When Is It a Good Idea for Campus Panhel Expansion?

[dukedg]

Thanks, 33girl, I thought someone might want to shoot me for saying that!

Originally Posted by violetpretty

I strongly disagree that every one of those women were not meant to be Greek (excluding GPA issues). Maybe they were not meant to be Greek in any of the existing chapters. If extension occurs and a new niche is filled, those women may become Greek and have a valuable and enjoyable Greek experience. Even if their chapter is perceived as a "weak" chapter. Believe it or not, plenty of women love their sisters and have enriching experiences in "weak" chapters.

I think there are a number of reasons other than GPA that women may not be a good fit in any sorority. Maybe there are ethical concerns with a woman (for example, she stole money from a job where she worked). Or maybe she has bad/undeveloped/immature social skills. If she is arrogant, condecending or mean to other women in the chapter, I wouldn't want her in my chapter.

I don't doubt that most women who stick it out in a "weak" chapter love their sisters, or why else would they stay? It just seems that they have to work so much harder at things like recruiting year round and then often have such low morale about their chapters. Furthermore, at many schools if you are way under total you probably have other worries, like financial concerns.

Originally Posted by bejazd

When my campus went through expansion, it was a good thing for all the groups on a number of levels. First, there had been steady interest in membership, and no one particular group was struggling. Our chapter had so many members that we couldn't have formal meetings in our house because it just was not big enough! Second, supporting the new chapter meant PH had to address some issues related to recruitment, which they did, and everybody benefitted. Third, the new chapter created some excitement on campus and gave a system that could have stagnated some energy. So it was all good!

I find this so interesting, because it sounds like from the outset a very similar situation to the Duke expansion. This is why I wonder what else is going on that made your expansion so successful and the Duke one not?