According to Cherry, the Sunset 4 Lodge Alpha Sigma Alpha occupies has interior paint designs that have been preserved on the walls since the sorority was founded in 1987.

“We want to have the best living conditions, so we will work with the campus to make (renovation) arrangements,” said Cherry. “But we absolutely want to stay in the South Lodges.”

Cherry said sorority sisters want to preserve their history and will do whatever they can to stay where they are currently located.

Kappa Delta Rho fraternity members said they also want to keep their location.

President Nick Wiencek said more than 30 years of sentimental value from current members and 350 alumni exists in the Sunset 2 Lodge.

“I could speak for everyone in that (lodge),” he said.

He said members believe housing staff would not face problems filling the other unoccupied South Lodges if they are renovated, while still allowing Greek organizations to remain.

“We don’t have updated facilities,” said former Fraternity President Caleb Chiapetta. “But we would rather stay than sacrifice what we have.

“We will take raggedy old Sunset 2 over any other lodge.”

Maloney said that regardless of the rules in place, they have been and will continue to be broken.

“The rules may not allow large quantities of alcohol, but large quantities of alcohol can still be found on campus. The rules do not allow for glass bottles, but glass bottles can still be found on campus,” Maloney said.

Junior Anthony Macchiaroli agreed with Maloney and said that he’s frequently seen glass bottles on campus.

“People buy them anyway. (The rules) don’t change anything,” he said.

Macchiaroli said that campus residents should be able to enjoy the same rights as those who live in off-campus housing.

“It’s considered our residence, so I don’t see the difference if we had our own apartment and drank what we wanted,” he said.

Maloney requested a response from Associate Vice President of Student Affairs John Wescott. In the mailed response, Wescott said that the proposal would create an environment close to the real world, but added that it’s not the type of setting Pitt-Johnstown needs.

“SGA’s proposed changes to the current Alcohol Policy … is simply too liberal a stance in respect to the educational environment we look to establish and are charged with maintaining,” he said.

“We have a responsibility to the collective student body in terms of the constructive, supportive living/learning environment we strive to create and provide.”

Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority member Brooke DiGiorgio said the current set of rules doesn’t promote a better learning environment, but creates added hassle for those of legal drinking age.

“It doesn’t encourage people to drink less, it makes them sneakier about it.”

Maloney said that despite difficulty in changing the rules, student government will continue to work toward passing more lenient ones.

“Moving forward, the SGA will look to continue to look for policy changes in the best interest of the student body,” he said.

“While we respect the administration for their opinion to monitor and create our campus environment, we urge them to reconsider this approach, and deliver us an environment that represents the real world.”

Woo said a less radical set of rules was proposed Jan. 13, but any action on them will have to wait.

“Wescott wanted evidence from other schools to compare with their policies,” Woo said.

Those rules would remove current glass bottle restrictions, increase tolerated alcohol amounts and allow non-residents to drink on campus as long as they are 21.

- See more at: http://www.upj-advocate.com/news/2013/01/23/director-declines-relief-from-stiff-rules/#sthash.IEL69p6g.dpuf

January 23 2013: NEWS: Director declines relief from stiff rules Tags: Alpha Sigma Alpha "A set of alcohol rules proposed by the Pitt-Johnstown Student Government Association, which would have eliminated restrictions for anyone who is of legal drinking age, has been denied by an administrator"

President Katie Dalzell said sorority sisters look for potential members who are outgoing and have an interest in the sorority. The sisters eventually vote to fill their 45-member limit.

Phi Sigma Sigma member Lindsay Crouse said she chose the sorority that was best for her.

“I was looking for a sorority that fit my personality, and, when I went to Phi Sigma Sigma’s interest party, I fell in love with the girls and everything about the sorority,” said Crouse. “It was a great fit for me.”


Alpha Sigma Alpha sisters also had their get-acquainted party Jan. 8.

Alpha Sigma Alpha members eventually choose their new sisters through a point process. Those looking to join are required to attend at least two interest parties.

According to President Star Cherry, the sorority offers friendships that are closer than others.

Kappa Zeta members had their interest party Jan. 9.

“Joining a sorority improves your grades, social life, and leadership skills,” President Chelsea Bowser said. “It all-around improves you as a person.”

Bowser said Kappa Zeta looks for members who have a desire to improve themselves and those who are academically driven and uphold the sorority’s common values.

Alpha Gamma Delta’s interest party also was held Jan. 9.

Alpha Gamma Delta chooses members who fit, according to President Elena Matthews. Prospective members are asked to fill out an information sheet with their interests and activities.

The sisters are looking for prospective members who are devoted, comfortable and fall in love with the sorority.

A second round of interest parties were held last week.

All sororities require members to have a minimum grade-point average. Phi Sigma Sigma also requires members to participate in two student organizations.

A common encouragement among the four sororities is that prospective members visit all sororities to find their best fit.

“Go to all interest parties that sororities are having,” said Crouse. “It’s a great way to meet people and see if Greek life is right for you.”

Jan. 22 is to begin a round of invitation-only parties. Offers to join are to be expected Jan. 25.

- See more at: http://www.upj-advocate.com/features/2013/01/23/sisters-search-for-associate-members/#sthash.AWzy3m2g.dpuf