In an effort to demonstrate a longterm commitment to the future of Greek life, the University has opted to provide fraternity houses with regular janitorial service, house maintenance, safety improvements, upgrades to house exteriors and interiors and improved landscaping on Fraternity Row.
As part of the process, which included meetings with students and alumni from Greek chapters, the University recently exercised the clause in each fraternity house lease to terminate the lease and assume operation of the fraternity house from individual house corporations.
The option to terminate the lease required a one-year notice prior to June 30, 2000. Representatives of the University met in May and June with every house corporation to discuss the details. Two of the fraternities were already operating under this plan, and, as of Sept. 1, six of the seven fraternities chose an immediate go-ahead, foregoing their option to delay for one year.
"Housing expectations are changing all across the country," said Ralph H. Thaman, associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and management. "In many ways, Washington University already has incorporated these expectations in the South 40. While the Greek experience is different from that on the South 40 --and the University respects that --the same quality of living considerations need be maintained. We want to ensure the future of the Greek experience by investing in the facilities and creating complementary services that will specifically focus on the residential aspects of the Greek experience."
Thaman stressed that the University's involvement was strictly in the realm of facility management --not in programming or recruitment.
"This initiative will give each fraternity and its alumni volunteers the wherewithal to focus on its core mission, without the difficulties and distractions caused by the maintenance, upkeep, renovation and repair of fraternity houses," Thaman said. "We continue to encourage fraternities to recruit Washington University men seeking membership because of fraternal values and the desire to become part of a meaningful brotherhood. We want to emphasize that fraternity chapter operations will continue to be managed by the leadership of the fraternity and advisory board."
Since June, more than $400,000 has been spent on fraternity houses and landscaping. During this academic year, the University will work closely with active and alumni members to develop house renovation plans for next summer. Students also will be involved in creating an overall landscape design --one that clearly identifies "Greek Row."
In addition, sorority suites also have undergone significant rehab, including data wiring. Bathrooms in the Women's Building are being upgraded, and new storage space has been built. Next summer, additional egress is slated for construction on the east side of the building.
Other recent enhancements for the fraternities, according to Karin Horstman, director for Greek life, are the establishment of a three-person Greek Life Office and the development of a House Manager Program, in which a member of the fraternity --selected by the fraternity, with the approval of the Greek Life Office --will receive training and ongoing support from the University.
"What's especially attractive about the formation of the Greek Life Office is that now there is an office specifically dedicated to maintaining Greek identity," Horstman said. "That's an important component for students in the Greek community."
Fraternity members living in each house now will sign "fraternity living" contracts with the University, and all Greek housing will be managed under a community model through the Greek Life Office. The room rate will be comparable to rates in other on-campus residences but is unique to Greek housing.
A three-year phase-in timetable has been established to better allow for financial planning. Because each fraternity had a different scale of room and board charges, those scales are what were used as a "starting point." After the three-year phase-in period, all fraternity members will be on the same bed rate.
In the end, it's a win-win situation, Thaman said. "The University has both the resources and expertise to assist the Greek community transition into the next century, from a facilities vantage point," he said. "Nearly a quarter of our students are Greek, as are a significant number of alumni. Investing in the facilities and creating a program that will specially focus on all aspects of the Greek experience will help ensure the future of Greek life on campus."