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Originally Posted by clemsongirl
I would argue that the University of Rhode Island should open for sorority expansion soon if it's not already in the works. Quota last year was 35 but jumped up to 53 this year, and the houses are not large enough to hold that many girls. The year before that quota was 29. A chapter was closed and then a new one opened, so they're back up to the same number of chapters in years past, but it seems as though both interest and the placement rate have gone up. They've had three groups colonize in the past five years now but the numbers are only getting larger.
One issue is housing-groups without permanent housing plans are seen at a large disadvantage to those with permanent housing, and plenty of fraternities are willing to rent their houses to sororities while they are suspended but not sell them outright. I can think of several alumni associations that would be thrilled to have a local chapter in a state with limited Greek Life presence, but not having solid housing would put them behind the eight ball.
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As a long time member of the Rhody greek community, I wouldn't consider us to be a great candidate for further expansion at this time. Sure, there was a huge jump in the retention of PNMs this year--but that's only one year. I'd like to see the initiation rate for these large classes, and if next year's formal recruitment is consistent with this year's.
Also, the only sorority on campus without a house (KD) took the largest NM class, so they aren't hurting for members based on lack of housing. Greek Life has never been consistent at URI, so I for one would like to see if this positive trend continues for a few years before adding another chapter. Besides, lots of sorority members like to live off campus after a year or two, so larger chapter size=more freedom in choice of living arrangements.