Co-ops deliver friendship

By Kelly Kingen
Summer Reporter

Cooperative housing is one of the living arrangements that many Purdue students choose.

With a few exceptions, cooperative housing is similar to the Greek system, said Tamara Rice, assistant dean of students.

"They're much smaller than the Greek community," said Rice.

Purdue has five men's cooperatives and five women's cooperative houses. Cooperatives also usually tend to have fewer members giving the houses more of a close-knit feeling.

"It is much more of a family atmosphere," said Rice.

The cooperative system is also much more family oriented in terms that members have to help out around the house. Whereas sororities and fraternities contract out, the members in cooperative share the responsibility of cooking, cleaning, keeping the house in order and maintaining the budget.

Rice said, "They really develop life-long skills."

Of course the benefit of not contracting out is that it reduces the living expenses for the members. Most cooperatives cost an average of $250 to $300 a month. Members also save money by not having to pay fees to a national affiliation.

Much like the Greek system, cooperatives have a social side to them. Cooperatives hold functions with other housing units and are active in the community as well. Many members volunteer their time to organizations like Big Brothers and Big Sisters or Habitat for Humanity. Cooperatives also hold retreats, formal dances and feature guest speakers.

Rice said, "They are changing their focus more toward leadership and scholarship."

Members can take leadership roles within the house or join the Purdue Cooperative Housing Council. Students who keep their grade point averages at or above a 3.5 receive a cash reward at the end of the semester.

Students who are interested in cooperative living can go through recruitment on Jan. 20 and Jan. 27.