Minnesota Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi at the University of Minnesota
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1017917
Our Challenges UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA | MINNESOTA ALPHA CHAPTER PI BETA PHI SPACE e chapter you remember is quite different than the chapter today. With increased interest in sorority life at UMN, our numbers have changed dramatically over the last decade. Although most members during your undergraduate years could live in our house on 1109 5th Street, today our chapter can only house 35 members, which is less than a quarter of the active membership. With over 155 active members, many young women never get the chance to live in our Pi Phi home. Although the young women have found creative ways to spend time together, we know that this is not viable for the future. Our vision will allow increased spaces for all active members to study, dine and socialize together. e Pi Phi experience is rooted in the ability to spend time as sisters— to learn and grow together as women. We need to ensure this is possible for future generations. COMPETITION If you have been to campus recently, you have seen the landscape of our city change in a very significant way. e university has renovated and rebuilt several dormitories on campus. ese new dorms provide state-of-the-art living and learning spaces with increased social and study spaces, as well as increased privacy in individual rooms. Additionally, developers have built new apartments around Dinkytown and Stadium Village and near campus. Most of the apartments include modern, updated spaces with luxury features such as on- site parking, workout facilities and common areas. UMN's dormitories and off-campus living options are providing good value for their cost, and we need to keep up. Today's undergraduates demand a superior product that provides the amenities they require at a competitive price. In addition to the impressive development of campus and private off-campus housing, many fraternities and sororities, including Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delta Gamma, Alpha Omicron Pi, Lambda Delta Phi, FarmHouse and Kappa Sigma, have recently completed, or are in the process of, major renovations or rebuilds. ese new and updated facilities include increased personal, social and study space, progressive technology, improved efficiency, upgraded safety and attractive amenities similar to those of the newly built dorms and apartments in Minneapolis. If we are to continue recruiting the finest young women at UMN, we must offer them a living-learning environment that allows the full opportunity to become "Friends and Leaders for Life." Simply put, now is the time to ensure the Minnesota Alpha's legacy. Competing in a Changing Environment 3 CHALLENGES NEEDS Outdated infrastructure: electrical wiring, heating system, no air conditioning and security system Outdated and undersized kitchen, kitchenette and dining room Outdated house, both cosmetically and functionally No amenities to compete with newer apartments Limited parking - seven parking spaces for 150-plus members without going back-to-back More infrastructure and load-bearing system upgrades to meet both comfort and technology needs of our members Serve three meals to more than 35 actives daily and chapter dinner to 155-plus members each week No meeting space large enough for chapter meetings Space to accommodate entire membership to hold effective and efficient meetings, programming and ceremonies Bathrooms all need complete remodel and updated study space with better Wi-Fi Compete with brand-new apartments on campus that offer gyms, event rooms, underground parking, etc. More parking for members and guests