For the first time since 1992, Penn State’s Panhellenic Council is open for an extension, which is the formal process used to charter a new national chapter into the Greek community.

“I am absolutely thrilled that Penn State is starting the extension process,” said outgoing Panhellenic President Rachel Franceschino. “As many know, the number of women in the Panhellenic community is growing rapidly, and this is definitely a much needed path to follow in order to allow our women to have the best sorority experience possible.”

The council will reach out to eligible organizations next month. Organizations interested in joining will give a presentation before an 18-member extension committee — one for every existing sorority at Penn State — in early February to determine the newest member of the Panhellenic community.

“This is a very exciting time to be a part of the Panhellenic community,” said Dina Liberatore, the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “We are so excited to welcome a new sorority to campus and to create even more opportunities for Penn State women to develop lasting friendships, leadership skills, and commitment to service and philanthropy.”

The council will reach out to every national sorority that doesn’t have a chapter at Penn State, although priority will be given to organizations that have already been at Penn State like Phi Sigma Sigma, Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Phi Epsilon, and Theta Phi Alpha. It hopes to have this future member in place for 2014 fall recruitment.

This news comes only one month after Penn State’s Tri Sigma chapter was shut down by its national headquarters.