[irishpipes]

Here is a brief summary of how AOII recently colonized at Rose-Hulman. I mention it because we were chosen to take over an interest group. It sounds similar to what you are discussing. I know that when we presented the interest group was in attendance, so I think they had some input into which group was chosen, but it was panhellenic that had to ok the expansion.

From the Delta Xi chapter website:

The Delta Xi Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi has very modest beginnings. A few women participated in Formal Membership Recruitment their freshman year. While they recognized the many benefits of Greek life, they simply didn’t feel that either of the two existing Greek women’s organizations were right for them. Late in the 2003-2004 academic year, they began casually meeting to discuss the possibilities of bringing a new sorority to Rose-Hulman, and formed a Sorority Interest Group (SIG).

The women endeavored to learn everything they could about the process of bringing another sorority to campus, as well as explored other options for Greek women’s organizations. The women needed a positive vote from both of the existing organizations on campus, but to get it, the needed to convince them, as well as the campus administration, that a third sorority was necessary and would benefit the campus as a whole.

In the fall of 2004, formal meetings began and a formal leadership structure was created. But despite increased interest and organization, there was still a long road ahead for the women of SIG. The women submitted the matter to Rose Panhellenic for a vote. The initial vote was a tie. Though the academic year ended in indecision, the women of SIG were not ready to give up. They continued to strengthen their ties to each other through various social and philanthropic events.

The fall of 2005 saw more aggressive recruiting and SIG slowly grew. More and more people on campus voiced their support for SIG. Panhellenic was again asked to vote to open Rose for colonization. In the spring of 2006, after nearly 2 years since they first began meeting, Rose Panhellenic finally assented. The women would be able to invite a third sorority to colonize Rose. After much debate and several interviews, Alpha Omicron Pi was chosen, and the Delta Xi chapter was born!