Suggestions for Raising NPHC GPAs???
 

Sorors and Friends,

I was asked as a faculty member to sit on a panel for our campus' NPHC retreat to give members tips and suggestions on how to balance their studies with their org. commitment. Fact of the matter is that oftentimes, after new undergraduate members are initiated, their grades plummet and their chapter participation follows suit. I pledged Grad so my perspective is different from my target audience.

I wanted to get some perspective from those of you who have graduated or are currently enrolled and maintained/ing high GPAs while taking care of organizational duties as to what strategies current undergrad NPHC members can use to meet our collective goal of "high scholastic achievement".

Thanks

PhDiva

edited

As someone that came in via undergrad during my sophomore year (early 90's; although in grad now), from what I've seen, sometimes the grades of new initiates go down because they are so excited to be greek (on Cloud 9) and can't focus like they should on their studies. You can likely find some neos at every greek party and event for a while until they get used to the idea of being members of their organizations.

In the long term though, sometimes you'll find that their chapter calendar is too busy and sometimes members don't communicate to their grad advisor that it needs to be adjusted temporarily until grades come up. They just think they can and should do everything. As you know the relationship between the undergrad chapter and their grad chapter and grad advisor is really important. Sometimes grad advisors have to be more proactive when they see grades slipping and not approve calendars with too much activity.

Instead we can help undergrads create calendars that are in keeping with our mandatory activities but maybe not too much else (parties, socials, non-mandatory activities), until grades are brought up. One good way to study and reach out to others on campus at the same time is to have weekly study hours in the library and invite others to join. My grad chapter is actually dealing with this very thing right now regarding one of our undergrad chapters. We helped them create a calendar that allows them to study more but also still be out in the community and fulfill the mandatory programs of Sigma.

Once the grades are up again, the new members must learn to manage their time better so they can do all the things they want and still maintain high GPA's. Again, this is where the grad chapters or even the local NPHC chapter can be very effective in hosting workshops on the topic of managing time and achieving high grades despite many responsibilities. My undergrad chapter maintained a full sorority calendar and high GPA's, every last one of us and there were on average always at least 8 of us; some of us even had part time jobs on top of everything and held leadership positions in other orgs, so it can definitely be done and there are many chapters out here doing it all.

This may be the case on that particular campus but certainly not the norm from what I've seen/heard of. If the chapters are led by prophytes who do well in managing their time and keeping GPA's high, neos usually learn from them quickly. Prophyte leadership is very important for neos. Often times it's the expectations and encouragement from their peers that make all the difference. On the other hand, when there is a chapter full of neos (for ex. chartering members), the advising grad chapter should definitely pay closer attention and assist/guide a little more.

Raise GPAs by studying!

Also, do not accept girls that are at or near the minimum GPA b/c more than likely their GPA will fall during the process. It happened in my chapter on the line before I crossed, 2 of the 7 that crossed dropped as soon as they crossed b/c they were academically ineligible.

More Summer MSP
 

Having more summer membership selection programs (MSP) would greatly prevent GPA's from dropping. Most intake processes for NPHC organizations occur during the school year. Having to learn tons of history plus do school work can lead to interference in one's school work.

I totally agree.

That won't happen and is not necessary if members are following the official, authorized intake program. Most chapters do just fine handling their schoolwork and sorority/fraternity requirements during intake and thereafter.