The outcome of Pi Kappa Alpha's final appeal has left fraternity members with a reason to celebrate.

Vice President for Campus Life Saundra Taylor made the decision based on findings made by the University Hearing Board, composed of faculty, students and staff, to which Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) made its last plea.

Because of Taylor's decision, the fraternity will be eligible to reapply for recognition in fall 2004 ÷ a year earlier than Dean of Students Veda Kowalski's original disciplinary measure allowed.

The fraternity will be eligible for expansion, or acceptance by the university, in January 2005.

The hearing board recommended that Pike be eligible to reapply for recognition after 18 months, in May 2004. In addition, the board proposed that Pike members fulfill a variety of sanctions that included 1,000 hours of community service each semester and a full semester of probation, if or when the fraternity receives recognition in the future.

Taylor's final decision was a compromise between the recommendations of the hearing board and the Dean of Students.

She decided to suspend Pike's recognition for two years, rather than the 18 months. Also, Taylor will not require the fraternity to fulfill the sanctions that the hearing board recommended.

"There was just enough history there that I think they needed something more significant to get them to change their behavior," Taylor said. "But I was not trying to send the message that we never want them back on campus."

Pike lost university recognition Dec. 13 for alcohol infractions that violated the fraternity's parole status.

We went in there and we showed (the hearing board) that we are a changed fraternity -Drew Baxter, Pike President

"Something happened on bid night. It was a very minor, minor infraction," said Pike President Drew Baxter. "We went in there and we showed (the hearing board) that we are a changed fraternity."

Since the fraternity was originally placed on probation in February 2001, more than 60 members have been kicked out. Pike has improved its internal judicial board, making it stricter, as officers decided to raise minimum GPA requirements and started tutoring and mentoring program within the house. In addition, members have performed more hours of community service, Baxter said.

"Most importantly, the overall attitude has changed. We have more of a mentality to be gentlemen and do the right thing, not because we have to but because it is the right thing," he said.

Whether the chapter will keep its national charter remains unknown, but fraternity advisors are optimistic, Baxter said.

"Our advisors are pretty positive, they're pretty happy, and they're really pleased with the way we have handled it."