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PURPOSE

The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the official coordinating agent for nine historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities. NPHC and its member organizations have a profound commitment to providing community service and promoting the welfare of the campus and community. The Auburn University Chapter of NPHC serves as the communication link among the affiliate organizations. AU NPHC develops and supports programs designed to meet the needs of the Auburn campus and community.

  • The Auburn University NPHC is here to serve as a standard-setting body for the affiliate organizations present on campus.

  • NPHC strives to foster and maintain a cooperative environment among member fraternities and sororities.

  • NPHC encourages the interaction of its affiliate organizations with the general campus and community.

  • NPHC serves as a forum for the consideration of issues important to its member organizations.

  • The Council acts as a coordinator of activities and matters of common interest among member fraternities and sororities.

 

Quick Facts of the National Pan-Hellenic Council

All nine affiliate organizations of the council are very rich in tradition. 

  • Unlike other councils the National Pan-Hellenic Council includes both sororities and fraternities.

  • The first black student at Auburn was Harold Alonzo Franklin in 1964.  He became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

  • The first black administrators were William B. Hill and Willie L. Strain in 1965.  Willie Strain was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

  • The first black Miss Auburn was Vania Clemons in 1993.  She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

  • The first black chartered fraternity on the campus was Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1972.

  • The first black chartered sorority on the campus was Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1974.

 

Specific Language of the National Pan-Hellenic Council

The vocabulary that is used between all nine organizations is unique among other councils.  The "language" of the  NPHC sororities and fraternities can be confusing to non-members of the  NPHC.  Below are listed some terms that may be helpful when seeking membership into one of the four  NPHC organizations currently active on Tech's campus.

  • "Yard"= Campus. Chapters who are officially recognized by the University and NPHC are referred to as being "on the yard."

  • "Aspirant" = a person seeking membership in an NPHC organization.

  • "Line"= Pledge class. Example, Several aspirants may be referred to as being "on line" rather than pledging.

  • "Cross"= Initiated. Example, At the end of the recruitment period after being evaluated by the organization the aspirant is seeking the new member then "crosses" over from a pledge to a new member.

  • "Probate"= Official public display of initiation in the form of a step i.e. ("Probate Show").  Many organizations herald this day as a huge event where alumni, family and friends gather to watch the "Coming Out" of the new members.