At SMU, Kappa Kappa Gamma values academics in the highest regard. Intellectual development is our first priority. The impressive achievements of our members attest to this. Our academic excellence programs provide an atmosphere of support while encouraging each member to attain her personal academic best.
Our chapter's GPA consistently remains above the all-university and all-female averages, and at or above the all-Greek average. We require all of our members, both new and active, to achieve a 2.7 GPA each semester. If they fail to do so, certain sanctions will be imposed. To be initiated and receive full active status, each new member must be enrolled in 12 college hours. If they are not taking 12 hours at the time that they should be initiated, then they will not be initiated until a later date.
One of the major benefits of being involved with Kappa is the breadth of knowledge, advice, and encouragement our members provide each other. Whether you have a question about a class or just need someone to study with, you are sure to find what you are looking for amongst the Kappas. For instance, Kappa offers Kore Study Groups to all members, which are peer groups divided according to majors. Younger members receive guidance from the older sisters about different career paths and which classes/ professors to take. Kappa also has several 24-hour, quiet study rooms equipped with copy machines and Internet for members to utilize.
Kappa provides incentives for members to achieve academic success. The Academic Excellence committee holds a scholarship banquet during the spring semester to reward sisters that have received notable grade point averages the previous semester. Outstanding women who earned a 3.5 GPA or above are recognized at the banquet by the Vice President of Academic Excellence. This recognition provides a time to reward women for their hard work and creates a symbolic reminder that scholastic achievement is paramount. The Vice President of Academic Excellence also makes use of the “A Jar”. Each week, she draws a name out of the jar and gives a prize to a member who has received an A on a significant assignment in a class.
To help cover the rising costs of higher education, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation awards annual scholarships to members who qualify through an application process. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation believes no deserving, qualified member should have to interrupt her education because of the inability to pay. Emergency financial aid is also available to members who find themselves in a sudden crisis.