For many student organizations, getting dancer couples for their groups in the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon might not be guaranteed.

Due to the large number of organizations that applied for dancers, a lottery system must be used to determine who can sponsor couples this year and who cannot.

"We don't want to turn anyone away," said Kelly Croce, overall public relations chair for Thon. "But we also don't want anyone to be unsafe. Rec Hall's floor is only so big, we can only fit a certain number of people on it. Safety comes first and we can't be violating fire codes."

New organizations must raise at least $750 for one slot in the lottery. For every additional $150 the group raises, the organizations are given another slot. If they are selected in the lottery, they are allowed one couple.

"New organizations are not guaranteed any dancers," said Walt Breuninger, Thon overall chair. "We have had this lottery in the past, and almost every organization usually gets at least one couple."

Currently, there are approximately 49 greek organizations registered and about 150 student organizations registered for Thon 2001.

"We still can't be sure of the new organization's chances of winning the lottery because registration doesn't end until (today)," said Breuninger.

"If an organization doesn't win the lottery it's their choice what to do with the money they raised. We will, of course, encourage them to give it to Thon because it will still go toward the same cause and to the same children. Also, the organization will have $750 on their record for the next year."

Greek organizations are required to raise more money per dance couple to register than other student groups. While two non-greek organizations who pair up must raise $5,000 for a total of 8 dancers, fraternities and sororities must raise $7,500 for the same number of dancers.

"Thon is often seen as a greek event because they sponsor it," said Croce. "However, more and more different organizations from the Undergraduate Student Government to the Outdoors Club are participating. We really try and encourage everyone to participate."

The lottery will take place at 5 p.m. today on the third floor of the Willard Building.