For the last 15 terms, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity has sustained the No. 1 GPA for all fraternities at the University of Oregon. Since the fall of 2009, DTD’s average GPA is 3.23, as opposed to the general UO fraternity average of 2.96 (PDF). The recruitment process is their primary method for setting themselves apart from the rest of campus and ensuring their academic success continues.
“Whether it’s justified or not, we are known as the academic fraternity,” said Will Campodonico-Burnett, president of DTD. “That is something in recruitment that we do talk about, and that is a big draw for a lot of incoming freshmen we’ve found. That’s probably honestly the biggest thing we do differently.”
Throughout the rush process, the fraternity looks at a potential member’s high school career. It’s not necessarily the high GPA they’re looking for, according to Campodonico-Burnett, but the participation in extra-curricular activities, sports and leadership positions.
“Those are the kind of guys who — no matter their high school performance — will tend to do well in college,” he said.
After recruitment, it is up to the recruited members to keep the high academic standards alive. Like most fraternities at the UO, DTD requires its members to get a 2.7 GPA each term. The fact that DTD has been averaging a 3.23 overall since fall 2009 means its members go above and beyond — voluntarily.
“A lot of leaders in the house put a lot of effort into their school,” said Brian Blackiston, director of academic affairs at DTD, “and I think that kind of reflects the mentality of the house and encourages some of the younger guys to work hard in school as well.”
After a brother’s first term of not meeting the grade requirement, he is put on academic suspension. He must meet with the director of academic affairs and be a part of the risk management team for all functions.
If a brother does not meet the grade requirement for a second term in a row, he is brought up for an expulsion hearing. This means he must stand before the entire chapter and defend why he should be allowed to remain in the fraternity. The chapter then votes on whether or not he should be allowed to stay.
“That’s something we definitely are very proud of,” Campodonico-Burnett said. “We definitely recruit based on academics; we take a lot of pride in that. It’s not the only thing we focus on, but it’s a good way of representing ourselves to the community.”