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Univeristy of Oklahoma
"Unamity of Thought and Action"

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NPHC Glossary

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is NPHC? The NPHC is the governing body for the historically African-American fraternities and sororities at The University of Oklahoma.
   
2. What organizations are part of NPHC on OU's campus? All of the Divine Nine are present on the campus of the University of Oklahoma.
   
3. 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. Stepping 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.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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.
   
7. 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.  
   
8. 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.