Lesson 2: Scholarship
What is DZ scholarship?
". . . to stimulate one another in pursuit of knowledge . . ."
Constitution, Article II, Section 1.
Delta Zeta believes that academic development and achievement should be the primary concern of all collegiate members. Academic excellence is the foundation of the Sorority and every chapter encourages high scholarship.
When you pledged Delta Zeta, strong consideration was given to your scholarship and attitude towards academics. To help you attain academic achievement, we provide the assistance you need to develop good study habits. In addition, Delta Zeta sisters help you in specific studies. Delta Zeta will help you reach your academic goals, not hinder them.
What does DZ expect from me in terms of scholarship?
The Academic Program is designed to assist members in maintaining the high standards established by our Founders. In order to promote these standards, the Academic Program will:
- Provide you with information regarding Delta Zeta scholarships.
- Broaden your knowledge regarding academic skills, such as study tips, time management and more.
- Encourage you to strive for academic excellence.
Members who achieve high scholarship will be recognized by the chapter and the National Council.
A new member must meet the minimum academic and enrollment requirements as required by National Council.
Initiation requirement
"It is the obligation of each member of a college chapter to strive for high academic standing and to maintain at least the basic minimum academic standing for her chapter as defined by National Council and the college or university."
Regulation II: Obligations of Membership, Section 3. Academic Obligations of the Delta Zeta Sorority Code of Regulations
The minimum required GPA for members is set by the National organization and is recorded in the National Standing Rules & Policies. Higher academic requirements for initiates and new members may be implemented with prior written approval of the National Academics Chairman in consultation with the National Vice President of Membership Development. (See National Standing Rules & Policies, Academic Requirements for Good Standing, General Rules 3.) The minimum GPA required for initiation is 2.5.
Because of varying college and university recruitment schedules and initiation requirements, some Delta Zeta chapters initiate new members only after they have completed a term of coursework and passed it successfully; however, most chapters initiate in the same term, before the release of any grades.
Not requiring grades before initiation does not mean the Sorority does not value academics. If you were pledged on the basis of your high school scholastic achievement or on grades made at another institution, the chapter has carefully considered the potential scholastic ability you bring to the chapter.
If a member does not maintain the basic expectations set forth at the beginning of her membership in Delta Zeta, it will be necessary for the chapter to take disciplinary action.
Consequences for non-compliance with the academic expectations may include not being able to hold a chapter office or chairmanship; not being permitted to vote during chapter meetings; limited to no participation in social events and; if the member is consistently below Delta Zeta academic standards, recommendation to the National Council for dismissal of membership may occur.
How can DZ help develop my scholarship strengths?
Your Delta Zeta chapter will offer a variety of academic resources to help you. Some ways your chapter supports your scholastic efforts are by: providing members with a place to study that is free from distractions, whether it is a designated room in the chapter house or a section of the college/university library; setting academic goals for the chapter as a whole; offering group studying if it is feasible; and creating recognition programs that honor your hard work and excellent grades.
How to use the Delta Zeta Academic Planner
New members receive the Delta Zeta Academic Planner, a scheduling and time management tool that will help you make the most of your time and determine what is important in your life.
The planner emphasizes that while school and work are important, you must plan time for self care, too. Relaxation, exercise and taking time for you ensure that you have the energy and enthusiasm to give to others and to your studies.
Using the guide at the front of the planner, review each step to help you organize, strategize and implement.
DZ mentor program and new member study hours
You are first and foremost a student. Your membership in Delta Zeta is not meant to hinder your academic pursuit but to enhance your education. You will find that Delta Zeta offers you many services to succeed academically. At this point, you will be introduced to the Delta Zeta Mentor Program and the required New Member Study Hours.
Mentor Program
The Delta Zeta Academic Mentor Program is designed to pair initiated Delta Zetas (mentors) with new members (protégé) who are anxious to broaden their friendships with initiated members of Delta Zeta and to benefit from the experience of women who are choosing similar options for their life goals.
General principles of the Delta Zeta Academic Mentor Program include:
- Match initiated Delta Zetas (mentors) and new members (protégé) with similar interests, majors, career goals, study habits and time schedules.
- Establish clear, written expectations for mentors and protégés including weekly meetings, setting academic goals and using Weekly Academic Challenges.
- Have an introductory event for mentors and protégés to meet each other, using activities to promote interaction.
- Make the Delta Zeta Academic Mentor Program flexible to meet the specific needs of each mentor/protégé pair.
- Encourage the mentor and protégé to meet on a regular basis (at least one [1] hour per week).
- Encourage the mentors and protégés to provide feedback to the Mentor Program Chairman/Academics Chairman on a semester/quarter basis for evaluation.
New Member Study Hours
Delta Zeta encourages a minimum of ten (10) required study hours for new members. To accomplish this, your chapter will:
- Implement the Delta Zeta Academic Mentor Program.
- Implement weekly study hours for all members on sliding scale according to GPA, monitored by mentor, chapter officer, Big Sister, Academics Committee, etc.
- Provide a study environment at library, classroom, study room in sorority house, suite, lounge or dorm floor with quiet hours.
- Designate one night each week as DZ Study Night and do not schedule other activities.
- Provide survival kits for final exams including snacks, pencils, pens, erasers, etc.
- Make door signs and posters with motivational sayings and academic tips to put in house bathrooms, on dorm room doors, Academics bulletin board, etc.
How do I make the most of class study time?
First Requirement: A Driving Motive
Build definite ambitions and ideals toward which your studies lead; recognize the consequences of poor work and the reward of good work. Why are you in college? What are you preparing yourself for? Learn to say "no" when others tempt you away from your studies.
Second Requirement: Budget Your Time
Work out how much time you will give to sleep, to meals, to personal care, to class work, to study, to recreation. Put the first hours when you are fresh on the things hardest for you; leave the easiest for last.
Third Requirement: Arrange Proper Study Conditions
- Have a defined, quiet place to study - a particular room, chair and table/desk - that is free from distractions. Reserve this area for study only.
- See that heat (65-68 degrees Fahrenheit), light (avoid glaring reflection from paper or light directly in your eyes) and fresh air are appropriate.
- Be comfortable to avoid strain and fatigue. Be comfortable, but not too comfortable. Avoid a reclining position.
Fourth Requirement: Learn to Concentrate
Concentration is a matter of interest and of developing good form in reading, in listening, in observing and in thinking.
Fifth Requirement: Establish Personal Scholastic Goals
Using the Personal Scholarship Goals form (available from your Vice President of New Member Education), determine what grades you want to strive for in each course. Use your goals as a benchmark for monitoring and improving your performance throughout the term.
How can I increase my test taking skills?
10 Tips to the Top
The following tips can be helpful if given an honest effort. Every Delta Zeta owes it to herself, to her parents, to her Sorority and to her college to give it her best.
- Establish a daily routine.
Schedule a regular time for eating, resting, studying and playing. Each should have a carefully allotted time. Distinguish between academic and non-academic activities, and discipline yourself to put top priority items first. - Do not miss class.
Classes were scheduled for a reason. Getting notes from someone else is not the same as hearing it straight from the professor and interpreting it on your own. If you know you heard it all, then you will never have any doubts about having missed anything for the test. - Get to know your professors.
They want to know you. Professors enjoy students who express a true interest in their studies. If your grade is borderline, this will surely help the professor to decide in your favor. - Take meaningful notes.
Listen carefully. It is known that we lose about 50% of what we hear in one day and an additional 25% within 48 hours. Effective listening is demanding: train yourself to listen. Determine the purpose of the lecture or discussion and make clear statements of the purpose in your notes. Record ideas; not words. Select the major ideas used to develop the purpose.
Many times students have found it very helpful to recopy their notes that same day and then ask the professor for help in clearing up concepts that are not clear. Professors are always available outside of class. Make use of them and become more than just his/her student. Become a friend. - Make study time efficient.
Select a specific time for daily study. Efficiency is increased if each subject is studied at the same time every day. Schedule your study time to include breaks. Concentration determines the degree of success in study and breaks help the ability to concentrate. - Do not procrastinate!
Do assignments as soon as they are assigned. Read chapters daily. This way the reading and outside work will correlate with class lectures. If you put things off, you will get caught the night before a test with ten chapters to read. Once you get behind in college it is hard to catch up because more is added each day. - Use the "purpose" method for reading assignments.
Preview the material to be covered and determine its purpose. Understand the relationship of the assignment to the subject being studied and to the lectures and discussions in class. Read the entire assignment marking those paragraphs which will need later interpretation. Proceed to begin reading by keeping in mind the main idea or theme of the lesson. Organize the purpose and major ideas in your mind, then test yourself to determine whether or not you have organized the material. Study the material you have read and organize to understand the kind of details used to develop the purpose and major organizations. Emphasize the gaps in your memory by restudying those parts you have not grasped. Test yourself. Can you present the writer's purpose through his organization with his facts and examples? - Review regularly.
Review involves mentally reproducing the purpose, the major ideas and supporting secondary ideas. Knowledge of specific details reflects the degree of understanding. Review involves relating the lecture notes to the assigned reading material. Seek these relationships constantly. Review includes not only preparation for tests, but planned weekly review of all materials covered up to that time. Just think of how many times on the night before a test you have asked yourself, "Why didn't I just do a little each day?" Start studying now and at exam time you will only have to review. - Get help.
If you are not clear on something, get help immediately. One concept leads to another. If you have a weak foundation, you cannot build on it. Go see your professor and call on a Delta Zeta sister for help or consult your tutor list. - Start early.
Professors will tell you about a test at least two weeks in advance. Start studying then - it is never too early. In fact, most professors pass out a syllabus the first day of class - use it to prepare. Be aware of upcoming events.
Good luck! And always remember: if you need help, just ask.