Editor’s note: As of 2017, Zeta Kappa Delta is no longer an organization at SCAD, and the university has not entertained proposals to form Greek life organizations.
By Chantelle Emery
The Lifetime movie “Sorority Wars” left a positive impact on the inquiring minds of a couple SCAD students who saw beyond the catty fighting and competition that is sometimes associated with sorority life.
“Wouldn’t it be cool if we had sororities at SCAD?” was the question posed on Facebook that captured the attention of Joshua Heinsz, a fourth-year illustration major from Slidell, La., who later founded Zeta Kappa Delta.
Prior to the creation of Zeta Kappa Delta, SCAD had a no-Greek-life policy. However, they have shown that the negative stigma attached to Greek life can be removed and can have a positive impact on students’ lives.
In Fall 2009 this playful idea manifested from a simple Facebook status to development of the first sorority-like social club at SCAD. It was a smooth process to start the group and it all fell into place from then on.
Although they follow the structure of Greek organizations, this local chapter is not a nationally recognized sorority.
According to Adrienne Edge, assistant director of Student Involvement, “I would like to clarify that ZKD is not an official ‘sorority.’ They are an official registered club with the office of Student Involvement, but it does not provide the opportunity for students to participate in [national] Greek organizations.”
The organization’s main objective is to bring together students from different walks of life to socialize in a non-academic environment. They are open to all students, but mainly cater to issues relating to women.
The sorority name went through several phases before one was decided. The final name encapsulates all they believe in: Zeta means sisterhood, Kappa means kindness and Delta means diversity.
Normally, in these sorts of organizations, joining includes a recruitment period called “rush week” where students get to learn more about the organization. The Zetas do something similar, by using the first few meetings as a trial period to see if their organization is a fit for you.
If interested, you are able to join in the fall and winter quarter, which is beneficial for you and current members because you can fully take advantage of the friendships created since the first trial period.
Although Aditi Kumbhat, a fourth-year graphic design major from Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, isn’t interested in sorority life, she sees this opportunity as “new and attractive to the demographic that seeks normalcy in university life, since SCAD doesn’t provide this.”
No one is turned away as this is not an exclusive sorority. However, you must be serious about it, otherwise it defeats the purpose of sisterhood and you won’t get the benefits of the experience that is being offered to you.
