[AGDLynn]

I had the pleasure of working on the UWG Greek Housing Steering Committee. This is a BRIEF snapshot of the proposed plan; the original is about 10 pages...the alcohol policy is about 8 pages.

The University of West Georgia has discussed the feasibility of building Greek housing for several years.

Two opportunities have emerged that now make this a meaningful possibility for UWG: First, the University of West Georgia Foundation acquired 30 acres of land adjacent to the campus, and began exploring options for development which could benefit both the Foundation and the University. The location of the land is ideal, as it is easily accessible, near the Campus Center and major academic buildings, but not near residential neighborhoods. ..These models involve universities or foundations financing and building Greek villages, and then renting the housing out to students and organizations to pay for the project.

Steering Committee Recommendation:
The Foundation should work with the University to construct a Greek Village, with the first phase to open in Fall of 2008, using the guidelines outlined in this document. The committee recognizes that the Foundation and University staff need to do a great deal of work to analyze these recommendations and determine if they are financially feasible, as well as to develop the details of design and policy.

1. Build the following to open Fall 2008 – 254 beds:
• 7 20-bed houses
• 3 16-bed houses
• 3 10-bed houses
• 6 6-bed apartments
• Community building

This assumes the addition of one Panhellenic sorority in 2007-2008. UWG is committed to that if the Village is approved.

Our working assumption is that, based on historic and current membership numbers, Panhellenic groups would reside in the 20-bed houses, IFC groups in the 16-bed houses, and IFC or NPHC groups reside in the 10-bed houses and 6-bed apartments. However, that is not a foregone conclusion, and may change in further development of this plan.

Further financial and land analysis may result in recommendations for slightly different numbers in houses. If necessary, the committee may be consulted with further in the Spring.


2. Possible construction in Phase II at a later date– up to 70 beds:
• 1 20-bed house (for new Panhellenic sorority)
• 1 16 or 20-bed house (for IFC fraternity)
• 3 10-bed houses (for IFC or NPHC groups)

Phase Two would depend on enrollment and market demands. Assumptions include: the addition of another Panhellenic sorority and another IFC fraternity, and 3 small groups increasing membership and moving from apartments to houses, thus freeing up 3 apartments for other small groups.