Robert Morris University’s Interfraternity and Pan-Hellenic councils plan on adding another sorority to campus in the spring. Last Wednesday, the women of Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE) sorority came to campus to give a presentation about their sorority to not only the current interest group of RMU women, but also to the other sororities as well.
DPhiE, which had colonized on campus in 1983 but faded out after 12 years due to a lack of interest, was the only sorority to apply to colonize at RMU, which means that if approved by the girls of the current sororities, they will be able to settle first thing in the spring semester.
“The university chose to bring a new chapter to campus, but it’s up to the girls in the current sororities to choose who we let charter here,” said Scott Irlbacher, staff advisor of the Panhellenic Council.
Tiffany Neal, assistant executive director of DPhiE national headquarters, along with five other women of the sorority, had the chance to present to the women of RMU as to why they should consider choosing DPhiE.
“Being a DPhiE sorority woman was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. It allows you that opportunity to have that home away from home when you are in a strange place like college. It is a support system unlike anything else,” exclaimed Neal.
It’s not common that a school has a chance to add a sorority, especially one the size of RMU. Normally, only five to 10 colleges add a sorority each year, and RMU being chosen to be one of those sororities is a great opportunity, Irlbacher explained.
Statistically, it’s easy to see that another sorority is in high demand right now. The number of women registered for recruitment this year is higher than it’s ever been at RMU.
Currently, each sorority is only allowed a total of 38 members in their organization, stated Irlbacher. This semester, they’ve already had to turn students away from their organizations due to the number of interested women exceeding their cap.
According to Irlbacher, there are two options to solve this problem: either raise the cap of the sororities or add another one in the spring semester.
If DPhiE is chosen to colonize at RMU, they will be ready first thing next semester.
“Our recruitment will begin Jan. 23 through Jan. 31. Our colonization ritual and reception will be held on Feb. 11 and our colony program will begin Feb. 13. The girls will proceed with their six week pledge program and they will be chartered on April 14,” said Neal.
It’s now up to the women of the Zeta Tau Alpha and Delta Zeta sororities to decide if DPhiE is a good fit for RMU’s campus.
Olamide Adebiyi, a sister of Delta Zeta sorority, spoke about her sorority’s opinion on the possibility of DPhiE coming to campus.
“We voted as a chapter at our meeting and the vote was unanimous. We all agree that they’re a good fit for our campus and will bring a lot of good things to Greek life,” said Adebiyi.
Delta Zeta sister Amanda Mcguire also agreed that another sorority would only strength Greek life on campus.
“We’re super excited because we need a variety in the Greek system. With just two sororities, we are limited and can’t have a full Greek life experience,” added Mcguire.
Liz Pifer of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority asserted that they have not voted on this decision as a chapter yet. At their next meeting, the women will decide whether they think DPhiE should colonize at RMU.
If they decide that this sorority is not a good choice, other sororities will be able to apply for colonization next semester and begin in the fall of 2012.
DPhiE was originally founded on March 17, 1922 at New York University Law School and is now a prestigious national sorority that accounts for 79 active chapters and three colonies that spread through Pennsylvania, Chicago, California, Texas and Florida.
