“Which professor is better?” “Did you enjoy this class?” Ah,
yes. It’s registration time on college campuses all across the country. This is
one of those times that makes me glad I joined a sorority. If it wasn’t for the
advice of one of my sisters I never would have taken the economics class that
made me declare a double major. Registration advice is just one of the many
ways we can help our sisters succeed academically.
Setting up a mentor/mentee program within the house can help
younger members connect to older members as well as help everyone with school.
This can be a formal system or just informal pairings that people make
themselves. My chapter assigns each new member to an upperclassman who has the
same major as them. That way you have a go to person for academic help.
Listening to your sisters talk about their work load can
help you find out if someone is struggling. Most people have a hard time
admitting when they are in over their head. If you notice that a sister is
constantly stressed and disappointed when she gets assignments back, it might
be time to talk to her. You don’t want to make her feel attacked or reprimanded.
Make sure she knows you care about her and that you just want the best for her.
Suggest some on-campus resources or study dates to let her know you support
her. And if you are the one in over your head, don’t be afraid to ask for help,
whether it’s from a sister or your teacher.
As college women, we are here first and foremost to get an
education. There’s a delicate balance between work and play that even many
seniors still haven’t quite mastered. When you notice that you or one of yours
sisters is dabbling a little too much in the play realm and not enough in the
library, it might be time to intervene. Some people might just need a little
warning to get back on track. Occasionally, though, you’ll come across a sister
that needs a little more help. Some suggested ways to help are to increase
their required study hours or to ban them from certain sorority social events
until they can figure out their academic life.
Academics can be a very personal issue for some people, so
tread with respect and love when confronting someone you think is struggling.
Every sorority values academics. Let your sisters know you do too by preforming
to your fullest potential and helping your sisters to do the same.
