The impetus for Harvard's AEPi came from the outside. Heiman says he was approached by national officials of the fraternity about starting an AEPi chapter at the College.

"I have friends at Yale and Wisconsin involved with AEPi," Heiman says. "They suggested to the national organization that I might be a person to contact to head a chapter here at Harvard."

Member at Large Eric D. Werner '00 says there is a niche the fraternity can fill.

"There is no Harvard-specific reason for starting AEPi...it's college in general," he says. "I want to use the frat as a springboard for giving back to the community."

Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis' 68 says he was not aware AEPi had been founded and referred to the statement on fraternities in the Handbook for Students.

According to the Handbook, "The regulations for undergraduate organizations require that they maintain local autonomy. In the case of some fraternities and sororities, students run a substantial risk of excessive time commitments, and academic work has been known to suffer...they are not permitted to conduct any activity at Harvard even though their activities involve Harvard undergraduates."

But members of AEPi say there is definitely something to be gained from the fraternity.

"It is disappointing that in the University's quest to fight the final clubs, inclusive organizations are not being recognized," Heiman says.

Earlier this year, the University clamped down on fraternity activity, escorting members of Sigma Chi out of the Yard on Sept.6 during first-year move-in. Members were carrying bags and boxes for incoming students.

Sigma Chi members said they were simply performing a community service, while University officials said the fraternity was trying to recruit members.

In the past, the University has also cited concerns about hazing as a reason for discouraging fraternities.

AEPi members say the organization's policy against hazing is strict.

"Hazing is prohibited. In practice, it's not a part of AEPi," Werker says.

Galper says the no hazing policy was clear. "They are very strict about that. You have to sign a waiver. I haven't felt any pressure at all," he says.

And while the University severed ties with final clubs because they refused to admit women, Heiman defended the fraternity's all-male policy.