The Divine Nine at a glance
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is made up of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, founded between 1906 and 1963. Five are fraternities (Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma and Iota Phi Theta) and four are sororities (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho). Our Divine Nine directory lists each one's founding date, campus and colors.
What sets them apart is that membership is for life. Undergraduate chapters are only the start; most members stay active in graduate chapters for decades, running service, scholarship, mentoring and civic programs in their communities.
How membership intake works
Every organization runs its own process, and the details are private, but the general shape is similar:
- Showing interest. Students attend public programs and service events and get to know members. Many chapters announce a "rush" or informational meeting; despite the name, it's an information session, not recruitment.
- Application. Candidates apply when a chapter holds intake. Typical requirements include a minimum GPA, completed credit hours, community service and recommendations.
- Membership intake process. A structured education program run under national guidelines, ending in initiation. Organizations set limits on its length and content.
- Crossing. When candidates complete the process and are initiated, they've "crossed." The group of people who crossed together is their line.
- New member presentation. Many chapters introduce new members publicly in a show, often called a probate, with stepping, chants and family and friends cheering in the crowd.
What families should know
Expect quiet. Students usually don't announce that they're going through intake, even to family. That privacy is part of the tradition, not a warning sign by itself.
Hazing is banned. Every Divine Nine organization prohibits hazing, and the NPHC organizations formally ended pledging decades ago in favor of membership intake. If your student shows signs of injury, extreme exhaustion, or fear, take it seriously. See our hazing warning signs guide.
Plan for the new member presentation. If there's a public show, ask when and where. Families often bring flowers, balloons or signs in the organization's colors.
Paraphernalia: what to buy, and what not to
Divine Nine members are known for paraphernalia ("para"): jackets, line patches, letter shirts and colors. There's an important custom here: non-members shouldn't wear an organization's letters as if they're members. Family pride gear (Proud Mom, Proud Dad, family-of shirts) is the respectful way for families to celebrate.
Many organizations license their names and symbols to approved vendors, so when you shop for a member, look for officially licensed products. For original family designs and the stories behind each organization, visit our sister site FratMom.com.
Gift ideas for crossing and beyond
See our crossing gift ideas, gifts for Greek parents and Founders Day gifts.
Frequently asked questions
Is it called rushing or pledging in the Divine Nine?
Neither. The Divine Nine use a membership intake process. 'Rush' belongs to Panhellenic and IFC recruitment, and pledging was abolished by the NPHC organizations decades ago.
Can my student talk about intake?
Very little, and that's by design. Interest in membership is usually kept quiet, and organizations ask candidates not to discuss the process. If something feels unsafe, though, your student should always tell you or the campus.
Can my student join after college?
Yes. All Divine Nine organizations have graduate or alumni chapters, and many people join as working adults.
Sources and further reading
Updated November 2026