National Pan-Hellenic Council
The RIT chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC is composed of historically African-American Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities. NPHC's national body includes over one million men and women of various ages who serve as leaders in their communities, places of employment, and other aspects of American's society. These organizations share a common bond, which is total commitment and dedication to the improvement of conditions within African-American communities. NPHC promotes interaction, encourages cooperation, and provides support for each member organization.
Officers
| Advisor | Hysha Robinson |
Understanding Diversity
What makes these chapters different than IFC and CPC?
Historically African-American Greek organizations were founded to bring African-Americans
together and develop unity on college campuses in the early 1900s at a time
when opportunities for blacks did not exist. The common mission statement
for all historically African-American organizations is best articulated in
the National Pan-Hellenic Council Inc.’s (NPHC) mission. Find out more
about the NPHC.
How do I become a member?
Most of RIT’s NPHC organizations require the following: a) Be a full time student; b) Meet the minimum GPA requirement; c) Meet the required community service hours; d) Obtain formal letters of recommendation; e) Meet the approved guidelines set by the chapter and/or membership intake committee; f) Attend an informal meeting; and g) Be interviewed by the organization.
What does “true family” mean?
“True Family” is a term used by members of Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta for they were the first constitutionally bonded Greek organization. The other NPHC organizations hold mutual alliances to each other that are relevant based on their own history and founding.
Why do NPHC organizations have chants, calls and steps?
Each of RIT’s NPHC organizations have nicknames, chants, calls and steps that are a unique way to identify that particular organization. However, only the privilege and responsibility of membership would allow someone to use the nickname, call, chant, or step when addressing or meeting another brother or sister. They are to be used only by NPHC member organizations in a good-natured competition or rivalry. Each of the NPHC organizations has a mutual respect for one another and must be promoted at all-times.
Why do NPHC organizations use Greek letters?
NPHC organizations use the Greek letter system instead of the African based alphabet because Greek writing system and philosophies has connections to Africa, particularly Egypt. Each of the NPHC organizations employs some type of reference to Africa within the organization.
Membership Intake Process (MIP)
If interested in joining a NPHC group at RIT, please look for Interest Session notices posted in the buildings on campus during the academic year. These meetings will explain the membership requirements.
As with all Greek organizations, each group will have its own individual requirements that must be met before membership is granted. Most organizations have membership intake once a year and require an interested student to have completed at least 12 hours of college credit.