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NPHC Faqs

  1. What is the GPA requirement to be a member of an NPHC organization?
  2. What’s the difference between National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC) and Panhellenic (HPC)?
  3. How much does it cost to be a member?
  4. Am I eligible to become a member if I am a freshman?
  5. How do I meet different organizations?

What is the GPA requirement to be a member of an NPHC organization?

Sorority:

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. GPA: 2.5
  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. GPA: 2.5
  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. GPA: 2.5

Fraternity:

  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. GPA: 2.5
  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. GPA: 2.5
  • Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. GPA: 2.5
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. GPA: 2.5

(all GPA averages are based on a 4.0 scale)

Even though the GPAs listed are the national requirements, most chapters look for high scholastic achieving individuals so the GPAs the chapters on UH campus typically require are higher than the minimum national requirement.

Membership in any NPHC sorority or fraternity is by invitation only, we encourage interested men and women to have a record of community service, campus involvement, and currently pursuing a baccalaureate degree.

What’s the difference between National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC) and Panhellenic (HPC)?

The difference between National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC) and Houston Panhellenic is that National Pan-Hellenic is a council that is historically African American. NPHC consist of nine international Greek-lettered organizations to include: 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., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Each organization seeks to provide its members with an enriching college experience with great leadership opportunities. The council’s sole purpose is to promote interaction through forums, meetings, and other mediums including community service, social action awareness, and dedicating time to the younger generation to highlight the excellence and success in the African American community. You might hear the members in the fraternity/sorority community call this council NPHC or ‘The Pan’ for short.

The Houston Panhellenic Council (HPC) is the unifying, governing, and coordinating body for the sorority system at The University of Houston. Houston Panhellenic Council is a forum for sorority, campus, and community affairs. It also serves as the communication link between the sororities and the campus administration. The 6 organizations in this council are from the 26 in the National Panhellenic Conference or NPC. You might hear members in the fraternity/sorority community call this council Panhellenic and not their actual council name which is Houston Panhellenic Council. This tends to be confusing for students that are interested in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) or The Pan for short which are the historically African American fraternities and sororities.

How much does it cost to be a member?

Cost for membership varies from different organizations. Information on cost can be found via the national website of the organization of interest.

National Organization Websites:

Sororities:

Fraternities:

Am I eligible to become a member if I am a freshman?

Membership eligibility is also determined by the organization of your choice. Typically a potential new member has to have at least 1 full-time semester with the required grade point average for that organization to join. For more information, view the national website of your organization of interest.

How do I meet different organizations?

Meeting the different NPHC organizations at the University of Houston can be completed during the week of events during each full semester. NPHC Week is typically the 2nd week of each fall and spring semester. At the annual event called, “Meet The Greeks” you will be able to talk to the Presidents and current members of each organization on campus and receive more information. Each organization also has various events throughout the semester that encourage prospective members to attend.