I'm not sure there is a real answer to this question.
We have recolonized chapters in as little as two years. In other instances, we have waited until everyone was gone from the chapter.
I suspect it depends on several things: First, the reason for closing the chapter in the first place, and second, a strong interest group on the campus willing to do the work of recolonization. Third, a strong, supportive local alumni group.
I guess another factor (again, I suppose this depends on the reason for closing) is that the college or university is willing to accept recolonization.
Recolonization should be very carefully considered and never taken lightly.
We have had at least one very unfortunate experience where we recolonized a very prestigeous, old line chapter at a large well known university twice. Apparantely, either we, or the new Chapter members weren't carefull enough about who we selected. When we closed the chapter for the third time, I think that was pretty much the death knell for Delt on that campus. We sold the shelter to the University. It is a huge beautiful facility with a great location just across from the main campus green that local alumni had put well over a million dollars into refurbishing. It was trashed within six months.
It is really sad to walk by and see the letters set in stone above the door and in iron in the front sidewalk and know that Delt brothers will never again live there -- and probably never exist as a chapter on that campus again.
It is also maddening to think that these men screwed up such a great thing. Allegedly, this chapter was the incarnation of all the bad stereotypes of Fraternities. They were big men on campus, but heavily into alcohol, drugs, (probably hazing, although I don't know that for sure) -- real party guys.
Well, we don't and won't put up with that kind of crap. So the chapter is gone, probably forever. What a shame.
I would probably be Division Vice President for that chapter if it still existed, so now you may understand why I have little compassion for what I consider stupidity and general a$$holery, and why I write with such passion in other threads about hazing, alcohol abuse and chapter liability.
I'm putting my soapbox away now. But I reserve the right to get it out again on short notice.
Fraternally,
DeltAlum
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