While our Theta
Chi experience is certainly more than the ‘bricks and mortar’ of
the chapter house, our home undoubtedly plays a significant role as a living
and learning center and as a proud symbol of our shared values and goals.
In recent years, the Theta Chi alumni leadership has been assessing our
future at Maryland. We have engaged architects and engineers to help
evaluate our current chapter house and future needs. We have studied
the needs and desires of today’s undergraduates and looked at what
other fraternities have done to upgrade their facilities and programming.
Through our work, it has become clear that we must make a major investment
in our chapter house so we can provide a beneficial educational experience
in an up-to-date facility that will serve young college men well into the
next century.
Infrastructure & Safety
The plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems have all outlived their
life expectancies. This is a testament to many brothers’ hard
work over the years. Also, pipes and fixtures throughout the house
need to be replaced. The house relies on the original steam radiators
in the winter and window air conditioning units in the summer. Code
enforcement requires the installation of an automated sprinkler system.
Technology
The chapter house does not provide adequate technology infrastructure – electrical
and cabling – to meet the needs of today’s students, who bring
more electronic equipment to college than ever before. In 1929, not
only were there no personal computers, there were no televisions either! Additionally,
robust internet capability is essential to providing the educational support
Maryland students require.
Value
Today, students and the parents expect more for their housing dollars. The
University has added over 2500 on-campus beds since 2001. Development
in College Park has exploded with the addition of the University View – a
luxury high-rise apartment building offering amenities including covered
parking, a swimming pool, and a fitness room. While we have no intention
of providing all of the amenities apartments make available, we must offer
a safe, attractive facility in order to be competitive.
Community
Theta Chi’s importance to the University must not be understated. Theta
Chi helps create a tie to the University of Maryland by providing a sense
of belonging within a larger community. The Alpha Psi chapter has
historically provided student leaders who have assisted Maryland in maintaining
a reputation for excellence.
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