Trying to bring a new GLO to my school

[Pecan]

Hello again to all. Here is my situation...I'm a young lady that attends a southern HBCU, and I am also interested in greek life. The sorority that I am interested in is a Multicultural one. There is not a chapter of that organization at my school, but I have begun taking steps to bring this organization to my school. Here is where the problem arises: Everytime the sorority's National contact person sends any kind of correspondence (phone calls, emails, etc.) to the director of Greek Life at my school, the director simply ignores it, or says that she hasnt received anything at all. This has been going on for almost a year (it will be a year in March). The only way that this organization can even possibly get started at my school is if my school's Greek Director simply looks at/into what this organization is about. She does not even know that there are girls interested in this org at my school because she hasnt put forth any effort. I am frustrated with this situation and so is the sorority's National contact person! I would like to know what would some of you do if you were in the same boat as me? Any advice on what I should do? I would like to hear from everyone. I thank you all for your time...Pecan

[sigmadiva]

If I were you, I would speak to other campus administrators and report what has been happening, especially if you have documentation that shows you have been trying to work with the Greek Life Advisor and he/she has not been cooperative (?sp). Try speaking to an administrator in the Student Life Office. If you really want a chapter at your school, and it seems like you do, you may just have to talk to other school administrators who may be able to help also.

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by Pecan
She does not even know that there are girls interested in this org at my school because she hasnt put forth any effort.

Was this brought to her attention in person? If it wasn't, its not her fault. She has to be explicitly told that there is such an interest.

If she was explicitly told this, then she is at fault and you should go way over her head. Go to the Dean's (not an assistant Dean) Office, and explain your story.

ETA Something that I've learned about Greek Advisors is that most of them aren't paid squat, so there is a high turnover. Also, I've learned that when someone leaves a university, that person may lose access to her e-mail and voicemail accounts, but these accounts still appear live to the outside world for a year or so. Do you know if this Greek Advisor is actually still with your school?

[NinjaPoodle]

I agree with my soror SigmaDiva, go over their head and up the chain of command. It says you mean business.

[Tom Earp]

Pecan, unfortunatly that seem to happen at some HBC Schools.

LXA did a Colonization at HBC, N C A & T.

They have fought tooth and nail and today as I help keep them to be a viable as a Colony for at least another Year, they are doing fine.

The School did everything that they could to try to keep them from persuing status, they are hanging in. Is it tough? Yes it is!

So, the last time I heard from their Advisor, they are getting stronger.

What is really Great, is a HSB College is working with them, Not the School, But The Black GLOs!

That is what Makes Greeks so viable for each of us. Working to help each other!!!! OH, When We Do!

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
Pecan, unfortunatly that seem to happen at some HBC Schools.

Its not just HBCUs. I've seen it happen at land grant state institutions, Ivy League Schools, and others.

[Pecan]

PhiPsiRuss, yes this person is still working at my school. Also, a friend of mine and myself have spoken directly to her during a meeting with her and told her that we and other girls hold interest. The organization's National contact has sent her this information as well.

To both ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho, I have taken this matter to her superior, the Vice President of Student Affairs. He told me that I would hear from her within 3 days and I did. Since then she has contacted me, but not the National contact of the sorority, which is who she really needs to contact.

I thank those who have responded so far, great advice!

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by Pecan
To both ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho, I have taken this matter to her superior, the Vice President of Student Affairs. He told me that I would hear from her within 3 days and I did. Since then she has contacted me, but not the National contact of the sorority, which is who she really needs to contact.

E-mail a message, to the GLO contact and Greek Advisor, to schedule a three way conference call. CC the Vice President of Student Affairs.

[Tom Earp]

Russ that is to true.

But I think the post was concerning Certain Schools.

Regardsless or not, Russ is Correct, you try or dont, thr ball is now in your court so to speak. Do not be backward, move forward and go for it, Go For The Gold.

If you dont try, you may never know!

The Best Of Luck to You and Your Group!

If you have a backing, then use them if you can!

[KSUViolet06]

I'm going to be honest with you, at an HBCU, a multicultural GLO could be a hard sell for the administration.

[tnxbutterfly]

Is there a way that you can save extra copies of all the correspondence that you get from the National contact? That way if the Greek Life Advisor claims that they never recevied anything, you'll have extra copies

Like Jocelyn said, it might be a hard sell getting a MCGLO on a HBCU. Maybe you can met with the Greek Life Advisor and discuss how this new GLO will affect the excisting ones. This way you get to hear (hopfully) the fears and concerns the GLA has about bringing a new organization to campus.

[FSUZeta]

if it is still necessary for the multicultural greek group to contact the greek advisor in writing, have them send the mailing registered, return receipt requested.

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by JocelynC
I'm going to be honest with you, at an HBCU, a multicultural GLO could be a hard sell for the administration.

If this is a state institution, its illegal for the administration to refuse this GLO to colonize because its multi-cultural. If it gets to that, I'd contact my local ACLU chapter.

[33girl]

Originally posted by PhiPsiRuss
If this is a state institution, its illegal for the administration to refuse this GLO to colonize because its multi-cultural. If it gets to that, I'd contact my local ACLU chapter.

The sad fact is that ALL types of groups - MCGLO, NPC, NIC, NPHC - can be shot down by the admin or Greek life director with reasons that can't be pinpointed as discriminatory. Not enough alumnae support, not enough name recognition, the org isn't sufficiently financially stable nationally etc etc etc. I don't agree with it either but they can say it in a way that the ACLU would be SOL.

[Firehouse]

33Girl: with respect, my experience is different. In fact the very reason, ironically, that Greeks are protected today is because thirty years ago the radicals, commies, homosexuals, etc. all sued to be recognized and won. Unless the group poses a clear and present danger to the community, the public university must recognize them. Not the administration, not the greek life toadies, no one, can deny any legitimate group recognition. The problem arises where it always does: the undergrads are unaware of their rights and are bull-dogged by administrators. All it takes, literally, is one phone call from one civil rights attorney pointing out how specific administrators are personally liable for these discriminatory action. The NPC groups get around it by having their own "trade association" that sets the rules. Any fraternity, any sorority, can colonize any public university at any time it suits them. Period.