Sigma Chi - Montana State University

FALL 2020 the Beta Rho Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity Montana State University FEATURES: Lifelong Bonds 2 • Order of Constantine 2 • Chapter Update 3 • Alumni Update 4 T he dominating issue of the past five months has been the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. By way of background, in the spring, the university was closed to face-to-face learning and the brothers were forced to hunker down in their apartments or the chapter house for online classes. is worked out well as the Gallatin Valley had a relatively low incidence of cases and the school year was almost over. A few of the brothers decided to move back to their parent's houses to continue with online school; nearly all chapter functions were canceled. During the summer, there were, as usual, a small group of brothers living in the house. In July, one brother tested positive for COVID-19, and the house was put on quarantine notice by local health authorities. e brother recovered and there was no other transmission of the virus. On July 10, the House Corporation and active chapter were busy digesting a wealth of information and recommendations (from the CDC, the North American Interfraternity Conference, Sigma Chi International Headquarters, the Fraternity's insurance/risk management advisors, the State of Montana, and Montana State University) for safely opening and operating the chapter house for the fall semester. e impacts of this world-wide pandemic are felt at the local level and operating policies put in place must reflect the MSU/Bozeman environmental realities of the day. It was agreed that we must be willing to meet any special chapter house occupancy preparations and operating changes that will be made for the safety of Beta Rho brothers. PREPARING FOR A SAFE FALL SEMESTER Beta Rho Brothers Implement Safety Procedures at the Chapter House COVID-19 Fall Planning and Schedule August 1: e active chapter was in the final stages of developing COVID-19 operating procedures for the fall semester, which includes wearing of masks in the house, maintaining social distancing, sanitization and kitchen-use protocols, and access to the house by guests. August 8: e chapter house was professionally deep cleaned and sanitized by Pure Clean Techs, a commercial cleaning firm. August 10: e active chapter finalized their fall operating procedures. August 13: Brothers started to arrive and move in for the fall semester. August 17: Classes began. Wearing of face coverings/masks is mandatory on campus at all times. August 31: ings were going well at MSU and Beta Rho Chapter. Brothers have been cooperating in implementing and observing the COVID-19 operating procedures. September 20: e Chapter house has remained COVID-19 free; operating procedures are being evaluated weekly. In Hoc, Beta Rho of Sigma Chi House Company $125,000 Matching Fund Continues T he final stages of fundraising carry on, but only a few brothers have taken advantage of the $125,000 Matching Fund established this February. We urge you to access this tremendous opportunity to leverage your donation and support the renovation of your chapter house. e Matching Fund will match, dollar-for-dollar, any additional pledge or gi made to the renovation project by either new or existing donors. It is not too late to support your brothers! You can make a pledge or donate your additional gi online at www.bobcatsigs.org/ vision-2025/donate. Detailed planning for the renovation was interrupted over the past five months due to the ongoing pandemic as we have been unable to access engineers for evaluation of the existing structure. We expect to move forward over the next six months. In Hoc, Conceptual Building Committee

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