As finals week approaches, some sororities have created optional "study trips," during which students do homework and study instead of partying while raising money for the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

Traditionally, canning trips leave little time for homework because of time spent relaxing, partying or sleeping.

Elissa Weinbach (junior-journalism and political science), a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, said study trips are helpful because they give volunteers a chance to complete homework while helping a worthwhile cause.

"A lot of times when people go on canning trips, they might not be able to get work done because people are drinking and going out," Weinbach said. "The atmosphere is usually very laid back and relaxing on study trips."

On designated study trips, students spend the remainder of their time on the trip studying for the upcoming week.

Megan Logue (sophomore-public relations), a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, said it is understood that everyone on the study trips is there to do work. "Some students have exams when they come back from canning trips, and being on a study trip where the atmosphere is quiet allows them the time they need to prepare for their exam," Logue said.

Logue said that to the best of her knowledge, study trips are most popular among sororities and have not yet spread to many other organizations.

Some study trips also use driving time as a chance to catch up on work instead of talking or listening to music.

Jenna Bohrer (junior-kinesiology), from Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, said she thinks people with low grade point averages in her sorority would benefit from going on a mandatory study group trip.

"It's a good chance to catch up on work and review your notes so you are not bombarded with work when you return," Bohrer said. "There should be required study trips to keep our sorority's grade point average up."

Weinbach said many more students request to go on study trips for the canning weekend right before finals week.

"I think it is definitely a good idea to go on a study trip before finals," Weinbach said. "In my case, I have four papers, a final and a presentation due this week, so it's important for me to have time to get work done over a canning weekend."

Although many students choose to go on a study trip, making the trips mandatory before finals week does not seem probable in the near future.

"I think, as college students, you need to make your own decision about whether or not you want to be on a study trip," Logue said.