Purpose of NPHC
The National Pan-Hellenic Council 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.
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.”
*Taken from www.nphchq.org
The Purpose of UAB’s NPHC Is…
- To promote unity among historically Black Greek-Letter organizations
- To foster an understanding of the structure and method of operation among the affiliate organizations
- To address, coordinate, and develop action strategies on matters of mutual concern to the affiliate organizations
- To serve as the conduit for such action plans as may be developed
- To provide a representative body recognized and supported by the University of Alabama at Birmingham
National Pan-Hellenic Council Organization Information
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Founding Date: December 4, 1906
Charter Date: October 11, 1974
Motto: "First of All, Servants of All, We Transcend All"
Colors: Black and Gold
Philanthropies: Go to High School, Go to College; A Voteless People is a Hopeless People; Project Alpha (March of Dimes, NAACP,
Habitat for Humanity)
Website: iotanu1906.com
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Founding Date: January 15, 1908
Charter Date: 1975
Motto: "By Culture and By Merit"
Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green
Philanthropies: Ivy Reading AKAdemy, Advocates for Black Colleges, Young Authors Program
Website: aka1908.com
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Founding Date: January 13, 1913
Charter Date: May 12, 1972
Motto: "Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom"
Colors: Crimson and Cream
Philanthropies: Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, Feed the Children, AIDS Symposium
Website: deltasigmatheta.org
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Founding Date: January 5, 1911
Charter Date: 1980
Motto: "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor"
Colors: Crimson & Cream
Philanthropies: Guide Right, St. Jude’s
Website: kappaalphapsi1911.com
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Founding Date: November 17, 1911
Charter Date: May 19, 1972
Motto: "Friendship is Essential to the Soul"
Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold
Philanthropies: Community Health Initiatives; Voter Registration, Education and Motivation; College Endowment Funds
Website: oppf.org
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Founding Date: January 9, 1914
Charter Date: 1981
Motto: "Culture For Service and Service for Humanity"
Colors: Royal Blue and Pure White
Philanthropies: Project Vote, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Sleep Out For the Homeless
Website: pbs1914.org
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Founding Date: November 12, 1922
Charter Date: January 21, 1996
Motto: "Great Service, Greater Progress"
Colors; Royal Blue and Antique Gold
Philanthropies: National Education Fund, Project Reassurance, Operation Big Book Bag
Website: sgrho1922.org
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Founding Date: January 16, 1920
Charter Date: 1977
Motto: "Scholarship, Sisterly Love, Service, Finer Womanhood"
Colors: Royal Blue and Pure White
Philanthropies: Stork’s Nest; National Educational Foundation; Z-H.O.P.E.
Website: zphib1920.org
Membership Intake Process
UAB endorses the process of membership intake as adopted by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which states that pledging is no longer a requirement for membership into an NPHC fraternity and sorority. Each organization has revamped their membership process and continues to evaluate and make changes to existing policies.
Since hazing has been outlawed, each organization has implemented their unique version of education for potential candidates and this is generally referred to as their membership intake process (or M.I.P. for short). During this process, a potential member will learn:
- Organization history
- Chapter history
- Risk management practices
- and other information important for you to be a successful member
Then, if the individual meets membership requirements at that time, he/she will be initiated into the organization.
At UAB, there shall be no more than two specified membership intake periods each year, fall and spring.
Membership Intake Guidelines
- Undergraduate students must have a 2.5 G.P.A. or higher and must have completed at least 12 UAB semester hours.
- Eligible students must be enrolled at UAB as a full-time undergraduate student in good standing with the University.
- students must attend Greek Speak in the same semester that they plan to participate in the membership intake process.
Greek Speak
Greek Speak is an opportunity for members of the UAB community to receive an informal introduction to the historically African-American Greek organizations on campus. The goal of the event is for each student to leave fully equipped to make an informed decision on which organization they would like to join. Attendance at Greek Speak is mandatory in order to participate in the membership intake process for the semester during which you intend to apply.
During this event, information will be presented on membership intake, the university’s policies regarding hazing as well as the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority.
During the breakout sessions, students will hear from each organization who will give a brief overview of their organization’s history, information about membership, the organization’s policy on hazing, and Greek experience. You will also have an opportunity to ask specific questions to the organization’s representatives.