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National Pan-Hellenic Council

Welcome to the National Pan-Hellenic Council

BSAI Step Show, Spring 2011
Photo: Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) serves as the umbrella group for eight historically African American fraternities and sororities at Duke University. Each semester, the council sponsors campus-wide events such as the NPHC Week and the Step Show. In addition, the council fosters interaction among its organizations through student leadership development and community service initiatives. For more information about the NPHC and its member chapters, you may contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in the CONTACT US section of the website.  You may also email National Pan-Hellenic Council officers by clicking their names below, or visit the chapter pages and websites by clicking on each chapter's name.


 

More Information:

Chapters and Chapter Advisors | Officers | Intake | Intake Requirements |
Forms and Applications | Calendar | Constitution | Bylaws | Annual Reviews


 

National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapters and Advisors

 Alpha Kappa Alpha
 
 Alpha Phi Alpha Robert L. Cox, Jr.
 Delta Sigma Theta  Arvis Bridges-Epps
 Kappa Alpha Psi  Byron Turner
 Omega Psi Phi  Jim Harper
 Phi Beta Sigma  Courtney Fauntleroy
 Sigma Gamma Rho  Annie Edmond
 Zeta Phi Beta
 Kimberley Baldwin

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National Pan-Hellenic Council Officers

President
Kyle Jones
1st Vice President/Conduct Board Chair
Ehizele Osehobo
2nd Vice President
Segun Babatunde
Treasurer
Kim Gicovi
Secretary
Elia Cabrera
Public Relations Chair
Ehizele Osehobo
Parliamentarian Modupe Adepoju
Historian
Danielle Black
Community Service Chair
Corey Gattis

 

For past officer lists, go here.


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National Pan-Hellenic Council Intake

The organizations that fall under the National Pan-Hellenic Council(NPHC) are unique in their membership requirements and processes. Rather than hosting a formal membership registration for all of the fraternities and sororities, each NPHC organization has an individual membership application and intake process prescribed by their national headquarters. In accordance with Duke policy, students cannot join NPHC organizations before the second semester of their freshman year. However, some NPHC organizations require students to be of sophomore standing to be eligible for membership. Furthermore, the scheduling of membership can differ for each group. Based on the preferences of the chapter members, an organization can choose to have intake during the Fall, Spring, or both.

Since each NPHC organization was founded on different principles, it is beneficial to research and differentiate the fraternities and sororities. Most NPHC groups have websites that offer information about the collegiate chapter and the organization on a national level. Another way to learn about the different organizations and their members is to attend programs held around campus. Click here to view the NPHC calendar.

For further on membership requirements please contact the individual chapters.


 

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National Pan-Hellenic Council Intake Requirements


Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Duke University
February 2004


1.    Fraternity/Sorority must be recognized by the University

Recognition is the formal process by which Duke University permits a fraternity or sorority to function on campus, conduct membership/intake activities, and be considered part of the university.  For a fraternal organization to obtain recognition through the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), it must:

  • Operate under a constitution and bylaws that have been approved by FSL and one of the recognized Greek governing councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Inter-Greek Council (IGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Panhellenic Association (Panhel).
  • Demonstrate sound financial standing.
  • Be affiliated with an inter/national fraternity or sorority.  Note: the National Pan-Hellenic Council will only consider requests for recognition by NPHC-affiliated organizations.
  • The requesting organization must be in compliance with the rules and regulations established by the national affiliate.
  • Present an initial membership list of at least three (3) currently registered, degree-seeking students who are not on academic or disciplinary probation.  Note: while Duke recognizes that some organizations share membership with other colleges and universities, this relationship must be approved by FSL.
  • Identify a person, who is not an undergraduate, to serve as the chapter advisor.

2.    Fraternity/Sorority must be in good standing with the Duke University NPHC

An organization of the Duke NPHC is a member in good standing if:
a)    It is fully recognized as active by its national organization;
b)    It pays its Duke NPHC dues;
c)    It is in compliance with NPHC and Duke policies.

3.    Provide name and contact information for chapter advisor, on-campus advisor (if applicable), and current membership.

4.    Provide a letter from the Chapter Advisor on official letterhead approving the intake process and approving the schedule of events and activities being planned for intake.

5.    Provide a list of students undergoing intake process including their contact information.  Note: membership may be extended to students in the spring of their first year.  Upperclass students may receive bids, or invitations to join recognized chapters, at any time.

The above requirements must be met and documentation submitted to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, 07 Bryan Center, prior to beginning any form of intake.  Failure to meet these requirements may result in sanctions and/or judicial action.


 

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Annual Reviews

By Academic Year

2010-2011 | 2011-2012



 

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National Pan-Hellenic Council Bylaws

Last Revised: January 26, 2012

Click here for a pdf file of the NPHC Bylaws

Quick Links: name | mission | membership | officers | committees | meetings | voting | elections | activities | amendments


Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be the Duke University Council of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.


Article II: Mission

The National Pan-Hellenic Council shall serve as the official governing body and coordinating agent of the nine (9) constituent member Greek letter fraternities and sororities in the furtherance of their program unity on the campus of Duke University and within the greater Durham community. The purpose of the Duke University NPHC shall be to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. To this end, the NPHC promotes the well-being of its affiliate fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of high standards and local programming.


Article III: Membership

Section 1:
The five founding organizations of the Duke University Council of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. are the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Iota Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Lambda Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., the Iota Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the Omega Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Section 2:
The Duke NPHC general body shall be composed of two official representatives from each member organization with more than five total members, and one official representative for each member organization with less than five members.

Section 3:
Individual member organizations shall select official representatives, in a manner left to the discretion of each organization.

Section 4:
It is the responsibility of the representative to express opinions of his/her organizations, and to relay all information discussed in the Duke NPHC meeting back to his/her organization.

Section 5:
The Treasurer will collect annual dues of $10.00 per person in each organization or a minimum of $50.00 at the beginning of each academic year, no later than the second Duke NPHC meeting.

Section 6:
Any organization that is a member of the nine Historically Black Greek-letter Fraternities or Sororities, but not part of the Duke NPHC, must submit a formal letter of intent and make a presentation about its organization (for informational purposes) before joining the Duke NPHC. In order to become a voting member of the Duke NPHC, the organization must undergo a one-semester introductory period (not including the summer semester) to familiarize themselves with the Duke University Council. During this re-introductory period, the organization may not vote in general body meetings, but is subject to all other membership rights and responsibilities (including, but not limited to payment of dues, unlimited programming as the calendar permits, and voting privileges on committees). After the organization successfully completes the introductory period, the Executive Board will formally recognize it at the Duke NPHC meeting immediately after the introductory period. The Secretary will note it in the minutes at that time, and the organization will receive full voting privileges.

Section 7:
For any organization in the Duke NPHC de-activated for more than one full calendar year (due, but not limited to, suspension or graduation of its members), a mandatory re-introductory period of two (2) general body meetings will be observed for the organization upon reactivation. During this re-introductory period, the organization may not vote in general body meetings, but is subject to all other membership rights and responsibilities (including, but not limited to payment of dues, unlimited programming as the calendar permits, and voting privileges on committees). After the organization successfully performs the re-introductory period, it will be formally recognized by the Executive Board and noted in the minutes by the Secretary and the organization will then receive full voting privileges.

Section 8:
For any organization in the Duke NPHC de-activated for less than one full calendar year (due, but not limited to, suspension or graduation of its members), a re-introductory period not to exceed one (1) general body meetings will be observed for the organization upon reactivation. The general body shall determine the length of the re-introductory period not to exceed one (1) general body meetings. During this re-introductory period, the organization may not vote, but is subject to all other membership rights and responsibilities (including, but not limited to payment of dues and unlimited programming as the calendar permits). After the organization successfully performs the re-introductory period, it will be formally recognized by the Executive Board and noted in the minutes by the Secretary and the organization will then receive full voting privileges.

Section 9:
Duke NPHC member organizations that have outstanding fines or dues are not in good standing.  Any Duke NPHC member organization that is not in good standing with the council cannot vote, hold registered events or have their submitted spring or fall calendar recognized by the council.

Section 10:
Any action by an organization, group of persons, or individual belonging to the Duke NPHC that detracts from the purpose or integrity of the Duke NPHC may be subject to penalties outlined by the Greek Conduct Board procedure.

Section 11:
Any member organization not in good standing, having outstanding fines or dues, engaging in activities that detract from the purpose or integrity of the Duke NPHC, or not fulfilling their responsibilities regarding Duke NPHC sponsored events will be subject to the following penalties for each infraction:

First Offense: Loss of voting rights at the next meeting and a fine of $25.

Second Offense: Loss of a party pick (collaborations included) and first offense penalties.

Third Offense: Loss of a calendar date, and first/second offense 


 Article IV: Officers

Section 1: Responsibilities of the Executive Board

  1. The Executive Board of the Duke NPHC shall compose of President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Public Relations Representative, Historian and Community Service Chair.
  2. The Executive Board members of the Duke NPHC must be active, financial members of their respective organizations.
  3. The positions of President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are to be elected by the general body (as detailed in Article VIII).
  4. The positions of Parliamentarian, Public Relations Representative, Historian and Community Service Chair are to be appointed by the President, with approval of the Executive Board as detailed in Article VIII.

Section 2: Responsibilities of the President

  1. The President shall be responsible for the oversight and administration of all service, fund-raising, and social action projects of the Duke NPHC.
  2. The President shall be the only official spokesperson for the Duke NPHC to the community-at-large.
  3. The President shall be the liaison between other Greek umbrella organizations.
  4. The President must provide the general body with the agenda for an upcoming meeting at least 48 hours in advance.
  5. To be eligible for the position of president a candidate must have served one full academic year as an official representative, have been an elected or appointed officer, or has served as the chair of a committee in the Duke NPHC. Any candidate who does not fit the above stated criteria must petition the Executive Board for permission to run.
  6. The President shall solicit individual committee chairs for specific projects.

Section 3: Responsibilities of the First Vice President

  1. The First Vice President shall be the liaison between the Duke NPHC and the Black Student Alliance.
  2. The First Vice President shall serve in the absence of the President.
  3. The First Vice President shall serve as NPHC Chair on the Greek Conduct Board.

Section 4: Responsibilities of the Second Vice President

  1. The Second Vice President shall be responsible for scheduling programs with Duke University (through the Office of Student Activities)
  2. The Second Vice President shall reserve all meeting rooms and party facilities needed for Duke NPHC events.
  3. The Second Vice President shall serve as chair of the Calendar Code Committee, which is responsible for maintaining the Duke NPHC calendar as outlined in Article V Section 4, and chair of the Step Show Committee, which is responsible for planning the logistics of the step shows as outlined in Article V, Section II.

Section 5: Responsibilities of the Secretary

  1. The Secretary shall take minutes at each general body meeting of the Duke NPHC and distribute them via email within one week following the Duke NPHC general body meeting.  The Secretary shall read the minutes of the previous general body meeting at the beginning of each general body meeting. These minutes shall be approved by the general body.
  2. The Secretary shall be responsible for compiling a complete and updated roster of all members of the Duke NPHC.
  3. The Secretary shall be responsible for managing the NPHC listserv, which will be distributed exactly seven days after each general body meeting. The update will include minutes of general body and committee meetings, chapter and council upcoming events, and future meeting dates and times.

Section 6: Responsibilities of the Treasurer

  1. The Treasurer shall manage all financial exchanges and maintain the Duke NPHC budget.
  2. The Treasurer shall provide the council with a financial report at every general body meeting, detailing all financial transactions of The Duke NPHC since the last report.
  3. The Treasurer is responsible for preparing and presenting the annual budget at the first meeting of every semester.
  4. The Treasurer will inform member organizations three (3) weeks in advance when annual dues need to be collected.
  5. The Treasurer will inform member organizations every two (2) weeks their updated financial situation with the council via email or hardcopy.

Section 7: Responsibilities of the Parliamentarian

  1. The Parliamentarian shall control all meeting procedures according to the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
  2. The Parliamentarian shall keep attendance at all Duke NPHC meetings.
  3. The Parliamentarian shall be responsible for conducting and tallying all votes as well as preparing the Nomination/Officer slate for elections.
  4. The Parliamentarian shall also chair the Bylaws Committee.
  5. At the first Duke NPHC general body meeting of each semester the Parliamentarian should conduct a review of Robert's Rules of Order as they are relevant to Duke NPHC meetings.

Section 8: Responsibilities of the Public Relations Representative

  1. The Public Relations Representative is responsible for maintaining the public image of the Duke NPHC.
  2. The Public Relations Representative shall handle all correspondence and publicity for events sponsored by the Duke NPHC.
  3. The Public Relations Chair shall represent the Duke NPHC in the planning of Greek Week.
  4. The Public Relations Chair will serve as Chair of the Public Relations Committee as outlined in Section V, Article V. 

Section 9: Responsibilities of the Historian

The Historian shall collect, compile and record historical data pertaining to the Duke NPHC.  

  1. The Historian shall be in charge of the newsletter created by the Duke NPHC.
  2. The Historian shall be in charge of taking and organizing photographs for the Duke NPHC.
  3. The Historian will present the Year in Review to the general body at the last meeting of the spring semester.
  4. The Public Relations Representative shall be the liaison between the Duke yearbook, the Chronicle, and other publications that archive University activity to ensure full representation of the Duke NPHC.

Section 10: Responsibilities of the Community Service Chair

    a. The Community Service Chair shall be in charge of all community service initiated by the Duke NPHC.
    b. The Community Service Chair shall participate in the planning of all community service events involving the wider Greek community.


Article V: Committees

Section 1:
The four committees of the Duke NPHC shall be named the Step Show Committee, the Bylaws Committee, the Calendar Code Committee and the Public Relations Committee.

  1. Membership to any committee is open to all Duke NPHC members. Any committee member can vote at committee meetings.
  2. Official members of committees shall serve for one semester.
  3. A quorum of two-thirds of the Duke NPHC member organizations must be present at all committee meetings in order for a vote to be binding.
  4. The committee chair must notify (via email or hard copy) the committee one (1) week in advance the location and time of the committee meeting. Only with permission from the NPHC Executive Board may the committee chair schedule a meeting with less than one (1) weeks' notice.
  5. The committee chair shall set meeting times with the approval of the committee. The chair shall also present the committee report to the general body.
  6. The committee secretary shall keep the minutes of each committee meeting and shall supply the minutes to the Duke NPHC Historian for archiving.
  7. Members of committees must be established by the first general body meeting of each semester and submitted to the Secretary. Any mid-semester changes to committee rosters must be approved by the head of the committee.
  8. At least one member of each chapter must serve on each committee, with each chapter receiving one vote.
  9. Each organization will be fined $5.00 per representative not present at any committee meeting unless the committee chair receives advanced notice of no less than four (4) hours.

Section 2: Responsibilities of the Step Show Committee

  1. There must be at least one competitive step show per academic year.  In order to be eligible to win, member organizations must be financial and in good standing per the discretion of the Executive Board.
  2. If a step show is to take place, the Step Show Committee shall secure a venue, oversee ticket sales, determine the order of the step show, define the guidelines of participation, and facilitate any additional details deemed relevant to the step show.
  3. The Committee shall be composed of one representative from each of the Duke NPHC member organizations. Members of the Step Show Committee must serve a term of one full academic semester.
  4. Only organizations stepping are allowed to cast a vote on Step Show Committee decisions. Non-steppers can sit-in on meetings and propose suggestions.
  5. There must be at least one preparation meeting in the fall for the spring step show and one such meeting in the spring for the fall step show to encourage early planning.
  6. The final stepping slate consisting of members of the Duke NPHC must be finalized three weeks prior to the show.
  7. All Duke NPHC organizations that choose to step must sign a contract agreement, binding them to step and to endure any and all penalties that result of a breach of contract.

Section 3: Responsibilities of the Bylaws Committee

  1. The Bylaws Committee shall review, update, and maintain the Duke NPHC Bylaws.
  2. The Committee shall be composed of one representative from each of the Duke NPHC member organizations. Members of the Bylaws Committee must serve a term of one full academic semester.
  3. The Parliamentarian shall serve as chair of the Bylaws Committee.
  4. An advisor of the Duke NPHC may sit on the Bylaws Committee without voting privileges.
  5. The Bylaws committee shall review the bylaws every spring semester. All suggested changes shall be presented and voted on by the general body by the last meeting of the year.

Section 4: Responsibilities of the Calendar Code Committee

  1. The Calendar Code Committee shall convene a minimum of once each semester to review calendar requests and to plan the Duke NPHC Calendar, as is outlined by the Calendar Code. The chair of this committee may call special meetings of the committee when necessary.
  2. The Committee shall be composed of one representative from each of the Duke NPHC member organizations. Members of the Calendar Code Committee must serve a term of one full academic semester.
  3. The Calendar Code committee shall review the calendar code every semester. All suggested changes shall be presented and voted on by the general body by the last meeting of the semester.

Section 5: Responsibilities of the Public Relations Committee  

  1. The Public Relations Committee shall be headed by the Public Relations Chair.   
  2. The Public Relations Committee shall approve all publicity measures for NPHC events.   
  3. The Committee shall be composed of one representative from each of the Duke NPHC member organizations.  Members of the Public Relations Committee must serve a term of one full academic semester. 


Article VI: Meetings

Section 1:
The first general body meeting of the year shall occur within the first two calendar weeks of classes. At this meeting, the body shall designate a time and place for all consecutive meetings for all remaining general body meetings of the academic year.

Section 2:
The President may call additional meetings of the general body when necessary.

Section 3:
A Duke NPHC advisor should be present at every general body meeting.

Section 4:
Meetings shall convene a maximum of one hour. If extra time is needed, a motion may be made for an extension of time.

Section 5:
If a member organization will not be fully represented for a general body meeting, notice must be given to the president via email or hardcopy by 12pm of that day, or the absence will be unexcused.  All unexcused absences will incur a fine of $10 and a loss of voting rights at the next council meeting.  An unexcused lateness of more than 15 minutes will incur a fine of $5.  Each member organization is permitted a maximum of three excused absences per semester, after which, all absences will be unexcused.  The aforementioned penalties are at the discretion of the Executive Board.

 

 

Article VII: Payments to the Counci

Section 1:
All fines and dues will be collected by the Treasurer.  Member organizations will be notified three (3) weeks in advance when annual dues will be collected.  After the Executive Board recognizes an infraction made by any member organization(s), those member organizations involved will be notified immediately.

Section 2:
All member organizations will have one (1) month to pay any fines and three (3) weeks to pay any dues.  After one (1) month fines will become outstanding, therefore the member organization will not be in good standing with the council.  After three (3) weeks dues will become outstanding, therefore the member organization will not be in good standing with the council.

Section 3:
If any member organization feels that they will be unable to pay the total amount of their dues and/or fines by the established deadline they may create a detailed payment plan.  The payment plan must be approved by the Treasurer and the President.  The payment plan document must be signed by the President of the member organization, the council's Treasurer, President and advisor.  Copies of the document will be made and kept on file.  Failure to adhere to the payment plan will result in additional $50 fine.


 

Article VIII: Voting

Section 1:
Each organization in good standing with the Duke NPHC shall have one vote regardless of the number of members in their respective NPHC organization.  In the event that the official representative(s) and/or the official alternative are not present, the organization may not vote. A quorum of at least two-thirds of the Duke NPHC member organizations in good standing must be present at any general body meeting in order for a vote to be binding.

Section 2:
In case of a tie vote by Duke NPHC member organizations, the Executive Board members may cast their votes.  In the event that there is still a tie, the President will cast his or her vote.

Section 3:
Any vote can be taken by secret ballot at the recommendation of an officer or representative. The Secretary and Parliamentarian shall take the vote tally.


Article IX: Elections

Section 1:
Elections shall be held no later than the second week of March.  The election of officers shall be carried by majority vote. Elected officers assume duties, with the exception of the Step Show and other large projects, lasting approximately one calendar year.

Section 2:
Appointments to office shall be made by the newly elected Duke NPHC President and approved by the Executive Board on or after the last weekend in March and before the undergraduate reading period begins. The appointed positions are Parliamentarian, Historian, and Community Service Chair.

Section 3:
Nominations for officers shall be submitted at the meeting before elections are to occur. All nominations must be seconded by a member of the general body. Each nominee present shall be granted the opportunity to speak before the Duke NPHC general body meeting.

Section 4:
For the election of officers, only those chapters that were in good standing during the nomination meeting up to and including the election meeting may cast votes.

Section 5:
Each organization is limited to having one member run for each elected position.  Each organization is limited to having only four (4) members on the Executive Board.  If the results of the election are such that an organization has more than four (4) members voted into office, then, the discretion is left to that organization to select which official positions they wish to assume.  The member organization can only assume up to four (4) Executive Board positions.

Section 6:
An elected officer of the Duke NPHC may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the General Body. An officer may be removed due to poor attendance, failure to perform the duties of their position as outlined in the Constitution and Bylaw, excessive infractions against any of the governing documents of the Duke NPHC, or any other cause that the general body believes warrants removal from office. Removal of an appointed officer shall be determined and carried out by the Executive Board.

Section 7:
In the event that an elected office is vacated due either to removal from office or other circumstances that would prevent that officer from fulfilling their duties, an ad hoc election may be held for that position following the format detailed in Article VIII.

  1. In the event that the office of President is vacated, the 1st Vice President will succeed the outgoing president, an election may be held for 1st Vice President. Candidates must come from the general body. No other offices shall be filled by promotion.
  2. The Executive board may also choose to absorb any vacated position.


Article X: Activities

Section 1:
The Duke NPHC shall sponsor at least one major service-oriented project and one fund-raiser each semester.

Section 2:
Any proceeds raised by the Duke NPHC through its fundraising efforts shall be used either as seed money for other fundraisers or Duke NPHC programs, to pay National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. dues, or for charitable causes.


Article XI: Amendments

Section 1:
The Bylaws shall be annually approved at the first general body meeting of the academic year by simple majority vote of the Duke NPHC member organizations.

Section 2:
The Bylaws shall be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of all the Duke NPHC member organizations (this excludes the Executive Board), with each organization having one vote.

Section 3:
The Calendar Code shall be annually approved by a simple majority vote of the Duke NPHC member organizations 
(this excludes the Executive Board), by the second general body meeting of the academic year.

Section 4:
The Calendar Code shall be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of all the Duke NPHC member organizations 
(this excludes the Executive Board), with each organization having one vote.

Section 5:
The member chapters of the National Pan-Hellenic Council do not recognize any Greek letter organization that is not affiliated with one of the four umbrella councils of Duke University or another recognized institution of higher education. Furthermore, the member chapters do not recognize any group, under whatever name, that was formally associated with one of the member councils, but no longer is. As such, the member chapters of the NPHC will not officially engage in any activities, be they social, philanthropic, educational, or otherwise, nor associate with these organizations or groups. Such groups include but are not limited to Eta Prime, Delta Phi Alpha, Kappa Sigma, etc. All allegations will be investigated by the Greek Conduct Board.

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