Sometimes understanding this can be a challenge. When joining Tri Delta, you quickly learn that you have now become a part of a sisterhood, something bigger than yourself. Sisterhood is not something easily measured, it is not quantifiable and it looks different to everyone. But something that does set a sisterhood apart from any other type of relationship is accountability.
By joining and maintaining sorority membership, you have agreed to be accountable for yourself- your behavior, the situations you allow yourself to be in, your financial commitment and finally, your academic achievement as a student and as member. For some this can be an adjustment. We are talking about a group of women all on a different academic paths, all with different academic struggles, study techniques, and personal academic goals. Therefore when holding one another accountable for achieving academic excellence, we must be sensitive to the fact that that looks a little different for everyone.
Yes, Tri Delta wants all members to achieve a minimum grade point average.
Yes, Tri Delta wants all members to make academics a priority.
Yes, Tri Delta wants all members to support one another through academic commitments.
But as a chapter and as a Fraternity as a whole, we must recognize that this will vary from member to member and chapter to chapter. No one knows your members better than you do, so Tri Delta wants every chapter to feel compelled and empowered to support its members academically in a way that will fit your members best. We know that this means that they type of academic assistance one member needs may not work for another. It may also mean that some members may be resistant to discussing their academic struggles with her sisters, while others will seek ample support and assistance.
The one consistency with academics in Tri Delta is that by joining, every member has agreed that her academic achievements no longer solely affect her as an individual, but contributes to the chapter's greater academic success. Every individual is equally accountable for this knowledge about this commitment should be a part of chapter life.
As leaders, it is our responsibility to make academic excellence a part of chapter culture. Challenge members that joke about skipping class or failing a test. Work with members that struggle and implement member discipline for failure to meet academic commitments in a way that will compliment your member's needs. Be available to confidentially speak to a member with academic concerns and don't hesitate to call a sister out if she is slacking on her studies. And finally, remember to carry sensitivity that every situation can be different.
What can your chapter do today to change the culture of academics among the members? How can you work to make members better aware of the academic accountability in Tri Delta?
