Guide to Filling the Chatper House
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:
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Read more…
What do we do: Signing Leases
It is that time of year when undergraduates finalizing signing leases with house corporations or with local housing groups for residency next academic year. While house corporations are focused on filling the fraternity house, doesn’t the house corporation also have a responsibility to educate our younger brothers on what they should be looking for when signing leases?
Preparing the House for Winter Break
December is a month filled with an assortment of activities. Many of the month’s hours are devoted to studying for exams and making travel plans for holiday festivities. In this hectic atmosphere it is essential that chapters make preparations to secure the chapter house as members vacate the house for the holidays.
The leading risks to a fraternity house during the holiday breaks are water freeze, fire, vandalism and theft. The following checklist has been compiled to ensure that the house is protected during the winter break.
General Winter Maintenance
Multiple items should be evaluated and inspected prior to closing down the house to prepare for the winter month:
- Complete routine maintenance on furnace/boiler.
- Lock and inspect all windows and repair all broken glass.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper roof drainage (improper roof drainage can cause ice damning to occur, which can cause interior water damage).
- Attach and secure downspouts with extension from foundation to prevent water damage, ensuring that they fully displace water away from foundation and other walking areas without draining onto the driveway, sidewalks, or patios.
- Inspect the hot water heater and exposed water lines and drain pipes for slow leaks.
- Drain water lines in lawn sprinkler system where appropriate.
- Clean exterior of chapter house, removing any yard debris or materials that could be used to start a fire, as well as any items stored next to the chapter house. Debris can provide an opportunity for an arsonist.
- Check security and safety lighting for the property.
- Service and clean fireplace and chimney and check for defects or debris.
- A plan to address ice and snow on sidewalks and parking lot needs to be agreed upon by the house corporation and chapter. If all parties are in agreement to contract this service out, this should be completed prior to the first snow.
- Make sure the house has the appropriate tools to remove snow and ice (shovels, ice melt, etc.).
Delta Phi moves into new $1.5 million home thanks to help from Norwich Housing Corporation
There are many moments worth celebrating in the course of a chapter’s history. Arguably the biggest events include installation or reinstallation, major anniversaries, and homecoming; but the one that frequently stands at the top of the list is the construction of a new chapter house.
For Delta Phi Chapter at the University of North Texas, that’s exactly what happened this past year. Over the last several months, Delta Phi has been busy building an approximately 15,000 sq. ft. house between Kappa Sigma and Sigma Phi Epsilon, just off Maple Street in Denton, TX. As with any construction project, the chapter has had multiple hurdles to overcome. But because of their dedicated alumni and undergraduates, Delta Phi celebrated the completion of their new home just in time for the fall. The new house has 21 bedrooms (including a president’s suite) and can house 41 brothers.
Campus Fire Safety
By J. Dennis Gentzel, P.E., Fire Programs Specialist, US Fire Administration
Every year college and university students experience a growing number of fire-related emergencies. There are several causes for these fires, however, most are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) offers these tips to help reduce and prevent the loss of life and property in dormitory and university housing fires.
The Facts
In most cases where fire fatalities occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. In more than 50% of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time of the fire. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts. Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries on college campuses, closely followed by careless smoking and arson.
The Cause
Many factors contribute to the problem of dormitory housing fires.
- Improper actions prior to notifying the fire department delays emergency response.
- Student apathy is prevalent. Many are unaware that fire is a risk or threat in the environment.
- Evacuation efforts are hindered since fire alarms are often ignored.
- Building evacuations are delayed due to lack of preparation and preplanning.
- Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarms and fire alarm systems inhibit early detection of fires.
- Misuse of cooking appliances, overloaded electrical circuits and extension cords increase the risk of fires.
Alumni Corporation Repurchases Chapter House
Omega Repurchases Chapter House after 5 Years
Richard Maltz, Omega House Corporation President
Theta Chi of Penn State, Inc. is pleased to announce that prior to Penn State’s Homecoming weekend, the alumni corporation completed the repurchase of the chapter house at 523 South Allen Street from the Norwich Housing Corporation. Theta Chi of Penn State secured a primary loan with a local State College bank and a 2nd mortgage from Norwich.
Having sold the house to National five years ago, Norwich took great care of our chapter house. They brought the house up to code and took care of many other issues with the property.
We thank Norwich Housing Corporation and its officers for helping Omega Chapter in their time of need and for caring for our home the last five years. All of Omega’s brothers owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
To follow the news at Omega/Penn State, check out their website at www.thetachiomega.com
Providing Living for Today’s Student Since 1928
Since 1928, The Norwich Housing Corporation (NHC) has had a proven track record of assisting Theta Chi house corporations with the acquisition, construction and renovation of fraternity houses for Theta Chi chapters.
With programs such as the low-interest Life Safety Loan and the Ladue Emergency Loan, the NHC is a leader among national fraternal organizations by providing funding for housing construction and renovation projects.
Housing is a key component to the Fraternity’s growth and success. Working together, the NHC and Theta Chi house corporations can meet the needs of today’s students and improve our ability to compete in the modern housing market.
For more information about the NHC, or to request a loan application, please contact the International Headquarters by calling 317-824-1881 or e-mailing norwich_loans@thetachi.org
Fraternity Housing News
- University unveils Master Plan for Greek renovations - The Daily Athenaeum May 31, 2012University unveils Master Plan for Greek renovationsThe Daily AthenaeumKnown as the WVU Greek Master Plan, the document and corresponding video outline a number of future improvements, including several new fraternity and sorority houses, additional parking and safety upgrades. A public amphitheater, a dining area and ...
- LA fraternity and sorority house inspections underway - KSLA-TV May 26, 2012
- Celebration led to fire that razed frat house - Shreveport Times May 22, 2012
- College Frats: Should Animal House Be Tax-Exempt? - Forbes May 25, 2012
- Finding a 'social fit' during your college search process - Charlotte Observer May 29, 2012
- Purdue fraternity offers reward in car arson - Journal and Courier May 27, 2012Purdue fraternity offers reward in car arsonJournal and CourierAccording to Purdue police, a 2002 red Monte Carlo disappeared from the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house, 900 David Ross Road, sometime between 11 pm May 15 and 8:30 am May 16. The car is owned by a fraternity member. The Tippecanoe County Sheriff's ...
- Gov. signs new laws to support military families - KSLA-TV May 26, 2012
- Downtown's quirks challenge housing - Columbia Business Times May 29, 2012
- 28 pm: Tech official says no students hurt in fraternity house fire - Monroe News Star May 20, 2012
- College Couple Sweet On Each Other For Life - Hartford Courant May 28, 2012
