ΣΨΖ
UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY
Sigma Psi Zeta
ALPHA CHAPTER
est. 1994
Recruitment FAQ
What is Recruitment Week?
Recruitment is a time for girls interested in joining SYZ to meet the active sisters and learn more about the sorority. This is your chance to ask any questions you ever had about SYZ , intaking, or sorority life in general. Recruitment is completely non-binding. In other words, there is absolutely no pressure to commit to or join SYZ when you participate in recruitment.
During this time, we hold a variety of events to provide an overview of our organization; of what we do, who we are, and get to know each sisters of Sigma Psi Zeta. If you decide to participate in recruitment, there are no commitments or promises so relax, and just have a good time! This is also a time for us to get to know YOU, so come out and hangout with us! <3
What makes SYZ different?
Generally speaking, all sororities are pretty similar. Every sorority works hard to support a national philanthropy, has their own history, contributes to their community, and offers social activities. However, the main difference between SYZ and any other sorority, Asian-interest or non-Asian, is the women in the organization. When choosing a sorority to participate in recruitment with or intake, the most important factor should be how comfortable you feel and how well you get along with the sisters. Ask yourself, do you feel relaxed while chatting with them? Can you see yourself hanging out and laughing with them in the future? If the answer is YES, you should definitely consider joining! After all, sisterhood lasts beyond pledging and even beyond college. It lasts for a lifetime. There is a lot of pride held here at the Alpha Chapter since we were founded here & we hope you'll take the time to consider if you're interested in being Alpha or not.
What can I expect from a "typical" Sigma sister?
There is no “typical” Sigma sister. Sisterhood is not a mold for women to fit into. Nor does it make each sister who they are. Each sister contributes her talent, idealism, devotion and energies to the greater organization, giving our sisterhood the character it has today. We hope that each sister will change our sisterhood, helping it to grow and evolve. We are accepting of all & we believe that our diversity makes us stronger.
Do I have to be Asian to join Sigmas?
Absolutely NOT! Our sisters come from all cultures, including but not limited to Haitian, Thai, Laos, Irish, Cambodian, Polish, Ghanaian, Korean, Chinese, Italian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, African American, and Indian. Although we are culturally oriented, we are by no means exclusive to Asian/Asian Americans. In fact, 10 percent of the sisters are of non-Asian decent.
What is a bid?
A bid is an invitation from a sorority or a fraternity after an individual completes rush week requirements to become an active member of the organization.
Does Sigma Psi Zeta haze?
Sigma Psi Zeta enforces a strict non-hazing policy. Our organization's national philanthropy is "to combat violence against women." With this in mind, we are against the disrespect of women in all its myriad forms. The purpose of the new member education process is to help stimulate a bond between the members of the intake class and the sisters that have already been initiated. It is a challenge and a commitment during which trust is placed in both the intakes and the sisters. Subsequently, we do not mentally, physically, or emotionally degrade our intakes. To do so would work against the ties of loyalty, allegiance, and dedication that we aim to create.
What is the myinvolvement.org "Fraternity and Sorority Life 101" Session Form?
This short session on myinvolvement.org is the school’s introduction to not only UAlbany’s Greek Life, but Greek Life as a whole. Here you will learn about anti-hazing rules and regulations, general Greek Life terms, and other important information. Keep in mind filling out the form is completely non-binding! This means you are in no way obligated to join a Greek organization if you fulfill this session. However, if you ARE interested in joining a Greek organization, this session ismandatory.
**To access this form, go to myinvolvement.org -> search for “Fraternity and Sorority Affairs” in the search box -> click on “Forms” on the left-hand side.
To be able to receive a bid from our sorority you will need to participate in 2 events, 1 GIM & complete the form on fraternity and sorority life's page on myinvolvement.