well, i took the advice offered here and went to check things out for myself. it turns out it's a group of four women who were initiated the spring of their freshman year, only to have had the chapter shut the following fall. before they leave they want to try and get the chapter reopened so that there's a group on campus for women who want to bond with other women. rest assured, they've gone through all the appropriate channels and hope to be able to let us know next week whether the campus administration/their national HQ will give them the go ahead. they say it looks hopeful, but you never know until it's actually confirmed. should that happen, they'll try to do an expedited rush so that bonding can start to happen before summer break.
the enthusiasm in the room was contagious. when i went as a freshman (apparently right before the chapter shut due to serious financial issues and a lack of initiative to recruit because its members were going through intense personal stuff and a hostile campus climate), it was me and five sisters. it was BEYOND awkward trying to make small talk in that vast lounge. tonight's meeting (the first of three) had 26 girls attend, mainly freshman, two-three sophomores, and me. it was kinda cute how excited some of the girls were getting, so it would be awesome to have this actually come through.
i know there's no guarantees on my being selected should rush happen, but after reading so many threads here (yeah i'm an addict :P) it would be kinda cool to be able to at least get a taste of it myself. at least then i'd never have the "if only...but my college had no sororities."
so, i'll keep everyone updated, is the long and short of it. many thanks to all those who gave me advice here
