Coming to college is one of the major life changes that you will go through. Joining a sorority chapter will help make the transition easier. Developing life long friendships with the members in the chapters helps make the campus seem smaller. For many members, these chapters become a home away from home. In addition to the sisterhood, every chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, socialization, and philanthropy/community service.

How will joining a sorority benefit me after college?

The lifelong friendships you will make by being a member of a sorority will last into post-college years. Greek students have national networks for their members to use for careers and job re-locations. Membership in a chapter can be a life long experience that is an investment in your future.

Will my academics be comprised if I join a Greek chapter?

Academic achievement is a number one priority for us in Alpha Sigma Theta. When students join a Greek –letter organization they become part of a larger group of students who value their academic goals at CSUN. In order to join each chapter individuals are required to have a minimum grade point average. 

Do I have to be Deaf to join Alpha Sigma Theta?

No, we accept Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing women. Yes, we are a Deaf sorority and our hearing sisters are our allies and advocates for our Deaf sisters and the Deaf community as a whole.

Do you need to know American Sign Language (ASL) to join?

Yes. Our sorority communicates through ASL as our primary language. On a scale of 1-5 of ASL fluency, we recommend your ASL fluency to be at a 4 or higher. If you do not think your fluency is at a 4 or higher, we recommend to participate in Deaf community events to improve and practice your skills in ASL. When you feel ready and confident in your skills, that is the time to join!

What kind of community service and philanthropies does AST  participate in?

One of the most gratifying aspects of Greek life is the sense of satisfaction and pride which comes with involvement in community service. Such projects help build moral character through the realization of needs of people who are less fortunate. Each year, AST participates in community service projects ranging from AIDS walk, to Relay for Life, to volunteering at local shelters, to food/clothing drives, to beach clean-up. Helping others will undoubtedly be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have in college.

How much does it cost to be a member in a sorority?

The Greek experience is an investment in your future. The leadership skills, the academic assistance and the friendships will benefit you beyond your college days. Joining a sorority does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting through the dues paid by their members. Most chapters offer members payment plans to assist in paying for dues. Membership dues go to services that directly support the betterment of the chapter. Alpha Sigma Theta requires monthly dues of $40 each month. During Winter and Summer breaks the fee reduces to $20 each month.

How time consuming is joining a sorority?

The amount of time involved in joining a sorority will vary from chapter to chapter. For first year students, the semester in which you decide to become a member will be the most time intensive period for you, as this is the time that the members will go through the chapter’s education period. The time spent in this program will give you the opportunity to develop leadership and time management skills, learn about the history of the organization, develop friendships with others in their new pledge class, as well as the rest of the chapter, and allow you to become involved with other organizations. After initiation into the chapter, expectation will vary. Each chapter has weekly chapter meetings and other mandatory events (community service events, study hours) throughout the year, but they are planned well in advance. In addition to the weekly meeting, the more you put into the chapter the more you will get out of it!

Are sororities primarily social in nature?

There is a social aspect to the Greek community, but these “social” events include education programs/workshops, community service events, intramural sports, Retreats, and dinner exchanges in addition to parties and socials. Today’s Greek communities across the nation have adopted a stringent approach to socializing thereby creating safer, more beneficial environments for their members.

What is the Hazing Policy?

Physical and mental hazing is prohibited by CSUN. CSUN does not tolerate any form of hazing whether intentional or unintentional and works with chapter members in an effort to provide members with a positive and rewarding Greek experience. Most “pledge” or new member periods are a fun way to learn the history of the chapter and national organizations, and a great way to make new friends.

How do I join your sorority at CSUN?

There will be recruitment events during the Fall semester, Spring semester, and any students who are interested in joining our sorority are encouraged to attend the recruitment events.You can contact our Rush Co-Chairpersons at rushastgamma@gmail.com for more information.

Where can I go to learn more?

You can visit the Deaf Studies office located at the College of Education building on CSUN's campus or visit the National Center on Deafness (NCOD) also located on CSUN's campus in the JC building. Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/alphasigmathetagamma