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Service for a lifetime stressed by NPHC Greeks |
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Tuesday, 21 February 2006 |
Editor’s note: The following article is part of a continuing series on diversity at Appalachian.
by SHARI TILLMAN
Intern News Reporter
There are many differences between the three main Greek councils in the United States, but color of skin is only one of them.
The National Panhellenic Conference (PHC) is an umbrella organization for sororities at Appalachian State University; the National Interfraternity Council (IFC) does the same for fraternities. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) serves historically black sororities and fraternities.
“There is the stereotype that we only step [have step shows], but that is only one small component to NPHC,” Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc. President Jamarl D. Clark said. “NPHC is much bigger than Boone, much bigger than ASU and bigger than the United States.”
Clark said there are chapters of NPHC organizations worldwide. Delta Sigma Theta, for instance, has chapters in Africa, Europe and Jamaica.
Appalachian State’s Greek advisor, Aaron H. Bachenheimer, said Appalachian’s NPHC is smaller than PHC and IFC at Appalachian because of its rigorous requirements and the small minority population on campus.
“NPHC is a lot smaller, but it is a unified body of the different organizations that come together,” Shantae N. Jones said. Jones is the Social Action and Political Awareness chair for Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Inc.
The social component of sororities and fraternities is a major aspect within PHC and IFC Greeks, while NPHC is more service oriented. Bachenheimer said most members of the IFC and PHC join as undergraduates, but “real” involvement generally ends thereafter.
The NPHC has graduate chapters that allow its members to take part long after graduation from their undergraduate chapter. Joining a NPHC organization is not limited to undergraduates only; an individual can become a member as a graduate student as well.
Jones refers to it as a “lifetime commitment.”
PHC President Cathleen E. Thore, a member of Kappa Delta sorority, said associations throughout the nation allow alumni of their particular sorority or fraternity to get together in their local area. Kappa Delta, for example has an association in Charleston, S.C.
During rush events, PHC and IFC organizations market for new members through a pledge period and encourage them to get involved.
Thore said prospective members learn about the history of their sorority and become acquainted with members through attending social events.
When someone is interested in joining an NPHC organization, he or she should already know some information about that organization. It proves to brothers or sisters that they are truly interested in becoming a part of that group, Jones said.
“I just knew that I wanted to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta because of the principles the organization stands for,” Jones said.
The term “online” means pledging, Jones said.
The “probate,” which Jones likens to a baptism, is when new members of NPHC organizations are presented to the public and showcase their knowledge about the organization.
NPHC officials oversee the intake process, which protects against hazing.
Bachenhemier said there is a misconception that NPHCs are exclusive. In reality, the council is open to any ethnic background, although the organization historically has been black.
He said multicultural Greek letter organizations have grown nationwide, and PHC and IFC organizations are becoming more socio-economically, ethnically and religiously diverse.
There has also been more acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members, he said.
“It isn’t for rich white kids anymore,” he said. “All Greeks are more open and accepting of all students.”
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