words written by sharing, “My hope for the new initiates
is that you continue to see (read the list of traits and attributes) so that you may continue to have
more moments that make them feel (read the list of feelings collected from Q1).”

Ritual Breakdown
 Demonstrate of grip, knock, pass, embrace.
 Explain how to knock into a ritual meeting including the exchange of the pass which is the
meaning of the 3 Greek Letter Sigma’s.
 Showcase “fashion show” of proper initiation attire as well as officer attire
 Explain the significance of officer titles. How they are not written in the ritual book or written
out.
 Share the difference between the KG and the Cup Bearer
 Showcase proper initiation attire for chapter members.
 Share the meaning of the Coat of Arms.
 Explain how to answer the roll call for CBMs in place of saying “here”
 Demonstrate the proper way to acknowledge the cup during the concluding ceremony
 Divide the members into small groups based on the number of ritual books the chapter has in
its inventory. Give the new initiates 15 minutes to read and look through the ritual book
encouraging them to focus on the deeper meaning of each value described by each officer at
initiation.
 Answer any questions after they review the ritual.
 Close with any last gifts from the chapter or words of thanks and congratulations!
Announcement
 Reminder of their first CBM (date, location, time) where the Welcome to New Members will TIME: 5 min
be performed.
 Date of the Badge presentation ceremony. This will also be when we formally adjourn our
time as a group (referring back to the stage of group dynamics).

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