Zeta Sigma Chi, a multicultural sorority, was recognized by its national chapter and Sacramento State for having the highest term GPA among Greek organizations in the past two years.

The sorority’s GPA was 3.118 for fall 2013 and was given the Academic Excellence award last month by the United Sorority Fraternity Council.

“I think a 3.1 is amazing because that puts you above all council, sorority, Greek and women average,” said Greek life specialist Melissa Norrborn. “I definitely haven’t seen a 3.1 in my time.”

The Sac State Executive Order 1006 states organization officers, such as president and treasurer, must maintain a 2.0 overall GPA. However, the school chancellor does not have GPA requirements for an organization as a whole.

Norrborn said in order to be a recognized sorority or fraternity on campus, it needs to be part of a Greek council. The councils then determine if there are GPA requirements for the organizations.

Norrborn said the average GPA among all Greek organizations in fall 2013 was a 2.607. She said Sigma Omicron Pi and Kappa Alpha Psi were the only other two organizations that received a 3.0 GPA or higher.

“Student Organizations and Leadership is incredibly proud of the three Greek organizations on campus who achieved above a 3.00 average in the fall 2013 semester,” Norrborn said. “ As well as all of the individual Greek affiliated students who remain dedicated to their academic success at Sacramento State.”

Many sorority and fraternities have GPA requirements ranging from a 2.0 to a 2.5 for pledges applying.

President of Zeta Sigma Chi  Jazz Jackson, said there is a requirement of a 2.5 GPA to join and a 2.3 GPA to stay active within the sorority.

“Education has always come first in our sorority,” Jackson said. “It’s our No.1 principle and we strive to uphold it each and every day.”

She said her national chapter develops educational programs for sisters who have fallen below a 2.3 GPA.

Vice President of Zeta Sigma Chi Alex Calderon, said she also helps to develop education programs for her sisters.

The programs include 15 study hours a week, progress report cards and informing sisters about resources available at school such as the writing center.

Calderon said Zeta Sigma Chi’s national chapter has also recognized the Sac State chapter for the high GPA and it has been mentioned on the national page.

“That makes me feel really proud,” said Calderon. “We are making a difference and people are seeing it and it makes us feel accomplished.”