How We Got Where We Are Today
We’re embarking on an exciting journey to re-invigorate Sigma Rho – with a completely new look, vibe, and experience!
Many of the changes you see are in response to ever-changing fraternity dynamics – beyond Beta and the University of Illinois – as well as hard realities for our own chapter (i.e. financially-speaking).
Many of the changes you see are in response to ever-changing fraternity dynamics – beyond Beta and the University of Illinois – as well as hard realities for our own chapter (i.e. financially-speaking).
Sigma Rho Financials Not Viable - Long-Term
The Sigma Rho Housing Association determined several years ago that the fraternity’s financial trajectory was unsustainable in the long-run.
The Housing Association aggressively pursued alternatives – including options where we kept the house and options where the house may be replaced. This exploration opened up conversations with a few key players – including Champaign-based Sigma Rho alumni real estate developers, Rick Schmidt ‘75 & Mike Henneman ‘75.
Schmidt & Henneman suggested the idea of a larger building that housed non-Beta tenants who’d pay rent – essentially, supporting the building & chapter. The Housing Association – who you can be sure were pouring their hearts & passion into this endeavor – agreed this was the right path forward. Early iterations included keeping the face of the house with the apartment complex built around it. That was a creative approach, yet proved to be cost-prohibitive.
The Chapter was then suspended in April, 2018. Without tenants and income, the Housing Board transitioned to representatives from the General Fraternity as the General Fraternity picked up the burden of the associated annual costs (i.e. taxes, insurance, and utilities).
This ultimately led to the email we all received this past February indicating the General Fraternity’s intention to sell 202 E. Daniel – unless we alumni came up with a plan. Schmidt & Henneman stepped up again – and through compelling conversation, the General Fraternity came back to their plan. And that’s where we are today.
The Housing Association aggressively pursued alternatives – including options where we kept the house and options where the house may be replaced. This exploration opened up conversations with a few key players – including Champaign-based Sigma Rho alumni real estate developers, Rick Schmidt ‘75 & Mike Henneman ‘75.
Schmidt & Henneman suggested the idea of a larger building that housed non-Beta tenants who’d pay rent – essentially, supporting the building & chapter. The Housing Association – who you can be sure were pouring their hearts & passion into this endeavor – agreed this was the right path forward. Early iterations included keeping the face of the house with the apartment complex built around it. That was a creative approach, yet proved to be cost-prohibitive.
The Chapter was then suspended in April, 2018. Without tenants and income, the Housing Board transitioned to representatives from the General Fraternity as the General Fraternity picked up the burden of the associated annual costs (i.e. taxes, insurance, and utilities).
This ultimately led to the email we all received this past February indicating the General Fraternity’s intention to sell 202 E. Daniel – unless we alumni came up with a plan. Schmidt & Henneman stepped up again – and through compelling conversation, the General Fraternity came back to their plan. And that’s where we are today.
Modern Fraternity Rules / New Reality
Secondarily, the rules today are vastly different from our respective eras. Correspondingly, when you hear of undergrads breaking rules, it’s important to note the severity of infractions pale in comparison to the standards of our day. None-the-less, rules are rules, and they must be followed.
Any infractions below will result in another suspension. We’re investing serious time, money, and energy into this revival and can’t risk another suspension.
Any infractions below will result in another suspension. We’re investing serious time, money, and energy into this revival and can’t risk another suspension.
SUBSTANCE FREE HOUSING
|
Please read PDF on Beta’s Substance Free Housing
(File to the right) |
| ||
- All fraternity common space is substance free!
- NO alcohol, drugs, or cigarette smoking in the house
- NO parties in the house
- NO exchanges with sororities in the house
- NO alcohol involved during rush
- NO alcohol involved in pledge activities
HAZING: ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY
|
Please read attached PDF on Beta’s Men of Principle
(File to the right) |
| ||
This includes just about anything you can imagine:
- Pledges can’t clean the house when actives are not participating (servitude)
- NO quizzing of pledges OR corresponding punishments for not knowing answers
- NO physical activity for the purposes of their membership to the fraternity
- NO intimidation or demeaning activity what-so-ever
- Even the expression of “Poops” is of a bygone era