[FuzzieAlum]

There are two ways an NPC groups can be started on a campus. One, the Greek system can decide, "We need another group." They then write to a bunch of NPC sororities and say, "We invite you to present on our campus." Some choose to come and present, and the Greek system votes on one to invite. This is a lot more common these days, I think (at least it's how most of the new AXD chapters I've seen in the last few years have come about).

The other is, a group of girls on campus decides to form their own local sorority. The school can't be forced to recognize them, but honestly, they can't really forbid them from existing, either. (I suppose they could withhold formal recognition and participation in Greek Week, rush, etc., but they can exist outside that system.) But usually if the group gets big enough the campus will officially recognize them, thinking, well, obviously there was demand for another group. Then the group can write to different nationals and say, hey, are you interested in us affiliating? Different groups say yes or no, and if more than one is interested, they come talk to the chapter and the chapter decides.

There are pros and cons to both methods. In the former, the school can choose an organization they think is strong, as well as sufficiently different from other groups on campus. In the latter, the girls can choose an organization that fits their beliefs and goals. However, I don't think universities like this as much, since they would rather control who comes on their campus. That's in general, of course - I don't doubt that Knox may be different for whatever reason. They may want the group of girls to prove themselves.

If it's still in the "discussion" phase at Knox, it's no surprise our Nationals has not heard of it yet.

However, as much as I personally would like to see our Alpha back, I don't think we can conclude that Nationals necessarily feels the same way. They have to gauge if there is sufficient local alumnae strength, if they think they can really make a go of it, and if it fits their profile for future expansion. What I guess I'm saying is we shouldn't assume FHQ would be as excited as most of us upon hearing that Knox wants another chapter, and we can't even conclude that Knox or a local chapter would decide AXD is the one for them. Knox could not invite AXD to present, for example. Heck, the school could decide not to expand at all.

I guess I'm kind of sounding down on it here. Personally, I would LOVE to have Alpha back, no matter what process it takes. I just don't want everyone to get their hopes up too high if it doesn't happen.