Parents, Families, & Support Systems

“Bigs” serve as mentors to a “Little,” who is typically a younger member of the chapter. These pairings are created by a chapter officer, taking into consideration common interests, academic similarities, and member personalities.

A specific group of Thetas on a university’s campus. Chapters are designated by Greek letters. For example, Alpha is the Kappa Alpha Theta chapter at DePauw University.

All members come together weekly to share chapter updates, conduct chapter votes, and hear officer reports.

The financial responsibility of a member. Dues can range in amount from campus to campus, but are used for chapter facility operations, social and sisterhood events, scholastic programming, and recruitment costs.

The administrative offices of Kappa Alpha Theta. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, these offices house staff dedicated to supporting the Fraternity, Theta Foundation, and Fraternity Housing Corporation.

Some, not all, Theta chapters have a chapter house/facility. Most chapters expect a member to live in the facility at some point during her membership. “Live-in” expectations are different from chapter to chapter.

A service performed by initiated members following the completion of the member orientation program. During initiation, new members will formally join the chapter by participating in Theta’s private ritual ceremonies. Alcohol is prohibited at any activities in conjunction with initiation.

A program lead by the chapter’s new member director to provide new members with an orientation to the Fraternity and to integrate them into the chapter as members within four to six weeks. Learn more about Theta's member orientation program.

A student who has signed a pledge to become a member of Kappa Alpha Theta but is not yet initiated.

Chapters participate in fundraising and service events each year, benefitting Theta’s philanthropic priorities: Theta Foundation and Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem (CASA/GAL).

During the academic year, chapters participate in an intake of new members. The process requires participation of all initiated members and may happen in a formal or informal setting.

Time commitment depends greatly upon the degree to which your Theta becomes involved in her chapter. A new member typically devotes about six to eight hours per week to chapter meetings, scholastic programming, social functions, and sisterhood events.

Annually, each chapter creates its own budget, based on its facility as well as on programming, administrative, and general operational costs. If your Theta is at a semester school, dues are billed in the fall and the spring. If your Theta is at a quarter school, dues are billed in fall, winter, and spring. It is important to note that your Theta is responsible for the timely payment and completion of financial responsibilities.

Yes! Theta Foundation is proud to award more than $800,000 each year in merit- and need-based scholarships to Thetas for undergraduate and graduate study. Theta Foundation also supports chapters and members with grant funding to participate in non-degree educational, leadership development, and service-learning programs to help them promote the widest influence for good. Learn more about the Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.

If your Theta’s campus has a Theta facility, it is important to note that it is an obligation of membership to live in the facility. Each Theta chapter establishes its own policies and procedures for filling the facility to capacity each year. Chapter live-in expectations vary greatly from campus to campus and are noted in chapter bylaws.

Membership in Kappa Alpha Theta is much more than just a college experience. Alumnae across North America offer one another opportunities for continued professional and personal development. Members continue their engagement with Theta after graduation through membership in alumnae groups; serving in volunteer roles; donating to Theta Foundation; and staying connected via ThetaConnect, social media, and the Theta magazine.