Fraternities shar hous; work together for common goal

Two fraternities living together in harmony. \nTo some, that may seem like an oxymoron, but it's true-life for two fraternities on campus: Phi Kappa Sigma and Phi Sigma Kappa.\nThe more than 50-year-old IU fraternity, Phi Sigma Kappa (Phi Sigs), made its return back to campus in 2001 when it was re-chartered after having left in 1996. Phi Kappa Sigma (also known as the Skulls) is a newly chartered organization as of April. \n \n"I've been quite excited how things have gone thus far," said Mike Palm, president of Phi Sigma Kappa. "There was more tension here during move-in day but for the most part, we haven't really experienced many problems. Just the normal little bickering that guys do," he said. \nThe two fraternities are sharing the entire house except for the living quarters and have one graduate advisor, director and cook with "house-mom responsibilities." \n"We're using each other to grow strong enough to become our own individual houses," said Matt Thon, vice-president for Phi Sigma Kappa. "We weren't large enough to start our own house last year. We had about 45 guys."\nA matter of concern for the two groups has been men's rush, a time when many potential members will be passing through to get a look at what each organization has to offer. \n"Everyone asks that question about rush when they find out we're living together. That seems to be what everyone is concerned about," Palm said. "We're still working on the final details. We're going to be having separate times when potential rushees will get to meet with each group. It's going to be a tense time in that three-week period, but I'm sure it'll be fine," he said. \n"We're very ambitious and we think we'll grow solidly during rush. We shouldn't experience too much trouble."\nJon Anderson, who is in charge of public relations for Phi Kappa Sigma, said the Skulls have the same general opinion of how the year has gone thus far.\n"It's a great experience," Anderson said. "We're learning from them. We're a new group and (Phi Sigma Kappa) has been around longer than we have, so we're both learning as we go."\n"(Phi Kappa Sigmas) are looking into other houses right now. We have high hopes for next year," he said. "We've grown quickly. Last year we had 10 members and grew to 35 in April. We're progressing."\nPalm reiterated Anderson's feelings of anticipation.\n"We're working together," he said. "We're looking forward to having our own house next year. Right now we're going to use this as a stepping stone to grow"