For generations, Greek life has carried the blame for decreasing grades amongst college students. Greek chapters are stereotypically known for underaged drinking and notorious partying. However, all the fraternities and sororities that reside on UND’s campus strive for academic excellence. Many members of this community will express that joining a Greek organization assisted them both socially and academically.  

Greek chapters promote strong social ties for all its members while fostering new relationships between other campus individuals. Introverted personalities have access to more opportunities to express themselves through safer environments. These new relationships with sorority sisters and fraternity brothers can be incredibly healthy for academic growth. New chapter members can connect with students of the same major and collaborate on group work, study sessions, and focus on future goals. Underclassmen can confide in upperclassmen of the same major and gain insight into classes. As well as building a network of peers within their major. 

Chapters also take it upon themselves to put in programs that offer academic support beyond classmates. This initiative is extended to all members, but certain chapters may choose to put an emphasis on support for their members that struggle with academics. These policies offer help with time management, mandatory weekly study hours, and study group placement. This guidance is often given by an academic or scholarship leader in the chapter. 

The public eye may not know that these policies and programs are in place. Due to strongly believed stereotypes and an uneducated society, it is still easy to blame Greek life for low GPAs. Society needs to consider the chapter’s individual members and realize that the entire Greek community is not at fault for GPAs. With the incredible number and variety of resources available to a student, both on campus and within their chapter, a student has an almost unlimited supply of assistance. The personal habits of individuals should not reflect the Greek community.   

With online courses now a common part of UND’s lifestyle, students are doing less work and quality often decreases. Lack of motivation to do well may be coming from the fact that students are not learning in the standard way. They no longer feel the pressure of going to class, having the need to prepare in-person presentations, and for many classes, the amount of work has significantly decreased. Grades are dependent on fewer assignments and requirements which affects grade point averages. Attendance and work ethic points are stripped altogether. All these changes can have negative impacts on an individual’s GPA.  

Time management is a vital skill for managing academics and a social life. Forcing a member to skip school to attend Greek life is not tolerable by UND and chapter guidelines consider this hazing. Individuals need to utilize their time management skills in order to balance their academics and social life. They are given numerous resources within their chapter and on-campus. Through Greek life, a student’s social and academic network is expanded. Individuals need to take it upon themselves to understand the importance of their academics and make it a priority.  Building healthy academic habits and self-disciplining is what builds reputable GPAs.  

Brooke Kruger is a Dakota Student Opinion Writer. She can be reached at [email protected].