[aopirose]

Only 10 Active NPCs at LSU - Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Mu, Pi Beta Phi, and Zeta Tau Alpha. All are incredibly strong with outstanding women!

The other groups closed for a variety of reasons but mainly low membership and alumnae burnout.

The issue of colonization at LSU is very tricky. Although there are many aspects to deciding whether or not to colonize, the major issue is housing – 1) the cost and 2) the availability. There is an understood rule (among NPCs) that a colonizing group MUST provide what is equal on the campus. (University administration also expects it.) The theory is good because it puts the colony on equal footing with the established groups. In reality, the investment is well over $1,000,000 and there is no guarantee on its return. (This is where the less talked about business side of national/international organizations comes in to play.) Sorority housing, although on University land, is located on prime lake real estate and is the responsibility of the organization. The majority of the houses are appraised at over $1,500,000. Add the cost of housing and furnishing to the average cost of colonization, you are looking at a pretty penny.

Besides the cost of housing, you have a physical location problem. The best way to describe Sorority row is that it is located on a sort of peninsula. When the university saw that no more fraternity/sorority construction was going on, the land was reallocated for other use. The LSU Recreation Center, the Lod Cook Alumni Center and a new hotel were constructed on land initially intended for fraternity/sorority housing. There are three lots left but they are among the fraternities and are not desirable for a sorority IMHO. The other option is a former sorority house now used by the Printing Office. This house will need MAJOR renovations and the university expects the group to buy it.

LSU opened for expansion in 1994 and Tri Sigma was selected to colonize. After months of deliberation by the Executive Board, Tri Sigma respectfully declined. Alpha Sigma Tau tried in the late 90’s and it was a rather unique situation. In the spring of this year, LSU opened for expansion again and only two groups had responded favorably by the deadline. There may have been others after the deadline but I am not sure. The presentations should begin soon and I wish them all the best.