Most college students want to make the grade; well, the good grade that is, but it's never as easy as it seems. For some in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the GPA requirement proved to be a challenge.
During the Spring Semester, Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho struggled with achieving the required 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
With Kappa Alpha Psi's GPA at 2.0, Sigma Gamma Rho achieving 2.47 and Alpha Phi Alpha ringing in at 2.48, the NPHC's grade point average was 2.2 for the Spring Semester.
According to Ball State's website, "NPHC officers must possess and maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to be eligible for their own policy."
Tamika Smith, Greek Life program coordinator, said when greek organizations fail to achieve the 2.5 GPA, Ball State and the Office of Student Life may offer different ways to help the organization get back on its academic feet.
"[The GPA requirement] is the minimum; we shoot for higher than that," Smith said. "If you do not meet them, we want to support you and get you on the right path. They should have a well-rounded experience along with scholarships, service, brotherhood and sisterhood."
Vice President for the NPHC Alisha Rocha said the council offers many ways to improve as a whole and as individual members.
"NPHC organizations are working on having a stronger focus within every individual chapter's scholarship plans and being sure to enforce them," Rocha said. "We are also working with members to ensure that the members of the organizations are acting as a checks and balances system to be sure that if a member falls behind, another member helps to make sure that the necessary precautions are being taken."
The requirement is important to many Ball State chapters and national chapters' rules, Smith said.
While Ball State offers many ways to help a greek chapter, there can still be repercussions, Rocha said.
"After having one semester below the 2.5 minimum GPA, that organization is placed on a probationary, or watch, period, where their grades are closely monitored. If grades do not meet the 2.5 GPA minimum for a second semester, that organization loses its week of events," she said. "There are also repercussions for individual chapters from their nationals as well."
Rocha said this year the main goals are improving the grades of NPHC brothers and sisters, continual growth of the council and more fundraising and philanthropy opportunities.
Director of Greek Life Brandon Cutler said academic performance is important for this year; fraternities and sororities are being evaluated by their academic achievements.
"I want them to have a positive experience and create memories and friendships that keep them coming back to Ball State. That is the experience, and with that, we would like to see them do well in the classroom as well as in activities," Cutler said.
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