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I agree with optimist prime.
Let pledges know that when they pledge, they are obligated to live in the house for a minimum specified amount of time if the house is under quota.
If they decide that they do not want to live in the house (and its for other reasons then financial constraints) then I probably would ask them to evaluate their purpose for joining a fraternity if they do not desire to support it.
For the people that live out, charge a live out/Parlor fee.
Many chapters design it so that paying the parlor fee + paying their living expenses discourages members from living out.
I know a sorority here at IU that charges about $2500 for liveout fees!
If you dont want to punish/discourage your members with the fee, at least design it to generate some extra cash flow.
I would also make them sign contracts and sign up for a collection or financial agency. Many brothers dont understand that money has to come from somehwere. Dont let then figure this out when its too late.
I wouldnt reccomend leasing your house away just yet either. Well, at least not totally.
This may sound dumb, but there are many chapters that take borders, i.e. non-members who pay rent to live in fraternity houses becuase they are cheap and convenient.
If you think about it, there are many things that a fraternity house offers that an aptartment/dorm can not...and vice versa. There are guys out there that like that.
Fight to keep your house though. At Indiana University, giving your house away is basically a nail in the coffin.
I understand your predicament, its hard...actually I'll say its impossible to tell brothers that they cant come around. However, if the future of your chapter is at stake, then you may have to make some drastic changes.
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