It has been almost 20 years since a new sorority was brought into the fold at the University. In those two decades enrollment at the University has increased by more than 10,000 students, while participation in greek life has more than doubled. Such numbers put an undeniable strain on a sorority system that has not been expanded since 1989.
“Sororities are in a crunch for space,” Greek Affairs Director Gentry McCreary said. “They’re breaking fire code if they’re all in the house at the same time.”
He also said many chapters house 250 or 300 members in a house that’s only supposed to hold 150 people. To give the sororities a bit of elbow room, the University decided to bring a new organization into the sorority system for the first time since the addition of Gamma Phi Beta in 1989.
“We want as many students as possible to have the greek life experience,” McCreary said. “And it was truly a grassroots expansion. The chapters wanted it, and the advisors wanted it.”
The University opened its doors for applications from outside chapters across the country. Three chapters — Delta Gamma, Alpha Xi Delta, and Alpha Phi — were brought to campus to present their case. A committee of sorority leaders and administrators chose Alpha Phi as the sorority that would be colonized for this school year.
“We were very impressed with the organization,” Erin Cornelius, president of the Alabama Panhellenic Association, said. “They were willing to give the Alabama chapter a lot of support from the national level.”
McCreary also cited the sorority’s recent successful expansion to the University of Oklahoma’s campus as a reason for the choice.
Founded in 1872, Alpha Phi has 150 chapters across the country and is now the 16th sorority organization at the University of Alabama.
While it was a part of the open house that occurred at the very beginning of the formal sorority recruitment process, Alpha Phi will be making their actual selections in the next two weeks. Their unique timetable opens the door for women who dropped out of, or never even participated in the formal recruitment process.
As of Wednesday, 300 women had already signed up to be part of the interviews, which will be held this weekend.
“We’re basing the amount of people we induct on the number of applicants, but we will be selective,” Educational Leadership Consultant Kat Jenne said. “Regardless of anything we want leaders ready to jump in and get involved.”
As a new sorority, Alpha Phi also had plenty of space open for upperclassmen.
“It’s important for [the] freshmen to have mentors,” Jenne said.
The fact that Alpha Phi is new also means this year’s members will play a big role in creating history.
“This year’s women will become part of starting a tradition at Alpha Phi,” Jenne said.
The members will sign a charter that will be hung on a wall in the sorority house as long as the chapter is in operation.
From other sororities suggesting girls that might be a good fit for Alpha Phi, to fraternities assisting in the renovation of Alpha Phi’s new home at the corner of Colonial and Paul Bryant, the current greek groups have welcomed them with open arms.
“We’re really excited to be here,” ELC, Megan Aus, said. “It’s such a positive environment, and we couldn’t ask for any more resources or support.”
“Our job is easier because everyone wants us to do well,” Jenne said.
Log in to be able to post comments.