Sigma Alpha

Six new members!

2009-11-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to:

Elana Bode
Molly Hancock
Emily Koemeter-Cox
Danielle Nase
Brooke Ruhl
Dani Wysocki

The Nu class at the Beta Alpha chapter of University of Maryland, inducted November 23rd, 2009!

Membership Candidate Interviews!

2009-09-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today was our last day of rush! Congratulations to everybody who was offered an interview. Interviews will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd around 5pm (individual interviews scheduled with Sara). Dress is professional. There is no test, just think on a few things that you think would make you an asset to our sorority. And good luck!

Sigma Alpha Information

2009-09-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

WHO WE ARE

Sigma Alpha is a professional sorority dedicated to excellence in women pursuing careers in agriculture. The UMD chapter (Beta Alpha chapter) was founded in 2003 and is very active. Sisters participate in professional development workshops, network with industry professionals, participate in philanthropy projects, and build lasting friendships by just having fun! New sisters are welcomed every semester.

WHO WE RECRUIT

Sigma Alpha is open to any undergraduate student with a sincere interest in agriculture. Our group seeks enthusiastic and motivated women looking for others who share their passion. Sisters are expected to be active members and make the sorority a top priority.

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

To join Sigma Alpha, you must:

Have a sincere interest in agriculture
Be an undergraduate student
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
Be a member of another organization or work 20+ hours per week

Sisters are expected to:

Attend weekly meetings (currently on Monday evenings)
Attend some weekend events
Work independently and with others outside of meetings to get things done
Make the sorority a top priority

New members pay a one-time activation fee of $160 at the time of activation. After activation, dues of $120 per sister are collected each fall. Payment plans are available for sisters that cannot pay their dues in one installment.

THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF SIGMA ALPHA

We DO treat all sisters with kindness and respect. We DON'T participate in hazing of any sort.
We DO hang out as friends outside of sorority time, but we DON'T allow consumption of alcohol at any sorority event.
We DO help each other out with school work, but we DON'T provide tutoring.
We DO enforce attendance.
We DO encourage sisters to be members in other organizations, but we DON'T allow sisters to join a social sorority.

WHAT WE DO
Past and present events and projects include:

Learning how to interview, dress for the work world, and prepare a resume
Attending local and national conferences
Meeting and networking with industry professionals
Raising money to support charities like Heifer International and others
Assembling care packages and writing letters to military families
Cleaning up Paint Branch Stream
Ag Day Kiss-A-Pig Competition
Hosting Mary Kay parties, going out to lunch, and having sleepovers
Camping and visiting places like Harpers Ferry
Attending mud bogs, shooting trap, driving tractors, and getting our hands dirty!

As always, if you have any questions, contact the rush chair, Sarah, at meagher@umd.edu

Fall 2009 Rush!

2009-09-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! If you are interested in Sigma Alpha at the University of Maryland, you've come to the right place! The sorority is a great place to meet women with similar interests, and make some great friends. To Rush for the sorority, you must attend two of the Rush events. Then, if you are still interested in joining you will do an interview with the sisters of the sorority. After that, if you are accepted, you go through a Membership Candidate process where you learn more about the sorority, it's objectives, vision, etc. Each Rush class does a volunteer event, a fundraiser event, and a social event with the Rush class. This gives you time to decide if you like the sorority and to get to know the women in it.

The Rush schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, September 8th at 6:30 pm - Ice Cream Party at the Campus Farm
Meet at the campus farm where you will get a tour and have an Ice Cream party!
Thursday, September 10th at 6:30 pm - Alpha Gamma Rho cookout
Come meet the men in the Agriculture fraternity and get some free food!
7511 Princeton Avenue
Sunday, September 13th at 2:00 pm - Founder's Day Celebration
Meet some of the Sigma Alpha Alumni on the weekend of our chapter foundation anniversary
8400 Potomac Avenue
Tuesday, September 15th at 5:30 pm - Service Event to Benefit Military Families
Join us in this service event in Animal Science room 0408
Wednesday, September 16th at 5:15 pm - Dairy Farm
Visit the UMD Dairy Farm! Meet at the campus farm to carpool from there

The Rushes are NOT required to bring any food, money, etc to the events. This is on us! We want to show you what a great sorority Sigma Alpha is!

Save the Date:
The Interviews will probably be scheduled for Tuesday, September 22nd, so keep that in mind as you are making your plans.

Also check out the National Sigma Alpha website.

If you have any questions you can email Sara Meagher, the Rush Chair, at meagher@umd.edu.

Coming up:
Who We Are and Who We Recruit
Requirements & Expectations of Sigma Alpha women
The Do's and Don'ts of Sigma Alpha

Meeting Notes 12/1/08

2008-12-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

Meeting called to order at 6:31 p.m. by Sara.

- policies and procedures document

Sara moved to accept amended policies and procedures document
Kim seconded
Motion passed

- new business

We are creating a test bank. Please give any tests to Amanda
Let Amanda know what classes you're in next semester. We are going to try to make study groups.

- Meeting continued with a professional dress workshop.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. by Sara.

Meeting Notes 11/17/08

2008-11-20T09:55:00.001-08:00

Minutes 11/17/08

Meeting called to order at 6:35 by Sara.

Old business:

AGR dinner went well.
How much did the MCs make from franklins?
Retreat went well in spite of rain!

New business:

Cook book prototype will be done over thanksgiving break, start pre-selling!
Dollar donation post cards to benefit heifer are put off until next semester.
We need to sign and mail out thank you cards for the masquerade!

Webmaster:

Send any photos from retreat to Molly please!

Presidents report:

Considerations for future fundraising:

Should we continue striving to raise money for the arc, or will this result in waning interest from the group?
Should we think of another project within Heifer to raise money for?
Should we choose another fundraiser entirely?
Think about these options and any other suggestions. We will discuss this on our last business meeting of the semester.

Ag day:

Definitely doing Kiss a Pig.
Face painting again.
If AG council decides to do grilling, then perhaps we could sign up for a time slot. It seems to make a lot of money.
Possible smoothies or snow cones
Maybe a raffle? We would need to come up with an item to raffle off.
We could make specialty drinks like cucumber lemonade, iced tea, etc.
Please give a summary of the ideas to Malora (Lara)!

Annual reports are due Friday. Email Sara with any questions.
Everyone must sign risk management sheet.
Fill out a survey about retreat.
Movie at 7pm at the Hoff about this Thursday about exploiting food/people.
Policies and procedures:

Changed to “at least one weekend event for rush” as opposed to two, but it still says that everyone must attend at least one weekend event. Therefore, next semester everyone must attend the one weekend event next semester.

We are creating a handbook for incoming officers. If you know how to do something important like get the key for the board from Libby, or reserve a room, get food permits etc. write a short paragraph explaining how to do that, and email it to Sara.

Sum-Up:

Start pre-selling cookbooks!
Send Molly photos from the retreat.
Think about what kind of fundraising to do from this point on.
Don’t forget annual reports are due THIS FRIDAY!

Meeting adjourned at 7:10.

Meeting Notes 11/3/08

2008-11-08T16:09:00.001-08:00

Minutes from Business Meeting, November 3^rd, 2008

Meeting called to order at 6:41 by Sara Meagher

Old Business:

Deactivations are being processed. They should be done by the end of the semester.

President’s Report:

Franklin’s restaurant fundraiser for the MCs is tomorrow night, November 4^th. Be sure to tell the cashier that you are with Sigma Alpha.
Other Chapters are selling:

“We wear the boots on campus” t-shirts

$15, not including shipping
Payment due by November 17^th.

Green and yellow Longerberger-type baskets

$34
Payment due by November 26^th

There is a meeting Thursday, November 13^th at 6pm to work on the Policies and Procedures document. Please be there. Normal meeting room.
We are leaving for our retreat with the MC’s on the 14^th
Today is the last day to let Rachael know if you cannot come to the retreat (rkriege1@umd.edu)

Professional:

Next week is a professional meeting. We are doing a resume workshop. Please bring a resume if you have one.

Fundraising:

Rush bracelets to sell to other chapters and to distribute during our rush are being ordered.
We are switching to another cookbook-making company. Please give any recipes that you would like to be included to Molly by the end of the week.

Social:

Spaghetti dinner at AGR is at 6:30 this Thursday (the 6^th).
We need to send ‘thank yous’ to masquerade donors.

Ag Council:

We need to come up with an idea for our table at Ag soon. Brainstorm!

We voted on whether or not to accept proposed changes to our bylaws. The results were as follows:

Amendment number:	Motion made by:	Seconded by:	Motion passed? (y/n)
1	Jennie	Lara	Y
2	Jennie	Margaret	Y
3	Margaret	Joann	Y
4	Maire	Vikki	Y
5	Kim	Julia	Y
6	Amanda	Joann	Y
7	Molly	Jennie	Y
8*	Kim	Amy	Y
9	Vikki	Margaret	Y
10	Amy	Kim	Y
11	Kim	Jennie	Y
12	Margaret	Vikki	Y
13	Julia	Amy	Y
14	Molly	Jennie	Y
15	Kim	Julia	Y

(* denotes if a discussion about the amendment occurred.)

*There was a discussion about Amendment 8. It was clarified that the changes made to the bylaws are not in effect until next semester.

In Summary:

Meeting on Thursday November 13^th to work on Policies and Procedures document in the normal room.
We are leaving for our retreat on November 14^th.
Next week is a professional meeting. We will be working on resumes.
Spaghetti dinner this Thursday at 6:30.
Think about ideas for our table at AG day.
We are sending in our revised bylaws.

Meeting Notes 10/20/08

2008-10-25T14:57:00.001-07:00

Minutes 10/20/2008

Meeting called to order at 6:33p.m. by Sara Meagher.

President’s Report:

There are pictures online of convention, which was great!
National dues are being increased $10 a year, so they are now $80. We will keep our dues at $40, so overall dues will be $120 for next year.
As of now, graduate students cannot rush Sigma Alpha.
Peace, Love, and Ag T’s info (designed by another chapter) are being emailed out.
An essay on global warming for an Independent Womens Forum Scholarship is due December 1^st. Email Sara for more info.
Website with information on green industry careers, url is www.thelandlovers.org
Dr. Glen of Plant Sciences has agreed to be our new advisor.
We will be voting on bylaws November 3^rd! It is very important that you are all here.
Thursday November 14^th during study hall hours we will be writing the policies and procedures document with Sara.

Sisterhoood:

Margaret is thinking of having a Harry Potter-themed party and to celebrate the October birthdays at the next sisterhood meeting, October 27^th.
Super Sister Points will start next semester, in order to allow time for formulating a point system. Fundraising, among other things, counts for points! There will be prizes!
Lara is checking on the price of staying 2 nights for camping (For the pre-ceremony trip with the MC’s).

Vikki, Amanda, Cindie, and Joanne will be working on activities,etc to do on the retreat.
It would be around $10 a person for the retreat. The retreat is mandatory.

Fundraising:

Molly is still working on the cookbooks. There are some issues with the company. She will give us an update soon.
Amanda is looking into having bracelets made that say “Rush Sigma Alpha” in green and gold. They would be posted on the national website for sale.

Tote bags, that were previously discussed, are available to order on the national website if you are interested.

We are looking into ordering and selling (in class, whenever) lollipops as a fundraiser for Sigma Alpha. It is $144 a case.
There are now pictures of AGNR fundraising items online if you are interested.
Masquerade:

2 weeks from Saturday in the Maryland Room!
Right now we will be able to use powerpoint. Be prepared if we cant though.
Email out a draft of the powerpoint to the sister to be peer reviewed.
If you are attending, please pay by the sisterhood event next Monday October 27^th.
We are fronting Emilie Clingerman’s ticket price because she has been so helpful.
There is a meeting next Thursday the 30^th in the regular meeting room to discuss the Masquerade in more detail.

Website:

In the future we are considering using a web service for $10 per year which looks very professional and is easy to use. For now, however, we’re sticking with Molly’s J !

AGR:

Due to Ag Council attendance issues, AGR cannot participate in AG Day.

If they begin to attend meetings and get back on track, Sigma Alpha is considering allowing them to help us out on Ag day and sharing profits with them.

In Summary:

November 3^rd we will be voting on the new bylaws. BE HERE!
November 14^th we will be working on the Policies and Procedures document with Sara.
The masquerade is just two weeks away!
Payment for the masquerade is due October 27^th!
October 30^th there will be a meeting to discuss the masquerade in more detail.

Rush 2008!

2008-09-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Interested in rushing Sigma Alpha? Plan on attending at least two of the following awesome rush events!

Monday, September 15 at 6:30 pm: meet at the campus farm for a tour, followed by an info session where you can get to know the sisters- there will be ice cream!

Wednesday, September 17 at 5 pm: Fall Bash in the Animal Sciences courtyard

Friday, September 19 at 7 pm: bowling

Thursday, September 25: cookout at the AGR house (the ag fraternity) at 5:30; call Amanda if you need directions

Saturday, September 27 at 5:30 pm to Sunday, October 28: camping at Greenbelt Park

Meeting Notes 9/22/08

2008-09-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

Old Business:

Since the scholarship report is not being submitted, we will just pay the fine.
Due to a mix-up, we will unfortunately have to pay dues for some deactivated members
Sara, Amanda and Margaret are going to National Convention, and one of our rush shirts is being included in the quilt J

Don’t Forget:

Interviews are next Monday. They are MANDATORY for all actives. Professional dress.
Cookoff in the ANSC courtyard this Weds.
The All Nighter is at Stamp this Friday

Reports By Officers:

1^st Vice (Professional):

Planning an etiquette dinner, and possibly a presentation on professional speaking skills.

Rush:

Remember you must attend 3 rush events or be fined.
The Thursday (formerly TBA) rush event will be a cookout w/ AGR at their house at 5:30 (Don’t forget if you signed up to bring something!)
Saturday the 27^th is camping.

Please reply to Kim ASAP if you want to come so that she can plan.
If it rains, an email will be sent out the day of w/ new plans.
Please bring $5 to camping.

Fundraising:

Molly will be overseeing the cookbook project. Please come to the cookoff, taste food, and ask the teachers about contributing!
Looking into citrus and nut sales for the holiday season.
“Masquerade for Hunger Aid”

Starts at 7:30, dinner at 8, on November 1^st.
$33.50 per Sigma Alpha active (price per plate), $40 for students, $50 for non-students.
Think of (and email to Kim!) ideas for baskets. We need to get businesses to donate.

We will distribute letters about donating to heifer to other colleges in the university besides AGNR. Lara is working on this.

Chapter Visit:

· Mandatory for all actives. If you do not attend, you will be fined $25.

· October 3^rd in the evening is an officers meeting. Exec board only: Sara, Amanda, Cindie, Rachael, Jennie

· October 4^th from 8am to 5pm. Amanda will reserve room.

· Sisterhood event afterwards.

· Sara will organize the dinner for Friday, Joann will organize lunch on Saturday, Margaret will organize dinner and the subsequent sisterhood event.

· Dress comfortably. A list of things to bring will be emailed out.

Discussed things we like and dislike, in order to address changing the bylaws:

Likes:

Sisterhood of the sorority.
How everyone is helpful and friendly
The organization, efficiency

Dislikes/ Ideas for Change:

Idea that if you don’t attend a certain number of rush events, you can’t vote in interviews.
Execute more fundraising
Question whether, even if the absence is excused, you can be absent from all of the meetings of a semester and still be active.
Create some system for regulating how many people come to each rush event (looks bad if there aren’t many of us there!)
Want to make sure Bigs really get to know their Littles.

Bring balloons etc to littles when they are accepted after interviews
Can you have 2 littles?

Institute a policy where you would have to be in the sorority for a certain amount of time before running for an office.

Meeting Notes 9/08/08

2008-09-11T20:37:00.001-07:00

Our new room is ANSC 3105. We will still meet at 6:30 on Mondays
T-Shirts for rush should be in by September 15^th. They will be $19, and should be made payable to Sigma Alpha
Due to work conflicts, Julia B. cannot come to meetings on Monday, so we need a new Rush and Social Chair.

We voted for Kim J

We need the mail from Lisa Perez!
Cindie H. will now be in charge of the scholarship report.
Amy B. will get the mail.
Dues will need to be paid next week or week after, but preferably next week (9/15/08). They are $100.
Amanda H. is going to look at some professional development events on the national website.
Sarah G. and Julia B. are excused Mondays for work
The Alpha Delta Chapter of Sigma Alpha (at University of Nebraska at Lincoln) re-chartered their chapter, so we are sending them a welcome back card (Maire).
RUSH! :

Amanda was voted rush chair
Margaret could not find attractive pencils to give out at rush so we are not doing it this semester.

Amanda will look into it for next semester, and made it a motion.
Jennie seconded the motion.
Motion passed.

We are not doing the First Look Fair.
ANSC new student orientation is this Wednesday. Setup is at 4:30. It will run from 5-7
Kim moves that Fall Bash on Wednesday September 17^th be a rush event.

Jennie seconded.
Motion passed.

The Cookoff is September the 24^th at around 5pm. It is not a rush event.
Camping kim at greenbelt park or sleepover?
Either Camping at Greenbelt Park or a sleepover (possibly at Sara & Amanda’s house) will be a rush event. It will be on the 26^th of September, a Saturday. Setup would be at 5:30.

Kim made the motion.
Victoria seconded.
Motion passed.

Again, we’re not doing the first look fair

Cindie motioned.
Kim seconded.
Motion passed.

We are looking into bowling for a rush event.

Amanda will figure out where.
It will be on sept 19^th Friday at 7

Info session for rush will be a farm tour/ see the fistulated cows/ eat icecream. We will meet on Monday the 15^th @ 6:30 in the area outside the shack/ horse barn. Amanda will get the ice cream.

Amy moved.
Maragret seconded.
Motion passed.

If we can do a rush event with AGR we will. If not, we will do some kind of charity event. Time TBA, on September 25^th

Jennie moved
Amy seconded
Passed

Amy moved that sigma alpha reimburses people for costs incurred by rush

Kim seconded.
Motion passed.

Molly said the website is up and running and that she will email out the url
We will not chalk this week due to weather
We will hang flyers this week
Amanda will make flyers and bring them on weds, which we will hang rest of the week.
Chalking at 2 on Tuesday next week, meeting in the ANSC dowstairs hall by 0408.
Sara is bringing chalk to next weeks meeting to give to people. This way you can chalk at your own leisure

Meetings for month of September:

15^th = rush event
22^nd= business
29^th = interviews

Meetings for month of October:

6^th= mc ceremony
13^th= professional
20^th= business
27^th last one is sisterhood

Meetings for month of November

3^rd= business
10^th = prof,
17^th = business/sisterhood
24^th = activation

Meetings for month of December:

1^st= prof.
8^th = sisterhood/business wrap up

We need to make list of rules saying about what you can and cannot do if you join sigma alpha to avoid confusion for rush/mc.
Sara and Amanda are going to the National Convention. Please let them know by the end of the week if you are interested in going as well.

They are getting sigma alpha button down shirts.
You can access the shirts on the national website and buy them

Maire is emailing Sara pics. from last year for the slide show.
Tractor certification tutorial is on October 14^th. It is $60. See Sara for more info.
13^th = a young farmers leadership conference you see farms, workshops etc. email Sara for more info.
Future harvest conference in January 16^th and 17^th in Frederick.
American Agriwomen positions open. Email Sara. 10-20 hrs a week some paid positions through the school year.
Women in dairy conference in Pennsylvania on Thursday November 20^th during the day. Good for networking, and speakers, etc. email Amanda for more info
To raise more money for the ark:

Costume Ball at Sir Walter Raleigh’s on November 1^st.
Would like to have a silent auction.
Also, would like to have a fall harvest-esque event where kids could come in their costumes and bob for apples, etc.
Would ask local businesses to sponsor.
KIM NEEDS HELP! This is a big project J
Maragret made motion to do this.
Jennie seconded.
Motion passed.

Meeting Notes for 8/09/08 (summer meeting)

2008-09-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Minutes from Sigma Alpha summer meeting – 8-09-08

Attendance: Sara, Amanda, Margaret, Jennie, Kim, Joanne
Goals for this coming school year

Every officer gives input/update on activities at meetings
Secretary needs to take minutes/attendance at every meeting and send them to president for approval
If an officer misses a meeting, she needs to find a replacement
Enforcement of attendance policy and fines

Hand out bylaws at first meeting for clarification

We need get local ag sponsors for more SigAl events! (Ex: Monsanto)
Develop a point system to motivate members to participate – the more you put into the sorority, the more you get out of it (prizes, $ to go to conventions, etc.)

Kim volunteered to be “Points Master” and wear a wizard’s hat for whatever reason (heehee)
Points Master would have all authority to decide on point values and to keep track of participation

More fundraising, maybe by merchandise selling?

Definitely do Flower Power again
Fundraising through a possible Halloween/harvest-themed fall dance hosted by SigAl to benefit Heifer – tentatively Nov 1
Another Franklin’s dinner plus more advertising for it
Fruit sale

Possibly have optional follow-up meetings for things that can wait the whole week at a coffee shop or something – also sort of sisterhood building

Kim to take charge of getting on the New Resident Orientation list of activities, but maybe not with the watermelon crawl, because Pepsi turned down our grant application again
Chapter visit, October 3-5: EVERYONE MUST COME!!
National Convention in San Mateo, CA (Oct 16-19)

Early registration ends Aug 31
Cheapest flight Amanda found was about $350 round-trip with Southwest
Will send an email with more details

RUSH

No input in MC voting by a sister unless that sister actually attended rush events/got to know the girl in question
Should do co-rush event with AGR

Line dancing with mocktails at AGR house

More rush event ideas

Bowling, camping/sleepover, Fall Bash, new student orientation, teacher-student cookout, moonbounce, ice cream meet and greet, fistulated cow/farm tour/ice cream

Historian needs to update trifold – she needs money
Rush handouts/flyers need to be redone – less text, more concise
After last semester, we thought rushes could have been more informed – they can’t see bylaws until they’re MCs, but they will need to have a list of rules before rushing
Tentative Rush Calendar

Sept 8, 6:30 pm: first SigAl meeting for Fall 08
Sept 8 – 12: flyering and chalking, go into Ag classes, hand out any promo items
Sept 10, 4:30-7:30 pm (pizza @ 6:30) – Ag New Student Orientation
Sept 15 – 26: two weeks of rush events

Sept 16-17: first look fair

Sept 29: interviews
Oct 6: MC ceremony
Nov 24: activation

Julia: please compile that list of rules for possible rushes to read before rushing, and please fix flyers
Rush t-shirts for fall 08

Submit possible designs by Aug 16
Kim wants everyone to send her an email by Aug 23 saying what t-shirt they’ll vote for, what size you want, whether or not they still want a shirt if another design is chosen; payment at beginning of semester

PHILANTHROPY

Faculty letters for $1 Heifer donations

Cardstock already purchased, but letter needs to be written
All sisters can have a building to deliver letters into faculty mailboxes

SISTERHOOD

Football games
Sept 26: Stamp All-Nighter
Birthday cake every month
Brainstorm at meetings to include all sisters’ input for sisterhood events
Spa night: hire masseuse during exam week?
Capture the flag on the mall
Farmer’s market in Riverdale

PROFESSIONAL

Have more speakers
Do a dinner etiquette practice dinner
Dress/make-up for the workplace seminar
Resume writing
“Elevator speeches”
Graduate program advisors for girls who don’t want to be vets but do want to go to grad school
Oct 14: tractor operation workshop
Do more Ag workshops, like at National Ag Library down Rte 1
MAEF for Ag in the Classroom
FFA: “Goats in the Classroom”

SOCIAL

Cook for AGR at their house
Sept 20: dairy farm tour (“Cows and Corn”) with AGR; also corn maze, barn dance, etc.

SCHOLARSHIP

Paper test bank needs to be started

ALUMNI RELATIONS

We need to have a liaison with them!

Contact Info

2008-05-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

Questions? Email is the best way to get in touch with us. For questions about...

Rush: email Sara at meagher@umd.edu

MC activities: email Vicky at

The website: email Colleen at cnieman@umd.edu

other: email Brit at bgaban1@umd.edu

Joining Sigma Alpha

2008-05-07T20:28:00.001-07:00

Joining Sigma Alpha is a semester-long process that has four parts:

Rush

Rush is held the first few weeks of each spring and fall semester. We usually schedule five events; you should plan to attend at least three. Rush events are designed so that prospective members can learn more about the sorority and so the current sisters can get to know the rushes. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Receiving a Bid

At the end of rush, those who are still interested in pursuing membership are scheduled for an interview. We try to keep the interviews short and fun, so you shouldn't worry! Interviews simply help us to decide if a prospective sister is a good match for the sorority and if the sorority is a good match for her. Most rushes who interview will receive a bid. Some semesters, however, more people rush than we have space to accept. Rushes who are not offered a membership bid are always welcome to rush again the following semester.

Membership Candidacy

Rushes who receive a bid become membership candidates, or MCs. MCs attend weekly classes to learn about the history and guidelines of the sorority and participate in two service projects.

Activation

A few weeks before the end of the semester, MCs take an exam based on what they have learned during their classes. MCs who have fulfilled all their participation requirements are then activated as full sisters in a special ceremony.

Sigma Alpha sisters, summer 2007

Listserv Etiquette

2008-05-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Remember that when you reply to an e-mail from the listserv, you must change the address in the "to" line so that you e-mail ONLY the person the e-mail is from (and not the entire list-serve). If you forget, that's okay - but don't apologize over the list-serve. We all understand :)

Becoming Inactive

2008-05-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

Guidelines for becoming inactive, as paraphrased from our national guidelines: once you have been a member for one year, you may be granted inactive status. Inactive status may be granted for the following reasons: inability to meet financial obligations, health reasons, or work. You may be granted inactive status twice during your college career, but not in two consecutive semesters. If you wish to become inactive, you are required to submit a letter to our chapter's executive board. While you are inactive you are not allowed to vote or hold an office or committee chair, and you still must pay all fees associated with membership.

Meeting Notes for 10/29/07

2008-05-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

Monday October 29, 2007

Time start 6:05

Katrina
Dates for regional conference – proposed 1st weekend in April
Must be done within 1st 2 weeks of April
Decided: Regional Conference to be held April 4-6
Fund raising lit passed out
November 5 Alumni stuff, Fall Harvest, Risk Mgmt

Sara
Fall harvest – rained good turn out considering
Approximate $40
Need to return caramel
Lisa P – have soap

Emily:
Game – Lake Forest 1st Row
Tuesday January 15 9:00 pm
At least 7 need to attend
Max is 15
Need to fill out roster 2 weeks before the game
*Look at calendars now till Monday December 3
Wear red or black letters if you have them
Initiation – November 19

Lea
Next sisterhood event Nov 26
Jujitzu instructor come to teach us self defense
At least 15 people need to come
Will be at 6:00 and run 1.5 hrs.

Blair
Do board beginning of next semester
Have ready before it comes back
Put rush stuff on it

Crest is still missing
Angela does not know the where abouts.
Jess L. does not have it!
Megan will order a new crest – Blair agrees to keep it.
Need to get storage in general to keep everything together

Didn’t get the office space.

Proposed – create a list or do a sing out sheet to keep track of all the materials

List of who has what
President – ceremony candles and ceremony scripts, gavel,
1st VP – professional related material
2nd Vice scroll book
Treasurer – Checkbook and financial records
Secretary – Paper work and binder
MD coordinator – hand-washing station, wooden letters, anything related to Ag day (Ag
day binder).
Historian – scrapbook, crest

Blair and Jess H look into getting own closet at Jull Hall.

Lisa R.
Managerial Style questionnaire
Leadership assessment – good to know style so can work better as a group
As a group we have good balance

Next week 6:00 business
E-mail anything to Megan by Sunday want on Agenda!

End 6:55

Meeting Notes for 10/15/07

2008-05-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

Monday October 15, 2007

Start 6:07

Jess H. working on getting parking behind Symons. Sheet was passed around and filled out.

Risk Management –Megan
Need to have policy – reading of definition
National board requires each chapter have risk mgmt program.
List of categories for which write-ups that are needed was read.
All members must sign it.
Need to write something, be in agreement and sign it.

Groups made -- each group takes bullet points on risk mgmt. and talk for 10 minutes.

Katrina: briefly mentioned at National conference. Because we are new we don’t want something to hurt the whole sorority. National Sorrority could be sued for something an individual chapter does.

Megan – what you do on your own time can get back to you being in the SA sorrority

Brief summary of each category and a few of the points mentioned
Hazing – SA does not endorse hazing in any shape or form no person will partake in any event or action that gives them unnecessary obligation to the sorority. Nothing that can cause harm or embarrassment under any reason or circumstance.
Discrimination – does not discriminate race, color, age, disability. Not tolerate abuse or sexual harassment of any kind.
Achohol and Drugs – use is prohibited from any or all SA events. Follow appropriate laws personal use and get sister help if needed
Personal conduct- be respectful, aware of actions and how effect others, and be professional.
Chapter Activities- no damage our integrity. Assess situation in timely manner
Personal property- Each member responsible for own property. SA not responsible for lost or stolen property
Transportation – sisters responsible for own transportation
Health and Safety – not compromised by sorority will promote health and safety
Risk prevention education – be reviewed at 2 professional meetings and 2 MC meetings (Fall and Spring)

Jess H. Ag student council supports opening lot behind Symons at 4 pm. Make sure other clubs are doing so. Currently need a special permit to park there until 8 pm. Can be other students to sign petition. Email Jess H. for form Alpha Zeta and Animal Husbandry on board

Contact sheet sent out amendments to be made – on campus living zip code 20742.

Next week sisterhood – want to do movie night but MC meeting at 7:00. There is class until 7:00 in 0408.
No meeting at 6, movie at 7:15.
Bring Halloween candy or themed cookies.
Possible movie suggestions: Hocus Pocus, Corpse Bride, Little Shop of horror.
Taking it to vote now: Hocus Pocus will be shown.
Katie K. Cookies
Lisa R cups and plates
Emily Yu pumpkin pie
Kim M. Sodas

Rush Chair next semester changing. Interested or want position e-mail this week to Megan and Sara G! Deadline next week
Summary: send out emails, recruit people, plan meetings and interviews, lots of fun.
Nominations Amana H.
Blair is interested
No questions.

Officers see after meeting.
Crest missing – calling Angela now (message being left). Emily Yu will ask her tomorrow in class.
Keep an eye out for the crest

Office openings in Stamp but application due by Oct 18. Must write letter –requirements were read. Need to hold walk in office hours per week.
Decisions sent 24 move in on 25
Kim M and Lisa R will work on it on Wednesday --Supersister points send email of who was there

B-ball lottery Oct 23 4pm must be at stamp at 4 at atrium. Group selected be prepared to select game and row. Emily Yu can do it.

Anyone interested in picking games meet with Emily after meeting. Supersister point.

Trisha Idea for community service – clothing drive

National Convention: Friday registration bid for auction split up for breakfast
Talk about Agriculture SA sister in 80s talks about how we need to work toward furthering Agriculture.
2 sessions Heifer international – buy an animal for those in third world country internships available
Business etiquette speaker
3 tours Purina, ekards, Monsanto
Saturday: group picture on website
National Chapter congress: annual report
Elections new national President Brenda Myers, Vice President –Melissa Stamp?
Our alumni want to see us
Jamie Foster – talked about hazing
Penn state hid in boxes on campus – had to find big
Regional meetings – cornell wants to help us out as well as UCONN—have the option to match up leadership conference with AGR Feb 22 and 23 in Pittsburg
Lots of awards given: beta gamma (Columbia Missouri) brought 15 girls
Our pink shirt on National Quilt

Harvest Festival: 26 – Monday need to have sign up sheet not getting chairs so need to byo.
Flyer finished today being approved by res life so can be put up. Food permit need a tent.
Sigma Alpha bring 2 24-packs of water.

Jess H -- $16 for Ag t-shirt need to act quick. See after meeting.

End 7:07

Meeting Notes for 9/10/07

2008-05-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

Meeting Minutes For September 10, 2007

Meeting began at 6:00 pm. Megan Baker announced that we were all to say our name and one thing we like that begins with the first letter of our name followed by one good thing that happened this week. Dr. Keefer (our advisor) was visiting. Dr. Keefer will try to advise us in anything we need despite her not going to school for agriculture or having belonged to a sorority. She recommended we think of something other than kiss a pig for Ag day – like dunk the professor. Or make the kiss a pig more viewable by putting it up via video camera on a big screen. There were no additional questions for Dr. Keefer.

Note: Sara G and Katie H. need to leave early due to family and school related conflicts respectively. We extend our deepest sympathy to Sara G. on the passing of her dog. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts today.

- Amanda H. volunteered to get 6 large pizzas from Jerry's.
- Sara G. will bring the brochures (there is enough).

The pizza will be eaten on napkins. Fistulated Cow demo voted not to be moved due to game because the dates are set on the flyers that are already printed. Because of the night game and it being a school night it is harder to get in and out of campus – all on-campus students try to be there. Because it is a commuter issue this will be considered an excused absence. Cindy brought up attendance issues – will be addressed later in the meeting. Sept 17 sisterhood night. We are supposed to be at new resident orientation, fall bash, faculty-staff cook-off (see schedule below).

Lisa R. will be reserving rooms for all events (No rooms have been reserved forrush event other than Mondays as of yet) To reserve rooms contact Lisa R.

We need to set up a table for ANSC Orientation.

Rush Chair News -- Sara G. -- Rush starts tomorrow 6pm– The activity is the information session. Everyone needs to wear a Sigma Alpha shirt to ALL rush events.

Schedule of Events

9/11 (Tuesday) INFO
9/12 (Wednesday) ANSC –new Res Orientation
9/13 (Thursday) Fistulated Cow Demo
9/17 (Monday) Me Bag
9/19 (Wednesday)Fall Bash
9/21 (Friday) Sleepover
9/24 (Monday) Interviews
9/26 (Wednesday) Faculty/Staff Cook-off
10/1 (Mondy) MC ceremony
10/11-13 (Thursday-Saturday)Nat’l convention
11/19 (Monday) Initiation ceremony

Katie H and Sara G. sleepover ideas – rushes answer questions: actives vs. rushes to see how well we know one another. Katie H. asked about food/breakfast – like bagels. Sara’s Help to plan sleepover Kim M, Amanda, Emily, Lea. Sara needs to get list from info session and then will send list of girls out. All rush events are scheduled to be at 6:00 except for the sleepover. Everyone needs to make at least two Rush events!

Lisa R. will double check for rooms on off meeting days.Megan will save her turn to talk until the end – everyone has 10 min to talk

2nd Vice -- Lea:
Bigs and littles
Sister hood – everyone write name and b-day
Bigs: help little in process to become active – learn about sorority
Tell/send email to Lea if you want to have a little
People who are graduating or have never had a little will be chosen first.
Big duties: Give gifts to your little and show you love them.

Treasurer -- Jennie:
Dues – get them to Jenny by September 24! end of September $100. Make check out to sigma alpha.
Dues are due to the national chapter by September 30.
Certificates for recent actives were handed out during meeting.
Actives—fill out a green card – everyone (list was read aloud – everyone was on list)
New active – pink card if not listed on invoice
Grad this semester – yellow card (no one)
Pins – Jenny has some.

- Lisa P. did not get her pin. Jenny will bring one for Lisa P. at next meeting.
- Lisa R. will take Katie H. a green card for her to fill out.

Megan has a phone meeting with national member at 8:00

Secretary – Katie K.:
Will make a roll sheet to send around at each meeting
Katie K. will make updates to contact sheet
Write full address on sheet that is going around tonight—write on back if need be.
Look over back sheet – you need to have other activities listed (a member of another organization) to be active unless you are taking more than 18 credits or working over 20 hrs a week.

Super sister points: proposed point allotment meetings: 1 pt. rush 2 pt. ceremonies 3 pt. MD day 5pt. Also points can be earned for going to college events or when voted for by sisters for a member that has gone above and beyond call of duty. More points will be given for Ag in the classroom, earthworks, and sleepover
At officer meeting make up point system.
At the end of the semester count up points
Discussion of points: Katrina suggests that this be used whether or not to get a little. Set a limit as to must be over set number.
Points not carried over
Blair – fears will cause unnecessary competitiveness among sisters.
Jess H. wants things to be made for excused absences
Jess H proposed set amount off dues but dues are national so can’t play around with dues due to tight cut 60 goes to national and 40 goes to group.
End of meetings hand out super sister points.
Points give extra incentives to become more involved

Lisa R. moves that we reinstate super sister points Lisa P seconds and motion passes unanimously

Try to wear all Sigma Alpha gear these next two weeks. Let people know – Work it!

Philanthropy -- Lisa P.:
Got the Ball rolling on Ag in classroom 5th grade
Sept 17-19 cancelled due to field trip
Plan for October to have between 70-80 students
Lindsay-- Farm tour 40 min
Dr. Black – kids and bones in lab
Wet station – microscope
Dr. Porter approved
Send Class schedule to Lisa and put in any work or other obligations
E-mail Lisa with suggestions.
Would be during school day – let know times and dates available
Need people to man stations!
Try to start early and do 30 in groups – try to do Wed, Thurs
Jess H. Md Ag program – bring in they teach and give supplies and tools
They show us and give us kits, CDs and videos.
Interested in formal training? – Currently using Sigma Alpha Kit but not using video

- Lisa P. get into contact with Jess H. to get together for next semester.
Sisterhood -- Lea:
Anyone have ideas for gift for Megan Scott
Blanket not been sent Lea try to contact who sent

- Bring in completed blanket to see.
- Blair – bring camera so we can get pics with it

Megan Scott having baby this week?
Lisa R. suggested getting little baby shirt with Sigma Alpha and card (aprox cost $20)
Megan B. go down to greek store for prices –

- Kim offered to go and check out prices and see what they have. She will get back to them in a week.

Kim offered to bring baby shirt
Blair suggests green onesie.
Jess H. – print off iron fabrics

- Megan check email to see if girl/boy

Webmaster Sara M.:
Website: sigmaalpha.umd.bravehost.com – make sure you have the umd to get our site!
Working on test bank – go to home page box on bottom to log in Id = betaalpha
Password babybull
Instruction sheet should be on there.
Please scan in tests or notes other than hand-outs that you have if you have a scanner
Try to have course #, professor’s name, and year.

Ag Council Rep Jess H.
Jess needs to get back on list serve
Lisa R. – All nighter – union open all night and different student groups are there to
represent themselves
Will be art exhibit on agriculture, would like our college to be there. Will be September
28 – Friday to man exhibit to answer questions on Ag. All are encouraged to come who
can!
We need another rep for ag council because Jess H. is an officer – treasurer
Meetings are once a week on Tuesdays at 6 in student lounge
E-mail Megan if interested in filling and we will vote on it next week!

Scholarship Amy Brown:
Name, signature and student id for form that must be sent in 30 days after the start of the spring semester.
Form will be passed around to night for everyone present to fill out.
Amy will e-mail those who are not present.

Social Chair – Amanda:
1st event late October, early November?
Lea – suggest sports event with another organization
e-mail Amanda with suggestions
Jess – join with Animal Husbandry for fall bash pumpkins

Blair needs pictures of people in Sigma Alpha shirts at any events
Case needs to be updated.

- Megan will talk to RA friends about getting big green and gold paper for display update
Katrina t-shirts
Checks made out to sigma alpha not Katrina
If have money get shirts $16
e-mail if need to exchange
Katrina will email us when she finds out about national conference.
Want dress code like sima alpha polo shirts
Let Megan know if you want to help Katrina with conference (non-officers).

Sara – Summer meeting:
Agenda of summer meeting was passed out
No decisions made just brain-stormed and hung out

Megan:
Sigma Alpha stuff done on Sundays – everything need for Monday sent out Sunday.
Want to add anything to agenda send it to Megan before Sunday morning
Jess L. couldn’t open attachments.
By-laws:
Copy of by-laws, by-law guide book, and officer guidelines was provided to look at for tonight.
By-laws must get in for annual report.
List-serve ettiquet – make sure you only respond to the person who needs to no – NOT the whole list-serve AND don’t apologize through the list-serve. Only email sigma alpha stuff through the list-serve.

National Convention – in St. Louis Missouri
We have to send someone and we will pay for them will have to leave Wed morning or Friday evening.
Volunteers to go – Katrina, Kim (might be interested in going)
$99 for hotel
$145 for convention plus air fare
Fund raiser suggested – Get into Comcast and sell concessions, sell chrysanthemums for fall, need to know who is going by next meeting – Sigma Alpha will cover but we need to do fundraiser

Needed for convention
Pictures for national convention of sigma alpha events need to be sent to Loragyoung@gmail.com -- CC Blair!
Blair can head making of scrapbook page to bring to sigma alpha convention
Door prizes – (t-shirts and AGNR hats)
Community service for convention – need Ag books for kids.
Want a stuff mascot – terrapin Katrina can take care of that.
Spirit leaders – people must be to convention earlier.

This Wednesday cutoff to register to first look fair Wed and Thurs Sept 19-20 – we must man a table from 10-3.
Lisa R. suggest do second look fair.

By-laws will be addressed next meeting
Could do fair only one day.
Jess H. suggest just do other activities we already are doing

- Jess LW. Will bring signs to Ag events

WEAR SIGMA ALPHA Shirts

Scheduling for First Look Fair

Wed September 19
10-11 Mare and Jess L-W.
11-12 Jess L-W., Jennie
12-1 Cindie, Blair
1-2 Lisa R. Amanda
2-3 Lea, Lisa P

Lea can bring the sign to fall bash or get it to someone who will be there.

Thursday September 20
10-11 Sara M
11-12 Lisa R
12-1 Kim. Katrina
1-2 Kim, Katrina
2-3 Megan B, Sara M.

ANSC Orientation need to be there at 4:30 to set up because it starts at 5:00.

- Jess L. W. will bring the poster to meeting.
- Blair will be there at 4:30 to set up.

Make sure table is manned.

Jess H. – wants excused absences for Ag related events
E-mail list-serve with suggestions if you will NOT be at meetings
Sisterhood – next meeting at 6pm.
Long meeting next meeting – be prepared!

Megan Holds the chapter binder – go to her and the binder with problems, questions, concerns.

Next week: risk management. First Business on Monday – by laws Please read and
bring and be prepared to discuss what you like and don’t like.

Meeting ends at 7:50

Questions/Comments concerning notes: contact kkemp3@umd.edu