Within These Walls

One of the biggest problems facing house corporations annually is filling the chapter house. Ideally, the chapter is recruiting multiple members each year and every one is eager to live in the chapter house. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. The following are some thoughts on how to fill the chapter house:

1. The chapter’s bylaws should exist that require all members to live in the chapter facility for at least 1 year. (Depending on the size of the facility and the chapter facility, this minimum requirement might need to be higher)
2. The chapter should require all of the officers to live in the house. If an officer is unable to fulfill his duties, then he needs to eithe find a replacement or step down from his position.
3. Housing leases should be handed out to all members (that have either not met the above minimum requirement, or who wish to continue living in the facility) by no later than November 1st for the next academic year. This may need to be done sooner, depending on when off-campus apartments and the residence halls start signing leases for the upcoming year.
4. Collect all signed leases and damage deposits once the chapter returns from winter break, if not sooner.
5. If enough signed leases have been collected to completely fill the house, then;
1. Select members to live in the facility based on highest grade point average or service to the fraternity.
2. Create a waiting list for brothers that were unable to move in, again based upon grade point average and/or service (community service/philanthropy).
3. Select room assignments again based upon grade point average.
6. If not enough signed leases have been collected to completely fill the house, then:
1. Enforce the bylaws.
2. Select members to live in the facility based upon a lottery draft.
3. charge the undergraduate chapter the amount that the vacancies will cost the house corporation (i.e. if there are 2 vacancies and the corporation charges $300 a month for rent, then the undergraduate chapter owes the corporation$600 a month).
7. The house corporation also has a duty to provide a house that is a clean and safe residential living environment to its brothers and guests. The fraternity house should be a “home away from home” where brothers live and learn together.
8. FOLLOW UP – The brothers are thinking about holiday break and final exams. Unfortunately, filling the house and signing leases are not at the top of their list. House corporation officers should follow up with the brothers, then follow up and once again follow up.