What started as a fledgling group last year is well on its way to becoming a recognized Ohio University fraternity.

OU's chapter of Delta Lambda Phi, the national fraternity for gay, bisexual and progressive men, began its local existence last fall as a group with seven members, an adviser and hardly any money or campus recognition.

The organization now has 13 members and two pledges, and it has participated in numerous community service projects. It is working toward recognition as a registered OU fraternity.

While Delta Lambda Phi is only an official OU student organization, Carole Cox, assistant director of greek life and student organizations, said she felt the group would be successful in obtaining colony status and eventually becoming chartered like other fraternities.

The organization must take steps to become a chartered member of the OU greek community.

First, the Interfraternity Council (IFC) must vote whether OU can support another fraternity. The council considers such factors as enrollment, greek recruitment and campus support, Cox said.

If the IFC votes in favor of expansion, an administrative greek life committee reviews the IFC decision and votes again. The vice president of student affairs makes the final decision regarding expansion in general.

Second, a committee from greek life decides what organizations should be invited to give on-campus presentations to be considered for expansion. Then, the IFC chooses which organizations would be the best addition to the OU community. A group invited to expand to OU is called a colony, Cox said.

"I think our year has been very successful," said Delta Lambda Phi member and former vice president Dale Edwards. "Our main goal was to create a sense of community within the gay community at OU, and I think we've done that."

Faculty adviser Ron Hunt, associate professor of political science, said he was surprised and impressed to see the group grow.

"I was surprised to see so much involvement, since GLBT organizations don't attract many members," Hunt said. "They're a really good group of guys. I'm really impressed by them."

Delta Lambda Phi, once it receives its charter will be an addition to the gay community at OU.

"This group fills a void at OU," Cox said. "They also have been very good about keeping me up to date with their activities and procedures, which will make the process quicker."

Delta Lambda Phi is the first fraternity to attempt expansion at OU since Phi Kappa Theta's expansion in 1993, Cox said.

Members participated in several philanthropic events in the past year, including fund raising for Athens AIDS Task Force, Edwards said.

Edwards said the group's goals for the coming year are to increase membership and get more involved with the IFC and its activities.