Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Seneca?
The Seneca, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to making the Harvard experience more rewarding for undergraduate women. The Seneca aims to impact both the greater Harvard community and its membership through a range of events.
What type of events does The Seneca hold?
Our campus events this year included: The Red Party, a discussion panel about alternative career paths for women, Frost, Seneca House of Pancakes, and the first-ever open tailgate for a women's basketball game. We have date events, retreats, brunches, discussions, and dinners for our membership. This year, we celebrated our seventh-year anniversary with a special alumnae reunion weekend.
What makes The Seneca different from a final club or sorority?
Like many all-female organizations, The Seneca provides its members with the opportunity to form close friendships with a diverse group of women and creates an alumnae network that is a resource for its members. However, The Seneca also aims to affect the entire Harvard community, both by hosting open campus-wide events and by providing a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to Harvard women. Of equal importance is The Seneca’s completely open application process; all sophomore, junior, and senior women are welcome to apply. Interested women are asked to attend application events and submit a written application that is read name-blind.
Why is membership limited?
The Seneca is composed of approximately fifty Harvard undergraduate women, selected through an open application process. While many of our events are open to all undergraduates, we recognize that The Seneca is more effective as a smaller organization. The open application process allows us to determine which applicants will be enthusiastic and dedicated members of The Seneca.
When does the application process start?
The Seneca’s application process runs through the month of October. All applicants submit a written application as well as attend events to get to know Seneca members and other applicants.
Is alcohol a component of the selection process?
No. We do not haze new members, and we do not pressure applicants into drinking. There are members currently who do not drink for religious or personal reasons, and there are members who do.
What elements go into the final decisions about who becomes a member?
We hope to gauge the applicant’s enthusiasm and dedication to furthering the mission of The Seneca. We look for applicants who will complement and strengthen the organization. The final decision will rely heavily on the written application, as they allow applicants to express their views and interests clearly and as the applications are read name-blind. The written application should be original, creative and should convey the applicant’s genuine interest in the organization.
Is financial aid available for member dues?
Yes, financial aid is available to members who qualify. Anyone concerned with her ability to pay dues should speak confidentially with Carolyn Sheehan, our Treasurer.
How much of a time commitment is The Seneca?
Although individual time commitment varies, each member attends a weekly all-member meeting and a weekly committee meeting. Each committee has at least one project per semester, and The Seneca also holds many informal events that members choose to attend. The time we spend together allows us to set and achieve goals, fosters genuine friendships, and leads to the continued success of The Seneca.
I’m interested—what next?
Please check back in the fall for the times and locations of our information sessions for potential applicants.
If I am not accepted, can I apply again next year?
Absolutely. It is not uncommon for applicants to apply again, and they are considered on the same basis as other applicants.
