University of Florida Sorority Expansion

[SigKapSweetie]

UF Panhellenic has announced that the campus is open for expansion. Who do you think will throw their hats into the ring, GC gurus? And more importantly, where are they going to put the house? I believe DZ took the last bit of land anywhere near sorority row. Maybe over by Pi Phi?

[Griffins&Quills]

I'm not sure if Alpha Xi will, but I hope we do. Though we do have some big colonies on the docket with OSU, Wisconsin, and South Carolina upcoming

[Griffins&Quills]

It looks like UF does not have the following chapters: Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Phi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Xi Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Phi Sigma Sigma, Sigma Delta Tau, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Theta Phi Alpha.

Of which, Alpha Xi (1981-2001), Phi Sig (1967-?) and SDT (1975-1983) had chapters at UF at one point.

[Titchou]

I would say AGD and Alpha Phi would be the most likely suspects with AZD and Gamma Phi as the next ones.

[SWTXBelle]

We've been doing well in Florida - would love to see us there!

[Sciencewoman]

I agree with my sister!

[bluepink]

Yep that good ole DZ got a nice spot! Hard to believe my dd is a Senior and will be her 3rd year in the house!

[Griffins&Quills]

Depending on the timeline for extension, if the colony would come on Fall 2015 (I'm totally guessing) UNC and Ole Miss are both slated for Alpha Phi for that fall and I wonder if they would be willing to take on another big expense colony at the same time.

And I'm not sure if we would pursue because I know there was an issue with that chapter in the past and while it's been over a decade since the chapter closed, not sure if we're willing to go back in

AGD and Alpha Phi have 3 chapters in Florida, ASA doesn't have any chapters in Florida, AST has 1, Alpha Xi, Phi Sig and SDT have 5, Gamma Phi has 6, and Tri Sig & Theta Phi have 4

I think AGD and Gamma Phi are likely to be two contenders.

[ggforever]

There is no room on Sorority row for a new house. Though I do find it interesting that Kappa Sigma built a great house right behind DPhiE and not on Fraternity row. It is my understanding that they are opening up lots on Fraternity row for new houses across from SAE. They hope to have the new house on campus in 2015.

[Cheerio]

Alpha Sigma Alpha came to mind first, and I hope they have the resources to accomplish it should it be their goal.

A Sigma Delta Tau recolonization would mean every Florida Chapter they've ever had would be open.

[FSUZeta]

I think at UF the most viable new chapter will be one from a sorority that already has a strong presence in the state.

[Griffins&Quills]

^ agree

[SoCalGirl]

From the publicly posted Panhellenic meeting minutes:

Committee Reports: Exploratory Extension Committee
a. This report will be emailed to you
b. Our total membership is steadily growing
i. Spring 2014: 3,417 members
ii. Average chapter size and Chapter Range is steadily increasing
c. We have ten options of chapters than can potentially join our community
i. In the last 30 years, 3 chapters have closed on our campus and we have only brought 1 on
d. Goal
i. Increase the size of the Panhellenic Community
ii. Allow for more PNMs to be matched to a chapter
e. We have petitioned for three plots of land near Pi Beta Phi
i. Estimated $6 million dollars for a facility
f. Many other SEC campuses are in the extension process
g. Stacked Extension is an option
i. Choose two new chapters at once
ii. Determine which chapter will charter first, wait until it is stabilized then bring one the second chapter
h. The committee recommends that we open for extension
i. We will vote to extend this Spring
ii. You must talk to your national organization before we vote. Every NPC delegate who works with your chapters knows that this is coming. They will help you work through how your chapter needs to vote.
i. Questions and discussion will be during new business


SMH: "Allow for more PNMs to be matched to a chapter" They should know better!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Cheerio

Alpha Sigma Alpha came to mind first, and I hope they have the resources to accomplish it should it be their goal.

A Sigma Delta Tau recolonization would mean every Florida Chapter they've ever had would be open.

That would be nice but considering we have zero collegiate presence in Florida I don't see it happening.

[SigKapSweetie]

Originally Posted by SoCalGirl

From the publicly posted Panhellenic meeting minutes:

e. We have petitioned for three plots of land near Pi Beta Phi

g. Stacked Extension is an option

I think these two options combined would give the best chance of success. Putting two (or three) more chapters over by Pi Phi would let them create sort of an auxiliary Sorority Row, which would help those new chapters have the same neighborhood 'feel' as the ones located on the current, albeit larger, Sorority Row. And if they create another Sorority Row, maybe they'll set aside enough lot space to give this one adequate parking!