I know this has been brought up a few times in the past, but I really think that it comes down to differing views.

Twenty years ago there were twice as many sororites and fraternities on this campus. Granted that the interest isn't as strong now, but I think that more dedication by everyone could change that.

When I pledged back in 2001 compared to now, fraternities have grown in numbers and there are three additional ones. By expanding, we have brought more students into the system that otherwise would not have joined. It can easily be the same way for the sororities. It won't improve over night, but with a little work they would all grow.

The other side of the issue is that there are only a set number of girls that will rush and that the sororities that be need to split them.

Are the 3 additional fraternities the biggest ones there or in the top three in size? Because that's what a national sorority that colonizes at a large school like WVU wants and expects from a new chapter. The fraternities may not care.

How could I not mention the AOPi recolonization at IU? They were closed down in 1996 and recolonized in 2000. When I was at IU the first time around (early-mid 90s) they were one of the weaker houses on campus. Now they are the largest and one of the strongest sororities at IU. Talk about a turnaround! :)

If that is the case, then it looks like some sororities have very unrealistic expectations. Of the three that started, two have houses. One has comparable numbers to other large fraternities. The other two are doing ok and growing.

The difference is that there is no formal system of recruitment for fraternities here. There are also about twice as many fraternities as sororities.

The sorority recolonization set up is always very strange...but a lot of that comes from the way the system of rushing is set up. Also, I think that there is WAY, WAY, WAY to much emphasis put on attaining quota and total. If the national groups are willing to work with the chapters on what is actually attainable, I think that everyone is helped.

The best example I can give is of ADPi at Nebraska, which is the only NPC chapter without a chapter house, and historically low numbers, endangered for not getting more girls, etc. Finally they got their nationals to realize that they couldn't go through formal recruitment, set up a completely different informal, and their numbers have jumped up a ton (chapter is probably 4x as large at this point as it was two years ago.)


As for the recolonization of closed Beta chapters, I think our recolonizations have been very successful, particularly from places in which there is strong alumni support (Ok. St, Indiana, Miami back in late '90s). However, and I've said this before, Beta babies it's colonies. Most of our colonies are on colony status for 2-3 years. It makes them more successful at sticking around, but at the same time limits the extent we expand in a given year. Personally, I think we could make the chartering happen in 1-2 years, and speed up everything a little, although I understand that the maybe the colonies end up as a much more productive chapter, more likely to last the way we do it now.

The thing that pisses me off about Beta is that they close down more chapters in a given year than they colonize.

They are in the process of recolonizing the only other Beta chapter in my state, Bethany. I know a bunch of girls there and from what they tell me (it is a small school, with a high greek %) the effort is not going so well, mostly because of the type of men they are recruiting.

my brother graduated from Bethany, and he was curious to see what Beta would do, since there are a relatively high number of fraternities, but the general feeling is that a sorority is DESPERATELY needed (all chapters are at or above total I believe, and all are strong).

It's generally a matter of resources. To recolonize takes staff time and money.

Delt feels that we can (re)colonize about three chapters per year the last I heard.

Generally, two or three chapter consultants (or whatever a group calls them) spend a fair amount of time in colonization, and that takes them away from their other work direct with existing chapters.

So if we lose more than three chapters in any given year (which hopefully doesn't happen often) we're going into negative numbers.

By the way, Delta Tau Delta was founded at Bethany College in 1858, and our "Founders House" has been refurbished. I need to visit there sometime.

good luck Delt!
 

good luck to Delt returning to home....you belong there and I am
sure you will prosper....you're a good outfit!

This may be an urban legend, but I had always heard that sororities were not allowed at Bethany, by the college's charter or something. I'd LOVE to see at least a few (cough, cough!) colonize there!

Recolonizing takes many peices falling into place - money and the right people being two large compenents. Alpha Phi has been successful in this arena in the handful of recolinzations we have undertaken.

They are huge projects, not for the weak of heart but when you look back 5 years down the road and see strong chapters you can't help but feel dang proud of your organization!

reactivations
 

I applaud you-all who favor returning to campi.
Many groups get (in writing) permission to return.
Orphaned alumni are a hurt in our hearts and often
those grieving were not in any way the cause.
Finally, if some of you would get off your high horses
and pronouncements perhaps you could be a credit to
your own...go take a shower or reactivate a chapter!

Nope, sorority life is quite healthy at Bethany (WV). Alpha Xi, Phi Mu and ZTA all have full houses there. My brother's girl is an Alpha Xi, and she and I are always discussing the sorority stuff. She's not sure why there hasn't been another NPC expansion since all chapters are bursting at the seams and the interest is there.

There's quite a few Bethany colleges, some more conservative than others.

The Delt founders house is quite cool.

Beta also has a plaque in Old Main, something about a historic chapter.

Honeychile, KD had a chapter at Bethany until a few years ago, when it was closed.

First off, Western Carolina is going to be recolonized by LXA.

Second is LX Z, My Chapter in Pittsburg, Ks. while not being closed Has had two Young Men who are ELCs Recruiting to rebuild.

Granted, We are building a New House and I have been bugging IHQ for some time, We are starting to Rebuild.

It does take a lot of Money to do this as DeltAlum said. It isnt Bubbllegum and mirrors, but a lot of hard work and $$! When I say $$s, I mean having Paid Staff being there to do this.

What does that entail?

1. A place for them to stay=Motel
2. Food.
3 . Recruitment Shirts.
4. Cost of getting there.

What most people do not realize is that These Young Chapter Consultnats are paid to be there. It costs money for them to be there. Maybe they dont make a lot of Money, they do it for the Love and it gives them a lot of experience that can never be found anyplace else.
LXA does pay Consultants and I know Many others who only do it on a volunteer basis.

What does Your GLO do?