Joining Up

For whatever the reason - a larger student body, the worried discontinuity of the Dartmouth Plan, a return to traditionalism Greek societies and other affinity groups are a growth industry on the campus.

Kappa Alpha Theta has become the fourth national sorority to form a chapter at the College; Alpha Phi Alpha, a fraternity predominantly black nationwide and for the moment entirely so at Dartmouth, has recently moved into former faculty quarters at 42 North College Street; and Phoenix, a new women's secret senior society, is seeking recognition from the College.

The new sorority chapter was formed in response to a significant increase in rush last year, says member Madeline, Countess '84, who points out that 43 per cent of women rushing sororities were denied access in 1981. Currently, according to Interfraternity Council adviser and assistant dean Joseph Zolner, 35 per cent of undergraduate women and some 60 per cent of the men are affiliated. The arrival of Kappa Alpha Theta brings the number of Greek groups to 26, including 17 all-male and five coeducational fraternities. If and when Phoenix is recognized, it would join five other senior societies: Casque and Gauntlet and Fire and Skoal, both coeducational; all-male Sphinx and Dragon; and all-female Cobra.

With Alpha Phi Alpha settling in its new home, only three sororities are left without a chapter house. Sigma Kappa, the first sorority established at Dartmouth, after five years of pillar-to-post meeting, last fall moved into 10 West Wheelock Street, formerly the CameronBurleigh House and, before that, Phi Gamma Delta.

Alpha Phi Alpha's occupancy of the College-owned frame building on North College Street followed a seven-year wait. The major renovation of the building was accomplished during summer and fall terms, and a formal dedication awaits only the delivery of furnishings, purchased with the help of the national organization.

Phoenix' bid for recognition and its current status are as clouded in secrecy as any secret organization could hope for. Referred to by The Dartmouth only as "an unknown group of women," it seems better known by the local telephone company, which lists it in the Yellow Pages under "Fraternities and Sororities," at Sigma Kappa's address, with Sigma Kappa's telephone number. The woman who answered the phone said she didn't know anything about the listing. Phoenix was a new secret society, she explained.

To gain recognition, Phoenix must win the unanimous approval of the Senior Society Council, which is coordinated by Zolner. Thomas French '82, president of Casque and Gauntlet, told The Dartmouth, "Officially, I have no idea who they are." Did the council in general know who the members were? "I wouldn't want to speculate on that," he added.

We called Zolner to ask about the current score card on Greek groups and, in passing, inquired whether Phoenix' request for recognition had been or was about to be considered. He really didn't know, he said. "Who would be the most appropriate person on campus to ask?" we persisted. "Me," he replied.

"OUR College cause will be known to our children's children. Let us take care that the rogues shall not be ashamed of their grandfathers." Daniel Webster, 1819