The Nu chapter of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority announced yesterday that due to insufficient membership numbers, the group will be seeking new strategies to foster expansion this semester.
According to a statement from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Phi Sigma Sigma's numbers "have not been as strong as they could be" recently, despite many years of "close sisterhood and strong programming."
Following discussion among OFSA, Phi Sigma Sigma national headquarters and the Nu chapter in spring 2008, the chapter received new and extensive resources in the hope that they will "create new recruitment strategies and opportunities," said OFSA's statement.
The chapter's future has been placed in the hands of Phi Sigma Sigma's Nu chapter sisters by OFSA and the national headquarters.
Membership has fluctuated since Phi Sigma Sigma's foundation at Penn in October 1926. Over 1,200 women have been initiated into the Nu chapter since that time.
The chapter was shut down in 2002 following a conflict between the Nu chapter and the national organization. It recolonized in 2004 but has experienced slow growth ever since.
Now that students are back on campus, members are determined to recruit female leaders at Penn to "help steer Phi Sigma Sigma's expansion as the chapter reaches its full potential," according to Phi Sigma Sigma's statement.
"The Phi Sigma Sigma sisters have come back to school with a strong commitment and high level of energy," said director of OFSA Scott Reikofski. "We look forward to Phi Sigma Sigma being fully competitive on all levels with all of Penn's other Panhellenic chapters."
The Nu chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma is responding to the challenge with enthusiasm and optimism.
The sisters view the decision as an "opportunity to share our commitment to the values of Phi Sigma Sigma and our close sisterhood with a larger chapter," said chapter president and College senior Joanna Perez.
She added that the sorority plans to expand its organization to include women who will help Phi Sigma Sigma instigate stronger philanthropic and educational programs and become an even more crucial aspect of the Penn community.
Other members of Penn's Greek community are also dedicated to ensuring the future of Phi Sigma Sigma on campus.
Panhellenic Council president and College senior Drew Tye wrote in an e-mail that the chapter will have the full support of the Panhellenic community.
The national organization has also voiced its support.
"The Nu Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma is an important part of our organization and the chapter has our full support as they embark on this recruitment period," said executive director of Phi Sigma Sigma national headquarters Michelle Ardern.
"We look forward to offering Phi Sigma Sigma membership to Penn women for many years to come."
