“Uniting Divine Sistahs” Program 

 UDS Program Membership Form 2021

Due September 8, 2021

Program Objectives:

To become theoretically knowledgeable, well rounded educators that are able to synthesize the concepts of effective problem solving strategies, global accountability, and social consciousness as it pertains to the leadership of student organizations and becoming a global leader.

Upon satisfactory completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate integrity and competence in leadership practices
2. Demonstrate effective small group dynamics
3. Apply intrapersonal and critical thinking competencies
4. Articulate the values, beliefs, norms, and ideals that are embedded in culture and gender which affect leadership behavior, goals and strategies of organizations and education
5. Develop interpersonal and intrapersonal competency
6. Articulate personal leadership style through the lens of culture and gender

Students will be able to:

1. Communicate values, needs, and boundaries effectively
2. Demonstrate willingness to address challenges and pursue opportunities
3. Develop effective strategies to utilize as a student on a predominantly white campus
4. Integrate complex information from a variety of sources including personal experience to form a decision or opinion
5. Develop a vision for professional/personal growth congruent with one’s passions, values, and skills
6. Articulate the advantages and challenges of a diverse society

Expectations of Course/Program Members:

• Pay $100 registration fee which will cover all resources, meals, transportation, lodging, and a t-shirt
• Be actively engaged in all activities
• Attend mandatory weekly UDS meetings, retreat, and final project:
  • Meetings on Tuesdays at 6:00-7:30 p.m. beginning September 14, 2021 (one meeting will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021)
  • Retreat (Oct. 15-17, 2021)
  • Final Project (Dinner held on November 22, 2021)
  • Attend 1 of each of the NPHC sororities programs or service activities
  • Maintain contact with UDS Executive Board

Program Overview:
The “Uniting Divine Sistahs” program/course is a ten-week program/course with new member selected each fall semester by application and interview process. Membership in the course/program is exclusive and highly competitive, offering the opportunity to top applicants. The candidates for membership will be selected based on level of motivation, commitment to self-improvement, desire to participate, and the ability to maintain a level of professionalism throughout the course/program.

The members who are selected will attend weekly seminars and activities and be divided into small learning groups with a predetermined group of women. These smaller groups will serve as break out groups designed to promote and encourage intimate conversation on predefined topics. Each seminar will discuss topics such as Black identity, gender roles, leader identity, body image, and effective goal setting.

Description of the Uniting Divine Sistahs Membership:

The “Uniting Divine Sistahs” program is dedicated to empowering African American women of all classifications at Texas A&M University by providing culturally relevant information. The “Uniting Divine Sistahs” program is designed to address the development of leader capacity and socially constructed identities. The program is an expansion from the pre-existing UDS retreat, which addressed leading in diverse organizations, healthy body image, and challenging socially established gender norms and roles. The program will aid students in their ability to encourage social change, build camaraderie among other women, and develop networking opportunities among women from diverse backgrounds.

Sponsored by the Texas A&M University
Association of Former Students (AFS)

Whoop! UDS was awarded a 2018-2019 NASPA Excellence Award in the Student Union, Student Activities, Greek Life, Leadership, and related category.