Navigating the Undergraduate Application Process for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® stands on a legacy of service and sisterhood, welcoming sorority sisters with open arms. By uniting individual efforts, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® has built a strong, cohesive organization which positively impacts the lives of families and communities. The Sorority’s success is based on the depth of commitment, vision and confidence of its members. If you are an undergraduate seeking membership in this esteemed organization, understanding the application process is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the undergraduate application process for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA).
General Information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® seeks women who will promote, uphold, and extend its policies and programs. In return, the Sorority is a conduit through which individuals can grow and develop, personally and professionally, while simultaneously providing “Service to All Mankind.”
Membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is generally classified as undergraduate or graduate. In both classifications: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® does not discriminate in its membership selection practices on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, creed, marital status or disability. Nor will Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® tolerate such discrimination by its chapters or its members. Federal law recognizes the right of college social fraternities and sororities to maintain single sex membership policies. Consistent with that right, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is a women’s organization and membership is open to women. Prospective members must have high ethical and moral standards. Membership can be obtained by completing the Sorority’s official Membership Experience (ME). Interested candidates should not participate in demeaning, degrading or unkind acts.
Any member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® who asks you to perform tasks or participate in activities other than those outlined in our ME, is in violation of the Sorority’s policies and practices and does not represent the values of the organization; that behavior will not be tolerated.
Membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will not be extended to: An individual who knowingly participates in activities outside of the official ME. An individual who knowingly participates in activities which are demeaning, degrading or demoralizing. An individual who knowingly submits falsified documents or credentials.
Read also: Undergraduate Application Tips
Core Values and Principles
Joining a fraternity or sorority opens doors to experiences and opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Fraternities and sororities create a close-knit community within the larger campus, offering members a sense of belonging and lifelong friendships. Service is also a core value of our fraternity and sorority community. Academics remain a priority, with chapters offering resources, support, and incentives to help their members excel. All fraternities and sororities at High Point University are part of national or international organizations. These larger governing bodies provide structure, guidance, and accountability through headquarters staff, officers, and established policies. Chapters at HPU are expected to uphold the standards of their national or international organization in addition to university policies.
Undergraduate Membership: Requirements and Eligibility
To be eligible for undergraduate membership, candidates must meet specific requirements:
Matriculation: Applicants must be matriculated as a full-time undergraduate student where the campus chapter is located; or matriculation as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited school affiliated with an undergraduate city chapter in the community.
Academic Standing: Candidates must have creditably completed at least one grading period (or as defined by the college or university) as a full-time student at the institution affiliated with the chapter, immediately preceding submission of application. Creditably completed is synonymous with earned full-time hours (12+ hours) for Spring or Fall session, whichever is applicable. A cumulative and semester average of C+, immediately preceding submission of application. (In those universities using pass-fail grading scales, required competency or good standing systems of grading, shall be acceptable). C+ is equivalent to a 2.50 on a 4.0 scale, if the school does not have a plus or minus on the grading scale. Some chapters and/or schools may require a higher semester and/or cumulative average for undergraduate membership eligibility.
Rush Attendance: Attendance at the official Rush is mandatory.
Read also: Applying to Florida State University
Additional Requirements: Student must attend at least ONE So You Want To Be Greek? session according to Delaware State University. Student must have a 2.75 GPA according to Delaware State University.
Important Considerations
Full-Time Student Status: Maintaining full-time status is crucial, as is completing at least one grading period before applying.
GPA Requirement: A C+ average is generally required, but some chapters or schools may have higher standards.
Rush Attendance: Missing the official Rush will disqualify a candidate for consideration at that time.
The Membership Experience (ME)
Membership-Graduate and Undergraduate-can only be obtained by completing the Sorority’s official Membership Experience (ME). Contact with current, suspended, or expelled members and/or activities outside of the official ME process are strictly prohibited. Undergraduate candidates shall not participate in any membership activities without the presence of a Graduate Advisor.
Read also: Applying to Princeton
If members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® ask you to perform tasks or participate in activities other than those outlined in our ME, they are in violation of the Sorority’s policies and practices and do not represent the values of the organization. This behavior will not be tolerated and shall result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
Key Aspects of the ME
Official Process: Membership can only be obtained by completing the Sorority’s official Membership Experience (ME).
Prohibited Activities: Contact with current, suspended, or expelled members and/or activities outside of the official ME process are strictly prohibited.
Graduate Advisor: Undergraduate candidates shall not participate in any membership activities without the presence of a Graduate Advisor.
The Rush Process: A Detailed Overview
An official Rush begins the undergraduate membership process for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Rush information such as location, date and time of the activity is posted a minimum of two weeks in advance; however, the college or university may impose additional requirements that will impact the process. Any prospective candidate who does not attend Rush is ineligible for candidacy consideration at that time.
Preparing for Rush
Information Gathering: Rush information such as location, date and time of the activity is posted a minimum of two weeks in advance; however, the college or university may impose additional requirements that will impact the process. Any prospective candidate who does not attend Rush is ineligible for candidacy consideration at that time.
Undergraduate Membership Interest Application: The Undergraduate Membership Interest Application will assist with preparing for a Rush.
Addressing Inquiries: Prospective applicants need to address any inquiries about the Membership Experience with the Graduate Advisor for that chapter.
ECCI Form: All prospective members should submit at least one (1) Evidence of Community and Campus Involvement (ECCI) form but should not exceed 3 submissions. Prospective applicants need to address any inquiries about the Membership Experience with the Graduate Advisor for that chapter.
Key Aspects of Rush
Attendance is Mandatory: Any prospective candidate who does not attend Rush is ineligible for candidacy consideration at that time.
Advance Notice: Rush information such as location, date and time of the activity is posted a minimum of two weeks in advance.
Post-Rush Procedures
The Sorority’s undergraduate Membership Experience (ME) begins when a candidate receives a Letter of Acceptance. There are no membership activities between Rush and issuance of an acceptance letter. If you participate in any activities between rush and issuance of an acceptance letter, your application for membership will be denied.
ME activities prior to and after Rush are prohibited; however, the school can require prospective applicants fulfill or meet certain conditions prior to seeking membership.
Legacy Candidate Status
A legacy candidate is the daughter, granddaughter, adopted daughter, stepdaughter or legal ward* of an active or deceased member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and submits a legacy application. Legacy candidates are not guaranteed membership.*Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority defines a legal ward as one in which an appropriate court of law legally places permanent care, control, and custody with a member of the Sorority. Court documentation will be requested.
Legacy Provision
The living family member must have been active for at least four years immediately preceding the submission of an Undergraduate or Graduate Legacy Application. Four years is defined as forty-eight (48) consecutive months. Undergraduates and graduates who apply via legacy provision still must fulfill all other membership requirements. Family member(s) can verify eligibility prior to the candidate submitting a legacy application.
Important Considerations
Definition of Legacy: A legacy candidate is the daughter, granddaughter, adopted daughter, stepdaughter or legal ward of an active or deceased member.
No Guarantee of Membership: Legacy candidates are not guaranteed membership.
Activity Requirement: The living family member must have been active for at least four years immediately preceding the application.
Fulfillment of Requirements: Undergraduates and graduates who apply via legacy provision still must fulfill all other membership requirements.
Hazing Policy
A cornerstone of the Sorority's Risk Management policy is the prohibition of hazing. Hazing has been prohibited in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority since the organization was founded in 1908. In 1999, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority reaffirmed its total opposition to hazing with the publication of a tougher anti-hazing policy and the implementation of new procedures to identify, investigate, and penalize incidents.
Definition of Hazing
Hazing is defined as an act or series of acts that include, but are not limited to: Physical acts such as hitting, striking, laying hands upon, or threatening to do bodily harm to any individual(s) while acting in one's capacity as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Behavior which is directed against an/a individual(s) for the purpose of causing shame, abuse, insult, humiliation, intimidation, or disgrace. A variety of prohibited practices, including but not limited to; "underground hazing," "financial hazing," "pre-pledging," "post-pledging," or "post-initiation pledging".
Educating Members
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® makes every effort to fully disclose its Risk Management policy, including but not limited to: Distributing brochures through university officials and graduate advisors, who, in turn, distribute them to prospective candidates likely to go through Sorority Rush. These brochures outline the Sorority's Risk Management policies. Training chapters on the Risk Management policies during workshops conducted before each chapter begins its Membership Experience (ME)/Rush activities.
Zero Tolerance for Hazing
High Point has a zero tolerance policy for hazing. Hazing is contrary to the institutional values and goals of High Point University and is a criminal offense in the State of North Carolina and will not be tolerated. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life takes all reports of Hazing seriously and urges you to contact our office if these behaviors are occurring on campus. The more information provided, the greater opportunity our office has to stop this behavior.
Financial Obligations
Joining a fraternity or sorority is a financial commitment. There is a cost to register for recruitment as well as costs to the chapter immediately upon joining. There is a cost (dues) associated with being a member of a fraternity/sorority. Fees associated with the first semester are generally initiation fees, insurance fees, and badge fees. Cost of membership for each semester after can be $600-$1,000 a semester. This cost covers national dues, local dues and other privileges of membership. These dues are collected by the national organization and are not affiliated with university fees.
Understanding the Costs
Initial Fees: Fees associated with the first semester are generally initiation fees, insurance fees, and badge fees.
Semester Dues: Cost of membership for each semester after can be $600-$1,000 a semester.
Coverage: This cost covers national dues, local dues and other privileges of membership.
Independent of University Fees: These dues are collected by the national organization and are not affiliated with university fees.
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
Q: If a member of the Sorority asks me to attend meetings or study sessions, wear specific apparel or perform certain tasks, am I allowed to participate in those activities?
A: No. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® prohibits such activities, and membership will not be extended to individuals who knowingly participate.
Q: Is it possible for me to become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority if I attend an accredited four-year college or university that does not have a chapter?
A: Yes. A nearby graduate chapter in your college community willing to sponsor you can recommend you to the Regional Director for General Membership in the Sorority. Use the Chapter Locator to identify nearby graduate chapters and contacts.
Q: What is the process for chartering an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapter on my campus?
A: Contact the Regional Director for information concerning the possibility of chartering a chapter on your campus. Utilize the Regions section through About AKA to determine the region where a campus is located and click the region’s name for the Regional Director’s contact information.
Q: Can I participate in the membership process at another school if my campus has an inactive chapter?
A: No. You cannot participate in a Membership Experience at another school because your campus has an inactive chapter. Candidates must successfully complete at least one grading period, immediately preceding the Membership Experience, at a school affiliated with the chapter.
Q: Can I become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority if I attend a 2-year community college?
A: No. Candidates must attend an accredited four-year college or university that confers baccalaureate degrees.
Q: If I have already been awarded a baccalaureate degree, can I still apply for undergraduate membership if I am enrolled in an accredited 4-year college for my second baccalaureate degree and considered an undergraduate by the college or university?
A: No. In this scenario, since you already have received a baccalaureate degree, you are only eligible for graduate membership, which is by invitation only.
Q: I received an invitation to membership from a local graduate chapter. Am I eligible for graduate membership if I have not graduated?
A: No. You are ineligible for graduate membership until you are awarded a baccalaureate degree.
Q: Can I seek membership if I am or was a member with another Sorority?
A: If that Sorority belongs to the National Pan-Hellenic Council or National Panhellenic Conference, you are ineligible for membership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Individuals who falsify applications will have their membership revoked and will be expelled from the Sorority.
tags: #aka #undergraduate #application #meaning
