The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is the national governing and coordinating council for the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities, often referred to as the Divine Nine:
The Alabama NPHC has eight of the nine organizations. These sororities and fraternities have been an integral part of the UA community since 1974.
NPHC organizations are committed to community service and support academic excellence between members and the general student body by providing scholarships, study breaks and other programs. In addition to providing a social outlet, NPHC organizations also provide a variety of programs designed to enrich the cultural experience of UA students.
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.
NPHC organizations recruit members at various times of the year, through a process called Membership Intake (MIP). NPHC chapters determine their own recruitment period, so while some organizations may conduct MIP each semester; others do so only once a year. Organizations conducting MIP will host informational sessions, commonly referred to as Interest Meetings or Rush events. During these formal sessions, aspirants will typically learn specific information about membership requirements, chapter policies, and financial cost.
At the beginning of each semester, the Alabama NPHC hosts a general interest session, known as Convocation, which allows interested students to meet current NPHC members and learn more about NPHC as well as its member organizations. To be eligible for membership, aspirants MUST attend one of two Convocations, which take place in August and January. There is a $10 fee to attend Convocation and all proceeds benefit the NPHC S.T.R.O.N.G. Scholarship Fund. August 2020 Convocation has been rescheduled and will be announced for a later date.
To be eligible to join a NPHC organization, you should:
Students interested in joining a NPHC organization should visit the chapter’s national website regarding specific membership requirements.
After attending an Interest Meeting, aspirants should complete the online Membership Intake Process FERPA Academic Release & Hazing Policy Acknowledgement Form, which allows for verification eligibility (i.e. enrollment status and college grade point average).
Please visit the Alabama NPHC website or email the uanphc@ua.edu.
