History & Purpose
The NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) was founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington, DC, and ultimately grew to nine organizations, also known as the "Divine Nine." Racial isolation on predominantly white campuses and social barriers of class on all campuses created a need for Black students to align themselves with other individuals sharing common goals and ideals. Black Greek-lettered organizations soon became a haven and an outlet, focusing on brotherhood/sisterhood to bring about positive social change for the Black community and the country at large.
Currently, University of San Diego students are eligible to join local and city-wide chapters of NPHC organizations as shared below. City-wide chapters encompass members and activities at nearby campuses like SDSU, UCSD, CSUSM, alongside USD's campus, with support from the Multicultural Greek Council.
As of Fall 2025, USD now has undergraduate student membership in five of the nine NPHC organizations and is eager to continue to grow the community experience.
Share your information below to be updated on NPHC events and programs!
Get to know NPHC Chapters
- NPHC Programs
- NPHC Intake
Below, you will learn about NPHC programs hosted at USD. We recommend that you follow all San Diego campuses' Instagram accounts to stay informed about city-wide engagement opportunities.
San Diego State University - NPHC
University of California, San Diego - NPHC
BSRC Kickoff @ USD
Thursday, September 5th from 6-8 pm in SLP Courtyard
Early in the Fall semester, the Black Student Resource Commons hosts a Kickoff event. NPHC members and organizations are invited to meet people and share more about their organizations.
Alcalá Bazaar @ USD
Tuesday, September 16th from 12:30-2:00 pm in Paseo de Colachis
Office of Student Activities and Involvement hosts the USD student organization fair, many NPHC organizations may have their own table.
MGC Kickoff @ USD
Wednesday, September 17th from 6:00-8:00 pm in TBD
A social celebration and introduction of all multicultural chapters participating in recruitment and intake including a brief presentation and opportunity to connect with the chapters.
NPHC Chapters
At this time, University of San Diego students are eligible for membership in the following chapters of NPHC organizations. Active chapters currently operate on a city-wide level, meaning they have members and host programming on nearby campuses such as SDSU, UCSD, and CSUSM, in addition to USD's campus.
USD is also working on strengthening our partnerships with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. To express interest in activating a campus-based chapter, email fsl@sandiego.edu to get connected.
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.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.