Sigma Chi - University of Cincinnati

3 W hile the Zeta Psi experience is certainly more than the bricks and mortar of our chapter house, our home undoubtedly plays a role in the development of our brothers and serves as a symbol of our shared vision and goals. Currently, our facility is used much in the same way you may remember: studying, dining together and a place to build brotherhood. While it has done an incredible job serving the men of Sigma Chi since 1970, our chapter house has fallen behind our fraternal peers and campus expectations. It has become increasingly clear that action is needed now to meet the changing needs of college students. Our facility is more than 50 years old and the amenities currently being offered don't match the expectations of residential living offered to today's college students. If we are to continue our tradition of excellence at the University of Cincinnati, we must provide the modern facility our members expect. is construction and renovation project will allow Zeta Psi members to have a competitive, premier living experience for years to come. A GROWING UNIVERSITY e University of Cincinnati is exceeding national enrollment trends and the 2019-20 school year marked record enrollment. UC's official total enrollment this year is 46,388. is includes a record-size class for first-year students (7,805) and a record number of undergraduates (35,498). Retention numbers are also on the rise, standing at 88.3%. is places UC as one of the fastest-growing institutions in the U.S. by the Chronicle of Higher Education and well within the top 50 in size nationally. INCREASING COMPETITION Alongside record-breaking enrollment trends, the University of Cincinnati has had to find ways to house students in increasingly modern facilities. Many fraternities have recently upgraded their chapter facilities with renovations, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha and Delta Tau Delta. Newly renovated on-campus residence halls and fraternities that have upgraded their facilities in recent years aren't the only competition UC Sigs are facing. Across the street from our home on University Court a new, $300 million, 11-story high-rise private development has gone up, housing students in a convenient location with hyper- modern facilities, such as music practice rooms, 24/7 fitness center, golf simulator and private study lounges. Competing in a Changing Environment ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE e University of Cincinnati is as academically rigorous as ever. Many of the music and design programs offered are among the top ranked in the nation. Programs within the Colleges of Engineering and Business have also been highly ranked. e need for an enhanced, quiet, well-lit and comfortable study space is necessary for students to achieve academic excellence. Student needs in technology have changed dramatically over the years with personal computers, smart phones, tablets and high-speed internet access being a necessity. SETTING OURSELVES APART While Zeta Psi continues to attract some of the top men on campus, we cannot rest on our laurels and allow our tradition of excellence to fade away. Many of our campus fraternal peers have invested millions of dollars over the last decade into upgrading their facilities in order to be competitive within the changing housing landscape. e University has spent significant time and resources updating their living amenities and many others are looking to provide housing to a growing college student population. All these choices are appealing to our prospective members and further highlight our need to be prepared to provide a safe, affordable, modern chapter facility in order to be competitive. College students spend 70% of their time within their living environment. e Deacon, a $300 million, 11-story student living facility across the street from Zeta Psi. - Where You Live Influences Who You Know: Differences In Student Interaction Based on Residence Hall Design, Brandon Alison, Joan B. Hirt, and Tracey Cameron; e Journal of College and University Student Housing

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