Alpha Tau Omega
Alpha Iota chapter to re-colonize in Fall 2009
Kelly Frazee
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: News
The Alpha Iota chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity was established in 1881 making it among the earliest Greek organizations at the College. The Alpha Iota chapter was in continuous operation from 1881 through 2000, when a series of violations of College policy led to the loss of recognition. But in the fall of 2009, the national fraternity will begin the process of re-establishing this chapter. This is due largely to a dedicated alumni base in conjunction with the organization's revitalized commitment to academics and leadership development.
"ATO has had a strong alumni base over the years, and we were impressed with the leadership of the group that is spearheading the re-colonization efforts," said President Helm. An agreement between the College and the national fraternity was established in late March after the organization responded to the College's invitation to participate in its Greek life expansion process. The Committee on Greek Life made the recommendation for re-colonization after assessment of materials from the fraternity. The Committee also hosted a site visit by national office staff and local alumni.
Alpha Tau Omega will begin the re-colonization with the traditional Fall Recruitment Week at the College. Recruitment Week for fall 2009 is Sept. 6 through Sept. 12. Interested men will be required to register for recruitment, participate in recruitment week and in addition to considerations regarding character, leadership and service, men chosen for the colony class will be required to have a GPA of at least 2.80.
The national fraternity owns the chapter house which is located at 2302 Chew Street. Plans are for the colony to complete the requirements of receiving a charter and to demonstrate effective organizational efforts before the chapter house is offered to the members. The earliest this would occur would be the fall of 2011 but in the meantime, the colony will go through a fraternity education process, which will enable them to meet the College and national accreditation requirements.
The addition of ATO will bring the total number of active fraternities and sororities on campus to eight.
Information courtesy of Muhlenberg College Public Relations.
"ATO has had a strong alumni base over the years, and we were impressed with the leadership of the group that is spearheading the re-colonization efforts," said President Helm. An agreement between the College and the national fraternity was established in late March after the organization responded to the College's invitation to participate in its Greek life expansion process. The Committee on Greek Life made the recommendation for re-colonization after assessment of materials from the fraternity. The Committee also hosted a site visit by national office staff and local alumni.
Alpha Tau Omega will begin the re-colonization with the traditional Fall Recruitment Week at the College. Recruitment Week for fall 2009 is Sept. 6 through Sept. 12. Interested men will be required to register for recruitment, participate in recruitment week and in addition to considerations regarding character, leadership and service, men chosen for the colony class will be required to have a GPA of at least 2.80.
The national fraternity owns the chapter house which is located at 2302 Chew Street. Plans are for the colony to complete the requirements of receiving a charter and to demonstrate effective organizational efforts before the chapter house is offered to the members. The earliest this would occur would be the fall of 2011 but in the meantime, the colony will go through a fraternity education process, which will enable them to meet the College and national accreditation requirements.
The addition of ATO will bring the total number of active fraternities and sororities on campus to eight.
Information courtesy of Muhlenberg College Public Relations.