Those involved in Pitt-Johnstown Greek organizations balance their time between fun and studying; making sure to meet their minimum grade-point-averages requirement.

Pitt-Johnstown sophomore Natalie Kinderman, a Kappa Zeta sorority member said that being Greek motivates her to have a higher GPA.

“Being involved in a sorority helps me prioritize and utilize my time. If any sister is having trouble with school, we all try to motivate each other by going to the library and having study groups,” said Kinderman.

Pitt-Johnstown’s Greek system comprises five fraternities and four sororities governed by the Interfraternity Council for (fraternities) and the Panhellenic Council (sororities).

National requirements for Greek members’ academic standing are higher than Pitt-Johnstown’s.

Each organization’s officers monitor GPAs; however, Shaun Hemphill, the Student Life assistant director, works with all Pitt-Johnstown Greek organizations.

“We are all working collectively to strengthen the community both academically and servicewise and hold each other accountable,” said Hemphill.

At Pitt-Johnstown, Greek organizations are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 but the organizations’ national levels require the minimum GPA to be 2.25.

Each Greek organization’s officers have their own ways of making sure that individually, and as a whole, they maintain good academic standing.

Pitt–Johnstown senior Mike Dishong, a Delta Chi member and Interfraternity Council president, said the partying reputation for Greeks has been reduced somewhat.

“Things are a lot better compared to back in the day. Now we limit drinking to only on the weekends,” said Dishong.

Making sure studying is done during the week is how most members manage to keep their GPA above minimum requirements.

Pitt-Johnstown senior Lauren Hendricks, a Phi Sigma Sigma sorority member, said it is important to remember why people attend college and said time-management is important.

“Relieving stress is a major factor in keeping good grades, but you have to know the time to do it. My sorority taught me how to use my time wisely so I can have fun but get good grades, too,” said Hendricks.

Pitt-Johnstown’s sorority with the highest cumulative GPA is Kappa Zeta, with 3.04. The fraternity with the highest cumulative GPA is Delta Chi, with 2.8.

The importance of individuals’ GPAs is stressed before joining any Greek organization. To become a member of sorority or fraternity, Pitt-Johnstown requires each individual to have a GPA of at least 2.25.