Disbanded fraternity regroups

Four years ago Theta Chi fraternity was disbanded after a brush with alcohol and the death of a potential member. Now, they're back, a little wiser, and looking for men who break the typical "frat guy" mold.\nMichael Mayer, a Theta Chi expansion coordinator, said he will help the chapter recruit a core group of men starting Jan. 24, after the official men's rush.\nThe recruitment effort is being spearheaded and coordinated by Theta Chi's national headquarters.\n"We are looking for fraternity men," said Mayer. "Not typical 'frat' boys."\nMayer said some qualities important for future Theta Chi members will be involvement, academics and an interest in service to the University and community.\n"We understand that a social life is very important," he said. "But we are looking for guys who want more out of school."\nNate Hibben, another expansion coordinator sent to IU, said not being allowed to participate in the formal rush process will not hinder recruiting efforts for Theta Chi.\n"We don't want to participate in formal recruitment," he said. "I don't know that we could compete with more established fraternities on campus."\nAlthough the members would be joining a fraternity with no house, Hibben said it is actually an advantage.\n"In the beginning, it is beneficial because we stress joining a fraternity, and not just a house," he said. "We are really trying to get guys to join for the right reasons."\nMayer and Hibben said they hope to recruit a 15-20 man interest group who will not officially be recognized by Theta Chi. When membership reaches 25 members and by-laws are drafted, the group becomes a "colony" recognized by the national organization.\nMayer said becoming an official chapter typically takes one to three years.\nMayer said the process potential members will go through will not be like a typical rush.\n"It will be very one-on-one," he said.\nMayer said those who join will also experience an extra emphasis on alcohol management because of the circumstances surrounding Theta Chi's removal four years ago.\nNineteen-year-old freshman Seth Korona died of a skull fracture he received at a Theta Chi rush party while doing a "keg stand" on Feb. 4, 2001, according to a Feb. 19, 2001 article in the Indiana Daily Student.\nIn response to the death, Theta Chi was disbanded.\n"It was a horrible thing that happened," Mayer said. "We wish it had never occurred, but we are using it as an opportunity to learn from our mistakes."\nMayer said the national fraternity wants a more mature group of members.\n"We are looking to find a group of guys who buy into the idea of safe practices in a social setting," he said.\nPhi Kappa Sigma is currently leasing the fraternity's old house from a local Theta Chi alumni association.\nTheta Chi Director of Chapter Services Joe Wachs said the fraternity is not concerned with housing issues at this point, and no decisions have been made concerning who will occupy the house in the future.\nFor information regarding the status of Theta Chi, or for membership information, contact expansion coordinator Mayer at mike@thetachi.org.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Haley Beck at habeck@indiana.edu.