The Alpha Omega Graduate Association, Inc.
House Corporation Study
Plan of Recolonization
Task Force Chair: Chad Miller '01 (chad@crmhomes.com)
At the present time, Alpha Omega may be considered for recolonization, at the earliest, in the fall of 2013. This may or may not materialize, depending on many factors. Under the assumption of an actual recolonization at that time, decisions will need to be made well in advance regarding the present physical plant located at 20 South College Street in Athens, Ohio and preparing it, or a suitable replacement, for a new Delta Colony.
Ideally, an assumption should NOT be made at the present time that the location or operation of the house and boarding club as in existence prior to the closure of the chapter in spring 2009 is the optimum plan or configuration for a recolonized chapter in the 21st Century.
At minimum, the following questions will need to be addressed and a recommendation made to the AOGA Board of Directors and AOGA Membership for discussion, approval and implementation by Pig Dinner 2013:
1. What does the ideal Phi Gam undergraduate experience look like?
2. What is the most desirable, financially and operationally optimum, location for a recolonized Alpha Omega Chapter? If not 20 South College Street, then where? Why is this alternate location preferable to 20 South College Street? Does such a location exist? Can it be acquired?
3. What is the optimal residential room configuration for college students today? Should the house residential floors be converted to all singles, maintained as all doubles, or a combination (2nd floor all doubles; 3rd floor all singles)? What furniture and amenities should be provided in each residential room? What are other Phi Gam Chapters doing around the country? What is the competition offering on campus? What is the identity of the competition (other Greek Units, independent housing, Ohio U apartments, etc.)?
4. Should we have a graduate suite apartment in addition to a Proctor’s suite apartment?
5. Does a house the size of 20 South College Street detract from a cohesive fraternal environment? If so, in what ways? Does the existing physical plant contribute to or promote a cohesive fraternal experience? If so, how?
6. What are the positives and negatives associated with remaining at 20 South College?
7. Can the house be sustained financially and will rents remain competitive with the University and other outside housing options if occupancy is changed or reduced?
8. Are community bath facilities optimal from students/parents points of view? What is the competition offering on campus? What do other Phi Gam house chapters offer around the country?
9. What Security Systems should we install/maintain in the house?
10. What spaces should house common areas consist of (library, recreation, tv room(s), study room(s)? How should they be configured?
11. Is a Board Club operation important? What models of operation work best in other Phi Gam Chapters (How many regular meals per week?), What about special weekends (parents, siblings, graduation)?, What about special events (recruitment, Pig Dinner, Faculty & Administrators, Graduate Brothers sessions)?, What about all chapter weekly dinners (prior to chapter meetings)?
12. Should we outsource to a food service operation rather than hire a cook and busboys? Would Ohio U Dining Services consider managing our facility? Can any of this be done profitably?
13. Based on above decisions/recommendations, can the necessary financing be obtained? If so, what is the $$ amount that can be borrowed at what interest rate and for what term? Will this also allow for a build-up of permanent savings to fund depreciation reserves to defray future capital improvements?
14. What is the time horizon for completion of renovations? How do we service existing house expenses in the interim?
15. How many individuals should be involved in this analysis? Chair of Taskforce presumed to be Permanent Chair of House Corporation (not AOGA President).
The Alpha Omega Graduate Association, Inc.
House Corporation Study
Plan of Recolonization
Task Force Chair: Chad Miller '01 (chad@crmhomes.com)
At the present time, Alpha Omega may be considered for recolonization, at the earliest, in the fall of 2013. This may or may not materialize, depending on many factors. Under the assumption of an actual recolonization at that time, decisions will need to be made well in advance regarding the present physical plant located at 20 South College Street in Athens, Ohio and preparing it, or a suitable replacement, for a new Delta Colony.
Ideally, an assumption should NOT be made at the present time that the location or operation of the house and boarding club as in existence prior to the closure of the chapter in spring 2009 is the optimum plan or configuration for a recolonized chapter in the 21st Century.
At minimum, the following questions will need to be addressed and a recommendation made to the AOGA Board of Directors and AOGA Membership for discussion, approval and implementation by Pig Dinner 2013:
1. What does the ideal Phi Gam undergraduate experience look like?
2. What is the most desirable, financially and operationally optimum, location for a recolonized Alpha Omega Chapter? If not 20 South College Street, then where? Why is this alternate location preferable to 20 South College Street? Does such a location exist? Can it be acquired?
3. What is the optimal residential room configuration for college students today? Should the house residential floors be converted to all singles, maintained as all doubles, or a combination (2nd floor all doubles; 3rd floor all singles)? What furniture and amenities should be provided in each residential room? What are other Phi Gam Chapters doing around the country? What is the competition offering on campus? What is the identity of the competition (other Greek Units, independent housing, Ohio U apartments, etc.)?
4. Should we have a graduate suite apartment in addition to a Proctor’s suite apartment?
5. Does a house the size of 20 South College Street detract from a cohesive fraternal environment? If so, in what ways? Does the existing physical plant contribute to or promote a cohesive fraternal experience? If so, how?
6. What are the positives and negatives associated with remaining at 20 South College?
7. Can the house be sustained financially and will rents remain competitive with the University and other outside housing options if occupancy is changed or reduced?
8. Are community bath facilities optimal from students/parents points of view? What is the competition offering on campus? What do other Phi Gam house chapters offer around the country?
9. What Security Systems should we install/maintain in the house?
10. What spaces should house common areas consist of (library, recreation, tv room(s), study room(s)? How should they be configured?
11. Is a Board Club operation important? What models of operation work best in other Phi Gam Chapters (How many regular meals per week?), What about special weekends (parents, siblings, graduation)?, What about special events (recruitment, Pig Dinner, Faculty & Administrators, Graduate Brothers sessions)?, What about all chapter weekly dinners (prior to chapter meetings)?
12. Should we outsource to a food service operation rather than hire a cook and busboys? Would Ohio U Dining Services consider managing our facility? Can any of this be done profitably?
13. Based on above decisions/recommendations, can the necessary financing be obtained? If so, what is the $$ amount that can be borrowed at what interest rate and for what term? Will this also allow for a build-up of permanent savings to fund depreciation reserves to defray future capital improvements?
14. What is the time horizon for completion of renovations? How do we service existing house expenses in the interim?
15. How many individuals should be involved in this analysis? Chair of Taskforce presumed to be Permanent Chair of House Corporation (not AOGA President).