Gamma Phi in Texas

[gamma_phi_baby]

Hello Beautiful Sisters,

I am a Texas Gamma Phi and was wondering that after the success of the newest Texas chapters (Texas State and A&M) do you think that chapters at UT and Tech are soon to follow? I know both have had chapters go inactive, so would opening there even be possible? Would it be better to start at small school's inactive chapters (Lamar University, Stephen F. Austin University, or University of Texas, Tyler)? Or is it best to start at a Texas school that has never had a Gamma Phi Beta chapter?

Thanks for the information and advice!

[tinydancer]

It pains me to say that I don't think we will return to UT. One main reason is the lack and high cost of real estate near campus. I don't think we still own our house, which is too bad because it is nice.

[SWTXBelle]

It always depends on campus climate and financial considerations. We do not have our UT house and a chapter could not compete without one. I would not hold your breath about UT-Tyler or Lamar. I do not know enough to comment on SFA or Tech.

[gamma_phi_baby]

That's so sad to hear about UT, though the sorority climate over there is horrible from my understanding, only the big six survive.

I believe the chapter at Tech would be a good idea, from people I've talked to and posts I have seen, most people rate us as the chapter they are the most interested in joining their campus because of our national prominence and selection of schools we open at.

[pinapple]

Originally Posted by gamma_phi_baby

That's so sad to hear about UT, though the sorority climate over there is horrible from my understanding, only the big six survive.

Not sure where you are getting your extremely bad information but the Greek system is not horrible. Exactly the opposite. For the most part a pretty cohesive system that support each other's philanthropies and events. Certainly friendly competition between all houses during events like Derby Days, etc, but it tends to all stay above board. Of the 14 chapters at UT, 13 are thriving and SDT has reenergized and will be participating in formal recruitment this year. With the expectation of 1200 PNMs this year, with about 80-85% placed, I am curious as to where you see "horribleness". UT Office if Greek life strives to create a warm Panhellenic relationship between chapters and does a pretty good job considering the stereotypes across the board that work for and against many chapters.

[Ladybugmom]

I thought the same thing Pineapple. The greek system at UT is actually thriving. SDT is planning to go through formal recruitment this year, which is great for all involved. There are 14 sororities at UT..not 6..Can we please drop the "Big 6" mentality!

[gamma_phi_baby]

I in no way thought that the system was horrible, only that it was a hard place for a new chapter to open. I apologize if I was wrong about the climate over there. It was my understanding that new chapter has not opened there in many years? Is SDT a new chapter?

I am very happy to hear about the Greek systems success over there. I apologize for being misinformed.

[Just interested]

I believe the last chapter to colonize at UT was Kappa Delta in the early 1980's over 30 years ago. It was a recolonization of a chapter founded in 1921 which closed during the Great Depression.

UT has an awesome Greek System but you are right, it is not by any means an easy place for a new chapter to open for many reasons and one of the major ones is land values in West Campus. However, with recent growth in average chapter size in the low to mid 200s and continuing to push upwards, I can see a group planning and waiting for an opportunity to take the risk.

[DubaiSis]

I think some pretty tough systems have been cracked over the last 4 or 5 years. Whoever decided to take on UT would need to plan on several years of heavy duty hands on involvement from headquarters and a real financial investment in housing, but to me it wouldn't be as intimidating as some of those where quotas are 100+. Eventually someone will have to be the new gal, and I'd choose sooner as opposed to later. But it's not my headquarters spending 2 or 3 million on a house so it's easy to throw rocks from the sidelines

[Ladybugmom]

Originally Posted by gamma_phi_baby

I in no way thought that the system was horrible, only that it was a hard place for a new chapter to open. I apologize if I was wrong about the climate over there. It was my understanding that new chapter has not opened there in many years? Is SDT a new chapter?

I am very happy to hear about the Greek systems success over there. I apologize for being misinformed.

SDT is not a new chapter...they just haven't been able to participate in formal due to low numbers and no house. They do have somewhat of a house now...it's actually in part of a church (I think) where they can hold meetings etc. They can not live there. They did participate in Open House rounds last year and had a sucessful spring recruitment. I really hope they can make a strong come back and be able to participate in formal recruitment this year.

No worries Gamma Phi Baby..it's just that those of us that have any knowledge or association with greek life at UT really have a hard time with the Big 6 mentality. It came from an article written in the early 70's and unfortunatley stuck. The other 8 sororities have had to work really hard to change the mentality, which usually stems from momas and grandmas telling thier daughters who then tell thier friends.

[tinydancer]

I went back and read your original post. I believe we already have a chapter at UT- Tyler. Don't forget our chapter at TCU, which is doing well.

[SWTXBelle]

Our chapter at UT-Tyler closed. They started the Greek system with three sororities, and imho, really should have just had two.

[tinydancer]

I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't know.