Wawa, Pike may be forced to relocate
University repeals sophomore housing exemption for fraternity members
A controversial University decision to revoke the sophomore Greek housing exemption may make it difficult for several fraternities to keep their houses, according to some chapter presidents.
Attempts to overturn the decision by students resulted in the exemption being extended for a year beyond the original date.
"As the University has added more housing and upgraded current housing in regards to amenities and security, we can no longer in good conscience justify the Greek exemption as a legitimate alternative to University housing for sophomores," Dean of Student Life Susan Boswell said.
"Things are going to have to change in the future so we can afford our mortgage," said David Kurz, president of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity more commonly known as Wawa.
Coordinator of Greek Life Rob Turning said that the decision was ultimately up to Boswell.
He said that fraternities "definitely came to me first with the complaint, but I can't make the decision."
Both Turning and Kurz said they were notified of the decision on Jan. 23.
Kurz said that the reason Boswell made the decision was because "sophomores living in a fraternity house do not have the same experience as someone living on campus, which is very obvious ... she just doesn't see the benefits like we do."
Turning said that the original reason for the exemption was to create space in the dorms, but with the construction of Charles Commons and other housing this was no longer an issue.
He added that he told fraternity presidents, advisors and consultants that the discontinuing of exemption was a possibility.
"We've been discussing it on and off for the past two years," he said.
"I definitely heard that it was a consideration. I hadn't taken part in any meetings with administrators but the possibility was on the horizon," Kurz said.
But Jack Funk, president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), said that he had no idea that administrators were planning to discontinue sophomore exemption.
Attempts to overturn the decision by students resulted in the exemption being extended for a year beyond the original date.
"As the University has added more housing and upgraded current housing in regards to amenities and security, we can no longer in good conscience justify the Greek exemption as a legitimate alternative to University housing for sophomores," Dean of Student Life Susan Boswell said.
"Things are going to have to change in the future so we can afford our mortgage," said David Kurz, president of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity more commonly known as Wawa.
Coordinator of Greek Life Rob Turning said that the decision was ultimately up to Boswell.
He said that fraternities "definitely came to me first with the complaint, but I can't make the decision."
Both Turning and Kurz said they were notified of the decision on Jan. 23.
Kurz said that the reason Boswell made the decision was because "sophomores living in a fraternity house do not have the same experience as someone living on campus, which is very obvious ... she just doesn't see the benefits like we do."
Turning said that the original reason for the exemption was to create space in the dorms, but with the construction of Charles Commons and other housing this was no longer an issue.
He added that he told fraternity presidents, advisors and consultants that the discontinuing of exemption was a possibility.
"We've been discussing it on and off for the past two years," he said.
"I definitely heard that it was a consideration. I hadn't taken part in any meetings with administrators but the possibility was on the horizon," Kurz said.
But Jack Funk, president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), said that he had no idea that administrators were planning to discontinue sophomore exemption.
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