The Interfraternity Council plans to hold hearings to determine if any University policies -- including those outlawing hazing -- were violated during an incident at a fraternity this weekend.

Greek Adviser Rick Funk said IFC has undertaken investigations concerning a disorderly conduct citation issued Friday to Delta Theta Sigma fraternity, 101 N. Patterson St.

The State College Bureau of Police Services cited the fraternity after a member, clad only in his underwear in six-degree temperatures, was reportedly hung upside down from a tree. Food was thrown at the member as he hung from his ankles, witnesses told police.

"I thought it was inappropriate because it was a situation that could have put someone's life in jeopardy," said IFC President Rod Hutter, adding that the incident has had a negative impact on the Greek system.

"(IFC) is in motion," he said.

David Miko, Delta Theta Sigma's chapter president, yesterday declined to comment on the situation.

The College Fraternity Secretaries Association defines hazing in the IFC bylaws as "an action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." The association opposes "hazing and pre-initiation activities which do not contribute to the positive development and welfare of pledges and members."

The individual was a voluntary participant and is not pressing charges, police said.

"Right now we're in the process of investigating (the case)," said Kevin Bostick, IFC Board of Control chairman. The Board of Control serves as IFC's judicial committee.

"We have to understand what happened with the incident," Bostick added.

The man who had been hung by his ankles was participating in the fraternity's "poling" tradition for recently engaged members, Miko said in an interview Sunday.

IFC will evaluate the concept of "poling" and take steps to prevent future occurrences, Hutter said.

Donald Suit, director of the University Office of Conduct Standards, said he expects to receive case information later this week. Individual investigators, the IFC and the police may submit reports, he said.

"We only handle individual actions," Suit said, adding that reports must contain enough evidence to indicate individual involvement.