Differences in practices between fraternities and sororities might seem unequal, but these rules are often out of the control of the local greek leaders.

The national bodies that govern the fraternities and sororities at Ohio University are organized differently and have distinct philosophies, creating inequity in rules influencing the greek community, said Carole Cox, assistant director of greek life.

The National Panhellenic Conference, the governing body for the sororities on OU's campus, creates different categories of rules for OU's chapters to follow, said Lissa Bradford, chairman of the NPC.

The 26 representatives to the NPC develop unanimous agreements to create rules that all the sororities must follow. The NPC also proposes resolutions, which are very strong recommendations for the chapter to operate in a certain way.

"We feel very strongly that this is the glue that binds us together," she said of the rules created by a united force.

Fraternities, on the other hand, are more independent and not interested in getting together as a group. They operate according to their national fraternity's policy, Bradford said.

The National Interfraternity Conference consists of 62 members who discuss rules for fraternities, but do not vote on or enforce them.

"The NIC doesn't have very much of a role" in the rule-making process, said Neil Hoover, president of OU's Interfraternity Council. "It's more of an organizational body for the chapters. Fraternities pretty much make the rules for themselves."

Some of the unanimous agreements sororities abide by but fraternities do not are quota requirements for recruitment and limited travelling distances for formals and date parties, Cox said.

Even though sororities have more restrictions placed upon them, they find solutions to work with the average 60-mile radius travelling limit.

"Women are often more creative with where we go for formals," said Amy Owens, president of OU's Women's Panhellenic Association. "We've gone to riverboats in Marietta, Kings Island, and there are always lots of things to do in Columbus."

Although sorority members may be concerned about the locations of their date parties, they are less worried about the quota requirements, Cox said.

"There are means by which we can try to change the requirements, but many of the women are pleased with the methods of recruitment," she said

One way in which sororities and fraternities have reached some common ground is in the alcohol policy the WPA passed yesterday regarding alcohol use. The policy was created in conjunction with university by-laws and coordinates with the one the IFC passed last spring, said Amy Riordan, executive vice president for the WPA.

The policy defined what events constitute open chapter events, where alcohol is prohibited. Also prohibited are common sources of alcohol, such as kegs, and any alcohol at recruitment activities, she said.