A comprehensive onboarding resource I built from scratch for 93 new members joining UGA's Zeta Tau Alpha chapter — covering everything from chapter culture and communication systems to finance, academics, ritual, and leadership structure.
93
New Members
350
Chapter Size
9
Sections
About This Project
When 93 women join a 350-person organization in the span of a few weeks, the way you bring them in matters. A bad onboarding creates confusion, disengagement, and attrition. A good one builds belonging, accountability, and a clear understanding of what the organization expects — and offers.
I designed this guidebook end-to-end in my role as Assistant New Member Educator. It's not a welcome packet — it's a practical operating document. It covers the communication systems new members are expected to use, the points and finance structures that govern membership, academic expectations, ritual protocols, social media standards, and the full leadership hierarchy of the chapter.
The goal was to eliminate the "I didn't know" problem. Every question a new member could have in her first semester is answered in here, in plain language, with enough context that she understands the why — not just the what.
Inside the Guidebook
01
Sets the tone — who ZTA is, what the chapter values, and what membership actually means in practice.
02
How the chapter communicates internally — platforms, expectations, response norms, and escalation paths.
03
The membership accountability structure — how points work, what counts, dues structure, and financial obligations.
04
GPA requirements, study hour expectations, and the academic support resources available through the chapter.
05
Protocol for chapter rituals, formal events, and dress code standards — what's expected and why it matters.
06
What members can and can't post, how to represent the chapter publicly, and content guidelines.
07
ZTA's philanthropic mission, service expectations, and how the chapter fits into UGA's broader Panhellenic community.
08
The full chapter org chart, executive roles, and a breakdown of what each pledge class officer is responsible for.
The Document
This is an edited version prepared for portfolio use.
Sensitive member information has been removed.