What is CHIS?

CHIS stands for "Clasped Hands in Service" and is a service sorority at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. CHIS is the oldest women's organization at Baylor, having been founded in the spring of 1955. We are a small group of service focused women who prioritize sisterhood, community involvement, and personal growth in faith. We volunteer in the Baylor and Waco Community on a weekly basis with non-profit organizations like the Gospel Cafe, Salvation Army, Austin Boxer Rescue, etc. We also have weekly membership meetings as well as sisterhood events like holiday parties, horseback riding, picnics, etc. CHIS has a rich history, meaningful traditions, and deep roots in the Baylor and Waco communities. If you are interested in becoming a member of CHIS, please see the "Joining CHIS" page, or click here.

History

In the spring of 1955, a group of interested girls met with the dean of women to discuss the possibility of forming a women's service organization with the purpose of giving co-eds the opportunity of having an active, organized part in campus service activities.

When school began again in the fall, the number of girls interested in the service club had grown. Soon steps were made to officially organize the club. Officers were elected, a constitution was adopted, and a name for the club was chosen. The girls chose CHIS, with the Greek letter X, denoting ‘Clasped Hands In Service,’ using the famous Browning Clasped Hands as their symbol. The first sponsor of the club was Miss Cecil May Burke.

Emblems: Browning Clasped Hands and the Butterfly

Colors: Green and Gold

Flower: Yellow Rose

Jewel: Emerald

Purpose:

The purpose of this sorority shall be to render service to the student body, the administration, and to the community, thus encouraging campus friendships and fostering a cooperative spirit between university and community.