FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Membership in
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Thank you for your interest in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. We are an organization of over 940 chapters of college-educated women who are committed to public service, with a focus on sustaining the growth and development of the African American community.

This list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is being provided to address some of the many inquiries we receive about membership in Delta Sigma Theta. We hope that your specific question(s) will be answered; however, if you have further questions pertaining to membership, please visit the link on this site to the Region in which you reside, and email your questions to the leadership of that Region.

General Overview

Collegiate Membership

Any female student currently enrolled at a college or university, where there is an active chapter on campus or in the city is eligible to apply for membership, provided that:

  • the college or university where the student is enrolled is accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation;

  • the student is taking courses leading to her first/initial baccalaureate degree or its equivalent;

  • the student has completed at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours;

  • the student is in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or 1.75 on a 3.0 scale; or equivalent, except where the minimum grade point average required by the college or university is greater, then the minimum grade point average must be used for eligibility; and

  • the student is not a member of any society holding membership in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. or the Panhellenic Conference, Inc.

Any applicant for membership must receive a majority of the votes of members of the chapter to which she has applied. However, the vote of the chapter is subject to final approval of the Regional Director.

Alumnae Membership

Any female who has earned a baccalaureate degree from a college or university, is eligible to apply for membership of an Alumnae Chapter provided that:

  • the college or university from which she has earned her degree is accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation;

  • the female graduated with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or 1.75 on a 3.0 scale;

  • the female resides in the community/area that is serviced by the Alumnae Chapter; and

  • the female is not a member of, nor has been expelled from, any society holding membership in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. or the Panhellenic Conference, Inc.

Any applicant for membership must receive a majority of the votes of members of the chapter to which she has applied. However, the vote of the chapter is subject to final approval of the Regional Director.

Compliance With Zero Tolerance Hazing Policy

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. does not tolerate hazing in any form. Hazing is strictly prohibited and unauthorized. Not only are members prohibited from engaging in hazing conduct or activities, prospective members are prohibited from submitting to hazing. Any member who has engaged in or failed to report hazing activities; and any prospective member who has submitted to hazing activities or failed to report such activities will be subject to strict punishment. Please read the Sorority’s Anti-Hazing Statement for more information, including examples of activities that constitute hazing.

Obtaining Initial Information

All chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. host a meeting, commonly known as a Rush Activity, where interested women receive information about the sorority and how to become a member. The Rush Activity is hosted at the discretion of the local chapter. All persons interested in becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta must attend the official Rush Activity. Any individual who does not attend the Rush Activity is ineligible to be considered for membership at that time.

Interested persons are encouraged to attended public events hosted by the local chapters, such as forums, presentations, and community service and social activities, so that they may become acquainted with Sorority members and their activities in the local community.

To inquire about establishment of new chapters, contact the Director of the appropriate Region.

To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., locate a chapter in your area, and/or to inquire further about membership please visit the Region homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do students who are pursuing an Associate’s Degree qualify for membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.?

A: No. For membership in the Sorority on the collegiate level, one must be matriculating at an accredited college or university, pursuing work leading to an initial baccalaureate degree; or have already received a baccalaureate degree or higher, if pursuing membership on the alumnae level.

Q: If I meet all requirements specified at the Rush Activity, do I automatically receive an invitation for membership intake?

A: No. Our goal is to select women who not only meet the basic requirements, but also exceed them. Meeting basic requirements is the initial step in the Membership Intake Process.

Q: Is there another way for me to become a member of the Sorority if I attend a college/university that doesn’t have a chapter or the chapter is inactive?

A: No. If that college/university doesn’t have a chapter or the chapter is inactive, you cannot go to another chapter to seek membership. However, you may seek membership on the alumnae level upon receipt of your Baccalaureate degree.

Q: Is there an age limit to join?

A: Delta Sigma Theta does not have an age limit for persons interested in either collegiate or alumnae chapters.

Q: I am not African American, can I still join?

A: Yes. Delta Sigma Theta is an equal opportunity organization. We are interested in women who understand the founding principles of the organization and are willing to uphold and support those principles and Delta Sigma Theta’s high moral values.

Q: How do I find out more information about the sorority?

A: This website is filled with information pertaining to our programs, projects, initiatives and history. The local chapter in your community can also share more information and there are several published materials that might be of interest to you.

Q: What if I belong to another Greek-letter organization, am I still eligible for membership?

A: If you are a member of another organization holding membership in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. or the Panhellenic Conference, Inc. you are not eligible to join Delta Sigma Theta.