Founding/Colonizing Advice
 

Hi Everyone-

Some friends and I are researching into expanding the Greek system at our school, and although we have perused the NPC site and the individual organizations websites, we are still confused as to what steps should be taken when beginning this process. There are currently 5 NPC sororities at our school.
For example, should we talk to the Panhellenic Council and the Greek Life Office first, or should we contact the organizations to see if they are interested in extension? Do we need to amass a group of women before starting this process, or can a smaller number of women start the process. In addition, do some NPC groups try to keep their chapters in one geographic area, or are they open to colonizing all over the country? Are there any local sororities looking to expand as well? Moreover, what are some qualifications potential organizations look for in a school before colonizing?

I apologize for the length of the post, but we have started to get very confused. All of you seem very knowledgeable, and I did try to use the search feature, but was unable to find threads that answered some of our specific questions; if you can direct us to one, we would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you in advance for all of your help!

There's no "set" number of women you need to start - that depends a lot on the size of the sororities at your school. Talk to Panhel and the Greek life office first. They will be able to let you know if there's any possibility of the campus coming open for expansion soon.

If, for example, out of the 5 sororities, only 2 of them are at campus total and the other 3 haven't made quota or total in years, your wish to form a new group probably will not be approved. But if all 5 sororities are at campus total and taking quota or close to it each formal rush and people are starting to complain the chapters are too big, it may be time for a new sorority.

No NPC group expressly "limits" themselves to a certain geographical area. Each colonization opportunity is assessed on a case by case basis.

In terms of the number of women that's needed, that may also depend on the school. While the NPC may not have any set rules regarding it, most schools usually have a rule stating the minimum number of members that an organization needs to have to continue to operate and be recognized by the school.

http://www.npcwomen.org/college/c_extension.php

Ask and ye shall receive.... :D

Thanks to all of you! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. We are going to get in contact with the greek life office at our school, and the link that was posted was really helpful!