A different kind of fraternity experience

While men's spring recruitment is coming to a close for most fraternities, it is just getting started for some academic fraternities on campus. Students looking for opportunities in leadership, scholarship and philanthropy might consider one of IU's academic and service fraternities or honorary organizations.\nMu Phi Epsilon, recognized by IU as the exclusive co-ed professional music fraternity, is just starting its spring recruitment with an informational meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday evening in Music Annex 006. The Epsilon Omicron Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon was chartered at IU in 1952, but has been inactive for several years. Kimberly Koniecki, second-year masters student in arts and administration and rush chair of Mu Phi Epsilon, said she is excited about the prospects Mu Phi Epsilon offers students. \n"It's a great opportunity for fellowship, friendship and numerous other possibilities," Koniecki said. The Mu Phi Epsilon Memorial Foundation offers scholarship opportunities to its members. Mu Phi Epsilon, like many other academic fraternities on campus, is also active in philanthropy. Koniecki said they plan to hold a benefit concert sometime in the spring donating the proceeds to a worthy cause that is yet to be determined. \n"Benefits go beyond members' college years," Koniecki said. Students are encouraged to join alumni chapters to help them maintain their fellowship and hopefully continue the friendships they formed while being a member of the fraternity here at IU.\nOne of the reasons students join such organizations is for the networking opportunities they provide after graduation.\nBeta Alpha Psi, an accounting fraternity, is an international honorary organization for financial information students and professionals.\nPatrick Whitaker, president of IU's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, said the fraternity allows members to develop interpersonal skills and learn about their profession.\n"There are many social opportunities to network within the chapter and with professionals and alumni from around the country," Whitaker said.\nFirman Notohadiwidjojo, president of Sigma Iota Epsilon, a business fraternity said its members see both tangible and intangible benefits of joining the fraternity.\n"Tangible benefits include a membership certificate and a jewelry pin," Notohadiwidjojo said. "The intangibles are the networking opportunities with professors, companies and interview opportunities."\nAccording to its national Web site, SIE's goal is to "encourage and recognize scholastic excellence and to promote cooperation between the academic and practical aspects of management."\nThe Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed service fraternity existing nationally for over 75 years that claims to have "set the standard for college campus-based volunteerism."\nChris Torres, a sophomore biology major, is a member of APO service fraternity at IU. \n"I love being part of it," Torres said. "There are so many opportunities to volunteer and make a difference, to give back to the community we live in."\nTorres said APO regularly volunteers at Hoosier Hills and holds canned food drives throughout the year.\nAnnually, APO holds a "rubber duck race" in Jordan River. \n"People donate money to purchase a rubber duck," Torres said. "The duck races against other ducks that people have sponsored and the winner gets some nice prizes. The proceeds go to a worthy cause."\nRequirements for these fraternities vary by chapter. \n-- Contact Staff Writer Pat Giese at pgiese@indiana.edu.