The Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, which was de-recognized by the university two years ago, was granted permission by Associate Dean of Students Matt Burns this week to begin the process of re-recognition.
The first step in the reapplication process is an application proposal which was recently submitted for review by the administration.
A decision is to be reached by the end of the semester as to whether the fraternity will be re-recognized and allowed to participate in rush for the 2005-2006 school year.
Members of the fraternity met with Dean Burns last semester in which the decision was reached to file the proposal stating both the fraternities intentions as well as their reasons why they want to be re-recognized.
“The administration seems enthusiastic about our reapplication,” junior Josh Rosen said. “We have followed the rules set forth in our disciplinary action.”
Included in the disciplinary action the fraternity suffered two years ago was the disallowing of any official events, both on and off campus.
“If we are re-recognized, our numbers will definitely be lower. The number of people we have rush in the fall really depends on how much involvement the school will let us have this semester,” Rosen said. “We are hopeful right now, so we are going to have to see what happens later in the semester.”
Cogeneration construction
continues with new pipeline
The cogeneration project is continuing with visible developments on both the River Campus and at the Medical Center. Underground pipelines are being installed next to Schlegel Hall and Strong Auditorium as weather permits.
In addition, a section of the piping was installed by the Intercampus Drive Lot over the winter break.
“Most visible construction is installation of hot water piping in front of Schlegel,” Director of Central Utilities and Energy Management David Weed said. “The biggest impact it will have on students right now is an impaired walkway around the area. However, when it is finished it will help to bring hot water to more areas on campus.”
The piping comes as the second part of the cogeneration project which is also adding a large addition to the Century Utilities Plant.
The construction began last fall in the Plant with demolition work and the actual start of piping began in November.
Both parts of the project have been running smoothly thus far.
However, with the weather turning bad it may not be until the spring, or whenever it is clearer outside, that workers can finish their project.
“Everything is still weather dependent,” Weed said. “We have to continue analyzing the conditions further. With the weather turning bad recently, we may need to finish up what we can this week then pick it back up in spring.”
Construction updates are made regularly on the cogeneration web site as well as on the live Webcams that are located at the same site. Daily updates are sent to the UR forum.
“We encourage people to check out the website as well as e-mail any questions they have about the project and we will respond quickly,” Weed said.
Reporting by Emily Paret.
