The NPHC Way

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), also sometimes referred to as the "Divine Nine", is the council that is made up of the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities.  With the creation of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. in 1906, NPHC organizations began for African-Americans at a time when they were not allowed to join existing fraternities and sororities due to their race. To learn more about the history of the Divine 9 organizations click here. 

The 5 Fraternities: 
Alpha Phi Alpha 
Kappa Alpha Psi
Omega Psi Phi 
Phi Beta Sigma 
Iota Phi Theta 

The Four Sororities:
Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Delta Sigma Theta 
Zeta Phi Beta 
Sigma Gamma Rho 

Although all the organizations fall under the NPHC organization, their process differs from their NPC (sororities) and IFC (fraternities) counterparts as NPHC does not directly regulate its composing members. Therefore, the recruitment, known as the Membership Intake Process (MIP) for NPHC, for the organizations is a very individualized process, and has major differences from NPC and IFC. NPHC organizations are very culturally grounded, and their processes stem from their history.  Due to their strong culture and individual processes, the first step in joining any NPHC organization is called “doing your research”. 

Doing one’s research is the most important first step because it is how a potential member learns which specific organization they find themselves best relating to. It is important to learn as much as possible about each organization, including their history, mission, and values. Potential members also need to make sure they are looking at all chapters and making sure the one they take interest in truly fits them best.

 Potential members can do their research by checking out the different national websites for the organizations, by talking with current chapter members, and going to open houses that may be put on by the chapters. The NPHC executive board may also put on different events that allow chapters to come together and introduce their members to students. 

In NPHC, membership truly is for life, therefore it is important to be confident in the decision. If a person finds a chapter that fits them best, and it is not on their campus it is still a possibility to wait and join a graduate chapter. It is better to wait, then start a process that you are unable to fully give yourself to.

Longwood University's NPHC organizations

After deciding which chapter is the best fit for you, there are formal interest meetings held by the chapters. This is where the process becomes very individual, as some chapters will publicize these events for the public, while others will make them more private and only invited members will be welcomed. Therefore, it is important to make your interest known to the chapter members and advocate for yourself. 

After expressing interest and doing your research, the chapter will provide you the information you would need in order to be able to join. All organizations will have a GPA requirement, and sometimes there will be other requirements such as community service hours, a certain amount of credits, or letters of recommendation. Like other Greek organizations, there is also a financial commitment that must be made, and it is sometimes required before membership in order to be considered.

Something very different from the typical idea of joining Greek life, is that NPHC organizations require an actual application in order to be considered for membership. The applications go to the national office and require a transcript. The application will either be found online or be provided by the chapter. After completing the application, some chapters will require interviews for membership, while others will go straight into acceptance or denial.

After being accepted, members, at this point called aspirants, will enter the new member process.  New member processes vary for every organization, but they tend to be very short. The new member process is dedicated to education and learning the knowledge about the organization. There will also be a private initiation ceremony following the completion of learning.

After the new member process, some chapters will have new member presentations or probate. This is a time for members to show what they have learned throughout the new member process, and also present themselves for the first time as a member of their organization. The shows include different songs and step routines dedicated to their chapter performed by the new members.

Joining an NPHC organization isn't just a four year commitment, it is a lifetime of brother and sisterhood. The organizations connect students with their culture and history for a lifelong experience and purpose.