Sigma Chi - University of Cincinnati

HOW WE REMAIN RELEVANT DESPITE ENROLLMENT CHALLENGES THE BEARCAT SIG Zeta Psi Chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Cincinnati V Fall 2024 I n the summer edition of e Magazine of Sigma Chi, there is an interesting article about declining current and future college enrollment—particularly regarding young men. For those who haven't seen the article, there are some interesting data points relevant to the future of Sigma Chi and our local Zeta Psi Chapter. And this data circles back to why the renovation of our Cincinnati chapter house is so important. The article points out that the national birthrate has declined by 23% since 2007, including a significant drop during the recession of 2007-09. Those born during this time will graduate high school in 2025 and be considering whether to continue with higher education. Regarding enrollment, young men are less likely to go to college than young women by a significant factor. In 2011, 47% of young men were enrolled in college. Today, only 39% are enrolled, which represents a dramatic decrease. Part of the reason that enrollment is decreasing is the dramatic increase in tuition; young people are questioning whether the price is worth it. A recent Wall Street Journal survey found that 56% of respondents do not feel a four-year degree is worth the cost. Our conclusion: there are fewer young men that ever before from which to choose the best and brightest for Zeta Psi. So what do we offer that sets us apart from the rest of the fraternities? What is our competitive advantage? Based on the new member testimonials we publish alongside our new member lists (check out the most recent in summer's Bearcat Sig by visiting tinyurl.com/BearcatSigSu24), the draw to Sigma Chi is our brotherhood, an undeniable bond, the transformation of young men into leaders, our values, and our environment. These are similar reasons for why most of us chose Sigma Chi over other options. Let's also agree that first impressions are critical. The first impression that most, including students and their parents, have of Zeta Psi and Sigma Chi is the chapter house. Recall that the number one issue of a parent of the "Student of the Future" is a safe environment for their son. A clean, nurturing, safe environment is an important part of the decision to become a member of Sigma Chi. When we all came together to renovate and modernize our home, we helped continue our legacy of being not only the best fraternity in Cincinnati but also one of the best chapters in all of Sigma Chi. We will continue to help the undergraduates maintain and keep clean our newly renovated home so the field of the best and brightest continue to choose Zeta Psi of Sigma Chi. In Hoc, Drew Harmon '14, President andrewdharms@gmail.com WE JUST MADE ZETA PSI HISTORY! Read the undergraduate report on page 2—it has all the details. Brothers gather on the first day of the fall semester. The Case for Sigma Chi

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