Rogers State University has received approval to bring a fraternity and a sorority to campus starting this fall to expand student life options for its students.
The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents – RSU’s governing board – granted its approval Tuesday for the university to allow fraternities and sororities (commonly referred to as Greek organizations) to establish chapters at RSU.
“There has been a high demand for bringing Greek organizations to campus from current students, prospective students and their parents,” said RSU President Dr. Joe Wiley. “Establishing Greek organizations at RSU is another vital key to enhancing the campus experience and developing additional leadership opportunities for our students.”
Last fall, a student-led university committee explored the possibility of Greek expansion at RSU. The committee, comprised of students, staff and administration, recommended that the university allow nationally chartered Greek organizations to establish chapters at RSU. Five national Greek organizations were then invited to campus during the spring semester to meet with interested students.
Based on the committee’s recommendation and the regents’ approval, RSU plans to formally invite the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority to establish chapters on campus, said Dr. Michael Turner, RSU dean of student affairs.
These organizations were selected because they were nationally chartered organizations with good reputations and a strong presence in Oklahoma and surrounding states, which is crucial to the successful start-up of a local chapter at RSU, Turner said.
Within the first few weeks after classes begin this fall, fraternity and sorority representatives will begin meeting with RSU students to recruit members and start the colonization process.
“Our students have consistently said that adding Greek organizations to RSU’s mix of student organizations will help complement an active student body and enhance campus life,” Turner said.
Greek organizations stress the importance of active participation and leadership both on campus and within the community, he said.
RSU does not plan to establish separate Greek housing due to cost and liability issues. Future plans could include providing group housing for the Greek organizations within the university’s on-campus apartment community.
For more information about RSU student life, call the Office of Student Affairs at (918) 343-7579.