Starting a Chapter
How does Alpha Gamma Delta start a new chapter?
Alpha Gamma Delta starts new chapters through a process called extension.
The Fraternity takes the extension process very seriously. Alpha Gamma Delta was founded with the intention of becoming an international organization with many different chapters. We proved this by installing Beta Chapter at the University of Wisconsin just one year after our founding and installing Tau Chapter at the University of Toronto in 1919. Extension has contributed to the continual growth and strength of our Fraternity.
Extension takes place as a result of one of two scenarios:
- A college or university has officially opened itself for expansion.
- A local organization wishes to become affiliated with Alpha Gamma Delta.
A college or university has officially opened itself for expansion
As a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), Alpha Gamma Delta is one of 26 member groups that support and follow extension guidelines set by NPC. NPC guidelines state that where more than two NPC groups exist and where a Panhellenic Council has been formed, the expansion has to be approved by both the College/University Panhellenic Council and the National Panhellenic Conference before anything else can take place. If there is not a College Panhellenic Council formed because there is either only one NPC group or no NPC groups on campus, the University must approve the request for the establishment of another NPC chapter on its campus.
In addition to following NPC guidelines, the Fraternity has its own considerations to take into account during the extension process. Because the process is rigorous and time-consuming, the decision to extend is not made quickly.
Many different factors are taken into account. These may include:
- The number of active and supportive alumnae in the surrounding areas
- Whether an Alpha Gamma Delta chapter has ever existed on that particular campus
- Growth and strength of the Greek community
- Support of the Greek community by the college/university
- Academic reputation of the college/university
- Housing requirements and campus policies
These are only a few of the many concerns that must be considered before beginning the extension process.
If the Fraternity has decided that it would like to establish a chapter at a college/university that is open for expansion, an informational packet is sent to university officials to express interest.
Once packets from all interested organizations are received, the college/university will typically invite three to four organizations to campus for presentations. These presentations involve detailed information on what Alpha Gamma Delta is all about, why Alpha Gamma Delta would like to colonize, what Alpha Gamma Delta would offer the Greek community and why an Alpha Gam chapter would be successful and beneficial on campus.
Much like recruitment, the invitation to extend is based upon a process of mutual selection. Not only must the college/university decide that Alpha Gamma Delta would be the best organization to colonize, but the Fraternity must also feel that the college/university is a good fit for a new chapter.
Should Alpha Gamma Delta be invited to establish a chapter on campus, the colonization process begins. Colonization involves publicizing and promoting Alpha Gamma Delta, recruiting new members, educating the new members and preparing them to lead a successful Alpha Gamma Delta chapter. Following colonization, the new members are initiated and the chapter is installed.
A local organization wishes to become affiliated with Alpha Gamma Delta
A local organization of collegiate women, whether a local sorority or interest group, may petition their campus Panhellenic or campus administrators to affiliate with a national sorority. If the College Panhellenic votes for expansion for the purpose of seeking national affiliation for the local organization, the local organization may then petition the NPC fraternity of its preference or participate in the selection process conducted by the College Panhellenic and make a selection for affiliation from among those fraternities that make presentations.
If a local organization desires to affiliate with Alpha Gamma Delta, an affiliation questionnaire is sent to the group so that we may have an opportunity to learn about them as the invitation to join Alpha Gamma Delta is a process of mutual selection. Alpha Gamma Delta members endeavor to live the Purpose in their daily lives. This includes, but is not limited to, a strong focus on learning, being a leader, giving service to Alpha Gamma Delta, the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation and to their local community, and cherishing friendships. Joining Alpha Gamma Delta is a lifetime commitment.
Recolonization
Alpha Gamma Delta must abide by the same extension guidelines for recolonizing a closed chapter. The campus must be open for expansion, Alpha Gamma Delta must be interested in returning to the campus at that time and Alpha Gamma Delta must be selected by the College Panhellenic to recolonize.
For more information on Alpha Gamma Delta's extension process, please e-mail extension@alphagammadelta.org.
