Greek life focuses on academics

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Greek life long has been stereotyped as organizations that party and place academics on the back burner. In recent years, Greek organizations at most schools have started putting an emphasis on the academic success of their members. 

“We preach that school comes first always,” Shelby Wellman, Alpha Omicron Pi member at Northern Kentucky University, said. “You don’t come to college to join a sorority, you come for a degree.”

At different universities, each individual chapter provides academic programs to ensure that members maintain a healthy balance between their social obligations and academics. Most organizations provide their members with resources in the library and with off-campus study groups.

Universities also mandate a minimum GPA requirement that must be maintained to remain in good standing with the Greek organization. Individual chapters can mandate a GPA requirement above the university set requirement. 

University (KY)	Minimum High School Requirement	Minimum College GPA Requirement
Murray State	2.7	2.5
Western Kentucky	2.5	2.5
Eastern Kentucky	2.7	2.5
Northern Kentucky	2.7	2.7
Morehead State	2.5	2.5
UofK	2.7	2.5
UofL	2.5-2.7	2.5-2.7

At Murray State the all-Greek GPA average is higher than the non-Greek average. In spring 2019 the average was 3.05 for non-Greek students and 3.15 for Greek students. The average GPA for Greek women and Greek men is higher than the non-Greek women and men average at most universities.

If a member drops below the minimum, he or she is required to meet with the chapter’s academic board to discuss a plan of action to improve their academic performance. Some chapters require members to participate in mandatory study hours or take away all social privileges. Members may not be allowed to participate in formals, philanthropy events or other social events until their academic performance meets the chapter requirements.

“A lot of people legit only keep their grades up so they can be in Greek life,” Ryan Gann, Pi Kappa Alpha member at Western Kentucky University, said. “People want to be able to participate in social events and to do that you have to maintain your grades.”

According to the discussion papers series Greek Life, Academics and Earnings, the largest decline in academic performance occurs during the pledging semester. Pledges to Greek organizations experience increased social obligations that can put a strain on their academics. 

Finding the balance is where many Greek students struggle.

“I definitely struggled at first,” Sarah Guinn, Alpha Sigma Alpha member at Murray State, said. “I have to write everything down to find out what I can commit myself to socially in accordance with my school work. Being Greek is a huge time commitment, but I know I have to focus on my education. I have learned that it is okay to say no to some social events to obtain success academically.”

Academic success often leads to post-graduate success. 

According to national statistics released by the University of Missouri – Kansas City, on average, 71% of all Greek organization members graduate, while 50% of non-Greeks do. Greek members also have a higher average GPA. Of the nation’s 50 largest corporations, 43 are run by former Greek members. 

“Greek life has been the most positive influence on my college experience ever,” Claire Feldhaus, Chi Omega chapter vice president at the University of Kentucky, said. “The stereotypes for Greek life are so negative, but it holds you accountable in so many ways. Greek life provides resources to help lead you to success.” 

Greek organizations require a large commitment out of their members both socially and academically. The balance between social obligations and academics for members of Greek organizations can be difficult, but members are equipped with the support and resources to do so by their chapters. 

Kim Newbern, Greek life coordinator at Murray State, said academic success is about prioritizing. 

Newbern has seen people come into Greek life thinking it is only about the social aspect, but she said the social aspect is a perk, not the priority. 

“Academics are number one in the Greek life community,” Newbern said. “It is one of our number one principals, and so you have to work hard to play hard.”