Tools for a sucessful expansion

[gee_ess]

Something said in another thread prompted me to start this one. Admittedly, I have never been involved with an NPC expansion process, so I may be asking something that is taboo. But I do know that some expansions are more successful than others...

What does it take for a successful NPC expansion?

[33girl]

-Money, for starters.

-People to work w/ the colony from similar schools (don't send the consultant from Tiny Former Teachers College to the expansion at LSU - send the girl from Bama or UF). We are all sisters and there are basic things all consultants learn, but there are going to be large-school things that it's easier for a consultant to deal w/ if she has actually experienced, rather than heard about it 2nd hand. The reverse is true as well.

-Comparable housing, if housing is an important factor

-Willingness to accept the campus culture. Yes, new chapters sometimes start because the women at the school want something different - but if they wanted something COMPLETELY different, they wouldn't start a sorority in the first place. Don't come onto campus and inform the Greek life/student life office of all the things they are doing wrong and why they need to change to your way to be "right." You will win no points with the administration or the students. If you don't want to be on the campus as it is, DON'T SUBMIT A PROPOSAL.

[Zillini]

I agree with everything 33girl said. IMO this point is critical:

Originally Posted by 33girl

-People to work w/ the colony from similar schools (don't send the consultant from Tiny Former Teachers College to the expansion at LSU - send the girl from Bama or UF). We are all sisters and there are basic things all consultants learn, but there are going to be large-school things that it's easier for a consultant to deal w/ if she has actually experienced, rather than heard about it 2nd hand. The reverse is true as well.

Also keep in mind you need organizers who are familiar with that campus' greek culture. For example, if every other sorority has spring recruitment teas hosted by alumnae, a colony/Inatl needs to round up alumnae to host spring teas too.