PULLMAN, Wash. Student members of Washington State University’s Greek communities this spring collectively posted higher than average grades for the semester, achieving a level of academic performance that placed them amongst the top half of all fraternities and sororities in the nation.
Posting a collective grade point average of 3.17 for the 2011 spring semester, WSU’s sororities topped the collective GPA of 3.16 for all women students attending WSU during the same period. Similarly, WSU’s fraternities achieved a collective spring semester average GPA of 2.99, topping the collective GPA of 2.97 for all male students attending WSU during the semester. The fraternities’ and sororities’ combined spring semester GPA of 3.08 also bested the all-campus collective GPA of 3.04.
WSU hosts more than 50 fraternities and sororities, collectively making the Greek community the largest student organization on campus, with more than 3,000 undergraduate members.
Anita Cory, director of the WSU Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life, said the all-fraternity/sorority grade point average at WSU has been steadily increasing over the past few years, due in part to the leadership of the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life and engaged students. In addition, she said the WSU Greek councils have developed academic programs, such as the Greek Tutoring Program, that have enhanced fraternity and sorority chapters’ ability to assist each member in reaching their academic potential.
Student leaders attributed the accomplishment to the support system fraternities and sororities provide and a renewed focus on academics among chapter members.
Sarah Blank, president of the Panhellenic Association said, “We’re seeing an increase in fraternity and sorority GPAs because our organizations offer students a deep support system needed in order to excel academically at the university level.”
Kyle Spane, president of the Interfraternity Council said, “Pushing the status quo to achieve excellence is the ongoing mission of today’s fraternity and sorority community at Washington State University. Our chapters have worked diligently to recruit, assist, and engage their members to focus on academics.”
“Today’s college students seek involvement opportunities that add value to their collegiate experience,” said Cory. “Fraternity or sorority membership provides the opportunity to develop friendships, grow as a leader, serve the community, and be successful academically as well.”
WSU Dean of Students Christian Wuthrich said “Fraternities and sororities value academic excellence as a core aspect of membership. WSU is proud that our chapters live this value in practice.”
For more information on the more than 50 fraternities and sororities which make up the Greek Community at WSU, visit www.gogreek.wsu.edu.