Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

For the past two years, the Division of Student Life has been engaged in an intentional process to identify new organizations to join the USF fraternity and sorority community. In Fall 2011, one new Panhellenic sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, joined the Greek community and has had an outstanding year.

In January 2012, a committee of staff and students was identified to conduct outreach and review applications from National Inter-Fraternity Conference organizations that would be a  good match for USF's mission, vision, and values. Based on a pre-assessment of organizational missions, 15 organizations were invited to apply, 11 applications were received, and six came to visit campus to engage in dialogues and presentations with campus constituents. Although all six organizations offered wonderful opportunities to engage men on our campus, there were two clear front runners among the group of finalists.

I am happy to report that Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Delta Theta have been selected to join our fraternity community. These organizations not only were a strong match with our institutional mission and values, they offer the resources necessary to start and maintain a successful fraternal chapter at USF. Under the direction of Student Leadership and Engagement staff, we are prepared to establish a chapter for Pi Kappa Phi in Fall 2012 and Phi Delta Theta in Fall 2013.

In addition, we are exploring the reestablishment of a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha on campus in the near future. This organization offers unique opportunities for USF men in terms of mentorship and community that supports student retention and success. We will engage in additional discussions with the Alpha Phi Alpha local alumni and national/regional support team to discuss a timeline for the reestablishment of a chapter at USF.

Many thanks to the Greek Extension Committee members who spent many hours reviewing application materials from various organizations, discussing the values and match with USF, and interviewing the finalists. On behalf of our students and the Division of Student Life, I appreciate the time and energy they have put into this process: Stacey Longwich (Chair), Don Crean, Alejandro Covarrubias, Halimah Najieb Locke, Nicolette Androski, John Chibnall, Rosie Ceja, Sarah O'Sullivan, Caroline Christ, Adam Molina, John Cahill, and Keonna Robinson.

For more information or to join an organization, feel free to contact Tyler Johansson, Director of Expansion for Pi Kappa Phi (tjohansson@pikapp.org), DeMarcko Butler, Executive Director for Phi Delta Theta (dbutler@phideltatheta.org), or Greek Council at greekcouncil@usfca.edu.

Sincerely,

Peter Novak
Vice Provost of Student Life