National Pan-Hellenic Council

HISTORY OF THE NPHC

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) is a coalition of the nine largest historically African American Greek letter Fraternities and Sororities. Locally, Arkansas State is proud to represent all nine of these organizations.

On May 10, 1930, on the campus of Howard University, in Washington DC, the National Pan-Hellenic Council was formed as a permanent organization with the following charter members: Omega Psi Phi and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternities, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities. In 1931, Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternities joined the Council. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority joined in 1937, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity completed the list of member organizations in 1997.

The stated purpose and mission of the organization in 1930 was “Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations.” Early in 1937, the organization was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois and became known as “The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated.”

MEMBERSHIP INTO AN NPHC ORGANIZATION

The Process

The process for membership into an NPHC organization is called the Membership Intake Process (MIP). At Arkansas State University, the process is composed of four components: A-State NPHC Intake 101 Session, Pre-Induction/Orientation Period (Interest Tea or Meeting), Final Induction Ceremony (Initiation), and In-Depth Education Program.

Generally, the intake process begins with an informational meeting. At the informational meeting, interested students are invited to learn more about a specific organization and the specifics of the application process and financial obligations for that organization. Each organization has individual intake requirements, membership requirements, initiation dates, and membership dues. However, each organization will have an academic and financial responsibility to maintain while at Arkansas State University.

It is important that each interested student take the time to learn about the history, aims, and national programs of each organization before joining any NPHC fraternity or sorority to fully appreciate and understand the depth of Black Greek Letter Organizations.

Academic Requirement

Please note that none of the NPHC organizations at Arkansas State University allow undergraduates to join until they have completed at least one semester of school and have proven themselves academically. Some organizations require that one full year of academics be completed before they can begin to discuss the membership intake process for their organization. The intake process begins in the spring semester for some organizations and occurs in the fall for others.

Arkansas State University requires all prospective members to attend an A-State NPHC Intake 101 Session held each semester. This seminar is designed to educate new members about joining NPHC organizations, anti-hazing policies, (local, state, and national), the new membership intake process, application and interview tips, and more. The cost to attend is $5 and registration is required. 

Top 5 Things You Can Do to Show Interest in an NPHC Chapter

• Attend chapter programs and events.
• Attend an Interest Meeting or Informational for that chapter.
• Get to know the members of the organization.
• Research information on the internet about the group you are interested in.
• Show your own involvement on campus (i.e. get involved in clubs, community service, etc.)

Meet the Greeks

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.”

Learn more about Alpha Kappa Alpha

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

'Men of Distinction' has long been the monicker of The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and embodies the presence, accomplishments, and reputation exuded by our Brothers.

Learn more about Alpha Phi Alpha

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Founders of Delta Sigma Theta envisioned an organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and addressing the social issues of the time.

Learn more about Delta Sigma Theta

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated was established with the following purpose: “The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men.”

Learn more about Iota Phi Theta

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. (ΚΑΨ) is a collegiate Greek-letter fraternity, founded on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington.

Learn more about Kappa Alpha Psi

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. by three young African-American male students who wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

Learn more about Phi Beta Sigma

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Since its humble beginnings on the Howard University campus, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity continues to be on the front line, leveraging its power, influence and more than 100 years of commitment to the uplift of our people and our communities.

Learn more about Omega Psi Phi

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Over the years, Sigma Gamma Rho has served as a home for thousands of collegiate and professional women looking for a place to share inspiring life experiences, learn new things, conquer life challenges, thrive in society, and uplift the community through sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

Learn more about Sigma Gamma Rho

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

For 105 years, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has upheld its Founders’ vision, setting ourselves apart as an organization built on the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.

Learn more about Zeta Phi Beta