Blog Post 6

Blog 6

Part 1

I am writing about the effect of Greek Life on student grades. The scene/setting I am going to explain is the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house, the house that I am currently pledging to. It certainly is not the biggest fraternity house in State College, but it’s still pretty damn big. As you approach the house from the outside the first thing you notice is the front lawn and the house’s beautiful façade. The lawn is massive, and if it’s nice outside; you’re almost guaranteed to see some brothers outside tossing a football or Frisbee around. There are few trees close to the street and the path to the house is decorated with bushes.  The left side of the house has a fenced in area called “the fortress”. It is a big open space, and often used for tailgates and whenever there are outside events. This area also houses a fire pit, grill, and bar. When you walk into the house you’re walking right into the biggest room in the house. There are couches and a huge TV. During parties and other events the couches and such get moved. During the day there are always numerous brothers hanging out in this room. To the right is a room with tables and the kitchen. The kitchen usually gets messy pretty fast, but nothing some pledges can’t handle. The room with the tables is where everyone eats. This room also has the door down to the basement. The basement is a big open area for dancing. It has a bar on the left and a stripper pole and raised floors on the right. To the left of the lounge area there are some bedrooms, and stairs that lead upstairs. Upstairs is made up entirely of bedrooms, and resembles a hotel hallway with doors everywhere. One more thing to add is that the floors are usually somewhat coated with beer/whatever else.

Part 2

Jim Reid, Vice President of Pi Kappa Alpha, Junior Smeal student

“We promote academic excellence by having mandatory study hours during pledging and supporting each other by collaborating when doing assignments/studying.”

“The upperclassmen have all taken the same classes the underclassmen are taking; we're always willing to help. “

Cary Feliciano, Delta Chi pledge, Freshman

“I don’t think Greek Life will negatively effect my grades. My brother is already in a fraternity and has maintained a 3.8GPA even during pledging, and I think it will help me prioritize more.”

Part 3

“A major goal of the fraternity and sorority community is to encourage and assist members in surpassing their academic potential.”

http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/hub/greeks/

“All chapters are Penn State are required to hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5”

http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/hub/greeks/forparents/faq.shtml

“Each chapter works with the University to develop comprehensive academic programs that include: GPA requirements, study sessions, goal setting, progress reports, tutoring and incentive programs.”

http://greeks.psu.edu

“about 25% of penn state students are involved in greek life”

http://collegeprowler.com/penn-state/greek-life/

Part 4

The next step in my investigation is to find out who would have the information about average GPA of penn state students, and average GPA of penn state students involved in greek life. I believe this number will be very important and meaningful. I also think it is important for me to interview a few people not involved in greek life to make it an unbiased paper.