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 | | Membership Intake |
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NPHC fraternities and sororities initiate new members through a membership intake process (MIP). Each group hold their process at their own specified and designated time.
Undergraduate students that wish to affiliate with NPHC chapters must meet certain specific membership qualifications. These standards include academic achievement (2.3-2.5 gpa depending upon the organization), community service and good character. Such requirements are designed to promote the building of strong and effective chapters. Each affiliate organization shall implement its own membership intake process that is developed by the National organization. To learn more about NPHC organizations you can click on the Greek letters to the right and it will take you to the chapter's website.
NPHC chapters will advertise their membership intake process through fliers labeled, "Interest Meeting, Informational, or Rush", which all students are welcome to attend to express interest in joining the organization.
Generally, the actual intake process begins with an informational meeting. Most of these informational meetings are advertised for a short period of time and by word of mouth from members. At the informational meeting, interested students are invited to learn more about a specific organization and the specifics of the application process for that organization. You should note that at this point, hopeful aspirants (or members to be) are expected to have researched all of the NPHC fraternities and sororities and know a great deal about the organization they are visiting. It is not generally accepted behavior for a person to attend more than one organization's informational meeting. The NPHC at KSU will provide a NPHC Showcase as an opportunity for those persons who are unsure about the process to visit all of the fraternities or sororities at the beginning of the spring semester without the fear of showing preference for one organization over another until you are certain of your choice.
After the informational meetings, generally, potential aspirants are asked to complete a membership application and show proof that they have achieved the organization's minimum standards for academics, community service, and leadership. Each organization is different in what they ask for and how they can be documented, but all require a minimum grade point average and an official transcript. The approval process for the applications varies from organization to organization, but all include alumni in the review and evaluation process.
After the applications have been approved, the membership education program begins. There are three important components in the membership intake process: (1) a pre-induction/orientation period, (2) the final induction ceremony, and (3) an in-depth education program. The final pledge of oath of allegiance taken by a candidate from which he/she cannot withdraw it is a lifetime commitment. Each organization has its own ritual ceremony, but all basically have the objective that this rite is intended to be impressive.
Each affiliate organization implements the guidelines and details of its own membership intake process, so the lengths of the specific programs vary. Chapters are required to complete the Membership Intake Reporting Policy before any intake activities can begin.
Adapted from the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. National Handbook. |
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