Sigma...

Integrity

To uphold the history, values, and purposes of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc

Legacy

To take part in the development of active SYZters, new members, and alumni through positive means to ensure that the Sigma spirit is passed through the educational, individual, and collective experiences of those associated with the Sorority

Scholarship

To support and emphasize academic achievement

Philanthropy (Ray)

To Combat the Violence Against Women through SYZter education, community awareness, activism, and financial support

Professionalism

To best demonstrate SYZterhood and allegiance through organization, conduct, and action

Community

To support individual SYZters in their personal endeavors of leadership, sportsmanship, and community involvement

SYZterhood

To give social and emotional support to active and alumni SYZters, thereby providing an invaluable experience to the SYZters

Culture

To promote the awareness of the Asian/Asian-American cultures and heritages, as well as multiculturalism and the cultures of the members represented in the Sorority at large

Citizenship

To serve as an example of appropriate behavior with the university, other Greeks, and the community

Activism

To inform and educate about the causes Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority holds dear

Active

A member of the sorority. An active member has gone through the intake process, has been initiated, and is in good standing with their membership

Advocate

A person who argues for or supports a cause or policy; to speak, plead, argue in favor of

Ally

A person who is not a member of a marginalized or mistreated group, but who expresses or gives support to that group

Bid

A sorority’s official written invitation to join the organization

Cultural Competence

The ability of an individual to understand and respect differing values, attitudes, beliefs, and customs across cultures and adjust their approach to respond to these differences

Cut

Not to be invited back to a sorority

Discrimination

The act, practice, or an instance of unfairly treating a person or group differently from other people or groups on a class or categorical basis (such as race, religion, gender, or s@xual orientation). Discrimination is focused on specific actions

Dismissal

To decide to leave (“drop out”) of a sorority after having accepted a bid and undergoing a portion of the intake process. Normally you cannot join another sorority for a specific time after your dismissal

Dry recruitment

No alc or dr_gs allowed at all for any functions/events

Early bid

Being offered a bid from a sorority before bid day

Formal recruitment

Scheduled and time-limited events usually held during the fall or spring. The purpose of such events are to give every person considering Greek life ample time to evaluate the organizations

Greek organization

A fraternity or sorority; usually social, honor, professional, or multicultural. A member is usually referred to as a Greek

Hazing

A conduct which subjects another person physically, mentally, emotionally, or psychologically, to anything that may endanger, abuse, degrade, or intimidate the person as a condition of association with a group or organization, regardless of the person’s consent or lack of consent

Informal recruitment

Not an organized event; up to the individual to meet people at various houses and can take place anytime

Induction

Ceremony in which an individual begins their intake process to become a member of a Greek organization

Initiation

Ceremony where new members become active. Also known as “crossing”

Intake class

(New members) Group of people who accepted the bid to the same Greek Organization and are undergoing the intake process together

Intake process

Period where new members are educated on the Greek organization they have accepted their bid for. Duration varies

Microagression

A comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority)

Multiculturalism

The preservation of different cultures or cultural identities within a unified society, as a state or nation

New member

Status of someone who has accepted a bid and is undergoing the intake process. They have not yet been initiated into the organization

Philanthropy (term)

Organization or cause for which a Greek organization does community service

Potential New Member

A non-member who is eligible to participate in recruitment for Greek organizations and has an interest in possibly affliating with one organization

Sister/brother

An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority. How one initiated member refers to another member. Sigma Psi Zeta uses “SYZter” or “sibling” as a gender-neutral term when referring to an initiated member

Solidarity

A bold btw individuals, united around a common goal or against a common enemy, such as the unifying principle that defines the labor movement

Sorority

An individual women’s Greek organization. Historically, this is the term commonly used to distinguish btw men’s (fraternity) organizations and women’s (sorority) organizations. Sigma Psi Zeta operates a “Sorority” to distinguish those who identify as non-men

Prejudice

A preconceived judgement or attitude towards a person or group that is formed without sufficient evidence or direct experience. Prejudice is focused on attitudes and beliefs

Racism

Prejudice or discrimination based on race or ethnicity that operates within systems of power, privilege, and inequality, contributing to the marginalization of racial or ethnic minority groups. Racism is focused on systems and power

Birth and Overview

Sigma Psi Zeta is a multicultural Asian-interest Greek Organization. We are cultural, social, educational, and community service-oriented sorority. Sigma Psi Zeta was founded on March 23, 1994 and incorporated on March 15, 1996. We are recognized under the laws of the State of New York.

Our Creed

Vision, Mission, Goal

Vision

To become a national organization uniting the SYZters to follow the code of loyalty, allegiance, and dedication

Mission

To promote unity among women and the awareness of the Asian/Asian American cultures and heritages

Goal

To best demonstrate SYZterhood and allegiance by merging all efforts and interests, to provide an invaluable experience for the SYZters, and services to the local communities and the community at large

Beliefs

The fundamental goal of Sigma Psi Zeta is to promote awareness of the Asian/Asian American and diverse cultures amongst the students and faculty of each of the campuses we represent. We achieve these goals through political, social, educational, and cultural activities. We also work in collaboration with other Greek and non-Greek organizations to provide services to the local communities and the community at large