As two fraternities face possible eviction from their houses in May, members of both are attempting to convince State College that they've improved their images.

On Oct. 16, the borough named Tau Kappa Epsilon, 346 E. Prospect Ave., and Phi Kappa Tau, 408 E. Fairmount Ave., "nuisance properties" for receiving rental permit violations, including disorderly conduct and excessive noise.

The two fraternities are now awaiting an administrative review decision from Borough Manager Tom Fountaine to see if their rental permits will be suspended. The fraternities appealed the suspension in mid-November and are waiting for the borough's decision.

Until the borough concludes its review, the fraternities are working on improving their community image, their advisers said.

"We have made an appeal to the borough manager, and we are discussing the appeal and certain conditions between the borough and our fraternity,"

Phi Kappa Tau adviser David Lapinski said.

Phi Kappa Tau committed to two years of service as a Centre Region "Park Partner" for East Fairmount Park after receiving the suspension, Lapinski said.

The fraternity will help to maintain the park's grounds by participating in three group workdays each year, he said.

He said he hopes the fraternity will continue to be a "Park Partner" after its two-year contract with the park is complete.

"We want to be better members of the community," he said.

Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity is also planning on engaging in community service and completing a "corrective action plan," Tau Kappa Epsilon adviser William Nickerson said. He declined to comment on the plan until after the borough makes its decision on the appeal.

If the fraternities' rental permits are revoked, their members will need to move out in May when their leases expire, Fountaine said. The permit would suspend the fraternities' rental privileges for six months, allowing them to move back into the properties after the suspension is completed, Fountaine said.

Fountaine said the decision should come in two to three weeks.

Phi Kappa Tau and Tau Kappa Epsilon are the only fraternities that have ever appealed to the borough concerning rental permits, the advisers said.

"We are the first to go through the [appeal] process -- this is new ground for everybody involved," Lapinski said, citing the lack of precedence for the wait.

Nickerson agreed, saying the borough is taking extra precautions.

"I don't think it's ever been done before. This is the first time, so everyone is being very careful," Nickerson said.

Both advisers declined to comment on what the fraternities would do if Fountaine does not accept their appeals.

"We are optimistic and confident," Nickerson said. "We are working on an agreement of the rules we live by in order to have our appeal granted -- we expect to reach an agreement with them soon."