Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Editorial

As the statistics accompanying this issue's story on page 5 evidence, freshman GPAs have dropped consistently between first and second second semester since 1999. Last year's freshman class marked the biggest semester GPA drop in five years. The DePauw feels a significant factor, though by no means the only cause, in this perpetual drop is the 1999 decision to move greek rush to second semester.

As they have been dealing with the expectation of going onto greek property since coming to campus in August, after rush freshmen are finally able to experience that unknown aspect of DePauw's campus whether or not they choose to pledge a chapter. Moreover, many have the added pressure of pledgeship: the desire to get to know fellow chapter members, hang out with upperclassmen and participate in pledge events, such as flower-ins. These activities take up time that may have previously been spent studying and getting enough sleep. It has also been suggested that since freshmen have the lowest priority for course choices, they may be enrolled in classes that don't interest them, causing a decline in interest as well as grades. This all goes on top of any extra-curricular activities a student may have. Together, these individual stressors can turn into major distractions for freshmen, keeping them from focusing enough on their school work - and once behind, it can be hard to catch up.

The DePauw urges the class of 2011 to realize the importance of maintaining balance between academics and extra-curricular activities. Upperclassmen, especially those in greek houses: Respect and support freshman decisions to focus on academic endeavors and other responsibilities.

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