After loss of 2 chapters, IFC approves TKE charter

After months of conversation, the Interfraternity President’s Council unanimously approved the addition of Tau Kappa Epsilon into the IFC on Tuesday.

Regional TKE representatives, as well as members from other Indiana chapters, attended the president’s council meeting.

The fraternity has a large presence at the IU-Southeast New Albany campus, IFC Vice President of Communications William Kragie said.

A transfer student worked toward starting a chapter at IU-Bloomington.
Prior to its approval, TKE was a fraternity on campus, but it wasn’t recognized by the IFC.

In order to seek approval, Kragie said, TKE members at IU had to first demonstrate they could uphold the minimum standards of values like leadership and civic engagement that are expected of all IFC-recognized chapters.

The approval comes after the loss of two IFC chapters: Acacia, whose charter was revoked by the University in May, and Alpha Delta Phi, a smaller, unhoused fraternity no longer recognized by its national organization.

Kragie said TKE currently has about 20 founding members and hopes to expand to about 40 students.

Now that TKE is recognized by the IFC, the fraternity can establish a membership education process and begin to recruit new members, Kragie said.

“They’re excited to be part of a large, vibrant greek community,” he said. “And we’re excited to have them.”

— Kirsten Clark