Alpha Tau Omega - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

\\\\\\\ CHAPTER HOUSE UPDATES \\\\\\\ Housing Corporation Board Updates Academic Task Force Team Updates Your Gamma Gamma HCB welcomed a large crowd of alumni at homecoming this fall. The HCB presentation along with the Board of Trustees and active chapter update in the formal room utilizing the new porta- ble flat screen TV was well received. The actives are also utilizing all the study rooms, conference rooms, and living space enhancements seen in the house. The 39 actives living in the house (total actives 60) are thoroughly enjoying the new chapter room TV and "hang-out" furniture in the recently repainted chapter room. New din- ing tables and chairs were added this sum- mer supporting the community eating area in the other side of the chapter room space. Actives purchased a ping-pong table to enjoy in their down time in the redone space. Capital Campaign Update Campaign pledges have reached $3.2M and collections are going well. We continue to pay down the initial con- struction loan (at a very favorable interest rate) and we are on track to convert the remainder to a 15 year mortgage in late 2026 (at a less favorable rate). The capital campaign fund will remain open for additional donations and to fund future projects. Some additional spending will support additional house academic study facility improvements, kitchen exhaust venting, and lower study (aka the "Dungeon) HVAC improvements. House Renovation Projects Completed This Year New roof drain covers were installed this past summer to prevent debris in down- spouts. The backyard fire pit was also remodeled over the summer. Water intrusion in the Dungeon and in the elevator pit were addressed by our original construction contractor. We continue to optimize our maintenance contracts for the HVAC, roof, elevator and sprinklers as we gain experience. Future Projects Being Considered or Initiated A kitchen exhaust system will be installed to remove greasy cooking fumes impacting the kitchen HVAC unit. Improved lower study HVAC is being scoped. Improved, multifunctional lighting is being considered for the backyard and basketball court. The balcony off the foyer will need to be replaced in coming years. The deck on the ground between the house and basketball court is reaching the end of its useful life as well. Parking lot paving in conjunction with Rose is hopefully happening soon. Bathroom remodeling is being considered in future years as well. David Ayars '78 HCB Vice President Study Enhancements Implemented Last Summer As we outlined in the last Tau Talk, the Board of Trustees co-sponsored, with the Housing Corporation Board, a task team in conjunction with the active chapter to evaluate what changes could be made to the Chapter house and processes to facili- tate improved academic performance and adjust to a significantly larger sized chap- ter. The task team conducted a Spring survey of the actives and many discussions to understand the challenges of studying in the house. We learned that the designated study areas were also utilized for socializing and "hanging out" so to speak. This results in noise and disruptions that hinder the ability to study in those academic oriented areas. The team generated a list of improvement actions. Culture Encourage use of the Chapter Room for socializing and hanging out during the week and encourage more appropriate use and maintenance of study areas. Implementing sustainable quiet hours over the year. These improvements were mostly implemented this past summer. They will be evaluated during the 2024/2025 school year and additional improvements made next summer. Physical Facility Changes/Improvements Converting the chapter room to a multi-purpose room, more centered for hanging out and eating during the week with the addition of higher quality and more reliable tables and chairs that are easily convertible for parties and chapter meetings. Improved seating and table options in study areas by providing docking stations with larger/dual monitors that would make the Pool Room more catered to academic practices. Provided and implemented desks that convert into work surfaces for the individual living spaces that fold away from the wall for maximum flexibility. Addressed WiFi/Ethernet issues in study and social spaces throughout the house for more reliability and currently addressing the HVAC in the lower study room. Rick Stanley '78 Task Team Leader The addition of the new office table and chairs in the Pool Room. New dual monitor docking stations in the upper library and pool room. New foldable desks and chairs provided for living spaces within the chapter. New multi-purpose flat screen. Addition of eating tables and chairs to the chapter room. Current HCB Board Members Chuck Sigman '80 President Dave Ayars '78 Vice President Brad Munchel '08 Treasurer Tony New '91 Secretary Tom Dinkel '72 Dan Kuester '76 Bruce Ungethiem '77 Karl Menke '81 Ashvin Lad '96 Jake Wagle '07 Dalton Andrew '22

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