By Cristy Brusoe

Published February 25, 2010

The UW-River Falls Greek community is making a push to place academics first in its organization.

Student Organizations and Greek Life Coordinator Matt Levine says he feels that it is important that the Greeks show increased dedication to grades in the upcoming semesters.

Each organization is now required to fill out an academic plan with goals of where its members would like to be by 2011. Levine hopes the Greeks can lead the way in the stressing the importance of academics and be an example for the other student organizations on campus.

According to the UWRF Greek Web site, “Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has been in existence since the 1960’s. Today the University hosts four national organizations for men and five national organizations for women. There are over 250 active members of the Fraternity and Sorority Community.”

Shelley Perkel, a Phi Mu member and the Panhellinic President for the women’s chapters on campus, believes it is extremely important to stress academics in the Greek community. “We are first and foremost students. It is important to have a solid academic plan, although I do feel it will take a few semesters to fully implement it,” Perkel said.

As part of the academic plans, the Greek organizations will be taking part in community library nights and study hours each week.

According to Levine, Greek students want to lead the way with high grade point averages.

Student life currently does not monitor GPAs in student organizations. The goal for the Greek students is to be above the average men’s and women’s GPA at UWRF.

“I’d like to see them at about a 3.0. We want the Greek students to be fully aware of the market they’re headed into. It’s our job to prepare and ready them for that. A full resume isn’t just going to do it. Being able to manage academics and a co-curricular really shows something to employers,” Levine said.

Joe Maslow, a UWRF alumni and former Theta Chi member, thinks the idea is great for the campus.

“While it may not help recruitment in the short run, a good academic base is essential for the long term success of the Greek community. The academic base will also ensure parents’ support of their children joining the organizations. In the end, academic success will help build a more stable Greek community with more support from the leaders of our University,” Maslow said.

“This effort is really being pushed by the students,” Levine said.

“This is the student’s wanting to be better.”