The greek community will have to wait until the spring semester to receive greek identification cards, because of an influx of projects at Penn State's ID+ office.

"We're going to hold off until the spring, when the ID+ office can handle us," said Andy Hackett, Interfraternity Council president.

ID+ office manager Cynthia Kellerman said "too many other big projects" were scheduled for this semester, but added the ID+ office can handle the greek IDs in the spring.

"We can do without it, but preferably I would have liked to have them this semester," said Wole Adegbonmire, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). "All the plans we have, now we need to hold them until next semester."

Initially, the office of fraternity and sorority life looked into the possibility of getting the IDs made by an outside business to have them sooner, but the price difference was too steep, said Jared Brown, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life.

"Because of the expense, it would benefit the community to wait until the spring," Brown said.

Hackett said the price offered by the ID+ office was $2.50 per ID card, while outside contractors offered $4 each.

"With 4,000 greeks receiving cards, that's a hefty sum," he said.

Kellerman said the ID+ office never gave a definite price and she has yet to receive confirmation from the greek community that the ID cards will be made in the ID+ office in the spring.

Hackett said the presidents of the individual IFC chapters have not yet voted on using the ID+ office, but with a difference of about $6,000, he thinks they will decide to wait rather than hire a private contractor.

The cards will look similar to Penn State IDs and will be able to be scanned for quick identification at greek events, Hackett said.

Brown said the price of the ID cards will be covered by member dues and money already in the greek council budgets.

Hackett added he hopes to start a marketing campaign to get further funding.

"We're finding ways to finance it," Hackett said.

Hackett also said discounts might be available for those who carry greek ID cards.

"We've been proactive in getting discounts," Hackett said. "Any organization is able to do that, and I would encourage them to."

Kevin Kerr, director of fraternity and sorority life, said although there has been some controversy surrounding the making of the ID cards, it is only a way to improve the greek community, not separate greeks from non-greeks.

"It's not a division," Kerr said. "It's trying to help the community do even better."Brown said he agreed.

"There should be benefits of being greek." Brown said. "There should be benefits of being involved, period." He said students should join the community if they want to get the benefits.