A UF fraternity formerly banned from recruitment this semester will now be allowed to take on new members after appealing its punishment.
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, known as Phi Delt, was placed on conduct probation by the UF Dean of Students Office in November. UF charged Phi Delt with harboring underage drinking at an Aug. 30 event.
Phi Delt was originally prohibited from spring recruitment and from hosting social events through summer.
In addition to regaining spring recruitment, Phi Delt is now allowed to have alcohol at one social event this semester.
Phi Delt already had sanctions from previous incidents imposed by its national office, such as reducing the number of members in the fraternity, said Steve Orlando, UF spokesman.
Orlando said UF didn't want to overload the fraternity with punishments.
The fraternity must still conduct two risk-management trainings with 90 percent member attendance. Eighty percent of its members must also each complete two hours of community service.
The service hours cannot be done through a Phi Delt philanthropy project, which is a Phi Delt-sponsored fundraiser.
Chris Loschiavo, assistant dean and director of Student Judicial Affairs, said Phi Delt needs to be careful this semester to stay out of trouble.
"The whole university will be keeping an eye on them," Loschiavo said. "And they should keep an eye on themselves."
Wills Citty, Phi Delt public relations chairman, said the fraternity was pleased with the decisions, particularly the reversal of barred recruitment. With a new executive board, Citty said Phi Delt would turn over a new leaf this semester.
These aren't the out-of-control "Animal House" days of the '70s and '80s, he said.
As for his advice to other Greek houses, "You just really gotta watch your tails," he said.
