National Pan-Hellenic Council Intake Family Resource Guide

The Big Picture

At KU, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is home to eight of the nine historically African American sororities and fraternities. These organizations, often referred to as the “Divine Nine,” were founded in response to racial inequality in higher education. NPHC organizations are grounded in a commitment to service, academic excellence, and community advocacy. Each chapter (listed below) determines its own timeline for when they are ready to welcome a new member class.

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

The process is built on mutual interest developed over time. Students aren't assigned a schedule. Instead, they choose which specific chapters to research and visit!

How the Process Works

NPHC Week

The semester begins with NPHC Week where all NPHC chapters participate in a week of events designed to provide a look into their organization. Such festivities include:

• Philanthropy events such as donation drives, direct volunteering, or even fundraising activities.
• Social and networking opportunities to meet current members.
• Educational programming such as Meet the Greeks, where potential new members will be introduced to the chapters and learn about academic support, campus resources, and council/chapter education.

Building Connections

After NPHC Week, organizations will start to hold individual chapter events designed to attract potential interested students. If your student is interested in a specific organization, they should be:

• Attending these individual chapter events.
• Following the NPHC social media, the specific organization’s social media, and looking at their schedule.
• Getting to know members personally.

Watch for Intake Announcements

Each organization decides if and when they do intake. When an organization is ready to conduct intake, they will start to announce and advertise their informational meetings. If your student is interested in these meetings, they should be attending, taking notes, and asking potential questions about the organization. 

Attend an Informational

Chapters will host their own specific meetings also known as “Informationals”. These are publicized on social media and flyers.

Throughout the meeting, chapter members will go over everything needed to join:

• A Transcript
• Typically a Letter(s) of Recommendation
• GPA Requirement
• Credit Hour Requirement
• Financial Requirement
• Application process

Application & Selection Process

If your student is interested after the informational:

They will need to submit an application to that specific organization.

The process will also include formal interviews or assessments with chapter members for eligible applicants. This is an opportunity for the chapter to determine if your student is the best fit for the organization based on their values, campus involvement, and commitment to service.

If your student is not selected during one semester, they are encouraged to continue attending events and re-apply during a future intake period. 

Membership Intake Process

Once a student is accepted and formally invited to join, they enter an official education process. This process is structured and time-limited (often several weeks), overseen by chapter leadership, monitored by national headquarters, and conducted under strict anti-hazing policies. 

During this phase your student will be:

• Studying the organization’s founding, founders, history, and principles.
• Learning about national programs and community service initiatives.
• Participating in leadership development workshops.
• Attending meetings and educational sessions.
• Building bonds with their membership line or class. 

Summary of Process

Overall, the intake process lasts around 4–8 weeks. The entire process is rooted in tradition, where students express interest, and may be invited to participate in a structured membership experience. 

Following intake, chapters will introduce their neophytes (newly initiated members) through a new member probate/presentation! The new member presentation is the most important day for a new member class. It is a public celebration of your student's hard work to the rest of the National Pan-Hellenic Council community and their families. 

Many opportunities exist and we encourage your student to connect with KU NPHC to learn more, get connected, and start learning about different organizations’ intake processes.

Key Family Takeaways

Key things for Families to Keep in Mind:

• Not every organization conducts intake each semester. So, your student may need to wait multiple semesters for the right opportunity.
• Students must meet minimum GPA and credit hour requirements. Organizations expect members to prioritize academic achievement throughout the process and as active members.
• Joining an NPHC organization is not just a college activity, it’s a long-term commitment that includes alumni engagement, networking, and continued service.
• If your student is a legacy, it can be a helpful connection and support system, but families should understand that selection is still competitive and based on alignment with the specific chapter values.
• Membership fees, attire, and even event costs will vary by chapter. You should encourage your student to be aware of these different costs and fees.

How You Can Support Your Student

• Check in regularly, but allow your student to share what they’re comfortable with.
• Help your student stay focused on coursework and time management.
• Understand that membership is not guaranteed.
• Support your student regardless of the outcome.
• Familiarize yourself with the purpose of the historic Divine 9 organizations.
• Whether your student is selected or not, recognize their effort and growth.