FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

 

 

 

 

Why should I join a sorority?

          Joining a sorority is one of the biggest and most important decisions you will ever make.  Being an Alpha Tau allows you  become more involved on the University's campus, form bonds with like-minded individuals, and gives you a community within a community to prosper and mature throughout your college years.  There's more to joining a sorority than getting to wear letters on a sweatshirt.  You immediately have a group of people who share similar interests as you. You not only are part of the sorority at the University of West Alabama, but you are part of a national organization with many chapters and a network of people. You and your sisters will develop a bond over time--and you will likely keep in touch with them long after you graduate.

          Going Greek will offer you opportunities in:

·         Sisterhood                                         

·         Scholarship

·         Leadership

·         Public Service

·         Social Development

Greek life encourages endless possibilities for building friendships that last a lifetime, strengthens academic achievement, fosters community service, and countless leadership opportunities.

Nicole, Rebecca, Melissa, and Amy take a break from rush activities in 2002

 

What kinds of girls does AST accept?
          There is no specific "type" of an Alpha Sigma Tau.  Selection of new members is based on the individual.  The only requirement we have for new members is that she be well-rounded, dependable, intellectual (2.4 GPA), and ready to face new challenges and social opportunities.  Alpha Sigma Tau is the sum total of our membership; its progress and achievements are determined by the ability and quality of its members.  

Our annual GQ Party 2003- the theme was Ghetto Fabulous

 

"A friend is someone who knows all about you, and accepts you anyway."

 

 

How will being Greek affect my future?

  • 33 of the Presidents of the United States and 16 of the Vice Presidents have been Greek
  • 71% of all the Who's Who listees are Greek
  • 85% of Fortune 500 executives are Greek
  • Compared to the general student population, sorority and fraternity members are 10% more likely to graduate from college
  • Greeks do far more than party. As undergraduates during their active memberships, Greeks raise nearly $7 million per year for charities and give almost 850,000 hours of their time to volunteer work
  • Going Greek is still the thing to do: membership in Greek organizations increased 178% between 1973 and 1999
  • Maya Angelou, Lucille Ball, Candice Bergen, Liz Claiborne, Katie Couric, Courtney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Sheryl Crow, Elizabeth Dole, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Amy Grant, Goldie Hawn, Florence Henderson, Holly Hunter, Star Jones, Gladys Knight, Harper Lee, Susan Lucci, Lucy Lui, Joan Lunden, Sandra Day O'Conner, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nancy Reagan, Meg Ryan, Cybil Shepard, Sharon Stone, Kerry Strugg, Sela Ward, and Vanessa Williams are all Greek!
  • Higher education studies have shown that men and women who join Greek organizations:

1.     Are more pleased with their college experience

2.     Attain higher grades while in college

3.     Graduate at higher levels than non-Greeks

4.     Remain active and loyal after graduation

Carey and Kelly- Fall rush 2004

How much money do I have to pay?

          Like any national organization, there are bills to pay to ensure its proper operation;  Fraternities and Sororities are no different.  When you become a pledged member, there is a non-refundable fee paid to the national headquarters which includes your pledge pin, manual, and insurance.  When it is time to become a full member, this fee also covers the cost of your badge, initiation costs, certificate, and other items.  Without dues Alpha Sigma Tau could not function. 

          For questions about dues and fees please contact us at: ast@uwa.edu 

What about alcohol use?

          Alpha Sigma Tau reaffirms its long-standing National policy on alcohol use as it applies to the welfare of its members.  We do not serve alcohol at any sorority event.  An Alcohol Awareness Program is promoted through National publications.  In sorority owned, leased, or rented housing, nonalcoholic beverages and food must be served.

 

What about hazing?

          Alpha Sigma Tau believes in the development and education of its members through positive, meaningful, honorable, and enjoyable experiences.  The practice of hazing is detrimental to the basic human rights of each individual.  It is illegal in many states.  It is also detrimental to the rush programs and the new member (pledge) programs of sororities and fraternities.  Alpha Sigma Tau prohibits any member from participating in or initiating any such hazing activities.  Disciplinary action will be taken by the National Council for any chapter in violation of this policy.