Higher standards plus aid for Fijis after bar raised

By Stacey Grant
Staff Reporter

Phi Gamma Delta fraternity members may have to hit the books harder this semester.

One of the chapter requirements to lift its probation for suspected hazing is to establish a 3.0 cumulative GPA for the semester, a mark only two of 10 social fraternities made last fall.

James Parker, assistant dean of Campus Life, said no member can have a GPA below 2.5 for the semester. The grade requirements were not enforced last semester because the fraternity’s probation came so late in the year, he said.

“In order for each fraternity to reach its highest potential, we must set high goals so it can go after them and meet them head on,” Parker said.

Some fraternity members say that they’re happy to get a second chance, even if they don’t love every provision.

“Sure, it sucks we can’t have alcohol at our parties,” junior Justin Lemon said. “However, we’re trying to get on good status again, and we’ll do whatever it takes.”

The fraternity says its implementing new policies to meet its probation.
Fiji President Chris Duty said members who have a GPA below 2.5 must participate in eight hours of study hall each week this semester. A $200 scholarship will also be available for pledges with a 3.0 or higher as well as a chapter endowment by Fiji parents for members with a 3.5 or greater. Fiji has never had study hours or scholarships before, Duty said.

J.B. Goll, director of chapter services for Fiji International Headquarters, said the fraternity has successfully completed last semester’s sanctions, including non-alcoholic social events and supervision by Fiji alumni. This semester the fraternity must adhere to last semester’s sanctions and develop educational programs, Goll said.

Duty says the sanctions are an award since the fraternity is allowed to throw one party with alcohol. It was barred from any such events after being placed on probation in October.

“This semester, they can have as many social events as they want as long as there is no alcohol present,” Parker said.

Fiji is working with TCU and their national office to fulfill the sanctions given with their probation, Duty said.

“No parties have been approved for sure yet,” he said. “But we’re planning on having one called ‘How much fun can you have without alcohol?’”

Parker said if the fraternity meets all of its requirements and remains incident free this semester, it may petition its national office and TCU to have a party with alcohol next semester.

Sophomore Fiji member Drew Corbett said not having alcohol at parties is not an issue and it is a matter of learning to have fun a different way.

The chapter is being supervised by a graduate trusteeship made up of eight Fiji alumni, Duty said. The alumni meet weekly with Duty and the Fiji treasurer and attend most of their chapter meetings, he said.

Fiji is also in the process of developing five educational programs for the chapter, Parker said. There will be one open to the campus this semester to show a video warning students on the dangers of excessive drinking and hazing, Duty said.