A common concern expressed by students and parents considering Greek life during college is academics. Many worry that the social atmosphere of a fraternity or a sorority will detract from student studies.

Grade point average statistics are calculated in order to show differences between all-fraternity, all-sorority, all-independent men, all-independent women and all-University GPAs.

In Fall Semester 1994, the all-University average was 2.86, with the all-fraternity GPA slightly below that at 2.73 and the all-sorority GPA above it at 3.06.

The fraternity in the Interfraternity Council with the highest GPA was Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, 225 E. Foster Ave., with a 3.12 up from a 3.07 in Spring Semester 1994. Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, 108 Cooper, had the highest GPA in the Panhellenic Council.

Kara Stephenson, Kappa Kappa Gamma president, believes that education is the most important reason that students are at the University.

"We're here at Penn State to study and get an education, not just to party and have a social life. Grades are strongly emphasized here," she said.

Members of Kappa Kappa Gamma are encouraged to get good grades and awarded for success through Study Buddy programs and recognition for being on the dean's list.

In the National Panhellenic Council, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, 203B HUB, had the highest fraternity GPA, second in the NPHC at 2.72 up from 2.32 and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, 4 Bigler Hall, had the highest GPA of any fraternity or sorority at 3.30 up from 2.43 from Spring Semester 1994.

Alain LaFontant, NPHC co-president, was happy with Alpha Kappa Alpha's success and believes that academics are an important aspect of Greek life.

"We need to be on track academically because that's why we're here. I'm very proud of Alpha Kappa Alpha," LaFontant said.

Matt Heitzer, Alpha Epsilon Pi president, also said that a good academic atmosphere is important.

"We try to get a sense of balance in the house. There is a feeling in the house that everyone wants to do well," he said.

The second highest average in the IFC was from Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, 524 Locust Lane, and the third highest was from Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, 329 E. Prospect Ave. In PHC, Alpha Chi Omega sorority, 101 S. Hibbs Hall, was in second place and Alpha Phi sorority, 1 Wolf Hall, and Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, 10 Wolf Hall, were tied for third place. In third place in NPHC was Kappa Alpha Psi, 203B HUB.