University of Arkansas Greeks Make the Grade

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By Elizabeth Muscari

Grades are a top priority for Greek chapters, as shown in another remarkable grade report for fall 2019, in which chapters collectively earned a 3.334 GPA. 

Top performing chapters included:

• Pi Beta Phi (3.574) for the Panhellenic Council
• Sigma Iota Alpha (3.532) for the United Greek Council 
• Phi Delta Theta (3.252) for the Inter-Fraternity Council
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (3.142) National Pan-Hellenic Council 

Other notable academic achievement included the following:

• All Greek GPA 3.448; all men GPA 3.116; all women GPA 3.334
• 74% of all chapters had a fall 2019 GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 76% of all members had a fall 2019 GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 1367 of all members made a 4.0 GPA

To achieve these high results, Greeks chapters have created academic plans, implemented and/or revised various programs throughout the year. 

Pi Beta Phi member Kellie O'Toole discussed her chapter's scholastic techniques. "We assign all new members an upperclassman with the same major to serve as her mentor throughout her freshman year." O'Toole also highlighted one of her favorite academic events: "Our academic chair hosts an event, 4.0 Friday, on the first Friday of every month. Girls who have all A's in their classes at the time are rewarded with a sweet treat during lunch." 

National Pan-Hellenic Council President Delayne Coleman shared her council's perspective on academics, saying, "Council events, such as study sessions or academic workshops, develop us into stronger students. It's important to create many opportunities like these for members to achieve academic success."  

O'Toole and Coleman also attributed the Greek community's success to the frequent programs Greek Life hosts, including an academic integrity panel, resume and interview workshop, academic banquet for high-achieving scholars, and various study sessions. Greek Life has also partnered with several on-campus organizations, including the Academic Integrity Office, to host events that educate students on best academic practices. 

Assistant Director Carissa Kelly explained the importance of these partnerships, "Our Greeks work together to implement award-winning programs and initiatives in both their chapters and councils that prioritize scholastic success. They're determined to dominate in academics, and their hard work shows when we continue to earn the highest GPA on campus." 

UA Greek Life consists of four Greek governing councils, seven Greek registered student organizations, and 34 national fraternities and sororities consisting of 7,056 Greek leaders. As a community, the UA Greek community raised more than $750,000 and participated in over 103, service hours for various philanthropies. 

For more information on UA Greek Life's fall 2019 grades, download the Greek Life Fall GPA Rankings PDF.