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Originally posted by irishpipes
I am just thinking that some smaller groups wonder how they can get on these larger campuses, and they can't if the preference is always given to the larger national groups.
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I know that groups need to show local alumnae support in order to be chosen for colonization, and I am glad that many campuses give preference to groups with existing charters. This does, however, further the vicious cycle that the big just get bigger. But who said all was fair in life or the NPC? Just random thoughts.
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Most universities would like to keep
*their* alumni happy. Happy alumni equates to the potential for more donations to the university.
Thus
*in general*, when it comes to the campus NPC looking at expansion, GLOs that were previously on campus are looked on favorably. Regardless of their size nationally. Consideration is usually next given to those GLOs with a strong alumni base in the area. While this may favor the "larger groups", only if they have a large alumni base in the area.
As an example, fraternity expansion at The University of Kentucky. Currently two fraternities - Delta Chi and Triangle - are recolonizing. Both were on campus from 1914 and 1920 respectfully until the mid to late 1980's (early 1990s?) when they lost their houses due the University needing the land. As such, they were un-housed (may have had temporary residency) and their numbers decreased until they closed. Both fraternities have a long and lustrous history with UK (think alumni) and as such, the UK administration was eager to work with these two fraternities to have their chapters return to UK. (happy alumni give to university) Now before these two fine fraternities began their recolonization, three other fraternities were able to successfully colonize at UK: Phi Kappa Psi, Delta Sigma Phi and Pi Kappa Phi. Only two had chapters in the Commonwealth thus a smaller alumni support system than perhaps other fraternities. Yet all had the support needed by their HQs (and UK) so that they would survive. As such, all three seem to be doing well. Thus more happy alumni who will now give back to the University.
On the sorority side, over the years, five chapters have closed. Two have a long history with UK and might be considered the *more likely* candidates for expansion. But at the same time, the other three, as well as other sororities, have strong alumni base - many in the area - to help and support any (re)colonization. As such, I would venture to guess that these factors - strong UK alumni base, strong GLO base - would be given the appropriate weight when considering expansion. And frankly, some of these GLOs might be considered "small groups" nationally. Yet they have a historical alumni base to support expansion (recolonizing) at UK.
So on a campus like Kansas State, with a strong Greek system, I would venture to guess that the above scenarios - strong campus alumni base, strong GLO base locally - would apply as well.