Sigma Chi Goes Down Under
 

Interest group to be established in Australia

Is Sig going to be the first international GLO to establish a chapter outside of North America (alumni groups and groups at international branches of US universities don't count)?

p.s. is an "interest group" like a colony?

Interest groups are the first step for any group that wishes to petition a GLO for a charter. When they reach a minimum number, and meet other requirements, then they become a colony. Once they receive approval from the university, reach a minimum number of pledges (usually 50) then they are granted a charter.

'K Thanks.

Well put. I'd add that interest groups may be started in a few ways.

1. By a fraternity looking to establish a chapter on a particular campus. (As seems to be the case with Sigma Chi and the University of Melbourne.)

2. By a group of students looking to affiliate with a particular fraternity.

3. By a group of students looking to affiliate with any fraternity.

sounds awesome! good luck to sigma chi!

mmmmmm aussie guys.....*droool*

Wow, that's impressive! When I studied abroad in Aussie, no one knew much about Greek Life but they were all intrigued by it. Hopefully they can get more chapters set up there!

My big is in Aus. right now, she's coming back soon (yay!!!!!), she said its awesome. I'm *hopefully* going to NorthernIreland next year...maybe I should try to start a colony of my sorority there...muwahaha.

Interesting question.

Not counting alumni groups and groups at international branches of U.S. universities, I am not aware of any successful North American GLO chapters or even colonizations outside of North America.

However, this doesn't mean that this is the first attempt by a North American GLO to establish a chapter at an university outside of North America.

Maybe someone else knows?

Chi Phi had a chapter at Edinburgh University, in Scotland, from 1867 until 1870.

I think a sorority should try to colonize there as well. I'm worried that since Sig is all guys, that some women the university who may not fully understand GLOs would want in, and that may lead to "issues". Or would it?

Well, there you go.

At LXA General Assembly this year, this very thing was brought up with interest groups in Mexico and The Phillipines.

My main sticking point was the backing that IHQ could afford to give them. It is hard enough for visits to our Colony in Alaska, and am sure even harder say in Hawaii. This is because of the cost factor and time envolved to keep a check on and work with.

OTW, any thoughts as an AGD is In Hawaii?

I would venture to guess (hope!) that if Sigma Chi IHQ is the one starting the interest group, then they - Sigma Chi IHQ - has not only researched Australian law, but also contacted the University of Melbourne regarding the "concept" of American social fraternities. i.e. male only. And that they have the university's approval and support.

And I agree that having a sorority colonizing at the same time would help the success for both groups. There wouldn't be the concern that women did not have the same opportunity to join a social GLO as their male counterparts.