FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 - Ladies, see you at the Student Org Night 6-9 p.m. at Atlantic Union Bank Center (AUBC)!
For more information about our membership candidate process and who we are and meet other prospective members, plan to attend our August 29th Interest Meeting at 3 p.m. on the Commons!
New Member Interest Meeting
Monday, August 29 · 3:00 – 4:00pm
Meet on the Commons!
Text 804-397-0676 if you can't find us!
Monday, August 29 · 3:00 – 4:00pm
Meet on the Commons!
Text 804-397-0676 if you can't find us!
We are so excited that you are considering joining Sigma Alpha Omega (ΣΑΩ®) here at James Madison University! We pride ourselves in being an alternative to traditional Greek Life for women, and we hope that that excites you. Our members all are seeking to be "One in Christ through Unity in Sisterhood"®. Our membership, once initiated, means lifelong sisterhood way beyond college!
For one, we are a 25-year-old national social sorority without any Panhellenic ties, so we typically host our own recruitment. Because of COVID, our chapter suffered a setback, but we are ready for the adventure that awaits us: finding YOU to be a leader in our Revival Class of 10-12 potential new members!
Proverbs 4:2 reads, "And search for her as for hidden treasures," and while this is pertaining to Wisdom, we feel it illustrates how we feel about finding the right potential new members for our Alpha Alpha Chapter.
We are looking for women who want to pursue the ideals of SAO while being in a community of authentic Christ-centered friendship and fellowship. If that excites you, we hope you'll consider submitting an application and get ready to press start for sisterhood!
For one, we are a 25-year-old national social sorority without any Panhellenic ties, so we typically host our own recruitment. Because of COVID, our chapter suffered a setback, but we are ready for the adventure that awaits us: finding YOU to be a leader in our Revival Class of 10-12 potential new members!
Proverbs 4:2 reads, "And search for her as for hidden treasures," and while this is pertaining to Wisdom, we feel it illustrates how we feel about finding the right potential new members for our Alpha Alpha Chapter.
We are looking for women who want to pursue the ideals of SAO while being in a community of authentic Christ-centered friendship and fellowship. If that excites you, we hope you'll consider submitting an application and get ready to press start for sisterhood!
FAQs
Q. I am involved in campus ministry already. How is SAO any different?
A. SAO is a Greek organization (social sorority) so we encourage our members to be plugged into churches and campus ministries. Our aim is to bring Christian women together who are maturing in their faith walk with Christ across denominations while also supporting each other through the triumphs and trials of life. Our events are often both public and private, and our alumnae network spans the globe. As a Greek organization, members are dues-paying and meet requirements for active membership.
Q. How is SAO like or unlike traditional sororities?
A. SAO is similar to traditional sororities in that we wear and guard our Greek letters, hold membership candidate classes, have Big and Little Sister programming, meet weekly at chapter business meetings, have dues and member requirements, and are a part of a national social sorority network. SAO differs from traditional Greek Life in that it is faith-based and requires an affirmation of our faith statement. We are also a "dry" sorority, meaning none of our hosted events incorporate alcohol, even if of-age or an alumnae-only event. One major differentiation is that we host our own independent recruitment and are classified as a Student Organization here at JMU, though at other chapter campuses, they may be classified under Greek Life.
Q. When is your Recruitment?
A. Because of COVID-19 affecting our independent recruitment, we are looking to collect interested applications for the first few months of the semester. Once we have a large enough group, we will move forward with membership and revival classes. Traditionally, a week or two of recruitment events are held, but we instead will meet up frequently together to get to know one another prior to setting out on our Revival Classes together. Sisters and membership candidates will both attend Revival Classes each week in lieu of weekly chapter business meetings.
Q. What is a "Revival Class"?
A. Because COVID-19 interrupted lots of chapter recruitment plans and campus exposure events, we are classified as a revival chapter along with several other chapters in Virginia and beyond. This simply means that the incoming class of membership candidates will have more ownership of the chapter and its decision-making and general business than if the chapter were larger. We also receive a nationally-dedicated staff member to help equip us to be affective in public relations with the goal of letting interested potential new members know we exist! During Revival, National Assistance and chapter efforts (alumnae and enrolled sisters) are focused on engaging enough women to recruit for the Revival Class. The "Revival Class" means two things: 1) the actual group that will be participating in the 2) Revival Classes, which consists of new member education and events that begin once there are 10-12 individuals (with a minimum of 1 full semester prior to graduation) committed to relaunching the chapter. All PNMs (potential new members) need to complete a chapter specific membership application and submit a copy of their government-issued ID and school ID. Once all Revival Classes are completed, under the supervision of the National Mentor and/or Director of Membership, then the Revival Class (i.e. the group) will be initiated and receive national chapter training and celebration! Woo-hoo!
Q. What is entailed in being a membership candidate? Is that the same thing as a "pledge"?
A. Sigma Alpha Omega exclusively uses the term "membership candidate" due to the negative connotation surrounding "pledge." A membership candidate is a woman who has been extended the opportunity to become a sister of Sigma Alpha Omega. During the candidate period, the membership candidate attends weekly classes and has several requirements to fulfill alongside her fellow membership candidates such as a class fundraiser, service project, and retreat. The candidate period typically takes place over a minimum of 9 weeks and is guided by a candidate mentor or national representative, who would both be existing sister members already.
Q. Do you accept everyone who applies to become a member of SAO?
A. Not necessarily. Our applicants must meet the minimum requirements of being an enrolled female student at JMU (or commutable university) who affirms our profession of faith. From there, we also look for applicants who are able to devote the time and show promise in her dedication to the ideals of Sigma Alpha Omega. As mentioned, we are not an open campus ministry, but operate as a Christian Greek Sorority. While we have religious exemption, we will NEVER "discriminate and will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status" (JMU Policy 1302). We pride ourselves in being a diverse group of women from all backgrounds and denominations!
Q. I know nothing about Greek Life. Where should I start?
A. No worries! Our candidate period is designed to not only help you bond with other membership candidates, but also learn what it means to operate as a Greek organization. You'll learn things like the Greek alphabet, terminology, and how our chapter is administered during candidate classes. Of course, you can always read our national website to find out more details!
A. SAO is a Greek organization (social sorority) so we encourage our members to be plugged into churches and campus ministries. Our aim is to bring Christian women together who are maturing in their faith walk with Christ across denominations while also supporting each other through the triumphs and trials of life. Our events are often both public and private, and our alumnae network spans the globe. As a Greek organization, members are dues-paying and meet requirements for active membership.
Q. How is SAO like or unlike traditional sororities?
A. SAO is similar to traditional sororities in that we wear and guard our Greek letters, hold membership candidate classes, have Big and Little Sister programming, meet weekly at chapter business meetings, have dues and member requirements, and are a part of a national social sorority network. SAO differs from traditional Greek Life in that it is faith-based and requires an affirmation of our faith statement. We are also a "dry" sorority, meaning none of our hosted events incorporate alcohol, even if of-age or an alumnae-only event. One major differentiation is that we host our own independent recruitment and are classified as a Student Organization here at JMU, though at other chapter campuses, they may be classified under Greek Life.
Q. When is your Recruitment?
A. Because of COVID-19 affecting our independent recruitment, we are looking to collect interested applications for the first few months of the semester. Once we have a large enough group, we will move forward with membership and revival classes. Traditionally, a week or two of recruitment events are held, but we instead will meet up frequently together to get to know one another prior to setting out on our Revival Classes together. Sisters and membership candidates will both attend Revival Classes each week in lieu of weekly chapter business meetings.
Q. What is a "Revival Class"?
A. Because COVID-19 interrupted lots of chapter recruitment plans and campus exposure events, we are classified as a revival chapter along with several other chapters in Virginia and beyond. This simply means that the incoming class of membership candidates will have more ownership of the chapter and its decision-making and general business than if the chapter were larger. We also receive a nationally-dedicated staff member to help equip us to be affective in public relations with the goal of letting interested potential new members know we exist! During Revival, National Assistance and chapter efforts (alumnae and enrolled sisters) are focused on engaging enough women to recruit for the Revival Class. The "Revival Class" means two things: 1) the actual group that will be participating in the 2) Revival Classes, which consists of new member education and events that begin once there are 10-12 individuals (with a minimum of 1 full semester prior to graduation) committed to relaunching the chapter. All PNMs (potential new members) need to complete a chapter specific membership application and submit a copy of their government-issued ID and school ID. Once all Revival Classes are completed, under the supervision of the National Mentor and/or Director of Membership, then the Revival Class (i.e. the group) will be initiated and receive national chapter training and celebration! Woo-hoo!
Q. What is entailed in being a membership candidate? Is that the same thing as a "pledge"?
A. Sigma Alpha Omega exclusively uses the term "membership candidate" due to the negative connotation surrounding "pledge." A membership candidate is a woman who has been extended the opportunity to become a sister of Sigma Alpha Omega. During the candidate period, the membership candidate attends weekly classes and has several requirements to fulfill alongside her fellow membership candidates such as a class fundraiser, service project, and retreat. The candidate period typically takes place over a minimum of 9 weeks and is guided by a candidate mentor or national representative, who would both be existing sister members already.
Q. Do you accept everyone who applies to become a member of SAO?
A. Not necessarily. Our applicants must meet the minimum requirements of being an enrolled female student at JMU (or commutable university) who affirms our profession of faith. From there, we also look for applicants who are able to devote the time and show promise in her dedication to the ideals of Sigma Alpha Omega. As mentioned, we are not an open campus ministry, but operate as a Christian Greek Sorority. While we have religious exemption, we will NEVER "discriminate and will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status" (JMU Policy 1302). We pride ourselves in being a diverse group of women from all backgrounds and denominations!
Q. I know nothing about Greek Life. Where should I start?
A. No worries! Our candidate period is designed to not only help you bond with other membership candidates, but also learn what it means to operate as a Greek organization. You'll learn things like the Greek alphabet, terminology, and how our chapter is administered during candidate classes. Of course, you can always read our national website to find out more details!