The University approved the Fraternal Organization Agreement Tuesday for the Iota chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, the University's first Latina-oriented sorority.
Omega Phi Beta also is the first fraternal organization in the new Fraternity and Sorority Council.
The University needs to approve each fraternity or sorority's FOA in order for the organization to exist in relationship with the University. The FOA outlines the rights and responsibilities between the University and Greek organizations.
Third-year College student Carolina Espinal will serve as chapter president.
Although Omega Phi Beta is a Latina-oriented sorority, it is not exclusive to Latina students, Espinal said. The sorority, which has been recognized officially by its national branch since October 1998, will focus on community service projects, she said.
Asst. Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said the sorority will impact the University positively.
"I think it's going to contribute in a very creative way to the expression of Greek life. They are a new expression of sorority life," Laushway said.
Asst. Dean of Students Pablo Davis agreed, saying, "I look forward to this new sorority being a vibrant addition to the upsurge of Hispanic/Latina student and community life at U.Va."
The FSC was created earlier this month in an effort to accommodate Greek organizations that did not feel comfortable as part of the Inter-Sorority Council, the Inter-Fraternity Council or Black Fraternal Council.
The FSC is composed of two representatives from the IFC, ISC and BFC in addition to any other fraternities or sororities that may be approved in the future.
FSC President Kasara Davidson said she is looking forward to the addition of Omega Phi Beta as the first fraternal organization within the FSC.
"They will bring a fresh outlook," Davidson said. "I think they will be passionate to get more organizations within the FSC."
The FSC is working with other groups of students interested in creating additional fraternities and sororities, she said.
The FSC already has extended membership to the Young Asian Women's Alliance and has given probationary membership to an interest group, Los Hermanos Solidos, she added.
An organization that is given a probationary membership under the FSC has a period of four months during which FSC officers have regular meetings with the group to make sure they are following proper procedures necessary to obtain an FOA, Davidson said.
Both membership invitations are pending the University's approval of each group's FOA, she said.
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