Frat remains outside IFC hierarchy

The Alpha Phi Delta fraternity's national office recognizes its chapter at the University -- but the University does not. APD President and Engineering junior Cory Meek explained that the chapter is not a member of the University's InterFraternity Council, though APD's national organization is affiliated with the national Greek umbrella body. IFC President Josh Gottheimer, an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother, said the fraternity is putting itself "at great risk" by operating outside the Council, especially with regard to alcohol-related liability. "We have a special relationship with police in the area when it comes to social events, in the sense that we do a lot of our own monitoring," the College junior said. "[APD doesn't] have any kind of relationship with the University, and that puts them at risk of having problems with city liquor officials." APD's national office reactivated the chapter in 1989 without going through University channels, according to Meek. The fraternity received its initial charter at the University in 1922, but disbanded because of World War II. "Up to this point, we haven't felt the need to be part of the IFC because we've felt comfortable being on our own and abiding by our own rules," Meek said. He explained that APD follows the constitution and bylaws of its national organization, and governs itself locally. But he said the fraternity is currently considering applying for IFC membership. "You have the benefits of being associated with the University and having the support of the IFC," he said. "But you have the drawbacks of having to abide by every rule and restriction as far as what you have to do for parties." He added that the rushing process is somewhat difficult without the attention the IFC draws. Pledge Class President Michael Heasley, a College freshman, said he is in favor of applying for IFC membership because of the recognition benefits, but that "it's not really a big deal." As part of the application process, APD would have to submit statistical information, their chapter charter and constitution and a five-year plan to the IFC, Gottheimer explained. "I think it's a very reasonable process," he said. "Chapters who aren't part of the IFC have a difficult time having a presence on this campus -- it's difficult to be taken seriously." He added that remaining outside the IFC would "not be ethical? but it's their choice." "Their national doesn't seem to have as big as a problem with [APD's] present condition as one would think," Gottheimer said. APD holds parties and other social events, according to Meek, but doesn't abide by the BYOB policy. "Our parties are a good bit different from any IFC party you'd encounter because we don't make a habit of handing out cheap beer in cans," he said. He added that the fraternity's size -- 10 brothers and four pledges -- serves to differentiate APD as well.

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