Thomas Idema, Jr. said the university sets grade requirements for Greek organizations’ officers but not for every member of fraternities and sororities.

“There is no university bottom-line grade requirement imposed on fraternities, sororities or any RSO (registered student organization),” said Idema, assistant director of Student Life. “Officers must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA, but nothing for the groups.”

However, that does not mean the university does not monitor Greek organizations or RSOs.

Idema said the university provides each chapter three lists: a list showing every member’s semester and cumulative GPA and lists of members with a 3.5 or higher and with a 2.0 or lower.

He said consistently poor overall performance is not ignored.

“If a chapter does poorly academically, I will have a discussion with the chapter and their national office to discuss the situation and make sure the national organization has a plan to address the situation,” he said.

Idema said grades remain integral to students in sororities and fraternities. He said education is the primary objective for Greek students.

“Being a member of a fraternity or sorority can be a wonderful experience, but you are always a student of Central Michigan University first,” he said.

He said sororities and fraternities independently set their own grade requirement based on each organization’s nationwide standards.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon president Nathan Tallman said the fraternity has never had to expel a member because of failure to meet grade requirements.

“It’s one of those things where brothers try to pull each other up,” the Shelby Township senior said.

The organization attained a 3.02 throughout its 47-member roster in spring ‘06 according to Greek Life’s Web site.

He said the fraternity requires a 2.7 for new member eligibility and has not had to enforce it any further.

Tallman said students who fall below a 3.0 meet with an academic officer to design a new study plan.

“We’ll get them help,” he said. “We’ve never let it get out of control.”

He said grades are essential for any organization affiliated with the university, including fraternities and sororities.

“That’s the No. 1 priority for all of the university,” he said.

Panhellinic Council president Brooke Blanchard said the council requires a 2.5 minimum GPA for its officers.

“Women in these positions should be setting some sort of standard,” the Charlevoix junior said.

However, she said it does not set a campus-wide grade requirement for all members because it would conflict with organizations’ national standards.

“We can’t tell them they have to have a GPA when their national standards say otherwise,” she said.

St. Joseph junior Todd Burlingham, Interfraternity Council vice president of external affairs, could not be reached for comment.

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