On Saturday, the Ohio Kappa chapter of Phi Kappa Psi received their charter.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Assistant Director, Dennis Campbell, said receiving a charter from an organization is recognition as an established national chapter. When Greek organizations join campus, they are referred to as a colony, which can be defined as a organization that is awaiting official recognition from their headquarters.

Colonies must meet a number of requirements before receiving recognition from their headquarters. These requirements vary between each organization, but most require a chapter average 3.0 GPA, a number of community service hours per member and significant philanthropic contributions. Once they meet these requirements, they can then apply to become a chartered chapter.

The major difference between a colony and chartered chapter include voting rights while with the Interfraternity Council (IFC). Voting rights give chapters the freedom to express their voice within the Greek community.

Phi Kappa Psi was recognized on campus in the 1970s but their charter was revoked due to low membership. In 2015, expansion consultants from the organization came to Kent State to start a colony with intentions to recharter, thanks to Bryce Kepple, a current senior and legacy of Phi Kappa Psi. Kepple contacted national headquarters to ask them to consider revisiting Kent State.

“When you step on to campus as a freshman, you have options to get involved in campus organizations and Greek life,” Kepple said.  “I got involved, but I didn’t feel a connection to any the fraternities on campus and I knew that something was missing. Brotherhoods are not built single handedly, but growing up around Phi Psi’s my whole life made me realize that this fraternity needed to be on campus.”

Kepple said his most rewarding experiences have come from opportunities given to him by the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

“Without Bryce’s phone call, we might not be here today,” said Andrew Oltmanns, Phi Kappa Psi President.

Phi Kappa Psi has recruited new members on campus since the fall semester of 2015 by engaging with potential new members. There are 34 current members of the Kent State chapter.

“Having such strong core values can make it challenging to recruit the right men, but there are always people out there who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Oltmanns said.

Hana Hodali is the Greek life reporter. Contact her at [email protected].