Recruitment 2010 news

[irishpipes]

You rang??

AOII came on in 2007. I can't even begin to explain that whole process. First of all, Arkansas is certainly one of those schools that you would think NPCs would be drooling at the opportunity to charter. However, when it came down to it, the 2 groups presenting with AOII (Delta Zeta and Phi Mu) both withdrew from consideration before panhellenic voted. Not being an insider of DZ or Phi Mu, I don't know exactly why that happened, but I could muster a good guess.

In my opinion, Arkansas is quite similar to another SEC school - Ole Miss. Huge Greek system, huge chapters, huge interest in Greek life, very few NPC chapters. Seems like everyone wants a chapter at these schools but few can take the plunge. AOII invested millions in that chapter. That kind of investment is somewhat crippling even if it works out - you have to pass on other potential expansion opportunities, you risk the assets of the entire fraternity, etc. The panhellenic as a whole was not particulatly inviting to AOII in some ways, the university is difficult to work with (regarding land, construction, etc.) and Fayetteville is not a big metro area with lots of alums. I think most NPC groups would have difficulty making it at Arkansas. PNMs are Greek savvy there. They understand southern name recognition as far as sororities go. Certain groups might not fare well becaue of that. Very similar to Ole Miss.

I think Arkansas needs a new sorority or 2, but there aren't lots left on Maple, which is sorority row. The old DG house is still there and is owned by the university. It is my understanding that DG retains rights to reclaim that house should they recolonize. (And that is a lovely house with a fabulous location.) The university owns all of the remaining land. AOII owns our house but leases the land it sits on from the university. Bizarre. Our construction was delayed 1 1/2 YEARS due to red tape with the university. We lost many members because of this delay.

Some very strong NPCs have folded at Arkansas and I think that scares off potential colonies as well. A very strong, southern group colonized there in 1989 and made quota for the first time in 2006 I believe. It is a tough campus. I really think only a very small handful of NPCs would have much of a chance of success despite the desperate need for new chapters.

Just my 2 cents.