The Tiger

Panhellenic Council voted Wednesday night to bring an 11th sorority, Sigma Kappa, to Clemson.

The final decision was narrowed down to Sigma Kappa, Alpha Phi and Pi Beta Phi.

Recruitment for Sigma Kappa will begin with an informal session in the spring. Formal recruitment will take place in Fall 2009 with the other 10 sororities.

The decision to extend an invitation to an additional sorority was based on the 2008 Panhellenic recruitment season, according to August Darnell, vice president of Clemson University's College Panhellenic Council. This fall, more than 700 women signed up to participation, more than ever before. This level of interest in Greek life made the Panhellenic Council consider adding another organization.

The extension process began with the formation of a committee. Representatives of all 10 Panhellenic chapters are a part of the committee, including advisors, chapter presidents and the Panhellenic Executive Board. Any Panhellenic chapter in the United States not currently represented at Clemson University was provided the chance to send information, visit the University and send packets to be reviewed for extension.

The extension committee reviewed the information provided by the potential organizations. The committee then decided to invite three to travel to Clemson, S.C., and present why the board should consider them to be the next sorority on campus.

The visits by Sigma Kappa, Alpha Phi and Pi Beta Phi included meeting administrators, chapter presidents, the extension committee and the Panhellenic Executive Board. It also included an open presentation with a question and answer session. The extension committee met on Tuesday and presented its decision to the Panhellenic Council. The council decided Wednesday to pass the committee's recommendation, providing female students with another sorority to consider joining.

This decision allows Sigma Kappa to begin initial plans for recruitment and colonization in the spring. The sorority must meet all requirements set forth by Clemson Undergraduate Student Government (CUSG) to become a recognized organization. According to Patrick Becker, CUSG organization director, the group of students interested in bringing this group to campus will need to fill out the online recognition form, create a constitution and set up a recognition meeting.

When asked about the length of time required to become a new organization, Becker said, "It all depends upon when College Panhellenic Council turns in the application. As soon as it's turned in, it should be less than one week."

The organization must also fulfill and maintain the requirements of an organization under the Panhellenic Council.

Leadership positions for Sigma Kappa will be determined at the latest by Spring 2008. Housing for the sorority is already in the works. Darnell said a space is available in Smith Hall, currently being used to accommodate freshman women.

"Being able to extend shows great strength in our Panhellenic Council and Greek Life as a whole, and I feel privileged to be part of the process," said Taylor Sink, president of Zeta Tau Alpha.

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