Reopening an inactive chapter
 

Hi everyone,

I tried using the search feature to find my answer, but I wasn't coming up with anything, so just if you could just re-direct me if my question has already been answered!

My school is currently open for expansion, and we just found out that back in the 70's there was a Phi Sgima Sigma chapter at my school. Does anyone know if we can re-open this chapter?

Thanks!

I think you'd have to contact their National HQ.

what school are you at?

I would go to the site:

www.phisigmasigma.org

and contact CO.

Does your campus already have a Panhellenic Council?

If you do, I'd try and contact them. They'd have more info on bringing a new sorority to campus.

I don't know if the green book addresses this or if it's just a courtesy, but I was under the impression that closed chapters usually get first options to come back to campus before opening expansion to new chapters. However, I don't have a lot of knowledge in this particular area. If a group with a resolved chapter decides not to re-colonize there, then they would send the call for expansion to all the NPC groups. Anybody know for sure?

Dee

just looked into this as my campus is looking to expand. you don't have to re-open closed chapters from way back when, but NPC encourages the campus to give those orgs consideration. it's not specific, but i would assume the closed org(s) should be invited to present at the campus IF that org is interested in coming back.

the campus can't decide to re-open a chapter - only the HQ can make that happen. if your campus wants them to come back, make sure everything is taken care of with NPC (expansion notice) and give them a call.

be sure your campus is talking to the NPC expansion coordinator. she is an invaluable resource!

You have to contact your National HQs and see if they are interested in re-opening a chapter at the campus in question. Then they can contact the campus and see if the campus is interested in re-opening the chapter. IF the campus and HQs are interested, an invitation to make a presentation is given to the HQs, who come out and make a lengthy presentation. If the campus chooses that house, then HQs will rally National and Local alumnae support to help open the chapter, recruit PNMs and organize a colony...

If I'm overstating, someone correct me.

In my experience from my college, (though we weren't 'open' for expansion) your best route will be to go through the school or pan-hellenic. We had a local who wanted to affiliate with an NPC who used to be on campus. They contacted this HQ directly and were told not to do so again and to have the school Greek Advisor contact NPC. We weren't open for expansion though so this is a HUGE factor.

One other piece of advice, as you get an interest group together, do NOT start calling your group Phi Sig. Find a name that has NOTHING to do with that org.

Good Luck and keep us updated!!

Here is just a little background on this story. http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...threadid=61095

so i guess they decided not to go with theta phi alpha? ( i think that was the correct group).

That or upon further review, Theta Phi decided that it may not be the right time to pursue this school. Lots of factors go into extension like the GLO's other commitments at the time, a change in unversity administration/sentiment, not wanting to be the first on campus either ever or in 75 years. The only people who really know are those directly involved.

As far as the OT is concerned, this is my suggestion. Go speak with the Director of Student activities about this. The campus per NPC guidelines is still "open" because the space has not been filled. Work with the administration to send a letter and a copy of the original NPC Extension Bulletin announcement, because it's been awhile, to the NPC group(s) of your choice. That way the issues of NPC contact and the approval of the "proper authority" are resolved.

Good luck.

no -- we would just like to be able to maybe pick from 2 groups, since this is a decision that will affect the school in the long run.

Since you have no panhellenic, the university is the proper authority. You should contact PSS directly and ask them if they have responded to the opportunity as you have not seen a response. It is possible they are not interested if the campus does not meet their criteria such as existing greek system, potential for a certain # of initiates or maybe they are overly commited for other expansions for the next 6 or 12 months and cannot even consider another group right now. You won't know unless you ask. Then you can focus on the group who is interested in establishing a group right now. You don't always need something to compare it to - if it is a good fit, you will know it.

Good luck!

Denise

I was really just curious. I havent heard about this in a while and was wondering what, if anything, has changed, happened, ect.

I can understand wanting some options. Wish you good luck.

Re: Reopening an inactive chapter
 

HI Emily,

You should contact our HQ to get more information about it. A chapter can be reopened on a campus and Phi Sig has been working to get some chapters recolonized.

Are there any other NPCs on campus at this time? What are your current campus rules for expansion? If you don't have another NPC and you have a few women interested in Phi Sig you might want to let your Office of Student Life know that too besides contacting Phi Sig.

Keep us up to date on what is happening.

Carolyn