Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) fraternity for women will be making its return to campus in Spring 2013. ZTA, which was founded at Longwood University on Oct. 15, 1898, closed its Longwood chapter in May 2009 due to hazing allegations.
Director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Kate Planow explained that when the chapter was closed, it was under the agreement that it could re-colonize after the two-year mark. College Panhellenic Council (CPC) approved ZTA to come back between 2012 and 2014.
"We are grateful for the opportunity given to us by the Longwood Panhellenic Coun cil to re-establish our very first chapter and once again become a part of fraternity and sorority life on our first campus," said ZTA National President Keeley McDonald in an email.
Although some concerns may arise in regards to ZTA returning to campus, Long wood CPC President Whitney Beale thinks the organization will be able to make a good return. "I think with their nationals coming in, it's going to really help promote the good aspects of [ZTA] as a chapter. They have been doing some really great things with their philanthropy and I think that's going to help remove the image they had beforehand," said Beale.
ZTA has 158 active collegiate chapters as well as a colony at Vanderbilt University. Longwood's chapter is one of three chapters that will be reactivated dur ing the 2012-2013 academic year. The chapter at University of California-Berkeley as well as the chapter at Tulane University in New Orleans will be reactivated.
"This was very exciting news for us to be able to share with all of our alumnae and collegiate members across the country today, especially our alumnae from Alpha Chapter and in Virginia," said McDonald.
McDonald explained that the reinstated chapter would represent the 1898 founder's values of loyalty, responsibility, leadership, service and commitment.
Planow explained that some national staffers would come in and hold in formation sessions and interviews to select the first group of women. "This is a huge piece of our history coming back to campus," said Planow.
"It's going to be a great opportunity for those women who might not like some of the chapters we offer now. This might be a great way for them to get involved with Greek life," said Beale. "I hope everyone accepts it and embraces it with open arms," she added.
For more information, contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at greeklife@longwood.edu or 434-395-2118.
