Appalachian State - Possible NPC Expansion
 

Hello all!

Appalachian State University greek life is holding an official meeting for women interested in Panhellenic sorority expansion. This meeting will be with the greek life advisors, Aaron and Julie, on Tuesday February 20th at 5:30 in the Calloway Peak room in the Student Union.

All undergraduate women interested in the expansion are encouraged to go, as well as others from the greek community! Good luck to the wonderful group of ladies interested in bringing a new chapter to Appalachian!

From their Greek Life Website it looks like they have 7 groups:
ADP, AF, CW, DZ, KD, FM, SK

http://greeks.appstate.edu/index.php...sition=145:141

The membership numbers don't seem to warrant a new group. I couldn't find what total is but a number of the groups are 10+ below the largest one. That tells me that more than a couple are below total.

Those numbers are mostly out of date though. Most are as of 2004 with only one 2006 that I saw.

No kidding

I wasn't referring to those numbers. I was referring to the numbers that can be found with the grades listed for Spring of 2006.

I am an App Alumna. I transfered to App halfway through my junior year. I was never an active collegiate greek at Appalachian, so forgive me if my numbers are wrong. (I was initiated into ZTA at TN Tech.) I believe total here is 70. The website information is outdated from what I just looked at. They have deferred (sp?) recruitment, so all chapers just picked up about 15-20 (I have NO clue what quota was) new ladies in January, also. There are groups under total (one I know is way under total, but is recieving help from their nationals to rebuild)

The main reason for the interest meeting is because of a group of 40-60 women who have formed an on campus interest group wanting to start a new chapter. They have worked really hard and so far contacted all the right people (NPC area advisors, Exec members of current chapers on campus, local alumni from other NPC groups, members of other NPC groups at other NC state universities.) They sought me out as a local ZTA Alumni, with a tie to Appalachian, and that is how I heard this news. They seem to have really built a big buzz around themselves on campus. From what I have heard Panhellenic at App is going to be voting whether or not to open for expansion this semester. The ladies are looking at several NPC chapters, including ZTA, and Tri-Delta.

I don't know if it will, but I hope it pans out well for them! Of course I will keep you all posted. Everyone let me know if you have any info! ZL.

Gotcha, didn't see those :)
That's cool that they're forming this way, and hopefully it works out for them This seems a case where expansion is probably a good idea, IMO, but my experience with it is slim to none.

Hmmm I think I have the sizes somewhere I will need to dig them out. I do know off the top of my head only 2 groups matched quota so not sure what's up with expansion talk....:confused:

NPC won't "tell" anyone anything. A notice is sent to NPC letting them know the campus is open for expansion, and then the sororities who choose to send an expansion packet (and it might not include any of the sororities you mentioned). The campus Panhellenic then chooses which sororities they may want to have present (again, this might not include any of the sororities mentioned above) and from those, they choose the one they feel would be the best fit for the campus.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, just pointing out that it isn't really good to say "we want to be XYZ" only to have XYZ want nothing to do with the campus in question. If the interest group has a preference, the campus Panhellenic may take that into consideration, or they may not.

Also, if there is an interest group, depending on the NPC chosen, they may evaluate the interest group members and not take all of them. It would behoove the interest group to ask any NPC expressing interest if they will be accepted in toto or if individual interviews will be conducted.

Is it just me, or is the process by which this is happening contrary to the GC sentiment on how new sorority chapters ought to be established?

It seems to be more the exception than the rule, but I think it's a great way to do it, as long as the campus panhellenic council is ok with adding a chapter.

If you get a group that large who want something different than what is currently offered on campus, adding a new chapter is really the only answer. Particularly if the campus doesn't want local greeks (for whatever reason).

It isn't just GC sentiment, it's Panhellenic procedure.

I don't understand why Aaron and Julie are holding a meeting when there's already an established interest group.

It doesn't really matter, they can do whatever they want, if the college Panhellenic votes it down it's a moot point.

Believe me, if any of the national groups get wind of things not being done as they should, things will get straightened out quickly.

Of course, an email to the NPC Chair might do the same thing.......

Hmmm......I wonder who might do that? lol

I didn't mean to start a war. I think a new sorority would be a good thing for campus. I think the sororities I named have good alumni, faculty, etc. there in Boone to help out. The meeting is to field questions from the girls about expansion - how it happens, when, time tables, etc. The girls have already sent in their GPAs, other campus involvements, etc. I am not a NPC rep. or anything so I don't know all about that stuff, but if they have that many girls interested with good qualifications, and with the great national reputation Appalachian has, why would they (NPC) not want to put a new sorority on?:confused:

Why would NPC (nationally, or the college panhellenic) not want to put a new sorority on?

-If there are existing chapters that are struggling with membership.

-If the climate of the campus is not Greek-friendly (apparently not a problem here).

Why would a particular sorority not want to come there?

-Because they are already overextended with other colonies.

-Because they had a bad experience w/ the school or the region in the past.

-Because the housing situation is not to their liking.

-Because they just didn't dig the girls they met in the interest group.

There are lots and lots of things that go into it besides just a great group of girls wanting a new sorority on campus.

I'll only really speak for myself but none of us said they wouldn't want to put a chapter there. But there is a set process to follow in NPC expansion and it so far doesn't sound like it's been followed in this instance.

What she said too.....:D

Just a note:
Those with waaaay more experience than I in the grounds of expansion have given their 2 cents, and my personal feelings don't really contradict that. It should be done properly no matter what.
I just like the idea of an interest group becoming an actual chapter. :)

I can't believe ASU would DO anything that wasn't by the book....
I was just excited that they may get a new sorority. Geez.......................

This is by no means drama or a war. It was probably just a confusion of terminology in regards to your first post. These are just people experienced with expansions and how it works. The school is probably following the rules and info just got passed down through the grapevine wrong :)

The NPC area advisor has already been contacted. I am not sure exactly what is 'by the book' since this is an unusual circumstance. :confused: They definitley want to do it properly though, and I belive that ASU greek life wouldn't do it any other way.

Can someone/people with Greek experience at App State PM me? My brother will be an incoming freshman and is interested in Greek life, but has reservations re: the pledge process. Thanks! :)

Question- So there is an interest group, what if the school vetos the decision to open to expansion, can the interest group create their own local? (If there are locals at ASU).

I don't know to much about appstate greek life. I do remember being told by an advisor (b/c my cousin is there and I wasn't sure if she would rush or not) that at the time only a couple 100 had registered for their formal (spring). But I don't know enough about expansions. So whatever works for them :D

There are no locals at ASU. The university wants expansion. I guess its up to NPC now.?? The interest group that is working with the university is at 57 now.
Basically all sorortities are at total. Quota for spring rush was around 20 and they all took around 15 at the informal-rush in the fall. Chapter sizes are now at around 70-75. The sorority with the lower numbers came on campus in the early 80's and they have always been lower (for over 25yrs now). I don't know why, because the 2 more recent chapters, don't have any problems taking quota.
Also, ASU is going back to the big formal rush in the fall starting this fall(2007) instead of spring.

Here is a brief summary of how AOII recently colonized at Rose-Hulman. I mention it because we were chosen to take over an interest group. It sounds similar to what you are discussing. I know that when we presented the interest group was in attendance, so I think they had some input into which group was chosen, but it was panhellenic that had to ok the expansion.

From the Delta Xi chapter website:

The Delta Xi Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi has very modest beginnings. A few women participated in Formal Membership Recruitment their freshman year. While they recognized the many benefits of Greek life, they simply didn’t feel that either of the two existing Greek women’s organizations were right for them. Late in the 2003-2004 academic year, they began casually meeting to discuss the possibilities of bringing a new sorority to Rose-Hulman, and formed a Sorority Interest Group (SIG).

The women endeavored to learn everything they could about the process of bringing another sorority to campus, as well as explored other options for Greek women’s organizations. The women needed a positive vote from both of the existing organizations on campus, but to get it, the needed to convince them, as well as the campus administration, that a third sorority was necessary and would benefit the campus as a whole.

In the fall of 2004, formal meetings began and a formal leadership structure was created. But despite increased interest and organization, there was still a long road ahead for the women of SIG. The women submitted the matter to Rose Panhellenic for a vote. The initial vote was a tie. Though the academic year ended in indecision, the women of SIG were not ready to give up. They continued to strengthen their ties to each other through various social and philanthropic events.

The fall of 2005 saw more aggressive recruiting and SIG slowly grew. More and more people on campus voiced their support for SIG. Panhellenic was again asked to vote to open Rose for colonization. In the spring of 2006, after nearly 2 years since they first began meeting, Rose Panhellenic finally assented. The women would be able to invite a third sorority to colonize Rose. After much debate and several interviews, Alpha Omicron Pi was chosen, and the Delta Xi chapter was born!

Coming from an Appalachian State Interest Group Member...
 

Hello all,

I am responding to this thread in defense of the actions we [the NPC interest group of Appalachian State University] have taken to persue the possibility of adding another NPC organization to the seven NPC organizations already represented.

The following information is taken from the NPC website, under College Panhellenic Extension information: http://www.npcwomen.org/college/c_ex..._resources.php

Under the NPC Extension Step-by-Step Outline, explanation for extension is divided into three sub-categories, we believe our situation better applies to the College Panhellenic Council Step-by-Step (http://www.npcwomen.org/college/extension_pdf/Step-by-Step_Outline.pdf)

I can assure you that we have followed these steps very, very meticulously. For those of you who may be interested in more detail, consider the following:

- Appalachian State University's statistics and needs have indeed been assessed, and the findings have been presented to the College Panhellenic Council, and NPC Area Advisor. From my understanding, these individuals expressed a positive regard toward extension on the Appalachian State campus. We have heard informal positive response from a few of the existing NPC organizations on campus, however, nothing official.

- Note: Appalachian's campus is not open for extension at this time. We are keenly aware of this. We, the interest group, are currently working together as an informal group of women who are merely interested in bringing another NPC organization to the Appalachian State campus, hoping to eventually affiliate and join the amazing NPC women already on campus. We indeed have nearly 60 interested women, and will have an official interest meeting on Tuesday, February 20th.

The meeting will be headed by both Greek Advisors, attended by the ladies in the interest group and hopefully representatives of the existing NPC groups, and will be used as a learning tool for what to expect next in the possible extension process.

Normally I wouldn't bother with message board chatter, however, I am quite concerned with the possible misrepresentation of my university, and wanted to clear up whatever lingering rumors may still abound. We have not officially nor unofficially affiliated with any NPC organization. "phenomenalZTA" is a Zeta Tau Alpha and Appalachian State alum, as well as a friend of one of the women in our interest group. Personally, I consider her a Rho Gamma and friend more than any actual affilation. We appreciate her wisdom and guidance in our situation as she takes time out of her schedule to help us, and as the official Greek Advisors are quite busy.

This thread alone has been viewed nearly 1,000 times. This is amazing and quite terrifying at the same time. I am sure that national organizations view this board from time to time, and rumors of illegal NPC extension procedures would certainly raise a red flag.

We are working incredibly hard to have extension opened on our campus. I think it would be a shame to possibly hinder the chances of our extension and national affiliation simply because ugly rumors flying about.

Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Thank you.

On the one hand, I think the information is appreciated.

On the other, I feel like you're really overreacting. I really didn't see people on here talking about anything along those lines.

/YMMV

Why did they decide to go back to fall formal? (if you know). I remember someone telling me that the reason they did spring formal (I don't know if this is true or not though) is because freshman had to have a certain GPA to rush.

Fall Rush
 

I'm not really sure why they decided to go back to the fall rush. I do know the weather during rush in January was really bad in Boone this year. Snow, temperatures way below freezing. Some nights when parties were going on it was around 15 or below. They even had to cancel one round of parties because it was snowing so bad, the roads were terrible. And most of the parties are in the new student union, so the girls were either walking there or driving if they lived off campus (no sorority houses at ASU. The university just bought and renovated the old Quality Inn Hotel and it now houses all of the sororities. It is about 7 stories tall and it is really very nice.) It is also mandatory if you join a sorority you have to live in APH (Appalachian Panhellenic Hall) for at least one year. The round of parties that were cancelled had to be moved to APH because of other things that had been scheduled at the Student Union. So the schedule was messed up with an extra night of parties thrown in.
So to me, the fall is better, weather wise. You only have to contend with rain. I think all of the other universities in the UNC system do fall rush, so they may just be getting back with the norm. in NC.
Off course this is my opinion and could be for some totally different reason.:)
I do think I heard Freshmen will be allowed to rush....

We have not officially nor unofficially affiliated with any NPC organization. "phenomenalZTA" is a Zeta Tau Alpha and Appalachian State alum, as well as a friend of one of the women in our interest group. Personally, I consider her a Rho Gamma and friend more than any actual affilation. We appreciate her wisdom and guidance in our situation as she takes time out of her schedule to help us, and as the official Greek Advisors are quite busy.


Thanks ladies, It is hard for me to be completely unbiased, but I am trying my darndest! My heart lies with all panhellenic women, as my grandmother is an SDT, and I have cousins who are ADPi and KAT!!

I'm a little confused. Has ASU already approved expansion? You're already talking about extension (which happens AFTER expansion procedures, unless I'm mistaken). I got the impression that the expansion was not for sure yet.

Gotta agree. Especially the part about whether they had affiliated with an NPC. I don't remember anyone questioning that part.

An interest group or local sorority can do several things to prepare themselves and their campus community for a possible expansion opportunity. Opening a dialogue about expansion and what it entails, and what it does not, is part of that preparation and a part of the overall process. It sounds like that is what they are doing at Appalachian. Once the discussion is over, the Panhellenic Association will vote to officially open the campus or not. I wish them all the best.

I think that came from me saying it would behoove them not to get too excited about this group or that, for a variety of reasons. I'm sure some of us remember the GCer who registered under a very XYZ-centric user name and made all her posts in that sorority's color - and then her interest group ended up becoming a totally different NPC. It just makes you look a little silly if it doesn't come to pass.

Yeah, I just didn't see what here made her feel threatened about the chances of the interest group's success. Like GC was going to get involved or something.

*shrug* I hope everything works out for them. I like when greek life expands :)

Whatever the intent of these posts, they come across as a veiled threat. That's the way they sounded to me and, apparently, I wasn't alone in that assessment.

Well maybe someone should email the NPC chair.....

I mean, I'm not NPC and something still seems fishy about it to me. And it doesn't matter whether I'm alone or not, cuz I am Senusret I and I'm outta here..... lol

Thank you Leslie Anne! What you quoted was exactly what I was reading into, if not "over-reading" into. Sure, there's a chance I'm overreacting, but we're working incredibly hard over here to make sure everything works out as we hope, and I for one want to make sure all bases are covered. Even if the bases include a message board.

Keep the responses coming, though! I know my previous post didn't quite come across as this - but I do enjoy reading what everyone thinks about our situation. Even if the thoughts are not-so positive, I'd like to soak up all the knowledge I can!

Thanks to everyone, and keep it coming! :)

Oh for crying out loud, I wasn't "threatening" anyone. My group doesn't have a chapter there, so it's not like I could do diddly squat even if I was in that sort of position. Just stating that if the nationals of any of the groups think that things are being done re expansion that jeopardize their chapter there, they're going to act to correct it in some way.

And also, if the college Panhellenic votes expansion down, it's a moot point. That's a statement of fact, not a threat. It doesn't matter how wonderful of an idea it is if the CPC decides it isn't. It's not like I'm going to call the App State Panhel reps and promise them a pony if they vote it down.

Here's the thing: having had experience with one of my org's chapters getting f'ed over because Panhellenic procedures weren't followed, I'm kind of a stickler for the rules where NPC is concerned. If that makes me "threatening", so be it.