Evicted West Virginia Fraternites Must Correct Violations Before Moving Back to Houses

WVU Fraternities Trying to Stay Afloat

By Patrick W. Connelly
Co-Editor, The Frat Boy News

Four fraternities evicted from their chapters houses last spring at West Virginia University still aren't allowed to move back.

The university's Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Sigma were kicked out of their houses in May after officials found fire code violations, blocked entrances and exits and holes in ceilings.

Each fraternity was permitted to move back once it had each of the violations corrected, but all four are finding it difficult to raise enough money to help their cause.

Phi Delta Theta is planning to demolish its former house to build a new one, while Phi Kappa Sigma is working to complete a $3 million renovation before moving back in.

Phi Gamma Delta must repair over $500,000 in damages to parts of its chapter house that were in violation. The fraternity received 112 fire code violations before being forced to move out.

"It was never kept up from the 70s," Phi Gamma Delta President Julian Carvalho said. "Not having a central location has been a problem."

Brothers of Pi Kappa Phi are optimistic that by May they'll be able to move back in.

Super Sized Fiji

Frat Guy of the Week: Morgan Spurlock

Morgan Spurlock, the star of the documentary "Super Size Me" and the TV show "30 Days," was a brother of Phi Gamma Delta while he attended New York University.

Spurlock was born in West Virginia and was rejected from the University of Southern California's film school five times before deciding to go to NYU.

Before chronicling eating nothing but McDonald's food for 30 days in the film "Super Size Me," Spurlock created a short lived show on MTV called "I Bet You Will."

Comedy Central has announced plans to feature Spurlock in a new series on the network.

3 WVU Frats Close Over Fire Code Violations

Fire Violations Close WVU Fraternities

Three fraternities at West Virginia University won't have a house when brothers return to the Morgantown campus next fall after they were shut down by the fire chief for code violations.

Since the beginning of May, Phi Sigma Kappa, Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Gamma Delta have been closed because of lack of fire alarms and exits in their houses. The houses of Delta Tau Delta and Beta Theta Pi were also shut down in the past year because of similar violations.

WVVA-TV reported that the fire chief may not be done just yet in his rampage on fun in Morgantown. He was expected to inspect other houses Wednesday, they said.

Ball State Greeks to Experience Changes

BSU's Greek System Adopts Strategic Plan

Boys and girls in Ball State University sororities and fraternities will more than likely see some changes in the campus' Greek system, as the university hopes to increase its numbers by hundreds.

"I think a strategic plan like the one that's been created is essential for any organization that wants to move forward," said Jamie Manuel, a brother of Phi Gamma Delta.

The campus administration introduced a strategic plan for its Greek system last week, outlining big goals they hope to accomplish over the next several years. One of those goals is having sorority houses on campus for the first time in its history.

Currently, only about 8 percent of Ball State students are Greek, but the university hopes to see those numbers rise to about include over 2,000 students by the year 2016.

Vermont FIJIs Cleared of Hazing Charges

Dismissed Hazing Charges Trigger Frat's Demand for Apology

The University of Vermont's chapter of Phi Gamma Delta was recently cleared of hazing charges stemming from a pledge party where they fraternity was accused of gay-bashing and drinking.

The four accused FIJI brothers fought the hazing charges in court, and successfully won the case. A Vermont attorney general appealed the case, but formally dropped all charges Wednesday.

Some of the fraternity's lawyers are now asking the university to apologize to the brothers for giving them a bad name on campus for no reason. The university doesn't plan to apologize, a report said.

The brothers still face a suspension from the university for violating internal policies.

"Dont Worry, I've Never Heard of Me Either"

Frat Guy of the Week: Fiji's Jim Gaffigan

Comedian Jim Gaffigan was a brother of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at Purdue University.

Over the years, Gaffigan has performed stand-up comedy throughout the United States and has had specials featured on Comedy Central. He has had many roles in movies, including a memroable cameo in the classic film Super Troopers.

Today, the FIJI brother continues to do stand-up while making various appearances on television and in commercials.

FIJI Gets Shut Down at Miami of Ohio

Miami Frat Shut Down Over Hazing

When the national office sends an investigative team, something bad is going to happen. Thats what happened to the Phi Gamma Delta chapter at the Miami University of Ohio.

None of the brother suspect the result would be as devastating as it was. At their weekly chapter meeting on Sunday April 1, 2007 the FIJI brothers learned that their chapter was being suspended indefinitely. The were even made to take the fraternity flag off the pole in front of their house.

“Everybody...was shocked,” said Senior Chris Sledzik.

The decision was based on an alleged hazing incident that occurred on March 6th. Several groups of pledges were taken and dropped off at a wooded park. A park ranger spotted the young men and contacted the school suspecting that hazing was taking place. When he approached the men and asked what chapter they were from they lied. He determined they had no idea where they were.

“We are not a bad-intentioned chapter,” Sophomore Matt Schwier said, “we made a mistake.”

In the chain of events that followed the university contacted the national offices of FIJI who sent the investigative team. The team quickly looked into the incident and decided to shut down the 80 man strong, 50 year old chapter.

Bill Martin, executive director of the national fraternity, would not go into details, but would only say “the activities that we discovered are outside of the bounds of acceptable behavior for any group that’s going to carry” the Phi Gamma Delta name.

FIJI and Villanova Basketball Players Team Up for Charity

'Cats, Fraternity Team Up in Charity Effort

Villanova's chapter of Phi Gamma Delta and the university's basketball team worked together to bring smiles to the faces of man children from a Philadelphia hospital.

The Fijis brought kids from St. Mary's Villa for Children to an afternoon basketball practice, where they had an opportunity to listen to coach Jay Wright give a motivational talk, meet the players, and even get some autographs and other free stuff.

"FIJI is extremely thankful for the amount of time and effort that Coach Wright and the rest of the men's basketball team put forth in helping us make this event possible," Rob Bacigalupo, Fiji's philanthropy co-coordinator said. "To see the smiles on the children's faces and the enthusiasm in their voices was truly rewarding and gratifying."

Student Says Texas FIJIs are Racist

Flyer Sitrs Controversy By Alleging Frat Has Racist Pledge Rules

The Greek community at University of Texas was engulfed in controversy this week when someone who claimed to have "the pledge rules" of Phi Gamma Delta posted fliers all over campus listing the supposed rules. The alleged "pledge rules" had a decidedly racist overtone, and offended FIJI brother and non-brother alike.

To the best of our ability, the FratBoyNews has drawn from various sources to show the supposed pledge rules of Phi Gamma Delta of the University of Texas.

1) No headphones (ipod)
2) No awkward convos
3) No SMOKING
4) No facebook
5) No working out
6) No chewing gum
7) No bikes or buses (walk to class!)
8) No Deuschbags
9) No interracial dating
10) No frat parties other than FIJI
11) No concerts
12) No inside bathrooms at the house
13) No crying to Mom
14) No being a pussy (quiting)
15) NO CAT WALK
16) No Mexicans

The list posted above was refuted by various member of the UT Greek community. However it was especially strongly address by FIJI resident Coleman Easely.

"Phi Gamma Delta President Coleman Easely, a Spanish senior, said the documents are libelous, insulting and do not represent the ideals of the fraternity.

"I think labeling an entire organization as racists is a terrible and harmful generalization," Easely said. "Any individuals who have ill feelings about the fraternity are invited to take the time to meet some of the members and see who they truly are."

Easely said the fraternity does not follow the flyer's "rules," adding that they were an ignorant prank. Easely countered the racist rules, including "No Mexicans," saying there are currently two Hispanic FIJI members.

The Texas chapter of Phi Gamma Delta has had problems with racist incidents in the past, including distributing t-shirts with racist messages during a parade in April 1990. However, there are no recent disciplinary actions on record with the Office of the Dean of Students Web site.

By press time, members of the Greek community and offended individuals had taken down most of the flyers."

FratBoyNewsAdmin wonders: Excluding the overtly racist and wrong items (9 &13), is this a list of unofficial but widely adhered to fratboy rules?

Let us know what you think! Post a comment below, let us know if you think these are the unofficial pledge rules for all Greeks

Teens Who Shot at AZ Fiji House Get Sentenced

Drive-by At Frat House Brings Prison Term

As reported by the Tucson Citizen

A Tucson teenager was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison Monday in a drive-by shooting at a University of Arizona fraternity house.

Pima County Superior Court Judge Gus Aragon sentenced William Edward Morgan, 17, to 10 1/2 years for a drive-by shooting, 7 1/2 years for aggravated assault and 2.25 years for endangerment.

Morgan must serve all sentences consecutively, Aragon said.

Morgan and Robert William Ramos, 19, of Tucson, were arrested in the September shooting outside the Phi Delta Gamma fraternity house, 1801 E. First St.

An 18-year-old woman was wounded, police said.

Ramos pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated assault causing serious physical injury. Aragon will sentence Ramos on April 4. Under terms of Ramos' plea, probation is not available.

Related: Teens Who Shot at AZ Fiji House Will Get Jail Time

Come and Knock on My Door

Frat Guy of the Week: John Ritter

John Ritter, of classic TV's "Three's Company," was a brother of Phi Gamma Delta during his time at the University of Southern California. While at USC, Ritter majored in psychology with a minor in architecture.

Ritter went on to make quite a name for himself in Hollywood, starring in the classic 1990s "Problem Child" series and tons of other movies. Sadly, Ritter passed away young in 2003 at the age of 55.

Teens Who Shot at AZ Fiji House Will Get Jail Time

Teen Pleads Guilty in Shooting at Frat House; 2nd Awaits Trial

Last September, two townies talked some shit to some Fiji's that may end up costing them their freedom.

Teenagers William Edward Morgan and Robet William Ramos were in line at a Taco Bell drive-thru last fall when they thought it would be a good idea to start yelling at a few Fiji brothers were walking down a nearby alleyway.

The 2 little thug rats got out of their car, and started throwing punches at the Fijis. It hit the fan when the Phi Gamma Delta brothers realized the 2 kids had a gun. The Fijis took off running back to the safety of their home.

Morgan and Ramos had not yet decided that they had enough, so they go back in the car, and sped up to catch the Fijis. The brothers ran inside their house, and the 2 punks opened fire in the general direction of the fraternity. Shots hit a girl in the stomach who was standing outside talking to a friend. The young woman has now recovered from the incident, but did have to have her galbladder removed as a result of the shooting.

Local police officers who were nearby luckily heard the gunfire, and chased the ratmobile down. Ramos was arrested, but Morgan fled police. Police then arrested the dumbass 2 days later. Morgan is expected to face anywhere from 7 to 39 years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and endangerment after pleading guilty this week. Ramos was appear in court in May.

It's just a guess, but I'm thinking Morgan and Ramos won't get any invites to Fiji Island this year.

FIJIs Return to Case Western

Phi Gamma Delta Returns to Case after 2-year Hiatus

Case Western Reserve University witnessed the return of Phi Gamma Delta after being absent from campus the past two years. Also known as FIJI, the fraternity was established on Case's campus in 1875, but was closed in 2004. While the fraternity was closed for the typical reasons, they were fortunate to maintain their charter, so it did not have to be re-colonized, a which can be an involved process.

Representatives of FIJI are on Case's campus recruiting prospective men. They have employed the help of the several sororities on campus in the recruiting process. Each sorority will recieve points for the men they recommend and actually pledge.

"We are very thankful for the sorority recommendations," said FIJI field secretary Marcus Hitt. "We'd met with many interested men even before the info sessions, which is unusual."

Phi Gamma Delta has several inovative programs in place to promote academics. The Academic Acheivement Award is a $250 prize awarded to pledges who maintain a 3.0 gpa during pledging. Non-members at Case can apply for the White Star scholarships, worth up to $1000 a year. There is also scholarships for members that have been established by Case's FIJI alumni, which total over $10,000 a year.

Congratulations on the return to Case Western, FIJI's. We know campus will benefit from a few good men under one roof.

Ball State FIJI Brother Missing

Student Missing Since Saturday

Ball State FIJI senior Derek Brewington dissappeared Saturday morning from the university, but police now have new evidence in his whereabouts.

Brewington was last seen at the Phi Gamma Delta house where he lives last weekend. His friends and family have not heard from him since Saturday, and are becoming increasingly concerned.

New leads in the case were discovered this week when police said they found that Brewington sold his car to an Indianapolis dealership and then bought a train ticket to New York.

Reports say the FIJI mentioned last week of possibly taking a train trip to New York during spring break, but didnt say anything else. Friends say he did take his laptop, razor, and some clothes with his, but neglected to bring his cell phone charger. All calls to his cell phone have gone directly to his voicemail.

"We were at a friend's house drinking," said a close friend of Brewington, "and we didn't come together and we didn't leave together. I just saw him there." His roommate said he did not sleep in his room the night prior to his dissappearance.

"Pretty much our biggest theory is that he just left," his roommate said, mentioning that he was very eccentric and left to possibly do his own thing for a few days to clear his mind.

FIJI Tree Thieves Get the Shaft

Fraternity punished in theft of tree;WPI takes action, Fiji willing to pay

As a follow-up to our previous feature "FIJI members busted for stealing Christmas". Here's an article that spells out the aftermath of the Great Tree Theft of 2006. The highlights include: 720 hours of community service, and $7,000 to replace the tree, which was apparently nearly forty feet tall, before being hacked down to a two foot stump. I asked my friend about his incident a Thiel College. His reads like a laundry list of what not to do: in a public park, broad daylight, wearing fraternity letters. They definitely got the double secret probation.

FIJI members busted for stealing Christmas

Frat pledges to be questioned on tree theft
Frat Pledges Admit Stealing Big Tree In Worcester

A Christmas tradition for many fraternities goes bad when the Phi Gamma Delta pledges at Worcester Polytechnic Institute violate the number one rule: DON'T EVER GET CAUGHT. "Certainly, our fraternity doesn't condone behavior like theft," said Brent Shannon, president of the WPI chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. I know a person involved in a similar incident at Thiel College a few years ago. It wasn't pretty.