"IT'S GREEK TO ME"
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NPHC TERMS
AKA- A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Alpha- A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Delta- A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Call- A sound made to identify a particular organization.
Handsign- A gesture made with the hands to identify a particular organization.
Iota- A member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa or Nupe- A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Line- Individuals going through the membership intake process.
Line Sister/Line Brother- Someone who went through the membership intake process with you.
Membership Intake- The term NPHC groups use when they bring new members into their organizations. Each NPHC group determines when they will conduct intake, and thus no two NPHC groups will conduct intake together.
Neo- An abbreviated term for the Greek work "neophyte". A neophyte is a new member.
Omega or Que- A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Prophyte- A prophyte is someone who has been a member of the organization for a year or more, or someone who has initiated members.
Sigma- A member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
SGRho- A member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Soror- Term used by NPHC sororities meaning "sister".
Zeta- A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is NPHC?
The NPHC is the governing body for the historically African-American fraternities and sororities at The University of Oklahoma.
What organizations are part of NPHC on OU's campus?
Fraternities: Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta
Sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho
What is stepping?
It began with singing. Brothers would gather in the quad and sing. They eventually graduated to dancing and from there stepping. You can go to some yards down south and they call it a "Sing" instead of a "Step-show". The historical white fraternities started the singing part, but the historical African fraternities took it to another level. Much like we did with basketball and football. We don't think that any one fraternity can lay claim to stepping, more than likely it evolved. One thing we do know was that the Sigma’s and the Omega’s were the first to do it. Sororities didn't start stepping until several years after the fraternities. Stepping began with groups of guys singing acappella, and when groups like the Temptations and the Four Tops were popular in the 50's and 60's brothers started mimicking their steps. This was how stepping evolved. This is why it is called "Stepping" now. Brothers would try to come up with the best steps while they were singing to please the ladies. If you got the ladies you got more recruits. Much like it is today. Others say that stepping replaced the doo-wop sounds and cardigan sweaters of the 50's. At around the same time as the "Black Power" Movements and Africa centered movements of the 60's, stepping started to flourish with the incorporation of some traditional African ritual dancing and the incorporation of other elements like cheer leading, tap, gymnastics, etc. Over the years stepping has become very intricate and demanding incorporating props, high levels of gymnastics and other elements found in team sports. Please note that some people want to give the credit to the South African Boot Dance, but it would be unfair to ignore everything that stepping was in the beginning and it is now. S tepping is an original art form that was influence by many elements from our past.Written by: Ahab El’ Askeni of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
When is a student eligible to join a NPHC organization?
NPHC organizations do not use a recruitment process similar to the one used by the Interfraternity Council or the Panhellenic Council. NPHC organizations have open recruitment periods that are deemed by the specific organization, not by NPHC. Specific requirements vary by organization. Check out an organizations local or national website for specific intake requirements.
Also be aware that organizations will hold informational meetings throughout the school years. These meetings will be advertised on campus billboards and in the student union. These meetings will enable one to learn more about an organization, and perhaps get specific intake questions answered.
What is the university's stance on hazing?
The University of Oklahoma Student Code of Responsibilities and Conduct for the Norman Campus states,
“Hazing, which is an activity participated in or encouraged by student groups, or any members, or associates of a group, in which prospective members or pledges are subjected to or imposed upon to do onerous, denigrating, or hazardous tasks. Student groups shall be assumed to be responsible for the actions of their members or associates for hazing violations. The University or prospective members may file a compliant of hazing against all parties as individuals and against the student groups.” - Title 16.13
Actions and Activities Which Are Explicitly Prohibited by the University of Oklahoma Include But Are Not Limited to the Following:
TITLE 21, SECTION 1190 OKLAHOMA STATUTES – HAZING
No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of any public or private school or institution of higher education in this state shall engage or participate in hazing.
Any hazing activity described in subsection F o f this section upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization sanctioned or authorized by a public or private school or by any institution of higher education in this state is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if the student willingly participates in such activity.
A copy of the policy or the rules and regulations of the public or private school or institution of higher education which prohibits hazing shall be given to each student enrolled in the school or institution and shall be deemed to be part of the bylaws of all organizations operating at the public school or institution of higher education.
Any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of a public or private school or institution of higher education in this state which violates subsection A of this section, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by a fine of not more than One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1500.00) and the forfeit for a period of not less that one (1) year all of the rights and privileges of being an organization organized or operating at the public or private school or at the institution of higher education.
Any individual convicted of violating the provisions of subsection A of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by imprisonment for not to exceed ninety (90) days in the county jail, or by the imposition of a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such imprisonment and fine.
For purposes of this section:
What is the university's stance on alcohol abuse/misuse?
The University of Oklahoma
STUDENT ALCOHOL POLICY
(1) All fraternities and residence halls will be dry. Sororities are already dry. Alcoholic beverages will not be allowed inside Greek houses and OU dormitories or on the grounds surrounding them. Fraternity officers and members will sign an agreement to abide by this policy which will be strongly enforced. Enforcement for campus alcohol violations and punishments will be increased.
(2) To curtail alcohol abuse on and off campus, the university will adopt a mandatory, minimum “3 Strikes” policy. The first alcohol violation, whether off campus or on campus, automatically will result in appropriate parent/guardian notification and further alcohol education. A second offense will also automatically carry parent/guardian notification and an appropriate sanction. A third violation will result in automatic suspension from the university for a minimum of one semester. Parents/guardians will be informed of this policy at the time their son or daughter enrolls at OU.
(3) Events at which alcohol is served that are sponsored by campus-affiliated student organizations shall be restricted to only Friday nights and Saturday nights.
(4) Transportation to and from off campus parties sponsored by campus-affiliated student organizations shall include designated drivers or bus transportation provided by the sponsoring group.
(5) Further expand alcohol education programs and require all entering students to complete these programs to remain in good standing. Attendance at these programs shall be mandatory before any student will be eligible to participate in sorority or fraternity recruitment.
(6) An anonymous, confidential hotline will be established where violations of the anti-hazing and dry fraternity and dormitory policies may be reported.
(7) Unregulated “Summer Rush” conducted by fraternities will be strictly prohibited. A limited number of publicly announced pre-registered dry events may be allowed in the period prior to formal fraternity recruitment. The events shall be attended by members of Interfraternity Council and monitored by alumni members of the organization.
(8) Campus-affiliated student organizations will be required to present a plan annually for organizationally-sponsored events prior to any activities at which alcohol is served.
(9) The Greek system will enhance the University’s statement on prohibited hazing activities. Fraternity and sorority officers will sign a pledge to abide by this policy and report violations. It will also be provided to pledges/associate members who will sign a statement promising to report violations. This statement on prohibited hazing activities will also be given to the pledge’s parents/guardians, who will be urged to report any violations.
(10) The University will establish a formal relationship with licensed alcohol counselors for immediate student referrals.
(11) The University will enhance the SafeRide program by seeking to establish a voucher system with a local taxi or public transportation company to provide safe rides to discourage drinking and driving.
(12) Because of the critical student health and safety issues, any conflicting policy or process will be waived.
Why should a student join a Greek organization?
Social opportunities, philanthropic projects, community service, tradition, career networking, and becoming part of an international organization are all reasons mentioned for becoming part of the Greek community but, the one cited most often by members is the sense of brotherhood/sisterhood. After all, you don't have to join a fraternity or sorority to have a great social life at The University of Oklahoma. You don't have to pay dues to a Greek letter organization to volunteer or raise money for a cause. You don't have to belong to the Greek community to acquire the personal development and study skills to succeed at University. The element of brotherhood/sisterhood is nonetheless a difficult attribute to convey to men and women interested in joining the Greek system. It is a feeling of togetherness, support and teamwork. It is companionship, personal discovery, challenge and awareness.
Joining a Greek organization is one way to make The University of Oklahoma seem smaller, friendlier, and easier to handle - it gives you a place and people to count on. Fraternities and sororities endeavor to enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development. The ideals of lifelong friendship, sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction are what Greeks strive to live by every day.
How much time does fraternity or sorority membership require?
Like most other worthwhile extra-curricular activities, how much you get out of your Greek membership is related to how much you put in. On average, expect to contribute two to four hours per week for meetings and mandatory activities. Optional activities such as holding an office, attending social events, playing on an intramural sports team, or helping out with various projects will of course take additional time. Some organizations require more time than others. Be sure to ask questions regarding time commitments during recruitment.
Whether it is planning a party, a community service project, or regular weekly meetings, fraternity members have learned to manage their time wisely with other commitments like homework, relationships, and jobs. Commuting students specifically gain a home-away-from-home that enables them to be a part of OU life. Through Greek involvement, you will meet diverse friends and be linked to an international network of more than 4.5 million members providing continual contact and activities wherever they go in life. Perhaps this is also why so many Greek members have succeeded in their lives.
Why do NPHC fraternities and sororities use Greek letters?
The origin of Greek letters can be traced back to the first fraternity Phi Beta Kappa. It is important to understand that the Greek writing system and philosophies has connections to Africa, particularly Egypt. The Greeks went to Africa and studied the writings, philosophies, and lifestyles of the Egyptians. Although each organization does employ Greek letters in the creation of its name, the objective of the fraternity was founded with a degree of secrecy in the use of Greek letters. So in keeping with tradition these are the reasons Black Fraternities and Sororities use Greek letter. However, each particular organization employs some type of reference to Africa within the organization. Alphas incorporate the Sphinx, Kappas incorporate the Scrolls, Sigmas incorporate the Crescent and so forth with the remainder organizations. To become Greek you should know the history that not only did the Greeks study in Egypt, but Jesus & Moses did as well. Also understand the concept of Phonetics and it's creators the Phoenicians. To be a Black Greek, you are expected to exemplify higher standards of living.
Are NPHC sororities and fraternities high classed gangs?
There are many arguments as to whether or not fraternities & sororities are gangs. This basically goes in reference to the said similarities of the Black Greek pledge process and the gang initiation process. This statement is totally false. Fraternities and sororities are NOT gangs in any way, shape, or form.
Burden of Proof: (1) Fraternities & sororities provide a service to the public vs. gangs are a threat to the public. (2) There are apparent leadership roles within fraternity & sorority members. vs. gangs have no vision or leadership roles in the community. (3) In order to join a Black Greek fraternity or sorority must be pursuing a college degree. vs. typical gang member not pursuing a college degree. *please note* that some gang symbols and hand signs coincide with some Black Greek fraternity or sorority symbols or hand signs.