www.moreheadstate.edu/greek (606) 783-2071
GREEKS NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL
NPHC National History The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) is an umbrella organization for nine historically black, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. Black Greek organizations evolved during a period of history in which African Americans were denied essential rights and privileges afforded to others. Racial isolation on predominately white campuses and social barriers of class on all campuses created a need for African Americans to align themselves with individuals sharing common goals. NPHC was formed as a permanent organization on May 10, 1939 on the campus of Howard University, in Washington, D.C. NPHC continues to provide an atmosphere in which AfricanAmerican Greeks can share ideas, discuss common goals or problems, and work together to benefit the greater community. The organization’s stated purpose and mission in 1930: 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
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A Message from the Dean of Students Dear Student: As you might expect, MSU provides students with a wide variety of opportunities to become involved in campus, local and regional activities. Involvement in these cocurricular activities plays a significant role in the comprehensive development and overall satisfaction of students during their college careers. One such example of involvement at Morehead State University is the opportunity for students to join a fraternity or sorority. For 40 years, MSU has welcomed Greek organizations on campus. Within the Greek community, you will hear terms such as commitment, loyalty, philanthropy,
How to join . . .
NPHC organizations participate in membership intake, the process of selecting, educating and initiating new members, at a time deemed by the specific organization. Membership intake is highly regulated by each of the national organizations. Generally, students must have a minimum GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and be involved on campus and in the community. Some groups do not accept first semester freshmen. Aspirants, or interested persons, should note that individual organizations hold informational meetings throughout the school year. These meetings will be advertised throughout various locations on campus and will provide aspirants with the opportunity to learn more about an organization and perhaps get specific intake questions answered. Students who are interested in learning more information about the entire council are encouraged to attend the annual NPHC informational. This program, held each fall, showcases each of the affiliate member fraternities and sororities represented on campus. Students in attendance will have the opportunity to learn more about the NPHC, the process for joining, and the diverse experiences of NPHC members.
scholarship and service. As a result of these Greek philosophies, students have held leadership positions, contributed to the local community and developed strong campus traditions. Although organizations within the Greek community have many commonalities, it would be a mistake to hold a narrow perspective of fraternities and sororities. MSU has a number of Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities, National Panhellenic Council (NPC) sororities, and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities and sororities which have something unique to offer a variety of students. I encourage you to interact with our chapters to learn more about each group, consider your interests and goals and determine if being a member of the Greek community would be beneficial for you.
Through the NPHC membership intake process, students will interact with the graduate advisor, who is certified by the respective fraternity or sorority’s national organization. The graduate advisor may not be the same as the on-campus advisor, but the on-campus advisor can provide you contact information for the graduate advisor so you can ask him/her questions. Those interested can visit the international Web sites listed in each organization’s section below. Once students have begun the membership intake process, they will need to come to the Greek Life Office, second floor, ADUC, and complete a Personal Data Card, which gives the University permission to check student grades and share them with the chapter leadership. There is no fee for this.
Membership Requirements
Greeks are seen sometimes as “exclusive” organizations. The only area where that is true is in relation to grades. To join, the University and chapters set minimum requirements.
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I hope you will take the time to examine MSU fraternities and sororities from a personal perspective. If you are interested in having a memorable college experience while making lifelong commitments to others, you should consider joining the Greek community. I wish you all the best with your co-curricular development throughout your career at MSU. Respectfully, Kevin S. Koett Dean of Students
Each chapter’s requirements may be higher than MSU’s minimums and some groups do not accept first semester freshmen as members.
First-semester students with no established college GPA In order to join/associate or to be initiated into a fraternity or sorority at MSU, a first semester student must have been unconditionally admitted to the University and have an academic index of 450 or higher. An academic index is (high school GPA X 100) + (ACT score X 10). Students with an established college GPA Male students must have a minimum college cumulative GPA of 2.30 in order to join/associate or be initiated (excluding hours completed while a high school student). Female students must have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.50 in order to join/associate or be initiated (excluding hours completed while a high school student).
Greek Terms
Stand on Hazing
• Alumni/Alumnae – Fully initiated members who have graduated. • Aspirants – People interested in joining an NPHC organization • Call –The verbal greeting chapter members within a fraternity/sorority give each other. • Chapter – The local branch of a national fraternity/sorority. • Crossing – A term used by NPHC groups to indicate that a new member has been duly initiated into the respective organization. • Frater – A term used to refer to a brother of an NPHC fraternity. • Greek – Any member of a fraternity/sorority • Intake – The process used to bring new members into an organization. Each NPHC group determines when they it conduct intake. Each group follows strict guidelines as set forth by its international headquarters. Each organization is assisted in this process by its Graduate Chapter (group of alumni) and chapter advisor. In 1990, all nine NPHC groups prohibited pledging and began this new process of intake. • Neophyte – A new member of an NPHC fraternity or sorority. • Neophyte Show - A term used by NPHC groups to designate the time when new members of such groups come out/present themselves to the campus. Those joining an NPHC group are generally not known and thus it is a time when the new members are revealed. Typically, stepping is demonstrated as well as testimonials from the new members. Parents and other students are generally in attendance. • Philanthropy – An ongoing charitable effort, usually for a single non-profit or other worthy cause. • Prophyte – Someone who has been a member of an NPHC group for a year or more, or someone who has initiated new members. • Soror –The term used to refer to a sister of the sorority. • Stepshow – A festive event in which members of an organization or several organizations perform synchronized, rhythmic steps while chanting lyrics to show pride and spirit for their organization. Since step shows are a big tradition within NPHC groups nationwide, a considerable number of alumni return to campus to witness and/or participate in this event. • Stroll – – A traditional dance in which members of an NPHC group form a line and perform synchronized, rhythmic steps. Line steps/strolls are done at social functions. • Yard – A term used by NPHC groups to indicate the campus. Used in phrases such as which groups are on the yard, meaning which groups are presently active on campus.
Each national organization of all chapters stands strongly against hazing. Morehead State University has an explicit policy on this subject.
Student organizations must protect the welfare of their members, guests, and the University and should take every measure to protect against University, individual, or organizational liability. Organizations and/or their representatives are subjectv to University disciplinary action, including loss of registration privileges, for violation of the law or University policy. Positive development of members is the main purpose of a student organization, fraternity or sorority. These groups are responsible for morally and ethically sound principles and practices and must not indulge in unproductive, ridiculous, or hazardous initiation customs. All organizations and members are expected to comply with the following policy on hazing: Hazing by a student or a group of students is prohibited, either on or off campus. MSU uses the following definition for hazing: Any action taken or situation created, whether intentionally or unintentionally on or off campus, which produces/could produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include: • • • • • • • • •
Non-discrimination NPHC organizations are open to all students who meet academic requirements—we are not just for African Americans. We do not discriminate based on: race, color, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital or familial status, Vietnam era, recently separated, or other protected veterans.
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Paddling in any form Creation of excessive fatigue Physical and psychological shocks Road trips Wearing, publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste Engaging in public stunts or disorderly conduct Morally degrading or humiliating games and activities Late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities And any other activities which are not consistent with federal, state and local law, organizational rituals or policies, and/or the regulations and policies of MSU.
ACTIVE NPHC CHAPTERS AT MOREHE AD STATE Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Deltas)
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKAs)
http://www.deltasigmatheta.org/ Eta Omicron Chapter MSU Founding Date: May 9, 1970 Founding Date: January 13, 1913 Founding Location: Howard University Official Colors: Crimson and Cream Public Motto: “Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom” Call: “OO-OOP” Common Symbols: Elephant with Trunk Ascending
http://www.aka1908.com/ Eta Rho Chapter MSU Founding Date: April 29, 1973 National Founding Date: January 15, 1908 Founding Location: Howard University Official Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green Public Motto: “Service to All Mankind” Call: “Skee-Wee” - (unofficial) Common Symbols: Ivy Leaf and Pearls
Prominent Members of Delta Sigma Theta include: • Dorothy I. Height - Chair of National Council of Negro Women • Mary McLeod Bethune - Civil Rights Activist/Educator • Barbara Jordan - Former Congresswoman from Texas • Aretha Franklin - Legendary Quen of Soul
Prominent Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha include: • Debbye Turner - Miss America 1990 • Maya Angelou - Poet and Novelist • Phylicia Rashad - Actress • Mae Jamison - Astronaut
Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. Twenty-two undergraduate women with a desire to create an organization with a national perspective and a focus on prevalent issues founded Delta Sigma Theta. They used their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. One of the first public acts performed by the founders involved their participation in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage March. Delta Sigma Theta has maintained the values of sisterhood, scholarship and service through the Five Point Programmatic Thrust. The five points include: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. Sisterhood in Delta Sigma Theta has expanded to over 200,000 women in 900 plus chapters making it the largest African-American Greek letter organization nationally and internationally.
Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on January 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by college women and the first black Greek letter organization to be founded at a historically black college or university. Founded by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, the sorority has grown into a dynamic group of women who promote high academic standards, civil and human rights, community uplift and sisterhood. Later, Nellie Quander and her visionary associates contributed to the incorporation of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Alpha Kappa Alpha maintains its focus of community uplift through leadership, service and scholarship. These women and those who follow represent the eternally young, hopeful and enthusiastic nature of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
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Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Kappas)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (S-G-Rhos)
Prominent Members of Kappa Alpha Psi include: • Johnnie Cochran –Defense Attorney • John Singleton –Motion Picture Director • Kweisi Mfume –Former NAACP President • Arther Ashe –Tennis Legend
Prominent Members of Sigma Gamma Rho include: • Hattie McDaniel –First Black Female Academy Award Winner • Vanessa Bell Armstrong –Gospel Recording Artist • Victoria Rowell –Actress • Kelly Prince - Recording Artist
Kappa Alpha Psi was founded on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on January 5, 1911. The fraternity’s fundamental purpose is achievement. In the early 1900’s, African-American students were actively dissuaded from attending college. Formidable obstacles were erected to prevent the few who were enrolled from assimilating into co-curricular campus life. This ostracism influenced elder W. Diggs, Byron K. Armstrong, and other black students to form Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. The founders sought to support black collegians and encourage them to reach accomplishment beyond their imagination. With achievement as its main purpose, Kappa Alpha Psi unites college men who possess culture, loyalty, honor and a deep dedication in a bond of fraternity.
Sigma Gamma Rho was founded on November 12, 1922, on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. From seven young teachers, Sigma Gamma Rho has become an international service organization of women from every profession. The first and only African-American sorority founded on a predominately white campus, Sigma Gamma Rho has no racial or geographical boundaries. Founded during a time when education for African-Americans was difficult to obtain, the founders became educators who endeavored to help others realize their atmosphere. By their effort, friendships and professional contacts continue to develop among members and, in turn, nurture bonds that last a lifetime. Sigma Gamma Rho is dedicated to helping others attain personal and professional success. The organization continues to promote high scholastic achievement and service.
http://www.kappaalphapsi1911.com/ Zeta Lambda Chapter MSU Founding Date: February 26, 1972 Founding Date: January 5, 1911 Founding Location: Indiana University-Bloomington Official Colors: Crimson and Cream Public Motto: “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor” Call: “Yo-Yo” Common Symbols: Red and White Striped Canes, Playboy Bunny
http://www.sgrho1922.org/ Xi Gamma Chapter MSU Founding Date: May 28, 1994 Founding Date: November 12, 1922 Founding Location: Butler University Official Colors: Royal Blue and Gold Public Motto: “Greater Service, Greater Progress” Call: “EE-Yip” Common Symbols: French Poodle
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TATE S D A E H E R O M ERS AT T P A H C C H P N E INACTIV Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded on December 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Seven founding fathers or “jewels” that recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood, founded the first intercollegiate Greek letter fraternity established for African-Americans. The fraternity initially served as a study and support group for students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially at Cornell. Soon after, Alpha Phi Alpha developed chapters at other institutions, particularly historically black colleges and universities. As the members stressed academic excellence, they also recognized the need to help correct the educational, social, political and economic injustice that plagued African-Americans. Since its founding, Alpha Phi Alpha has continuously provided a voice and vision for the African-American community stressing good character, scholarship, fellowship and the uplift of humanity.
the organization as its foundation. The fraternity uplifts the African-American community through service and its nationally mandated programs. It recognizes those who make significant contributions to the African-American community and promotes academic excellence. Omega Psi Phi also supports the NAACP, National Urban League and the United Negro College Fund. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was founded on January 9, 1914, on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. The organization was founded by three young men: A. Phillip Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I. Brown, who desired to create an organization that truly exemplified the tenets of brotherhood, scholarship and service. Phi Beta Sigma was to exist as a part of the community rather that apart from the community. Furthermore, each brother would be judged by his own merits rather than family background or affluence. Through its continuous growth, Phi Beta Sigma has become a fraternity comprised of men who are dedicated to promoting justice, equal rights, fellowship, and service. Phi Beta Sigma remains an organization that is concerned and involved in meeting the needs of the community.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity was founded on September 19, 1963, at Morgan State College (now Morgan State University). Twelve students founded what is now the nation’s fifth largest predominately African-American social service fraternity. The honorable founders of Iota Phi Theta were: Albert Hicks, Lonnie Spruill, Jr., Charles Briscoe, Frank Coakley, John Slade, Barron Willis, Webster Lewis, Charles Brown, Louis Hudnell, Charles Gregory, Elias Dorsey, Jr., and Michael Williams. Based upon their ages, heightened responsibilities, and increased level of maturity, this group had a slightly different perspective than the norm for college students. It was this perspective from which they established the fraternity’s purpose, “The development and perpetuation of Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, Fidelity, and Brotherhood among Men.” Additionally, they conceived the fraternity’s motto, “Building a Tradition, Not Resting Upon One!” Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on November 17, 1911, on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. The founders were comprised of three liberal arts students and a biology professor –Oscar J. Cooper, Frank Coleman, Edgar A. Love, and Ernest E. Just. The scholars’ purpose was to unite college men under similar ideals and principles. With this in mind, the founders based the organization upon four principles: scholarship, manhood, perseverance and uplift. Today, Omega Psi Phi continues to go forth using the principles of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. Through its founders Zeta Phi Beta officially became the third largest African-American sorority at Howard and the first to be constitutionally bound to a brother group, Phi Beta Sigma. The founders of Zeta Phi Beta sought to move away from the traditional coalitions for black women and establish a sorority based on scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood. Through the legacy of their founders, Zeta Phi Beta continues to exemplify women who are dedicated to outreach, service and the ideals of the sorority. Zeta Phi Beta has several local and national programs and supports a variety of affiliate organizations. Zeta Phi Beta and her auxiliary groups have devoted numerous voluntary service hours to educate the public, assist youth, support charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change.
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NPHC Event Etiquette
How much?
There are many customs and traditions at NPHC events that individuals who have never attended such a function might not know. These are some common rules to be aware of: Strolling: During strolling, organizational members will move together in a line expressing pride for their organization. In this line, members may express their pride through use of their organization’s call, sign, or historical information, ritual/custom dances, etc. All of this is done through movements that are unique to the organization. Everyone is welcome to watch but do not emulate the stroll or cut in between the members of the line; it is disrespectful. Most parties tend to be crowded and space can get tight, so please do not be offended if you’re bumped by strollers. Calls: Calls are a unique vocal expression attributed to an organization. If you are not in that organization, do not repeat the call. Signs: Signs are a unique display made through hand gestures. As with calls, do not mimic the signs if you are not in that organization.
Each organization is self-supported through dues charged to members and the cost varies from group to group. The first semester of membership has a few one-time expenses. As of spring 2010, the average cost of joining an NPHC organization was $890.
How many?
There are 710 Greeks on campus as of Fall 2009, 379 women in sororities and 331 men in fraternities, nine percent of the campus undergraduate population.
Giving to the Community
In 2009, Morehead State Greeks reported 5,040 hours of community service time and raising $24,000 for local and national nonprofit organizations, such as the Habitat for Humanity, Africare, the Youth AIDS Foundation, PUSH America, Salvation Army, Adopt-A-School, the Cave Run Manor Retirement Home, Make-A-Wish and many others.
Greek Alphabet Alpha
Α
Nu (“new”)
Ν
Beta
Β
Xi (“zie”)
Ξ
Gamma
Γ
Omicron
Ο
Delta
Δ
Pi
Π
Epsilon
Ε
Rho
Ρ
Zeta
Ζ
Sigma
Σ
Eta (“ate uh”)
Η
Tau
Τ
Theta
Θ
Upsilon
Υ
Iota
Ι
Phi
Φ
Kappa
Κ
Chi (“ki”)
Χ
Lambda
Λ
Psi
Ψ
Mu (“moo”)
Μ
Omega
Ω
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity, educational institution.