National Pan-Hellenic Council group photo

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is currently composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.

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 stated purpose and mission:

“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.”

Kennesaw State University is home to six (6) of the nine (9) organizations that fall under the governance of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. The chapters value academic excellence, community service, and strong sisterhood/brotherhood connections. NPHC Convocation is hosted every semester, and is mandatory for any undergraduate student to attend that would like to join an NPHC organization.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) is the umbrella organization for the nine (9) historically African-African American fraternities and sororities. It was organized in May 1930 at Howard University in Washington D. C. The stated purpose of the organization as written in 1930 is, “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.”

    Membership in NPHC organizations extends beyond the college experience. Upon initiation, individuals accept a lifetime commitment to the goals and objectives of their respective organizations. Members develop many close bonds and friendships that are often unbreakable and maintained throughout their lives.

    • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.- Tau Zeta Chapter
    • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.- Pi Phi Chapter
    • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc- Omicron Iota Chapter
    • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.- Alpha Delta Nu Chapter
    • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.- Theta Rho Chapter
    • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.- Sigma Alpha Chapter
  • You should join an NPHC organization if you are interested in a historically significant organization dedicated to serving their community and creating brotherhood/sisterhood. These organizations each have something that makes them special and it is up to you to find which one fits you best. Joining an NPHC represented organization is joining a brotherhood/sisterhood for life and is a lifetime commitment to serving the surrounding communities.

  • Recruitment and membership intake for the organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council may vary differently between each of the Divine Nine organizations. Those who are interested in learning more about these Divine Nine Fraternities and Sororities are encouraged to research the history of each organization, visit their National website, learn of their respective membership requirements, and develop a relationship with the chapter members of your organizational interest. To any extent beyond that, membership recruitment and intake is under full coordination of the specific chapter and their national organization. However, all membership intake processes must be conducted by a chapter that is both active with its national organization and recognized by the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Kennesaw State University.

    All students interested in joining a NPHC chapter at KSU, must attend NPHC Convocation. Convocation is hosted every semester by the Dept. of Fraternity and Sorority Life and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. More information for registering for Convocation, dates, and cost of attendance can be found on our website and the KSU NPHC Instagram page, @ksunphc.

  • The cost to join an NPHC organization varies from organization to organization, and the fees are subject to change at any time. Because these organization exist under a national umbrella, a significant portion of the funds go to the National organization, required conferences and conventions, local chapter dues, and other various items that may be needed for the membership intake process. Talk to the members of the organizations if you would like a better idea of how much they might cost.

  • The requirements vary from organizations to organization. Kennesaw State University requires students to have a least a 2.5 GPA, but some organizations requirements are higher than those. Students interested in joining an NPHC organization must complete 12 credit hours prior to joining, but some organizations may have other credit requirements.

    It also helps to have prior leadership experience, and community service, as most organizations will want to see your resume to know that you will represent their organization well. It is also recommended that you attend the organizations programs and service projects to get to know them better, to increase the likelihood that they will select you for membership.

  • Being a legacy of any Greek organization does not automatically guarantee membership in any organization. Some organizations have special sections on membership intake paperwork where you can indicate whether you are a legacy or not, while others do not have policies regarding legacies. Often times, it is advised to proceed through programs and interest meetings/rush without a large amount of members knowing about your legacy status. Remember that discretion is important with NPHC intake, so please exercise that concept in multiple areas, including sharing information about legacy status.
  • No. The NPHC, and each of its member organizations have non-discriminatory policies and practices. They are also actively involved in activities and programs designed to eradicate bias and discrimination in all phases of life. The formation of an NPHC council ensures that the philosophies of affiliate member organizations are maintained. It is important and highly recommended that NPHC councils seek to influence other organizations through its programming and activities.
  • The best way to express interest in joining an NPHC organization is by attending chapter programs, events, and community service projects. Each organization/chapter hosts a variety of educational, social, and philanthropic events on and off campus throughout the year, and by showing up and participating, you are letting them know you are interested in their organization. In addition, some organizations (not all) have interest/informational meetings that allow you to gain more knowledge about their organization/chapter, and express interest in their fraternity or sorority. Please follow the KSU NPHC Instagram page (@ksunphc) and NPHC chapter Instagram pages for more information about events.

  • Some NPHC organizations do step and stroll, however stepping and strolling is a small portion of what we do, and should not be a major consideration when considering joining an organization.