Sigma Kappa (ΣΚ) Sorority

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Eta (Η) Chapter

Mission Statement

Sigma Kappa Sorority is a social organization of collegiate and alumnae women committed to promoting the ideas of life-long friendship, intellectual and spiritual fulfillment, and service for the greater good.

The Eta chapter of Sigma Kappa strives to maintain loyal bonds of sisterhood, foster leadership, and encourage active membership in scholarly, spiritual, social, and philanthropic endeavors while upholding an atmosphere of positive Greek relations.

The purpose of Sigma Kappa is to provide women lifelong opportunities and support for social, intellectual, and spiritual development by bringing women together to positively impact our communities..

Number of Active Chapters: 110

National Founding Date: Monday, November 9, 1874

National Founding Location: Colby College in Waterville, Maine

IWU Founding Date: Wednesday, February 14, 1906

Organization Colors: Lavender and Maroon

Organization Flower: Wild Purple Violet

Organization Symbol: The dove and the heart

International Headquarters Website: www.sigmakappa.org

Local Chapter Website: http://sigmakappaiwu.weebly.com/

Local Chapter History

Colby College in Waterville, Maine, was the first college in New England to admit women on an equal basis with men. In 1871, Mary Caffrey Low Carver became the first female student at Colby. She, along with Elizabeth Gorham Hoag, Ida Mabel Fuller Pierce, Frances Elliott Mann Hall and Louise Helen Coburn founded Sigma Kappa on November 9, 1874.

In December of 1906, the sisters of a local sorority Zeta Theta Delta of Illinois Wesleyan University took a momentous step when they responded to a letter from the Delta chapter of Sigma Kappa. On February 21, 1907, thirteen women were initiated into what has become the oldest continuously active Sigma Kappa chapter. Due to this great honor, Eta holds the original crest made by the founders of Sigma Kappa.

Eta has had several chapter houses over the past 114 years including what are now known as Blackstock and Beadles Halls. Now the Sigma Pi house, Beadles Hall was home to our chapter until the late 70's when our current home was finished.

Today, Eta is 100 active members strong and has initiated thousands of Sigma Kappas. Eta is among the top Sigma Kappa chapters in the nation and strives to be an example of what it means to be a Sigma Kappa. We are proud to be the longest continuously-running chapter of Sigma Kappa in the country, and cherish our long history of success.

Academics

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Grade Point Average

  • To Join (First-Years): 2.80
  • To Join (Continuing): 2.50
  • Good Standing (Active Members): 2.30

Does your chapter require/offer study hall hours?

Yes, we require 5-15 study hours per week depending on a member's GPA from the previous term.

Please describe any assistance or programming that your chapter provides to support the academic achievement for your members.

Our Vice President of Scholarship designs and controls the programming for academic achievement of our members. At the beginning of each semester, our VPS holds a Scholarship banquet to recognize those girls with outstanding grades form the previous semester. Members with a GPA of 3.5 or above are given the "Smarty Panties" award and receive a Victoria's Secret gift card. The "Study Bug" paddle is awarded to a member bi-weekly at our formal meetings for good grades and hard work academically.
A collection of class notes and materials is kept for every major in our Library of Knowledge. Eta of Sigma Kappa has a Facebook page for all members where girls may ask questions, request assistance, or find tutors within the sorority. Grades are monitored by the VPS and help is given to members who may be in need of academic assistance. This includes the creation of an academic plan, tutoring, and increased study hours.
Academics are a priority for our chapter, as is evident by our Sigma Kappa nationally recognized chapter GPA and success at Illinois Wesleyan

Dues and Fees

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Item Price Item Price
Pledge Fee $75 Insurance $55
New Member Dues $136 Philanthropy $0
Badge Fee $48 Housing Fee $0
Initiation $160 Building Fund $0
Dues (each semester) $196 Room $2,370
National Dues $0 Board $1,450

Is there a cost difference in chapter dues for members that live in house?

Yes, It costs an additional $292

Additional Costs and Fees

House Corp/Parlor Fee - $250.00 (this is a one time fee that is paid within the first year of initiation)

Building Fund/Furnishing Fee - $50.00/semester (this is only paid by those not living in the house)

Bid Day & Recruitment T-Shirt - $15.00 each

Formal and Composite costs are covered by chapter dues.

Housing Information

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Chapter Capacity: 42

Residency Type: Combination

Policies

Sigma Kappa's live-in requirements are parallel to Illinois Wesleyan's Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life's expectations.

Amenities

Our chapter house is made up of four floors as follows:
  • First floor
    • Foyer & mailroom
    • Formal room - 3 couches, 5 chairs, grand piano, fireplace
    • Guest bathroom
    • Dining room - 6 tables dining tables and chairs, 1 long serving table, ample counter and cabinent space, and 6 beautiful chandeliers Open (24/7) kitchen & pantry - Renovated in 2011! - Beautiful new decor with new wood cabinets, non-slip laminate floors, and counters. 2 new commercial refrigerators, 1 commercial freezer, new ice maker, coffee pot, and toaster. Pantry stocked with breakfast and snacks, and storage for personal food.
    • Parking lot - numbered parking spots for each girl in house and often girls who live out of house (freshman and off-campus seniors)
  • 2nd floor
    • TV lounge - 2 couches, TV, DVD, and DVR
    • 8 triple, 4 double, and 1 single bedrooms - personal closet, desk, and dresser for each girl and a bed for sleeping, relaxing, or having guests stay over
    • Bathroom - 5 showers, 4 stalls, 4 sinks, full length & full wall mirrors. Under-sink cabinets and racks for storage.
  • 3rd floor
    • Dormers - One cold and one warm with beds for each member in the house. Always kept dark and quiet. (Girls have the option of sleeping in the dormers or in the bed in their room)
    • 1 triple and 2 double bedrooms - personal closet, desk, and dresser for each girl and a bed for sleeping, relaxing, or having guests stay over
    • Bathroom - 1 shower, 1 stall, and 2 sinks
    • Formal closet - storage for dresses and coats as well as a costume closet with donated items for dances, Halloween, and themed parties Storage - great for girls with suitcases and extra clothes
  • Basement
  • Lounge - Big flat-screen TV with DVR, DVD, and VHS players, 3 leather couches, 4 chairs, desk, fireplace, newly decorated Laundry room - 2 FREE washers and dryers, folding table, drying racks, storage for detergent, and sink
  • Library - Long study table, 2 small tables, bookshelves with study materials, printer/scanner/copier, whiteboard
  • Bathroom - 1 stall and 1 sink
  • Vending machine - always stocked with the cheapest pop and candy around!
  • Under-stair storage for bikes

Meal Plans

Members may choose to have a meal plan if they live in the house, but it is not necessary. Our meals are prepared daily by our chef, LeahAnn.

Meals per week: 15

Accommodations

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten Intolerance
  • Lactose Intolerance
  • Shellfish Allergies
  • Peanut and Other Nut Allergies

All allergies and preferences are given to the house chef. She cooks separate meals to those necessary and always provides a vegetarian option.

Philanthropy

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National Philanthropy

Maine Sea Coast Mission and Gerontology Studies with an Emphasis on Alzheimer's Disease Research

National Service Project

Inherit the Earth

Local Philanthropy Events and Service Projects

Eta hosts their annual Bags Tournament for Alzheimer's Research each spring, participates in the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk, as well as many local philanthropies, including Habitat for Humanity and local animal shelters and food pantries.

Required Service Hours and Donations

Girls are required to volunteer 5 hours per semester. Sigma Kappa encourages members to volunteer for the sorority�s national philanthropies and foundation, as well as any other opportunities of service. Members are not required to donate a specific dollar amount for donations, they are only encouraged.

The New Member Experience

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Length: 6 weeks as a new member, 2 weeks following initiation as a newly initiated member.

Hours Per Week: 1-1.5 hour(s) per week. This time is allotted for new member meetings which are held once a week.

Description

We meet once a week to complete the Sigma Kappa Promise Program. During this time we share information regarding Sigma Kappa's values and history with the new members. Rituals are taught to the new members as well. Each meeting includes an educational segment on Sigma Kappa (both at IWU and at a National level). Not only is this a time to teach the new members about Sigma Kappa, but it is also a time to get to know one another better.

Hazing

Sigma Kappa considers hazing to be a most destructive and degrading activity which is inconsistent with our ideals and standards. We recognize the dignity of every individual and oppose all forms of hazing. The national council of Sigma Kappa Sorority reaffirms its policy regarding hazing. Each chapter shall have a constructive member development program which enhances our values and goals. Sigma Kappa's new member programs are designed to educate new members in the purpose and ideals of Sigma Kappa. The purpose and ideals guarantee both new members and members the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

Successes

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Inter/National Headquarter Awards

Sigma Kappa Standards of Excellence, 2 stars. Sigma Kappa Foundation, Silver Circle. Alice Hersey Wick Award, honorable mention. Academic Achievement award. Sisterhood Recognition award. (Awards given at 2011 National Convention for 2010 calendar year)s

Inter/National Headquarter Standing

In good standing, working toward 3 Stars of Excellence for the 2011 calendar year.