Cardinal Points

Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: FUSE

A few Alpha Phi sisters study together upstairs in the Angell College Center. Alpha Phi and fraternity Sigma Tau Gamma had the highest GPA of Greek organizations last year.

Many students value the social contribution that Greek life makes to a college campus.

The sororities and fraternities at Plattsburgh State provide an opporunity for meeting new people, serving others and partying.

However, two Greek organizations are being honored for something else - academics.

PSUC sorority Alpha Phi and fraternity Sigma Tau Gamma hold academics very high on their list of ideals.

Last year, Alpha Phi had the highest GPA of all the Greeks, with a 3.22, and of the fraternities, Sigma Tau Gamma came out on top with a cumulative GPA of 2.95.

"That is definitely something we strive for and work hard at," said Melissa Kennison, the newly elected president of Alpha Phi.

There is a minimum GPA requirement of 2.3 to join any Greek organization. But for Alpha Phi, the GPA requirement to join the sorority is a 2.5 or better.

"Part of our scholarship plan is that we ask each individual member to raise their GPA each semester. In the past we've had different types of library hours or study hours. For the future we're looking at maybe tutoring each other," she said.

When compared with non-Greeks, Kennison feels that those involved in Greek life are just as concerned if not more concerned about grades and academic success.

She also said, "The level of that (concern for academic success) varies between organizations."

Kennison wanted to point out that "our executive board is required to have a minimum GPA as well."

But academics is not the only thing Alpha Phi looks for in its new members.

"We definitely look for strong, motivated women who excel in more than one area. We look for well-rounded women."

Dan Mulligan, president of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, said, "One of the seven core principles is learning. We try to afford an environment for learning."

Sigma Tau Gamma increased the minimum GPA required for membership to a 2.5. Mulligan feels this, among other things, demonstrates the organization's committment to grades.

"I feel like that kind of sets us apart both from other organizations," he said.

Continued...

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