Phi Kap gets its charter back

After four years of inactivity, the University's second-oldest fraternity officially regained its charter in a ceremony Saturday. Penn's Alpha chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma -- the fraternity's original chapter -- lost its charter in July 1994, nearly 150 years after its 1850 founding. The reactivation of the charter means that the 45 current members who recolonized the chapter last February will now be formally recognized as a Phi Kap chapter, rather than as a colony. According to several officials, Phi Kap's national office and alumni made a joint decision to close the Alpha chapter because of behavior problems, risk management violations -- including the possession of beer kegs -- and an inability to adhere to the standards of the fraternity. Bob Miller, the fraternity's national executive vice president, said that after visiting campus about four years ago, he thought it would be a good idea to "close the chapter down for two or three years," adding that "downtime is something that can be helpful." Phi Kap's National President Peter Nichols explained that the behavior problems ranged from basic neglect to destruction of the house. After Phi Kap lost its charter, its alumni housing corporation -- which owns the property at 3539 Locust Walk -- leased the house to the Delta Delta Delta sorority, making Tri-Delt the first and only sorority on the Walk. Phi Kap's current members are set to reinhabit the house in the fall. Phi Kap President and Wharton junior Jeff Snyder, a Daily Pennsylvanian columnist, explained that the brothers put together a hard bound petition to prove they meet the fraternities requirements, such as adequate membership, a minimum of the average all-male grade point average at the University and knowledge of the history of the fraternity. A colony can complete the "challenge" proscribed by the national office in no less than six months and no more than two years, according to Nichols. "We're really pleased with this chapter," Miller said. "They completed the process in a little over a year." But Bart Barre, president of the Phi Kap alumni housing corporation, said that the brothers still have a lot to accomplish. "The hard part is now moving forward as a positive influence on campus," he said. Barre, whose son is an alumni of Phi Kap at Penn, added that he sees no reason why the chapter would not be able to make positive contributions. Nichols agreed. "The difference between the kids that were there before from now is that the young men there now are interested in the program the fraternity has to offer," he said. "The guys before were interested in a place to party and live close to campus."