The new semester has signaled many changes for the Interfraternity Council, including a new president and some new policies.

At this semester's first Interfraternity Council (IFC) meeting, President Brian Bertges spoke about an ongoing effort to improve relations within the greek community. "We feel as we are not one," Bertges told the group of about 50 fraternity representatives. "You need to get your chapters on the same page as the greek community."

During the meeting, Kevin Spangler, president of Triangle Fraternity, 226 E. Beaver Ave., voiced concerns about objects that were recently stolen from the fraternity house. Spangler said he thinks the theft may have been committed by members of the greek community, because items of sentimental value, such as fraternity paddles and old Triangle fraternity photos were stolen, while other merchandise of monetary value remained untouched.

Bertges said there are both organizational and brotherhood factors that need improvement. "Let's stop the games," Bertges said in reaction to Spangle's complaint.

Jared Brown, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life, said chapters tend to get caught up in their own organization and forget that, in general, they are supposed to help each other.

"I think that at Penn State we live in a bubble," Brown said. He said the IFC is trying to reach out to the entire community.

Bertges said it is not only necessary to strengthen ties within the greek community, but also among the greek community, the university and the State College community.

Chris Brehm, a member of the community relations committee, said he will be keeping track of the State College Borough Council to help strengthen ties to the borough. "We all want to know what happens in State College," he said.

Brown said he feels it would be a good idea if an IFC member attended borough council meetings because they are all members of the State College community.

The IFC also made an immediate change to the location of meetings. The meeting on Monday was held at Theta Delta Chi fraternity, 305 E. Prospect Ave., instead of its usual location in the Henderson Building.

Bertges said the IFC will be traveling to different fraternities throughout the semester, allowing executive board members to tour them and expand their horizons. "The executive board wanted people to realize there are other fraternity houses than the ones they usually associate with," he added.

During the meeting, a paper was handed out to the representatives that included a poll about the level of last semester's recruitment and overall number of members in each house, which the fraternity members were required to complete.

Bertges said recruitment levels were high overall, but some chapters had lower numbers than others. "I know they are trying to advertise a little better," Brown said. "Only 10 percent of the campus is greek, and that is not a lot compared to other communities. Other communities advertise more through events and brochures. What they [the IFC] are attempting is a step in the right direction."