A rape that reportedly occurred during an early-December fraternity party has renewed concern about sexual assault education and awareness among members of the University community.

According to the State College Bureau of Police Services, a University student was reportedly raped near Fraternity Row while attending a fraternity party.

The police will not release the name of the fraternity or the exact date of the crime. However, published newspaper accounts have indicated the rape occurred Dec. 8 or Dec. 9. Published newspaper accounts have also said the suspect is "affiliated with the fraternity," according to police.

The student has not yet filed charges and the police are not investigating the incident, police said.

Centre Community Hospital reported the incident to the State College police on Dec. 11. Under state law, if a patient enters a hospital with injuries that appear to be inflicted by violence, the hospital is required to report it.

But State College police Lt. Carmine Prestia said, "Without charges there is almost nothing the police can do."

"You cannot force anyone to come in and answer questions except a suspect," Prestia said. "If you don't have a victim, you can't investigate."

Prestia added that victims of violent crimes are often reluctant to press charges or speak to police after the incident has been reported by the hospital.

Many students and student leaders said they were not surprised to hear about the alleged rape. Others, however, expressed surprise at the possibility of rape in this community.

"It's something you don't think would happen in State College," Mark Walter (senior-marketing) said.

Five on-campus rapes were reported to University Police Services between July 1, 1988 and June 30, 1989. In three of these cases, the suspects were identified. Figures were not available for the period beginning July 1, 1989.

Members of the Greek system have noted that sexual assault is something the entire University must face, not just fraternities.

"Rape isn't a problem of the fraternities. It's a problem of the whole society," said Kelly Ayotte, Panhellenic Council president.

J.P. Muir, chapter programs chairman for the Interfraternity Council, said rape is a possibility whenever alcohol is present because of its influence on people's behavior.

Muir said he works with student counselors and Patty Johnstone, sexual assault counselor for the Center for Women Students, to develop and co-sponsor rape awareness programs for the Greek community.

"We are sensitive to the issues," Muir said, adding that IFC encourages fraternities to address the issues themselves by developing their own programs.

Each year there are mandatory programs on sexual assault awareness and prevention that every fraternity pledge at Penn State must attend, Muir said.

The IFC responds to each reported rape on a case-by-case basis, said Tom Lynch, IFC president. After a woman presses charges with the authorities, the IFC waits for the police to finish their investigation to avoid interference, he said.

He added that if a woman chooses not to press charges with the police, she has the option of filing a complaint with IFC for investigation.

Pam Gerber, advocate for victims and witnesses, said another option for women is to file a complaint with the Office of Conduct Standards.

Tammy Foust, co-director of the Undergraduate Student Government's Department of Women's Concerns, said her department is aware of a number of rapes that have occurred at fraternities, but many go unreported.

Foust said a fraternity's all-male setting and atmosphere may encourage them to protect a member accused of committing rape.

"It seems too easy of a place to get away with (rape). It should be one of the hardest places to get away with it," Foust said.

Party situations, especially when alcohol is present, may increase the chance for dangerous situations, Gerber said.

Tracy Lewis Withall (graduate-health education) said increased sexual assault education is needed for members of the fraternity system and that this programming should be reinforced by a change in attitude.

But in order for programs to be effective, people must come into them with an open mind, Foust said.

IFC educational programs at fraternities are working for some members, said Robyn Walls, director of USG's Department of Safety.

She noted that two fraternity members marched during last semester's Take Back the Night march and others showed their support by cheering as the marchers passed through Fraternity Row.

Staff reporter Mary Lannon contributed to this report.