National Pan-Hellenic Membership Intake

Joining a National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapter at William & Mary offers students the opportunity to become part of historically, but not exclusively, Black fraternities and sororities rooted in service, scholarship, leadership, and cultural pride. NPHC organizations emphasize lifelong membership, community uplift, and the preservation of tradition through intentional membership processes. Members develop strong bonds while making meaningful contributions to campus and the broader community.

Note: None of our chapters on campus accept first-semester freshmen at this time.

Alpha Phi Alpha members pose for a group photo. Sigma Gamma Rho members pose as a group.

What to Expect

Joining Process

The joining process, also referred to as membership intake varies from chapter to chapter. To learn more about individual organizations, keep an eye out on for information about interest meetings, informationals, or rush. These may be announced on social media or could be announced via discrete flyers on public posting boards around campus.

Varies Each Year

Some chapters complete their intake each semester, annually or at a time determined each year:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Learn More About NPHC Chapters

Important Steps

If you are a first-year student interested in joining an NPHC organization but the organization does not hold a “Rush Week/Day” or does not admit first-semester students, please continue to keep the following in mind.

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It is essential that you have solid academic success at W&M. Each chapter has a GPA and enrollment status, and may also have a completed hour requirement for membership.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- GPA: 2.3
- Enrollment Status: Full Time
- Hours Complete: 12
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment Status: Full Time
- Hours Complete: 12
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
- GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment Status: Full Time
- Hours Complete: 12
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment Status: Full Time
- Hours Complete: 36
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- GPA: 2.75
- Enrollment Status: Full Time
- Hours Complete: 24 hours
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
- GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment Status: Full Time
- Hours Complete: 12
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
- GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment Status: Full Time
- Hours Complete: 12

Whether you're very familiar with fraternities and sororities or have no knowledge at all, it's important to get to know the members and organizations, and for the members to get to know you. Use the semester to attend chapter events and interest meetings to find out which one is the best fit for you. You can learn about events and meetings through social media, Student Happenings, event calendars, and flyers around campus. Just remember to be yourself.

Do your research! Each national organization has an information on their website that would be worth looking at prior too joining. These pages can help you learn more about what makes each organziation unique, what causes they care about, and so gain insight into their joining process. Spending some time getting to know the members at various meet & greets and showing up to programs the organziation puts on are great way to also gain a better understanding of what organizations represent.

Outside of that, take some time to read various blogs, articles, and books.

Ross, L. (2000). The Divine Nine: The History of African-American Fraternities and Sororities. New York: Kensington Books.
Kimbrough, W. M. (2003). Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs, and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities. Madison, NJ: Fairleigh Dickenson University Press.
Torbenson, C. L., & Parks, G. (2009). Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities & Sororities. Associated University Press.

Giving back to the community is an important facet of the culturally based organizations. Chapters volunteer weekly, monthly, and annually in the Williamsburg/Hampton Roads community. You can connect with other student volunteer organizations or the Office of Community Engagement for opportunities.

Many chapters require letters of recommendation for membership. The recommendation letters can come from mentors, employers, professors, as well as members from the organization. Be sure to remain in contact with people you know and develop key relationships with faculty and staff on campus.

Another requirement, in some chapters, is your current involvement on campus or in the community. Find an organization to join and be an active member by serving on a committee or in a leadership role.

All organizations require a new member fee. Depending on the organization, the fee can range from $250 to $3,000. Start saving now so you're prepared when the time comes. If you don’t join, at least you’ve saved the money!

These organizations will notify interested students of their membership intake timelines when that information is available for distribution. Be patient. Take your time.

What to Expect

Joining Process

Varies Each Year

Important Steps

Topics

1. Earn the Grades

2. Get to Know the Members & Organizations

3. Learn More

4. Complete Service Hours

5. Obtain Recommendations

6. Get Involved

7. Save Up

8. Enjoy the Journey

National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapters