Texas 2015

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

I think a lot of it has to do with Austin being a cool city in its own right. I don't think NPC groups, on the whole, do a good job of marketing ourselves beyond something fun to do in college. If you can have fun without joining, why join?

Forever (ok maybe for 30 years) tOSU had the same problem. There is so much to do in Columbus nobody ever though it was necessary to pledge a Sorority since there is so much to do locally. The University started remarketing student organizations back about 2009/10, not so much to have fun, but for leadership. I think its called, "Lead, Learn and Serve".

The results were pretty amazing. Sorority chapter total went from 100 to about 180 after Formal Recruitment and quota went from 25 (with many not hitting quota) to 56. Gamma Phi successfully recruited total for their colonization and the university is open to 2 new chapters in 2017 (one to replace Kappa, who was suspended).

I have noticed University of Minnesota is in a similar spot where they are in a metro area that has so much to do, resulting in a delay of expansion. If they were in the Boonies, Greek Life would probably be huge.

[irishpipes]

While Austin does have the rep of a cool city with tons of live music, etc., the "Big 6" mentality has done a lot to cripple the system.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by irishpipes

While Austin does have the rep of a cool city with tons of live music, etc., the "Big 6" mentality has done a lot to cripple the system.

That's unsurprising. My very-anti-Greek cousin who went there knew exactly who the Big 6 were in spite of himself.

I was also surprised at how ugly the houses were, on the whole. None of the stately mansions you see at other SEC schools.

[Ladybugmom]

Actually most of the sorority houses are very beautiful and have Southern style architecture. They are somewhat small though. Most only house around 50-60 girls compared to other schools that have a competitive greek system. Because the houses are smaller, the competition to "live in" can be fierce.

[APhiLife]

Just heard my rec girl is now a NM of UT Kappa Alpha Theta!

[clemsongirl]

Emailed both my rec girls and heard nothing back so far from either one of them...stalking their social media didn't work either. Hopeful they found sorority homes but not optimistic so far.

[Just interested]

Charley Strong's, UT's football coach, daughter pledged Zeta!!

[Ladybugmom]

WOW! Lucky Texas ZTA! I know they are thrilled!

[APhiLife]

So some interesting information I found out about Texas Rush- Open Rush (meaning not by invitation only....) did not begin until at least 1988.

I saw an Alcalde article mentioned on "that other website" and looked it up and it's legit.... Also interesting that that during the time my mom was at UT- the sororities were not registered with the university as student organizations..... Who knew someone involved in a "rebel" organization in college would go on to have 8 children who weren't even allowed to chew gum or say "shut up" to each other..... hehe

Info can be found in the January 1988 Alcalde on pg 14. Not sure if I am allowed to post a pic here?

[Jill1228]

Originally Posted by Just interested

Charley Strong's, UT's football coach, daughter pledged Zeta!!

AWESOME!

[Ladybugmom]

Originally Posted by APhiLife

So some interesting information I found out about Texas Rush- Open Rush (meaning not by invitation only....) did not begin until at least 1988.

I saw an Alcalde article mentioned on "that other website" and looked it up and it's legit.... Also interesting that that during the time my mom was at UT- the sororities were not registered with the university as student organizations..... Who knew someone involved in a "rebel" organization in college would go on to have 8 children who weren't even allow to chew gum or say "shut up" to each other..... hehe

Info can be found in the January 1988 Alcalde on pg 14. Not sure if I am allowed to post a pic here?

I would love to read that article. What did you search to find it?
DH is a lifetime member so we have an Alcalde subscription.

[APhiLife]

If you search for "Alcalde Google Books" it will bring up a page where you can search through back issues. If you search there for "Alcalde Panhellenic" it brings up several articles about Rush during the 60's, 70's & 80's.

[Katmandu]

Wow, so all of the rounds were invitation only. Did girls register for Rush with PanHellenic, or did they independently let the various chapters know they were interested? No wonder so many chapters have come and gone or struggled in the past. I am proud that Kappa Delta had the brass to try it again and make a go of it in 1980!

Did Nebraska also have invitation only until recently, or am I delusional about that. Someone did in the Midwest....I think...

[tinydancer]

All rounds were by invitation only. You registered with Panhellenic and you filled out an information form for every chapter and mailed it to a chapter representative. The chapters decided who they would invite out of all the applicants. Don't you know that was some job!

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by Katmandu

I am proud that Kappa Delta had the brass to try it again and make a go of it in 1980!

My cousin was in one of KDs first PCs. She loved it.