Chauncey Cooperative

Est. 1937

About Us

Chauncey Cooperative House, established in 1937, is the longest running men’s house in the Purdue Cooperative System that promotes a family-like atmosphere and provides a valuable college experience. With a capacity of 23 members, Chauncey maintains a self-reliant and independent living environment throughout the school year. Chauncey is the best combination of affordable housing, leadership opportunities, and is conveniently located less than a five-minute walk from campus. It is the mission of Chauncey Cooperative House to produce young men of high character that, upon graduation, are prepared to enter the next stage of their lives both in academics and responsibility.

Who We Are

Chauncey Cooperative is an individually owned, self-governed, non-profit organization that is part of an internal organization with Purdue that is known as the Purdue Cooperative Council. Chauncey places the responsibilities of maintaining the house on all the members of the House. These responsibilities include meal preps, clean-ups, house jobs, and house hours throughout the semester. The house provides a total of 10 meals per week (Lunch and Supper 5 days per week) with food available for breakfast and on the weekends. The workload of preps and clean-ups is based on seniority so that members are rewarded for staying in the house throughout their career at Purdue. Chauncey prides itself on maintaining a GPA of around 3.0 and rewards members for doing well in classes by offering scholarships for high and most improved semester GPA. Chauncey also maintains study hours on a daily basis to allow members with a quiet time to work on schoolwork and study for exams.

Community Relationship

Chauncey Cooperative prides itself on being involved in the surrounding community and abroad. It is located next to Tommy Johnston Park, which the members of the house helped save from apartment developers several years ago. The park was also renovated by the city of West Lafayette after the men voiced concerns and Chauncey Cooperative was awarded the West Lafayette Beautification Award for their efforts. Because the house was so instrumental in the continuation of the park, the members are honorary caretakers and help with routine upkeep. This includes raking leaves in the fall and picking up trash year-round.

Housing Costs

Active Member / New Membership

10 meals per week with food provided on weekends
Leadership Opportunities
Voting rights during house decisions
Suggested plan of living at Chauncey

$410/month - 4 months a semester

Non-Member Boarder

10 meals per week with food provided on weekends
Open spots depending on house availability
Can't participate in house activities
Suggested for students looking for temporary housing (e.g. one semester)

Please contact for prices

New Membership

The goal of New Member Orientation is to help each new member adjust to college life, understand the responsibilities of cooperative living, and build the friendships and connections that make Chauncey feel like home. Some examples of New Membership are:

House Responsibilities: New members will work alongside active members to learn the daily responsibilities that keep the house running. This includes helping with meal preparations, completing assigned cleaning duties, and taking part in general house maintenance. These responsibilities help new members understand the cooperative living environment and the importance of contributing to the house.

Brotherhood and Involvement: New members take part in house meetings, traditions, and other activities throughout the semester. The goal is to build lasting friendships, develop a sense of brotherhood, and become an active part of the cooperative community.

New Member Socials: New members are expected to participate in social events with other Purdue cooperative houses throughout the semester. These socials provide an opportunity to meet members from other houses, build connections within the cooperative community, and take part in the traditions and social events that make Purdue's cooperative system unique.

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