The verdict is in again -- on the average, sorority women have higher academic standings than fraternity men and independent students.

Last Spring Semester's sorority grade point average was 3.06, higher than the independent women's average of 2.97. The fraternity average was 2.70, lower than the independent men's average of 2.74.

Although the averages may surprise some, it was the outcome Greek Life Coordinator Rick Funk expected.

"The sorority-women average is consistently higher than the all-women average," Funk said.

The fraternity average is usually lower than the all-men average, Funk added.

"The last five or six (Interfraternity Council) execs have made grades a high priority," he said.

Fraternities and sororities did not originate solely as social groups, Funk said.

"Most fraternities and sororities started as academic groups," he said. "There has to be more focusing attention on academics."

All pledge classes must attend study sessions, but some sororities and fraternities are emphasizing academics more this year.

Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, 108 Cooper, is adding more study sessions for all members. Although sessions are not mandatory, members are strongly encouraged to attend, said Shelly Graziano, scholarship chairwoman for Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Kappa Kappa Gamma requires a minimum 3.0 high school GPA for incoming freshmen and 2.5 for other pledges. If a rushee does not meet the requirements, she is not invited to join the sorority, said Graziano (junior-elementary education).

IFC does not enforce a minimum GPA for rushees, but many individual national chapters mandate a minimum, said Joe Jorczak, IFC president.

"It would be my goal to try and locate the fraternities that are falling below the cut-off level and help them along," said Jorczak (senior-English).

Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, 238 E. Fairmount Ave., has a 3.05 GPA -- the highest of all fraternities at the University. The fraternity does not have programs other than mandatory study hours for pledge classes, but it encourages academics, said Jared Kaufman, Sigma Alpha Mu secretary.

"We take pride in our high (academic) standing," Kaufman said.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council also emphasizes academics.

In addition to mandatory study hours for pledges, study groups are organized for fraternity and sorority members.

NPHC has a 2.3 minimum GPA for rushees, said John Mitchell, NPHC co-chairman.

IFC is contemplating changes in its academic by-laws, Jorczak said, adding that changes would involve stricter penalties for fraternities that fall below the cut-off.

"Until chapters start putting an emphasis on academics, it's going to continue," Funk said. "Chapters have to make a commitment to (academic achievement)."