Phi Kappa Theta fraternity appealed to the Interfraternity Council’s executive board yesterday on grounds that its expulsion from the University was too severe.

The judicial board of the IFC expelled Phi Kappa Theta March 7 after finding that the fraternity had an unregistered party at its house, 1111 W. 11th St. The IFC filed 24 charges against the fraternity for recruitment and alcohol policy violations, and the Lawrence Police Department cited nine members of the fraternity for allegedly operating an “open saloon,” selling alcohol without a license and selling alcohol to minors.

Matt Moreno, Wichita sophomore and Phi Kappa Theta president, drafted two of what he described as proactive outlines that detailed short-term and long-term goals of the fraternity. He said he would present the second outline to the IFC at the hearing.

The fraternity participated in a cleanup of North Park, South Park and Morning Star Church last weekend as part of its short-term goals. The 35 members of Phi Kappa Theta also listened to a guest speaker discuss the risks and dangers of alcohol Thursday.

According to the plans, regardless of whether its appeal is granted, the chapter will now become a dry house. The chapter will draft its own alcohol policy and include mandatory penalties for violations, such as long-term suspension of members. The alcohol policy will be based on the University’s joint alcohol policy, Moreno said.

“This is just one big step to show the IFC that we’re doing something to rectify the problem,” Moreno said.

The chapter will continue to be active in the community, he said.

Moreno said the chapter is in the process of turning in diversion applications to Lawrence Municipal Court. He said the nine members who got cited for operating an “open saloon” would offer to perform community service as an alternative to the $100 to $200 fines issued by the city.

“The whole feeling of the house is obviously that this appeal goes through,” Moreno said. “We understand the seriousness of the issue and are in no way trying to make light of our actions.”

The appeal was due yesterday at 5 p.m.

Scott Shorten, IFC president, said the eight members of the IFC executive board had five school days to conduct a hearing for the appeal.

If the IFC chose the fifth day to conduct the hearing, it would be the Monday after spring break, the next school day after Friday. Shorten said he hoped to have the hearing this week if Phi Kappa Theta members could be present.

Phi Kappa Theta could appeal for a second and final time after the next hearing. The general assembly of the IFC, which comprises the president and one representative of each chapter fraternity, would conduct the final hearing if one is held.