?There is no record of the early 1980's as there are no existing local CMR's from February 1981 to February 1983. The chapter's numbers fell fast during the mid-1980's, and the fraternity declared a financial crisis in Fall 1987 as membership dwindled to a mere 12 actives due to poor recruitment the previous term. The accounts receivable reached a record $12,000 in 1985. At the same time, the chapter sharply raised rent and dues to cover budgetary shortfalls. The regional conference scheduled for Ann Arbor in 1987 was canceled in order to concentrate on rush. The fraternity, however, had hit rock bottom and picked up steam through aggressive rushing that raised membership to 27 members within 5 years.

The good guy award was created in 1984 to recognize the positive efforts of a brother. The John Henry Russell award was also created to recognize a year of meritorious service. In fact, JR Russell was initiated as an honorary Delta Chi in 1983.

?Through it's trouble the chapter still maintained an active social life. An annual Christmas formal replaced the pledge formal that had taken place in earlier years. The chapter also developed a new focus on community service as the Community Service and Philanthropy committees were created during the 80's.

Old traditions fell away as well. Jokes stopped being told at the end of chapter meetings after April, 1980. The last weekly awards at chapter meetings took place in 1989. Instead, members gave awards at weekly "brotherhood dinners". Committees such as Archives, Public Relations, Appropriations, Pop Machine, Bar, Chi Delphia, and Song ceased operations during the 1980's for various reasons. The position of "Pledge Trainer" eventually changed to "Associate Member Councilor" and the local IFC was rejuvenated in 1982 after a nine year hiatus.

Despite its improving membership and active social life, the chapter moved into the 1990's with a still uncertain future.