Tri Sigma-Gamma Mu
-The women of the Gamma Mu chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma at Southeastern Louisiana University
Music
Music
About Tri Sigma
Sigma Sigma Sigma, also know as Tri Sigma, is a national American women’s sorority with membership of more than 100,000 members. Sigma Sigma Sigma is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference and hosts chapters on more than 110 college campuses and 89 alumnae chapters in communities all over the world.
Our Mission and Values
The Declaration of Principles, cornerstone of our order, elaborates on three basic reasons for our existance as a Sisterhood. These are: to ensure a perpetual bond offriendship, to develop strong womanly character, and to promote high standardsof conduct.
These fundamental truths, which have guided Sigmas since 1898, are continually endorsed by the membership. Sisterhood brings together a culturally diverse group of individuals, each with special talents, opinions, and ideas. These guidelines of purpose and operations for Sigma Sigma Sigma must direct the best interests of the group while protecting individuals' dignity. This experience prepares you for life-long citizenship and an empathy for others as promisede in this declaration.
Tri Sigma's Symbols
Crest
Harriet Hankins Alpha designed this symbol 1902. From upper left to lower right is a bond upon which there are three Greek Sigmas. Above the band is an equilateral triangle engraved with a Sigma, spreading wings joined at a circle, and a pair of clasped hands. In the lower third is a flaming urn above the open motto written in Greek.
Purple Violet
This symbol has remained the official flower since the founding of Sigma Sigma Sigma.
Sailboat
Tri Sigma's sailboat symbolizes continual forward motion, never moving backward, but progressing towards its destination.
Motto
Tri Sigma's motto, "Faithful unto death", symbolizes a members commintment to the sorority.
Meet our Executive Board
 Megan BrathberryMegan is Tri Sigma Gamma Mu's president. It is Megan's job to make sure the entire chapter is sailing smoothly. She is a junior Nursing Major at Southeastern. She also is a long time and respected employee and manger of Chick-Fil-A. |  Mackenzie ForemanMackenzie is Tri Sigma Gamma Mu's Vice President of New Members. It is Mackenzie's job to educate new members through their new member process to ensure they are eligible for initiation. She is a Senior majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She enjoys live music, crafting, and binge watching Netflix. She is also obsessed with Gavin Degraw! |  Bethany LeachBethany is Tri Sigma Gamma Mu's Vice President of Operations. It is her job to make sure Tri Sigma is in good standing with the National Offices. She is a Senior Art History Major at Southeastern and is also a 2014 Orientation leader. Bethany enjoys crafting, and spending time with her family. |
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 Rachel FordRachel is Tri Sigma Gamma Mu's treasurer. She handles the Gamma Mu Chapter's finances. She is a senior this year in school with a major in psychology and a minor in political science. She has also been in charge of several committees in the past. She enjoys biking, reading, googling, and running. She is from Slidell, Louisiana and is very close with her family |  Amy PurvisAmy is Tri Sigma Gamma Mu's Secratary. It is her duty to help keep track of participation points for all of the women in the chapter. She is a junior at Southeastern this year and majoring in Communications. For fun she enjoys traveling and meeting new people. A fun fact about her, is she had the opportunity to work at a summer camp in North Carolina this summer where she received the award of "Most Graceful Swing Dancer." |  Lyndsie FortierLyndsie is Tri Sigma Gamma Mu's Recruitment director. The recruitment director is in charge of bringing new member to join the chapter. She is a senior Biological Science Pre Med major. Lyndsie is allergic to most foods but especially enjoys pizza. She also loves to shop and spend time at her favorite restaurant Hungry Howie's |
 Hillary NunezHillary is Tri Sigma Gamma Mu's Educational Director. Her officer position is to motivate members to do their best academically. She is a Senior Business Administration major with a minor in Finance. She also loves spending time with her family and doing make-up. |  Harli ManuelHarli is Tri Sigma Gamma Mu's panhellinic Delegate. The Panhellenic Delegate acts as the liaison between the panhellenic community and Tri Sigma.Harli is a Junior Communication major. Besides hanging out with her sisters she enjoys getting involved on campus and being social. In her spare time she works for the Pennington Center on campus. She also volunteers with the Division of Student affairs as a DSA Ambassador and with the Office of Admissions as an Admissions Ambassador. |
Our Philanthrophy
The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation
The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation was established in 1992, a merger between the Robbie Page Memorial Fund and the Sigma Sigma Sigma Educational Foundation of Tri Sigma.
The RPM Fund made specific grants to hospitals for play therapy – a long-standing philanthropic outreach of Tri Sigma. The Educational Foundation awarded scholarships to members.
At the 1992 Convention, the idea of forming one unified foundation – having both scholarships and play therapy under the same umbrella – was a difficult vote, even though members have always valued philanthropy and service to children.
Merging these two charitable parts of Tri Sigma into a tax exempt organization allowed members to give tax deductible gifts to fund play therapy programs throughout the country, award scholarships to deserving members, and, in addition, support leadership training and education programs of the national Tri Sigma Organization.
"The Foundation continues to take our mission to the next level with the dedication of the Foundation Board members and the outstanding Foundation staff", says Marie Beck, Foundation Chair."Sorority sister donations are critical to our ability to continue funding Sorority leadership training programs, scholarships, and our philanthropic commitment to play therapy/child life grants. Although the Foundation is a separately chartered organization with a charitable purpose, we appreciate the strong partnership we have with the Sorority".
Our Mission
Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation provides transformational philanthropy: funding innovative leadership training for women, awarding scholarships, and investing in life-enhancing children’s therapy programs.
What you and your parents need to know:
The New Member Experience
Since the founding of the first sorority in 1851, these organizations have thrived and multiplied into hundreds of international organizations while making a positive and tremendous impact on the service and social structure of higher education systems. Sororities form a proven support network to help young women with the daunting transition from high school to university. The lifelong friendships your daughter will make through her sorority will last into post-graduation years.
As a family member, you will have many questions concerning your daughter's involvement in Tri Sigma. Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your daughter throughout the recruitment process. Once a member, there are many opportunities for you to share in this aspect of her college life. Almost all of the chapters on campus host events such as family weekend or special mother/father functions. Chapters recognize that when your student comes to college, you, as a parent, also become a part of the university family! Ask questions and get involved!
Tri Sigma strives to be a sorority dedicated to friendship, character, and conduct. In our Mission Statement, there are three basic tenets for our existence as a Sisterhood. They influence every facet of our lives. One of the tenets is, "Promotes a perpetual bond of friendship."
New Member Program - Arc Sequence of Essential Sigma Overview
The Essential Sigma program is cutting edge in the fraternal world and we hope that you enjoy the experience. The purpose of the Essential Sigma program is to provide membership education throughout your collegiate experience. In the past, we have focused primarily on the new member program and providing education before members were initiated. However, the needs and wants of our collegiate members change. In an effort to provide timely educational programming and help you become the best women possible, we have crafted a program that changes as your membership changes. The Essential Sigma program will take your from bid day to Circle Degree on and graduation!
What is a Greek Organization?
A Greek organization is a group of individuals of similar interests bonded together by common goals and aspirations.
These bonds are created through rituals in which all members participate.
Rituals are based on common principles such as honor, friendship, truth and knowledge, to name a few.
Each group works to instill these ideals in their members through their everyday activities.
Academic Support
Encouraging and assisting Sisters in achieving their fullest potential is vital to our future. Tri Sigma expects all colonies and chapters to achieve academic excellence.
GPA Requirements
The minimum grade point average to join Tri Sigma and be a member in good standing is a 2.5 on 4.0 scale. Chapters and colonies are also expected to exceed the campus all-women’s GPA. Based on the academic environment of the college/university, chapters are urged to raise the minimum scholastic standard within their local bylaws. Individual Scholarship Plans and local chapter incentives should be in place to help students on a local level.
Scholarships
The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation offers a number of competitive academic scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students. Information on specific scholarships can be found with our Foundation information.
Academic Incentives
The National Sorority recognizes colonies and chapters for their academic achievement through the annual and triennial awards program. Individual sisters who achieve a 4.0 for two consecutive semesters are rewarded with a sterling silver Coat of Arms Scholarship Ring. Other scholarship incentives are available at the local collegiate level
Being a Sigma Sigma Sigma:
There are many ways a woman can contribute to Tri Sigma.
Tri Sigma looks for members to be good chapter leaders, as well as good chapter members. We offer eight chapter officer positions, eight National chairman positions, numerous local chairman positions and committees to work on.
Members and new members will have an opportunity to serve on a committee and help the colony meet their goals. Some committee options may be Service, Education, Programming, Finance, Honor Council and Member Accountability, Leadership and Training, Panhellenic, PR and Advertising, Scholarship, Awards and Recognition, Intramurals, Fraternity/Sorority Relations, Greek Week, Mom’s Day and Dad’s Day, Historian, Music, and Communication.
Officer elections (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Recruitment, Education Director, and Panhellenic Delegate) occur in November and these women would serve from January – December.
Leadership – opportunities for immediate leadership roles through committees and Honor Council. Membership also opens up opportunities for Leadership in Panhellenic and Fraternity/Sorority Community. Tri Sigma also provides leadership opportunities through National programming and conferences as well as offers scholarships to attend such programs as UIFI (Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute – leadership and Fraternity/Sorority development program).
Skills training – communication skills, leadership programming and development, conflict resolution, resume writing and interviewing skills, event planning, project management, goal setting, action planning, assessment and evaluation, teaching and developing educational programming.
Sisterhood – What does that mean? It is a little different to each woman but most would say it is a special bond created through a sharing of meaningful experiences. Meaningful experiences may be helping a sister through a tough time, supporting and cheering them on in the successes, listening, working together on a project, and laughing about past moments.
Accountability – Honor Council provides a system of accountability for members and the standard by which Tri Sigmas live. Holding someone accountable and to a higher standard can be challenging. As a values-based organization, it is an expectation that all members hold one another accountable.
Service Learning Opportunities – serving in your local community and on a National level are important aspects of membership in Tri Sigma. It’s important to have volunteer and philanthropic experiences to develop a commitment to serving others and learning how to make an impact in the communities in which we reside.
Civic Involvement – each year Tri Sigma participates in congressional lobbying in Washington, DC and sponsors several collegiate members’ attendance. Additionally, we actively encourage members to engage in civic activities at the local level and exercise the right to vote.
Foundation & Scholarships – opportunities to receive a UIFI (Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute – leadership and Fraternity/Sorority development program) Scholarship, undergraduate and graduate scholarships, and receive Grants to benefit a local hospital in your area.
Lifetime Involvement – this is a long-term commitment to bettering and empowering women. No matter where you go, you can always be involved in Tri Sigma and gain/contribute to the benefits of Tri Sigma. You can be a National Volunteer, assist our Foundation in providing more scholarships and grants, serve as a mentor and advisor, working to form an alumnae chapter, work on National Projects (programming, committees, Convention), or get involved with Panhellenic on a National level.
Networking – with local alumnae, at Conventions and National Programming, and opportunities to participate in Tri Sigma’s social network community (like Facebook but for Tri Sigma’s only).
Job Opportunities – opportunities exist from not only the larger networking force but also with National Headquarters as a Leadership Consultant, Residential Consultant, Regional Director, etc.
Contributions to Panhellenic and Campus Community – one of the first things we do is define how the Tri Sigma colony will be relevant to the campus community. If we don’t, it is just another club. Decisions are made as a group so there is a unified campus effort and experiences that all members will want to actively support.
National Opportunities – there are a number of opportunities to meet your sisters across the country such as collegiate leadership programming, participating in the members only social network, attending Convention (next one will be in Orlando Summer 2013).
National Policies
Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority is resolved that hazing and alcohol abuse among its membership have no part in chapter programming. Adherence to these policies is not only mandatory, but is the personal responsibility of every member and chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma. The Sorority will hold its chapters and individual members accountable to all policies and procedures established by the Executive Council.
Hazing, underage and/or binge drinking and other drug use in Tri Sigma chapters have significant consequences for all of us. Insurance rates increase, our Sorority reputation is devastated, parents are afraid for their daughters and legal actions implicate the local chapter, university and National Organization. When a member or chapter decides to commit an unlawful act, it affects us all.
Hazing has no place in Tri Sigma and the abuse of others is a direct contradiction to the vows we commit to during every Ritual. For chapters that disregard the national alcohol or hazing policies, they will receive a Policy Violation fee which is used to risk reduction and educational program to change behaviors. In addition, chapters found in violation of national policies will face disciplinary sanctions. The status of those chapters with repeated violations will be reviewed regularly by the Executive Council. If it is determined that progress is not being made or that members fail to uphold our standards, the chapter charter will be suspended.
Tri Sigma has a strong policy against hazing. As an organization, we are proud to be a Premier Level sponsor ofHazingPrevention.org, which sponsors National Hazing Prevention Week. The purpose of National Hazing Prevention Week is to promote local campus and community awareness of the dangers of hazing.
Being an Involved Parent
An Ideal Experience is when your daughter is …
Excited about going to chapter meetings
Communicating positive messages instead of those indicating being scared, intimidated, or stressed
Feeling that the chapter communicates a message that academics come first
Being held accountable for actions and inappropriate behavior
Learning new things about herself through her Tri Sigma experiences
Developing leadership and personal development skills
Serving her local and campus community
Supported by the members and new members in her chapter
How to get involved…
Attend Family weekend
Pay your daughter’s lifetime dues as graduation gift
Consider looking at the merchandise page or contributing to the Foundation in honor of your daughter’s initiation
See if the chapter or House Corporation has a Parents Club (or consider starting one)
Attend their Founder’s Day events
Make a contribution to their Philanthropic events
Ask questions about recruitment, big sister, weekly meetings, and upcoming events
Learn about other opportunities by getting in touch with the President, Chapter Advisor, or the House Corporation. New members should receive this information in the form of a contact list. There may also be a parents newsletter you can request to receive.
Ask more questions when you hear about…
Not having enough time to study
Does feel included or supported by the chapter
Tri Sigma programming every night of the week and it is going past 10pm/11pm
Grades are slipping a lot
Acting strange or secretive about chapter programming
Cannot be reached easily as a new member (especially close to initiation)
People you should know…
Chapter Advisor
House Corporation President (if the chapter has a house)
Campus Fraternity/Sorority Advisor
Chapter President
Your daughter’s Big Sister