IFC delays fraternity bids until after weekend events

Prospective members of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) will not be participating in Homecoming activities with their potential fraternity.

The IFC decided last spring to give out bids to potential members starting Monday, after Homecoming has ended.

"Originally bids were supposed to come out last week," Steve DiOrio, IFC president, said. "But then we decided that the recruitment period would've been too short."

Typically the potential members design and build the fraternity's float and interact with each other and the members throughout the week.

"It is great for the guys who want to join the fraternity to experience Homecoming," said Dave Bertelo (senior-crime, law and justice), a member of Zeta Beta Tau, 238 E. Fairmont Ave. "It is one of the best events of the year for most of us."

The unanimous decision to move the date was made by the IFC President's Council, which consists of all of the fraternity presidents.

DiOrio said, "We haven't heard any complaints from them or from any of the prospective members."

The date of this year's Homecoming, which is two weeks earlier than last year's festivities, was set early last year by the Penn State Alumni Association and Intercollegiate Athletics.

"Selecting a weekend in October or early November is preferable in order to give all of the student organizations time to put together their floats and organize all the Homecoming activities," said Jeff Nelson, sports information director. "October dates also usually provide a better chance for nice weather."

The prospective members of Panhellenic Council (PHC) sororities will have the opportunity to participate in Homecoming activities for their organization, unlike their male counterparts. PHC pledges received bids Sept. 20.

"Weeklong events like Homecoming are a great way to get to know the sisters and the girls in the pledge class," said Julie Hancher (sophomore-political science and psychology), a member of Sigma Kappa, Stone Hall. "It's definitely an advantage for the current and prospective members to work together during an event."