That was my line of thinking as well. Though all the groups there are pretty much multicultural, because the campus is so diverse itself.

Now that is an interesting take on this. International Presidents making deals for colonies. It is almost like baseball trades - we trade a current opportunity for a player (colony) to be named later. It probably could work, but it also could lead to political alliances between groups and under-the-table dealings. It is something I had never thought of though.

It's both. The NPC Alumnae Panhellenic Associations should be teaching the Collegiate Panhellenic Associations that numbers can go up AND down. Locals should try to ally themselves with the general rules of the different Panhellenic Associations, to better understand how to use the system to either become an NPC colony, or to further their own GLO.

I would say at a National level. I think women in college are learning to run a chapter, not the national organization. I kinda feel that decisions of this magnitiude should be in the hands of people with experience. (Well that is if we are still discussing assistance, if it is expansion we are discussing, I think a hybird of the current model would be more effective)

There are already alliances between groups...political and otherwise...and I think that may be part of the problem. The so called smaller groups need to come together to discuss what their needs are mutually, and learn from one another--and as far as I know, that does happen from time to time.

I do not get the impression that NPC really is interested in helping member groups grow or maintain membership outside of the agreements regarding campus recruitment. It really is up to each national to take control and make their own plans.

I see the original question as helping smaller GLOs become more known. The reality is--most people who aren't involved in Greek life aren't going to know names of groups or where they are located (except for Tri-Delta, thanks to the SNL skits.) I can go to one town where my org is active and lots of people may know mine, but never heard of XYZ or ABC. Unless SNL makes fun of all of us, we'll probably not ever be as well as known as others.

Hmmm...that's interesting. I didn't know that. What kind of alliances are we talking about here? Like, "If you don't colonize at this school, we'll let you have this school?" or something else?

I didn't know anything about alliances either. I assume you are referring to "unoffical" agreements, right? Actually, I don't know what you are referring to at all, do you mind elaborating? Are you meaning agreements to keep rival members down or what?

While I agree that it is up to each national to take control and make their own plans, I disagree with you on the idea that NPC doesn't want to help groups grow or maintain membership. What you have to remember is that NPC is interested in helping the system grow, which means seeing all member groups grow and maintain members. That is why the new release figures were developed, the recruitment structure was changed, and quota/total was changed. These changes have helped all member groups grow and maintain membership. On campuses where the RFM was implemented several years ago we are seeing a much more level playing field evolve.

It is my understanding that this biennium they are looking at membership retention.

I heard Alpha Delta Chi and Xi Gamma Zeta

I did wonder what made some sororities have larger member and chapter numbers than others. I do see it has to do with age, as well as affiliations.

In my city, there are two universities. A large NPC sorority has chapters in both. I have no idea what the numbers for the sororities at each school are- I only went to one of them, and as a graduate student taking evening classes.

Now I wonder what factors- other than religious affiliation- would make a specific sorority become more popular in one campus than another sorority would. Using UF as an example, it is understandable that sororities founded in the South would be large. But one of the largest groups there was founded in a school in New England.

I would say, generally, that the largest groups have the best reputation on that campus. In other words, a reputation for being "the best", whether based on fact or not. They also tend to have more outgoing and friendly women who are very comfortable talking with PNMs and making the PNMs feel special and wanted. They know how to put their best foot forward, are confident with their recruitment skills and it simply shines through. They have a strong relationship with their sisters and it shows. They are women that make you think "Wow, I feel so comfortable with them and I want to be like them". Who you feel comfortable with varies a lot, so in a larger chapter, you are more likely to find some women that you "click" with, because there will be more variety in interests, personalities, etc.

We're talking about which sororities have the most/least chapters, not chapter totals on individual campi. Some of the smallest sororities as far as number of chapters they have overall, are the largest group at this or that campus.

I can't recall Clayton State but Tri Sigma accepted the invitation to colonize at University of Wisconsin, Parkside.