I know it's been a LONG time since I've posted here - unfortunately, real life got the better of me for a long time. Probably everyone has forgotten this thread, but I figured I'd post an update if anyone is still curious ... it goes against the grain for me to leave things half done
We have been told, unequivocally, that the board will not and does not support the institution of Greek life at our university at this time, regardless of how many students have expressed an interest. I will note that the President *did* support us in the board meeting, which I was honestly very surprised to find out - as he seemed so skeptical in our meeting, I was amazed to find out he wasn't out-and-out against the idea in the board meeting.
We weren't given this concrete answer until the middle of the fall semester of this academic year; it's now spring and I am a second semester senior. I won't lie - the ability of the board members, who have spoken publicly about their dissatisfaction with campus activities and student participation/school spirit, to unilaterally deny a proposal supported by 10% of the student body because it was "not a fit", in their eyes (a position I obviously do not view as accurate), is very disappointing. So, greek life at my school is back burnered for now. I won't admit defeat, however - I personally may be an alumna in just 3 1/2 months, as are the 2 other committee heads, but I'll be darned if the idea is dying with us! Our advisor will be here for a good long while, and we are in the process of passing the torch of leadership and all of our accumulated research, plans and work to underclassmen women (and even some men) who can continue to work for Greek life here. Hopefully, as time passes, some other men and women WILL be able to found a greek system here, and if and when it happens I will be SO proud to support them, even as an unaffiliated alumna. I still truly believe that my school - which, socially, is often fragmented and exclusive because it is quite small - would benefit from a Greek system which is geared in it's institutional requirements to promote student unity and school spirit. Here's to hoping!
Anyway ... as I've said, I'm a second semester senior now. I'm graduating in May, and will do so without having fulfilled my goal of helping to found a Greek program at my school. It's unfortunate, but true. On a happier note, one of the three leaders of the committee for this inititative has continued on her path towards membership in a sorority which allows members to join chapters not affiliated with a school (I don't want to post the name - I'm not entirely clear on if that's fair or appropriate on the forums). I'm SO happy for her, and she is very happy to be doing so, despite her disappointment in not being successful on our campus venture. The third committee leader and myself have not chosen that path; we simply did not find it to be a good fit after meeting some members. Both of us have been encouraged by our faculty adviser to perhaps consider recruitment as graduate students (as we are both in the process of applying to and waiting for responses from Master's programs, both in education [thus short-term programs]). Neither of us are sure how we feel about that suggestion, to be honest. I know that I, personally, have as my first choice a 2 year masters program at a school which frequently accepts undergrad girls as juniors, because the community college transfer rate is quite high. So perhaps accepting a young, 22 year old grad student is not so far off base as accepting a 20 year old who will also have 2 years in a chapter; however, while I've thought about it I am still unsure - A) unsure if I will be accepted to the university and B) unsure if recruitment at 22 is a good idea - I know it's very uncommon, and I don't want to look a fool. I *know* I have the drive, desire and commitment to be Greek - I think I've demonstrated that already. But still, I'm not sure if grad recruitment is a viable path - I would like to give it a try, but I am trying my hardest not to get my hopes too high because I know that it is a very rare, uncommon route. I may just have to reconcile myself to the idea that despite my work and my desires, I may be just out of luck. I HATE admitting that kind of thing, it rubs me the wrong way ... but I'm not sure I have much control over it, anymore.
That's my story - Greek life at my university is, for - for now, at least, stalled. It's heartbreaking for those of us who put so much time into it, but it's true. I regret how things turned out, because I absolutely still feel the tug and impetus towards membership in a Greek organization - but what can I do, at this point?
If anyone's still reading, and has any feedback or ideas for how to proceed from here - one last dying-breath push from us, or anything that might help for the future of our school - please let me know.