The largest student-run philanthropy in the nation will put 1,200 volunteers, hundreds of spectators and 32 Four Diamonds Fund families in White Building -- not to mention the 540 dancers.

Marathon participants and organizers have expressed concern about the limited space available in White Building and the ensuing registration restrictions.

But the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Council Dance Marathon must comply with Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry occupancy codes stating each dancer must have seven square feet of floor space.

"As of now, the University has not been able to provide us with an alternate sight," Financial Committee Chairperson Darby Robinson said. "Rec Hall is the only other building we could use, and it is already full for this time of year with sporting events and concerts."

Robinson said some organizers would "jump at the chance" to hold the event in a larger facility if the opportunity presented itself.

Greek Life Coordinator Richard Funk said University and marathon officials have not seriously discussed moving the marathon to a larger building to accommodate more dancers.

"We have to think about two things -- cost and security," Funk said. "There is no other building on campus which we could secure as well as the White Building and the costs involved in moving the event would outweigh the extra amount of money raised for the charity."

Though the current facilities may be restrictive, the building's second, smaller gym does allow dancers to conveniently store their belongings, Overall Marathon Chairman Marc Hourvitz said.

"The White Building is set up nicely for the marathon," Hourvitz said.

Despite the building's advantages, the limited space does create registration problems because demand exceeds available space, Rules and Regulations Chairman Dennis Foley said.

This year's marathon attracted more applicants than in previous years, said Rick Derrickson, Rules and Regulations Committee member.

Hourvitz said four couples may represent each Greek organization while each independent group may sponsor one couple.

"The Greek community has been raising the larger portion of money to the event and it is our way of thanking them," Hourvitz said.

"People were trying to register as independents and we had no way of knowing at the time that they were trying to sign up for a separate organization," Derrickson said. "We are still debating what to do to fix the situation."

Hourvitz said the rules may exclude a certain number of people from getting into the event, but that registration officials "try their best" to accommodate the constantly growing demand.

Foley said this year's registration problems were unexpected, but in the future they should be remedied.

Part of the problem will be soon be fixed because since some Greek organizations recently decided to give independents the chance to dance by giving up some of their spaces, he said.

Registration for the marathon began Jan. 21 and 22 for Greek organizations; non-Greek student groups and independent groups registered Jan. 23 and 24, while the remaining 50 spaces were allocated Jan. 25.

Couples from 11 Commonwealth campuses registered by mail for the event.

"We take first-come, first-served on the last day of registrations after all the other groups are registered," Robinson said. "Some people were turned away, but (the marathon) does not usually lose their pledges since most of them donate the money to their respective organizations."

"Unfortunately on the last day of registration we were overcome by a rush of people in the morning," Hourvitz said. "This is unique to this year."

Hourvitz said that he "would love to have as many people dance as there are who want to dance," and added that "unfortunately, due to our facilities, we have to draw the line somewhere."

"Even though some people are kept out, it is really great to know how much people really support the event. Its popularity has dramatically increased over the past few years resulting in a wish for more space," Foley said. "But you have to remember that we started out in the HUB Ballroom."