West Virginia Alpha Housing Updates

At this time, we are unsure of how WVU will use the facility. Nor are we certian that WVU has identfied a use for the property.

All remaining relevant chapter items were moved to the chapter’s local storage unit over the summer. Furniture and facility fixtures were included as part of the sale of the facility.

West Virginia Alpha returned to campus for the Fall 2026 semester with 24 initiated members. The chapter has been able to grow their chapter substantially through the informal recruitment process, Continuous Open Bidding (COB) and has added 17 New Members to the chapter this semester. The Fraternity continues to monitor the chapter’s overall health as the chapter remains on Probation.

The proceeds from the sale will be used to pay off renovation loans held by the Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) and address the unpaid rent the chapter had incurred prior to 2025.

The purchase of the facility includes all furniture. Staff will visit the facility prior to the closing date to remove any remaining Pi Beta Phi property. Most of the chapter’s items have been moved to a local storage unit. Any relevant chapter items that haven’t already been moved to the chapter’s storage unit will be moved at this time. Items with historical significance will be preserved in the chapter’s storage unit or the Fraternity’s archives at Headquarters.

• West Virginia Alpha made the decision not to participate in primary recruitment in the Spring 2026 semester and instead focused their efforts on the informal recruitment process, Continuous Open Bidding (COB). The chapter continued to experience challenges with membership retention as ten members resigned or received Undergraduate Alumnae Status (UAS), causing the chapter to return with 25 members at the beginning of the Spring 2026 semester.
• The chapter saw impactful growth through COB with a more than 40% increase in their membership this term and the new initiates report they are enjoying their member experience.
• On Sunday, March 30, Chapter Support Officer Allie Griffin and Assistant Director of Chapter Services Hannah Meador spent time with chapter members to discuss how to continue to grow the chapter. Members expressed a desire to build on the strategies implemented this past semester and elevate their impact. It was also emphasized that returning members must fully commit to sustaining and growing the chapter as the chapter will be returning with 27 members in the fall.
• The chapter remains on Probation and with chapter size continuing to decrease, the Fraternity is closely monitoring the health of the chapter. As a reminder, Probation means the chapter’s charter is in jeopardy.

FHC is working with a Morgantown-based realtor to finalize the details for the house to be listed publicly. It is anticipated the house will be listed officially by the end of the month. If you are interested in learning about the sale of the house, please contact our local realtor, David Lorenze.

The house will not reopen in the fall, regardless of the status of the sale. Our primary concern is protecting the chapter from accruing more debt that may not be recouped by the sale of the house. Chapter leaders have also already worked with FHC to remove members’ personal items from the house as well as transferring significant chapter items to a secured storage facility. Fraternity staff and volunteers have also been meeting regularly with chapter members on their transition plan as an unhoused group for this next year as well.

Chapter officers and AAC members have already begun to transition chapter specific items to a local storage unit. Some may be placed into storage, others may be donated or sold. Select items may also be offered to members or alumnae. Any items with historical significance will be preserved in the Fraternity’s archives to honor the legacy of West Virginia Alpha.

Yes, there will be opportunities for members and alumnae to visit the house and say goodbye before it is sold. Details about these opportunities will be shared directly with current members and alumnae as plans are finalized.

Moving away from a housed experience is never the desired outcome for FHC. Since acquiring the property in 2019, FHC has worked diligently to care for and improve the West Virginia Alpha facility. For nearly five years, FHC and the Fraternity have shouldered a portion of the financial burden to maintain the house when the chapter was unable to do so.
At this time, the chapter remains unable to afford the cost of retaining the house. The minimum rent paid by the chapter does not cover any major maintenance needs or address long-deferred repairs, both of which are critical for a house of this size and age. Even if the chapter’s debt did not exist, the chapter would be unable to afford the cost of the facility. The chapter’s debt continues to grow, and the ability to generate enough revenue to operate the facility has proven unsustainable.

A chapter’s primary source of income is membership dues and fees. All members pay fees (room and board or out-of-house/“parlor” fees) that support maintenance of the facility. Over several years, the chapter has been unable to maintain a membership size that allows them to operate the chapter house.

The Fraternity has deployed a number of resources to support and coach the chapter. The FHC has engaged in creative solutions to extend the timeline which would lead to a decision to close the facility, allowing the chapter more time to grow. Alumnae with an email address on file with the Fraternity have received updates to keep them informed of the chapter’s health, with the more recent updates provided in November 2022 and December 2023.

In several instances, the chapter has had to forego budgeted events (such as chapter social events) in order to address operational expenses. This adversely impacts the member experience.

Yes, the West Virginia Alpha Chapter house is owned by FHC. The local Chapter House Corporation (CHC) made the decision to transition ownership to FHC in March 2019. As part of this merger, FHC assumed full legal, financial and property management responsibilities for the West Virginia Alpha facility, including the authority to sell the property. The transition of the chapter house from the CHC to FHC was necessitated by financial burdens realized by the CHC.

Understanding the significant assets and unique skills managing chapter facilities requires, the Fraternity understood a need to establish a team properly equipped to support Pi Beta Phi housing. FHC was founded in 2008 and leads Pi Phi’s efforts to support and manage chapter facilities. FHC owns a number of Pi Beta Phi chapter facilities and also works collaboratively with the independent, volunteer-led Chapter House Corporations (CHCs) who own other Pi Beta Phi chapter facilities. In 2019 the local West Virginia Alpha CHC, having found their own financial burdens in operating the facility, made the decision to transfer their assets (including the chapter facility) to the FHC for management.

FHC is currently exploring an off-market sale with a potential interested buyer through mid-May. If that opportunity does not move forward, the property will likely be listed publicly and go to market in May.

At this time, interested buyers are confidential in order to allow for the best outcome for all parties. It is unknown at this time if a contract with a buyer would include the opportunity to maintain a connection with Pi Beta Phi.

For several years, both the FHC and the Fraternity have subsidized the cost of rent and maintenance for West Virginia Alpha’s Chapter facility. After reviewing various financial models, it became clear that there is no sustainable path forward for the chapter or FHC without incurring continued financial losses.

In addition to the financial concerns, the chapter’s current membership numbers indicate the financial outlook is not expected to improve in the coming years.

There is never a good time to say goodbye to a cherished chapter house. While this decision is difficult and emotional, it has become a necessary step for the long-term stability of West Virginia Alpha.

For the past two years, West Virginia Alpha has operated under a “lodge model,” meaning the house remained open for chapter use, but no members lived in it. This model helped reduce some costs—such as utilities, food service and ongoing maintenance—and it was intended to be evaluated on a year-to-year basis. When the lodge model was first implemented, it was done with the understanding that it would only extend the viability of retaining the house temporarily, allowing the chapter more time to grow.

While there were benefits to this approach, the reality remains that the chapter cannot afford the ongoing costs of maintaining the facility. The house continues to require substantial upkeep, repairs and deferred maintenance—needs that exceed the chapter’s financial capacity.

For the past five years, FHC or the Fraternity has subsidized house-related expenses that the chapter could not cover. This is not a sustainable solution, and there have been no significant changes in membership trends to suggest the financial situation will improve.

No, the West Virginia Alpha Chapter is not closing as a result of the house sale.

Many Pi Phi chapters operate successfully without a house, even on campuses where other sororities maintain chapter facilities. Pi Phi has the resources and experience to support West Virginia Alpha as it transitions to a new chapter model outside of a housed experience.

That said, West Virginia Alpha charter remains in jeopardy. In addition to the financial challenges related to the facility, the chapter continues to face difficulties with recruitment and member retention—both of which are core issues contributing to its current financial situation.

Yes, selling a chapter house is never the first choice when a chapter is experiencing financial challenges. FHC explored several revenue-generating options, including partnering with a professional fundraising firm to assess potential alumnae support, creating and sharing a donation form specifically for West Virginia Alpha alumnae, significantly reducing housing costs and increasing room, board and other housing-related fees.

Over the last few years, operating the house under a lodge model—without full-time residents—proved to be the most financially sustainable option.

West Virginia Alpha alumnae were offered multiple opportunities to support the chapter financially. However, based on historical data and external assessments, financial contributions were not expected to change the overall outcome and could have positioned the chapter worse financially.

Prior to the renovation project several years ago, the Fraternity took steps to explore the potential for alumnae fundraising. This included sharing information about the financial needs of the chapter at Founders’ Day events, which received limited response. Additionally, Pi Phi partnered with a trusted industry expert in fraternity/sorority fundraising to conduct a feasibility study. That study evaluated the willingness and capacity of West Virginia Alpha alumnae to give at the level required—and it showed a very limited potential for raising the major gifts needed to fund a project of this size.

In 2022, another opportunity was offered to alumnae to help cover day-to-day housing costs. That appeal resulted in $450 from just eight contributors. Facility updates were also included in past chapter newsletters to keep alumnae informed throughout the process. In total, more than $1 million would be needed just to pay off past debts. Additional dollars would be needed to address deferred maintenance issues on the facility. And still additional dollars would be needed annually to make up for the gap between the chapter’s revenue and day-to-day expenses.

The proceeds from the sale will be used to pay off the chapter’s significant outstanding debt. At this time, it is not anticipated that the sale will result in a profit.

If there were to be a profit, however, funds are held by the Fraternity Housing Corporation per the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Constitution and Statutes.

West Virginia Alpha is currently receiving the Fraternity’s highest level of chapter support. This means the chapter’s charter is in jeopardy and significant attention is being given to the chapter to help address key challenges.

While the chapter has shown great effort in growing membership and enhancing the member experience, it continues to face difficulties in recruiting of New Members and membership retention.

Even with the sale of the house, West Virginia Alpha will maintain the same status with the Fraternity to ensure the chapter receives the intensive support and resources needed to improve recruitment and retention efforts.

The Fraternity began sending email updates to West Virginia Alpha alumnae in September 2022, when concerns about the chapter’s status reached a level that warranted alumnae awareness and engagement. In November 2022, alumnae were informed that at the start of the Fall 2023 semester, the chapter house would be operated as a non-residential facility.

Without a chapter house, events such as recruitment, chapter meetings and sisterhood gatherings will be held in campus spaces or local community venues.

Many Pi Beta Phi chapters operate successfully without a house and continue to provide a meaningful, competitive member experience. We have also supported other chapters through the transition from housed to unhoused life, and those insights will help guide West Virginia Alpha through this change.

While some events may look different moving forward, the heart of the chapter—its strong sisterhood—will remain the focus.

A significant portion of each member’s chapter dues currently goes toward maintaining the chapter house. With the removal of that financial burden, it is our hope that individual member dues will be reduced.

Additionally, this shift may allow the chapter to redirect more resources toward events, programming and activities that enhance the member experience and reflect the interests of the chapter.

Yes, there will be opportunities for members and alumnae to visit the house and say goodbye before it is sold. Details about these opportunities will be shared directly with current members and alumnae as plans are finalized.

While the opportunity to find a facility more suited to the reality of the current chapter exists, at this time purchasing a new house is not the focus. Our priority is to support the chapter through this first phase—adjusting to life without the current facility and fully understanding the financial and operational impacts of that change.

Yes, across the country, the housing landscape is shifting, and Pi Phi is adapting to meet the evolving needs of our members. It is no longer the case that a house defines the Pi Phi experience. Several chapters have successfully transitioned from a housed to an unhoused model—even on campuses where other sororities maintain traditional houses.

Pi Phi staff and volunteer officers and staff are committed to supporting West Virginia Alpha every step of the way. They will bring ideas, experience and guidance to help the chapter navigate this transition successfully.

This support includes partnering with chapter leaders to create a detailed plan for hosting events and activities in alternative spaces, strengthening sisterhood, executing recruitment and managing the financial shifts that come with an unhoused experience.

Other Pi Phi chapters have successfully transitioned away from housed living, and West Virginia Alpha will benefit from the lessons learned and best practices from those chapters.

Without the financial burden of the chapter house, chapters in similar situations have found new opportunities: widening their pool of Potential New Members, leveraging financial resources for exciting events and shifting their conversation to new possibilities.

The chapter’s support team and Alumnae Advisory Committee have already begun exploring ways to host recruitment events at alternative locations while ensuring the experience remains authentic to West Virginia Alpha.

As the chapter moves through this transition, we will work closely with the West Virginia University College Panhellenic, campus staff and fellow Panhellenic sororities to request reasonable adjustments to the traditional recruitment process.

For more than a decade, West Virginia Alpha has faced challenges with formal primary recruitment. However, the chapter has consistently found many wonderful New Members through informal recruitment—a process that often appeals to Potential New Members who may not be seeking the traditional, housed sorority experience.

We believe West Virginia Alpha is well-positioned to embrace this approach. The chapter will be supported in messaging the benefits of the unhoused experience—particularly the lower cost of membership—which can serve as a compelling and competitive advantage.

Pi Phi’s situation at West Virginia University is unique. From both a membership and financial standpoint, the chapter is in a different position than other sororities on campus. Because each organization faces its own set of circumstances, it’s difficult to make direct comparisons.

The most important thing West Virginia Alpha alumnae can do right now is offer encouragement and support to your collegiate sisters as they navigate this time of transition. West Virginia Alpha can be successful, but it will take a positive mindset and partnership with the Fraternity and Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC).

As alumnae sisters and role models, your words and actions carry great influence. Your attitude and response will undoubtedly set the tone for how our collegiate members move forward. Believe in their ability to overcome challenges while continuing to uphold the West Virginia Alpha sisterhood you love.

If you know students enrolled at or considering the university, share with them the pride you have in your Pi Phi membership and encourage them to take a look at what Pi Phi can offer them.

The chapter will also continue to benefit from your support through their Chapter Wish List, which includes items that can make a meaningful, day-to-day impact on the member experience.

After thorough evaluation and careful consideration, the decision to sell the chapter house is final. FHC explored all options to avoid this outcome, however ultimately, this decision was made in the best interest of the chapter’s long-term sustainability, and retaining the facility would not be an affordable option for the chapter to continue to operate.

Pi Beta Phi Headquarters staff is available to support your questions. You may reach our staff Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT at 636-256-0680.