SIGMA PSI ZETA

RUSH FALL 2011

JUMP to Rush Schedule or Rush Video or FAQs

Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. is the first Asian-interest sorority established on the Binghamton University campus. We are a SISTERHOOD dedicated to promoting cultural and educational awareness, combating domestic violence, and strengthening its sisters by learning to empower weaknesses and become stronger, unique individuals.

Rush is the perfect time to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can be part of it all! All events are FREE and transportation is provided. Each semester, our rush chairs work very hard to plan the Rush program, making sure that the events are both informative and fun! So bring your friends and meet the sisters of Sigma Psi Zeta -- you've got nothing to lose!

We also understand there are many other organizations in which you may be interested. Don't worry! We encourage you to attend other events hosted by these organizations to see where you best fit in. If you need any help, have scheduling conflicts, or just have questions, please contact our friendly rush chairs:

• Meladel "AuDenCe" Busante at syzaudence@gmail.com
• Erin "Prima" Lawlor at syz.prima@gmail.com

RUSH FALL 2011: Plenty of Fish, only one SIGMA PSI ZETA 9/12 Monday 8PM - Sister Speed Dating & Fondue 9/13 Tuesday 7PM - General Interest Meeting & Superhero Mixer with Nu Alpha Phi 9/14 Weds 6:30PM - Dinner Mixer with Lambda Phi Epsilon 9/15 Thursday 8PM - Tae Kwon Do & Yoga 9/16 Friday 9PM - Mixer with MALIK Fraternity 9/17 Sat 3PM - General Interest Meeting & Clothesline Project Community Service 9/17 Sat 8PM - Mocktails 9/18 Sun 3PM - Free Bubbletea! 9/19 Monday 7PM - Cultural Movie Night 9/20 Tuesday 7:30PM - Pi Bowling Mixer 9/21 Weds 7PM - General Interest Meeting & Pizza and Games 9/22 Thursday 8PM - Smore's Night 9/23 Friday - INVITE Only Rushees must attend at least 2 sister events, 1 GIM, 1 Mixer and the Invite Only to qualify for a bid. Please meet in front of the Library Kiosk for each event. For more information, don't hesitate to contact our rush chairs!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What exactly is Rush?
Rush is a process designed for active sisters of the sorority and rushees to get to know one another. Rush events are not an obligation to rushees and are also free; just an opportunity for them to meet the sisters and get to know the ideals of the sorority. It gives rushees a chance to meet the sisters and decide if Sigma Psi Zeta is the right sorority for them. Once the Rush Period has ended, a bid (a formal invitation to become a pledge for Sigma Psi Zeta) is sent out to individuals that the Sisters believe would be an asset to the Sorority.

GI who?
A “GIM” or General Interest Meeting is a way for the sisters to explain the ideals and traditions our sorority upholds. It gives rushees a chance to learn and ask questions about Sigma Psi Zeta and Greek life in general.

Why should you Rush?
Rush is just an opportunity for individuals to get to know various Greek organizations on campus, decide whether Greek Life is for them, and if so which Greek organization is right for them. There's no obligation to join Sigma Psi Zeta if you're a rushee. Rush is a great way to meet fellow rushees and make friends in the process.

Do you have a brother fraternity?
Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. does not have a brother fraternity. As a sorority that prizes strong, independent women, we have made a deliberate choice to remain unaffiliated with another Greek organization.

What can I expect from the "typical" Sigma sister?
There is no "typical" Sigma sister. Sisterhood is not a mold for women to fit into. Nor does it make each sister who they are. Each sister contributes her talent, idealism, devotion and energies to the greater organization, giving our sisterhood the character it has today. We hope that each sister will change our sisterhood, helping it to grow and evolve.

Will contacting other sororities hurt my chances for a bid?
Absolutely not. We encourage all to search carefully for a sorority that can meet their needs. The more information you gather, the better able you will be to make an informed decision.

This is an Asian-interest sorority. Are non-Asians allowed to join?
Absolutely. Our sisters come from all cultures, including but not limited to Haitian, Thai, Laos, Cambodian, Korean, Chinese, Italian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, African-American, and Indian. Although we are culturally oriented, we are by no means exclusive to Asian/Asian-Americans.

Does SYZ haze?
Sigma Psi Zeta National enforces a strict non-hazing policy. Our organization's national philanthropy is "to combat the violence against women." With this in mind, we are against the disrespect of women in all its forms. The purpose of pledging is to help stimulate a bond between the members of a pledge class and the sisters that have already been initiated. It is a challenge and a commitment during which trust is placed in both the pledges and the sisters. Subsequently, we do not mentally, physically or emotionally degrade our pledges. To do so would work against the ties of loyalty, allegience and dedication that we aim to create.

How is Sigma Psi Zeta different from any other Greek organization?
When you look at all the sororities on campus, they basically look and sound about the same, they incorporate philanthropies, throw parties, and play an important role in campus life. What sets SYZ aside from the other sororities are the independent women who came together to uphold the traditions that our founders started. Becoming a member of a sorority is not about drinking or partying all night. It's about reminiscing with your sisters on all the craziness, the tears, happiness, and randomness that you've all experienced. It's about the unending support you get during college and all through life from people that you're proud to call your sisters. Sisterhood is about being yourself around people who accept you for who you are and love you for it. So if you can see yourself in this kind of sorority... then SIGMA PSI ZETA is right for you!