National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

Special thank you to Dr. Syreeta Greene for her time and insight on USC NPHC History.

NPHC has a rich and extensive history at USC, and led the way in creating student life, especially for Black students, as the university began in 1880.

NPHC Chapters at USC first began their journey with the Alpha Delta chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on February 2, 1921, celebrating their 100 year centennial in 2021. This was the first chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the west coast. This was only 41 years after the university opened its doors.

On May 3rd, 1923 the Lambda chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was established at USC. Lambda is the only single letter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. chapter on the west coast. USC looks to celebrate their 100 year centennial in 2023.

The first NPHC sorority was established at USC with the chartering of the Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc in 1924. Upsilon was only the third Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chapter on the west coast at the time. USC looks to celebrate their 100 year centennial in 2024. The Sigma city-wide chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded at USC in 1922, and later would become chartered as the Iota Beta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at USC on May 18, 1974.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Beta Omega chapter was established on July 2, 1947.

The 1980s welcome several NPHC organizations to USC: The Theta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. on May 9, 1980, the Gamma Lambda chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on May 24, 1981 and the Nu Upsilon chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in 1981. In 1995, all chartered chapters at USC formed the USC NPHC.

USC is home to eight of the Divine Nine organizations.

(Adapted from the University of Kansas)

Membership selection for NPHC groups is an individualized process that is different for each organization. This process, known as intake, generally begins with an interest meeting followed by a period of membership education. The membership process culminates with initiation and a presentation of new members, a showcase in which the organization’s new members are revealed to the community.

NPHC affiliated fraternities and sororities typically do not accept a student for membership until the student has completed at least 12-24 hours of college credit with a 2.5-2.75 GPA depending on the organization. We strongly encourage those interested in the Membership Intake process to contact the respective NPHC organizations for more information, via email or Instagram.

If you would like additional information about National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations, please contact USCFSLD@usc.edu.

USC includes a variety of Black student organizations. You can also visit the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs in Student Union 415 or by email at cbcsa@usc.edu.

Adapted from Kansas State

Membership selection in NPHC is an individualized process that is different for each organization. Chapters choose the time when they will take new members.

This process, known as membership intake, generally begins with an interest meeting followed by a period of membership education.

The membership process culminates with initiation and a new member presentation or “coming-out” show in which the organization’s new members are revealed to the community.

Interested in joining an NPHC fraternity or sorority? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Learn the Basics

• Research the various organizations within the NPHC that are currently on campus (also referred to as being “on the yard.”
• Look for a fraternity or sorority that encompasses the values, goals and objectives that are most fitting with your own.
• Visit their national and local websites and look for any publications that discuss the origin and basic tenants of the organization.

Helpful Resources:
The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities by Lawrence C. Ross Jr.

Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs, and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities by Walter M. Kimbrough

Attend Events

• Look for Facebook events, Twitter updates, Instagram posts, and other publicity about programs and functions that will be hosted by the chapters that you are interested in.
• Some events are also advertised by flyers on the bulletin boards around campus.
• Your attendance can not only show your interest in the organization, but also give you a better understanding of their programs and make connections with the members.

Say Hello!

• Once you have identified the organization that you are interested in joining, do not be afraid to introduce yourself.
• Choosing the organization that you would like to join is a serious decision, and one that can be greatly impacted by your interactions and conversations with the member.

Be Prepared

• Chapters seek new members that have an understanding, genuine appreciation and respect for the organization.
• Excellent candidates for membership are those that have researched its history, exemplify its standards and values, have leadership and community service experience, and can be a positive addition to the chapter.
• Take a moment to identify the personal experiences, accomplishments and beliefs that you can bring to the chapter as a new member.

Meet the Requirements

• Most chapters require that candidates are at least 2nd semester freshman or sophomores to join.
• All chapters have financial requirements that range between $500-1,200 to join
• All Chapters have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA requirement.
• Some chapters have additional requirements.

Please visit our live list of local NPHC graduate chapters.

Some NPHC organizations offer membership for graduate students or alumni. Please reach out directly to organizations for graduate member inquiries, or contact uscfsld@usc.edu to be connected.