Some students may not realize how different the National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations are from other Greeks on campus.

Nationally, the NPHC has nine organizations also known as the “divine nine.” Historically, the National Pan-Hellenic Council governs over historically African-American Greek organizations. Here at NIU, the NPHC is extended to 15 organizations.

Demetrius Harvey, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and member of Iota Phi Theta, said all 15 of the organizations have the same basic principles.

“All of the NPHC Greeks have the common theme of brotherhood, sisterhood, scholarship and leadership,” Harvey said.

The NPHC was formed in 1930 at Howard University. The organizations within NPHC date back as far as 1906. According to www.nphchq.org, racial isolation on predominantly white campuses with social class barriers denoted a need for African-American students to come together with other people sharing common goals and ideas.

Step shows are common with NPHC organizations. NPHC said step shows are a unique form of artistic and musical entertainment that provides the public a forum to better understand the unique culture for the NPHC fraternities and sororities.

“Stepping is a way to tie together the legacy of our organization with the legacy of our African ancestors,” said LaShawndra Thornhill, a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

NPHC also said stepping helps prospective members become more informed about the organization they seek membership with. Stepping creates a bond among minority students attending predominantly white institutions who may feel isolated and perceive a lack of emotional support.

Tara McDonald, a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, said NPHC Greeks focus on community service as well as social events.

“We value our founders and founding principles and history,” she said. NPHC said the focus of the organizations is community awareness and action through educational, economic and cultural service activities.

Harvey said students who are nervous about the various intake processes should not dwell on it. He said NPHC does not allow hazing within its organizations.

“It’s not so much a process, “ Harvey said, “it’s more so a quest for knowledge.”

It takes more than going to Greek-sponsored events to be considered for the intake process. Gino Betts, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, said they look for leaders on campus. He said those interested in joining a Greek organization should be able to do multiple tasks.

“We look for people with academic excellence who can balance being academic and social,” Betts said.

Simone Lamothe, a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma, said there are numerous benefits to being in a Greek organization. Greek students have the opportunity to participate in national conferences and network with people in their organization. She said she was once skeptical about Greek organizations. She revealed that joining a sorority was one of the best decisions she ever made.

“One of the greatest things about being in a sorority is being able to be more involved,” Lamothe said, “and having the support of my sorrors [sorority sisters] in everything I do.”