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Frequently Asked Questions
How will I benefit from being a member of Pi Lambda Chi?
Many women encounter what is known as ‘culture shock’ upon entering college. ΠΛΧ has provided a safe place and a home for many of the women who have joined this prestigious organization. ΠΛΧ strives to preserve Latina culture through outreach and community service in the Latino communities surrounding their campuses, by fulfilling our mission statement. The sisterhood has gained a reputation indicative of our commitment to community service, leadership, and academics.
ΠΛΧ offers a network for professional development. ΠΛΧ women create life long friendships that continue beyond college. We have sisters all over the world in many different professions. ΠΛΧ sisterhood is a lifelong commitment and sisters are always willing to give a helping hand. Professional development and alumni connections are a continued effort of ΠΛΧ.
Is Pi Lambda Chi only for Latina women? Who can join?
Any biological woman is eligible to join ΠΛΧ. In accordance with our national constitution; ΠΛΧ does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. We also do not discriminate based on parental or marital status. We are a Latina sorority because we generally strive to serve Latinas in higher education. Any woman interested in Latina culture is welcome to join our pledge lines. Women from many cultural backgrounds are represented in our sorority, including: Mexican, Peruvian, Spanish, Filipino, African-American, Native American, German, Dominican, and Costa Rican just to name a few.
What is the difference between Pi Lambda Chi and other ‘traditional’ sororities?
ΠΛΧ is significantly smaller that most traditional sororities, which is what attracts many women to our organization. We do not have a ‘sorority house’ like many traditional fraternities and sororities. Our focus is balancing community service and academics with social activities.
Is it expensive to join Pi Lambda Chi?
No. There is a fee associated with pledging. This money is used directly for the benefit of each pledge and is not refundable. In addition each chapter sets chapter dues at the beginning of each semester. Chapter dues help to pay National dues, community service projects, social activities, sorority gifts and other projects that are chosen by the chapter.
In comparing ΠΛΧ with traditional sororities, ΠΛΧ is affordable and is significantly cheaper. A woman will never be turned away because of monetary issues.
Where are Pi Lambda Chi chapters located?
ΠΛΧ is currently located in Colorado and Rhode Island. Alpha Chapter is located at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where ΠΛΧ was founded; Beta Chapter is located at Auraria Campus in downtown Denver and encompasses Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Colorado at Denver; Gamma Chapter is located at Bryant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island; Delta Chapter is located at Colorado State University in Fort Collins; Epsilon Chapter is located at the University of Denver; and Zeta Chapter is located at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
We are always looking to expand our family to other universities. If you are interested in starting a chapter, please visit our expansion page.
What do I have to do to become a member? How long does it take?
There is a one time pledging process that is unique to ΠΛΧ. Any woman interested is welcome to begin the pledging process, however admittance is not guaranteed. Please contact the local chapter for more information. If you are looking to found a chapter at your school, please visit our expansion page and our National Vice President of Expansion will respond. Due to ΠΛΧ’s unique pledge process, many details about the process, including how long it lasts will remain a secret.
ΠΛΧ pledges will not be hazed and will never be physically harmed. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs will not be tolerated during any pledging activity.
How will joining this organization help me in college?
Our grade point average requirements and consistent study tables mandate that all ΠΛΧ women maintain a G.P.A of 2.0, however many sisters far exceed this minimum. Many sisters are also involved in other campus activities such as student government, other cultural organizations, and are recognized as leaders in their campus and surrounding communities. The support network that ΠΛΧ offers is helpful in times of personal and academic struggles, as well as in times of celebrating success.
What is hazing? Does Pi Lambda Chi haze its prospective members?
Hazing is any physical or mental act that puts a person in a stressful or dangerous situation. Hazing can take many forms and is hard to detect since the participants are usually willing to be subjected to these juvenile and sometimes dangerous acts. No chapter of ΠΛΧ shall ever permit hazing. Instances of hazing include, but are not limited to: forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, physical harm, and/or public humiliation. Any pledge who feels she has been subjected to hazing must immediately contact the ΠΛΧ National Board. ΠΛΧ has not had any incidences of hazing and will not allow any form of hazing. Punishment for hazing will be imposed by the ΠΛΧ National Board and are non-negotiable.
What kinds of activities do the sisters of Pi Lambda Chi do?
The sisters of ΠΛΧ participate in many different activities. We participate in various community service activities, cultural programs, campus activities, and social activities. Some examples of what we have done include: voter registration for the South West Voter Registration Education Project, the Colorado AIDS Walk, Project Angel Heart, Adopt-a-Family, An Evening with Dolores Huerta, An Evening with Madeline Albright, Cesar Chavez Day Celebrations, Scavenger Hunts with other Greek chapters, formal dances, and fundraisers.
How much time do sisters devote to Pi Lambda Chi?
Academics come first with ΠΛΧ, so activities are scheduled so as not to disrupt the academic schedule of the sisters. However, in order to maintain active status in the sorority, sisters are required to attend 75% of all activities deemed mandatory. Sisters get out what they put into the sorority and often find that attending all activities for which they are available is most rewarding.
What relationship does Pi Lambda Chi share with other Greeks?
The relationship between ΠΛΧ and other Greeks varies by chapter. Many of our chapters are actively involved with their campus Greek Council and participate in campus “Greek Weeks.” Many chapters collaborate with other Greek organizations to bring educational/cultural events to their respective campuses, provide community service, or hold social events.
I’ve seen a lot of media attention on problems with alcohol and the Greek system, how does Pi Lambda Chi address these issues?
ΠΛΧ's National Constitution details enforced policies regulating alcohol consumption by sisters. ΠΛΧ actively discourages underage drinking, binge drinking, and use of controlled substances. All alcohol, drug, and tobacco use is strictly prohibited while wearing the letters of ΠΛΧ. Alcohol and drug consumption is strictly prohibited during all pledging activities for both active sisters and pledges.
More specific alcohol policies vary by chapter and can be found in chapter bylaws. Each chapter creates its policy in compliance with campus regulations but must at least meet the ΠΛΧ constitutional standards. Check with your corresponding chapter to learn more about their chapter policies regarding alcohol consumption. |
