Ripon College Days

In addition to sharing a surname, the Chi's on campus may soon share a building.

Presidents of Theta Chi and Sigma Chi fraternities met with Dean of Students Chris Ogle and Director of Residence Life Josh De War last Tuesday to discuss Theta Chi's potential move from Bovay to Brockway Hall.

De War and Ogle had no comment as to how long this idea has been entertained.

"I felt disrespected," says Sigma Chi president junior Drew Davis.

"To not be brought into the conversation straight away was disappointing given the [open] relationship that we have," he says. "Even if it wasn't going to go through, I would have liked to have been part of the conversation."

The fraternities hesitate to fully support the idea.

"My gut instinct is that there would be more disadvantages and negatives than there would be advantages," says Davis. "It would be bad leadership, however, to assume that there aren't going to be any benefits."

Theta Chi president junior Kevin Goyert shares the recognition of drawbacks as well as improvements the change may bring.

Goyert mentions that the building would be renovated according to the fraternities' specific needs and the possibility of a gaming lounge between the two.

"My only fear is that if anything did ever happen that we wouldn't be able to go back to our respective houses to let the situation diffuse," says Goyert. "I certainly do not plan or expect there to be any fighting between us because Sigma Chi and Theta Chi are in good standing with each other right now."

Davis agrees that the stigma of animosity between the two groups could have nothing less to do with why Sigma Chi would not support the move. In fact, Sigma Chi may oppose the idea because of the desire to demarcate the goals and missions of the two organizations.

"I think it would start to cloud the ability of others to perhaps see the individual routes that each of us are pursuing," Davis says. "Everyone has a different approach to everything and if you blur them into one it becomes unclear what everyone stands for." The administration is now seeking input from both groups, which are subsequently conducting internal evaluations of the situation. These evaluations will include the input of other fraternities, sororities and independents. "I didn't think it was a bad idea because many other Greek organizations live in the same building, and I'm sure the two would get along just fine," says Alpha Chi Omega president junior Jodi Rabas. "It'd just be a little sad if the Thetas had to leave a building that has been a part of their history and traditions for so many years."

The fraternities could not comment on how successfully they would live together, as they say every group is different and brings with it unique circumstances.

Rabas, as a member of Alpha Chi Omega has lived in Johnson Hall along with Alpha Delta Pi and Delta Psi Delta for two years. "I think living in the same building has actually strengthened our relationship, if anything," she says.

The time constraints placed on the decision due to the upcoming room lottery may impede the amount of student input available.

The move depends upon lenders' approval to grant funds to complete renovation in both halls before the start of fall classes.

Independent students have increasingly expressed their desire to live near the Fitness Center, the Quads kitchen and the Terrace, while holding reservations concerning cohabitation with Greek life, Ogle says.

"Any good leader needs to consider the pros and cons of any situation, and if the cons outweigh the pros, it's a bad decision," says Davis.

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