Muslim sorority seeks members
UK could have first chapter
Issue date: 4/7/06 Section: Campus News
The Kentucky Kernel
The University of Kentucky
A Muslim sorority that was trying to get a start at UK has met all the needed requirements, said the sorority's national president, and all that is needed now is members to join.
Earlier this year, students began the process of bringing Gamma Gamma Chi, the only Muslim sorority in the country, to UK.
"We've already met administrative requirements. We actually did that in January," said Althia Collins, founder and president, Gamma Gamma Chi. "We've got their (UK's) cooperation, but it's just a matter of getting interest from the students that's held us up."
When Gamma Gamma Chi representatives last visited campus they received only two applications.
Collins said there are numerous advantages to joining a sorority, particularly for a group such as Muslim women.
"It's been shown that participation in sororities and fraternities helps in terms of retention. Students generally have somebody to relate to and identify with, and that has a big impact on whether they stay in school and persist to getting degrees," Collins said. "This would speak to the need that Muslim women have in wanting to get involved in sorority life and doing so in a way that's comfortable for them."
It would also reflect positively on the university, Collins said.
"It helps show a commitment to diversity as well, just by working with us to get that established. It helps us to establish a membership base," Collins said. "Everybody wins, as I see it. It demonstrates commitment that goes beyond just lip service."
There will also be an informational meeting on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in room 203 of the Student Center for those interested in joining, which will give more students the opportunity to join, Collins said.
Linear Mode
