New Sorority on Campus?
 

Hi!
My school has one of the most extensive Greek systems in the country. Our recruitment went so well this year that our panhel is considering inviting one of five sororities to restart a chapter that has been discontinued. There's a vote for it coming up. Personally, I have one concern. Two of the 20 social sororities in our panhellenic council have consistantly had trouble recruiting girls. I'm just afraid that a new house could hurt chapters that are already on campus. Thoughts?

Hi there-

Very exciting for your campus. I went through 2 NPC expansions during undergrad., and it very much revitalized the entire Greek system, including the men's groups. I don't want you to think that the groups that are not as consistent will magically be strong and healthy...but overall, my experience has been positive regarding expansion. A few questions: Is your campus using the new release method? Do you know which groups are presenting? Keep us posted!

I'm not sure if I know what a new release method is.

My school is deciding between 5 sororities, and it will allow 3 to present. I know that one sorority already has property on the campus, so it probably will push hard to be selected.

Are the 2 you mention NPC members nationally or just members on UI's panhel? If it's the latter, their inconsistent recruitment may not matter as much.

FYI:

The UIUC's PHC sororities

Hi!
Both of the ones I mentioned are national, although a believe one is a bit smaller nationally.

Anyway, someone brought up that it might be good for the greek system as a whole. I could see that, seeing that there are twice as many frats as there are sororities.

Just curious: What NPC groups have closed chapters at Illinois? Have any groups not had a chapter there?

ASA's never had a chapter at UofI.

Seeing as the decision has been made to expand, I wouldn't be concerned about the smaller chapters' feelings. I am sure they had a chance to voice their objections before the campus opened for expansion. And if the majority of the chapters are bursting at the seams, a new chapter on campus will help even out the rest to a manageable size. All of the sororities receive regular support from their nationals in the form of traveling consultants, advisers, trainings, etc. I am sure they are aware of chapters that are struggling and are giving them the best help and resources they can. I think it is great that you are concerned-- continue to be a supportive Panhellenic sister and support their efforts at informal recruitment, their philanthropies, etc. Good luck to your campus on its expansion!

While it is great news about expansion, there will always be Chapters who are having problems especially when it comes to NPC and expansion.

The need to keep figuring numbers of members will continualy hold down expansion at many school such as smaller schools.:( Yes, of course it is harder for smaller GLOs to compete at major schools. As we all know, everyone wants to be on Major schools, but if it does not fit well then there is your answer.

Bigger name GLOs always have a step up on the smaller ones who started at Teacher Colleges such as ASA and SSS. No disrespect at all toward them as they both are on my Alama Mater.

But, facts are proof of the pudding.

Actually we did - our Epsilon Beta chapter was there from around 1982-1993.

From the OP - it doesn't seem that the Panhel at UI is definitely expanding - there is a vote coming up and just because there are only 2 chapters that seem to be having numbers problems - doesn't mean the other chapters will vote in favor of it. The situation she outlines is by no means a "done deal."

OrangeJuice - I know they are all national - but are the ones with lower numbers any of the 26 NPC member groups? That was my question.

AXiD has its Kappa chapter(1905 - 199?) presently closed.

Damn. What were we thinking?? Competing at UofI is the Midwest's version of Bama or LSU.

ZTA had it's Alpha Kappa chapter at UI from 1921-1994.