NPHC, Edward Waters University
NPHC, Edward Waters University

The Edward Waters’ National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the governing body comprised of Fraternities and Sororities that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. At Edward Waters, we have active chapters of all nine NPHC organizations. The NPHC’s goal is to unite as a single body under the ideals of sisterhood, brotherhood, scholarship and service to the community.

Greek Life FAQs

How do I determine if I want to join a fraternity or sorority? If so, which one will be the best fit for me?

If you believe that life-long membership in an organization can enhance your educational experience by emphasizing intellectual, interpersonal, and social development, then Greek Life may be for you.  All Greek organizations strive for the ideals of brotherhood/sisterhood, a sound education, campus and community service, and social interaction.  In determining the right organization for you, we encourage you to research not only the EWC chapter but also the inter/national organization via their website and other available resources. Look at the motto, mission statement, founding ideals/principles and the philanthropic involvement of the organization to determine if this is the organization to which you can align your life.  

Please note that joining a Greek organization is based on a mutual selection process. Students interested in Greek Life should understand that fraternities and sororities have the privilege of being selective and do not have to admit all applicants who apply for membership in their organizations. 

How can I learn more about each organization?

We encourage you to visit the national/international websites for more information about each organization.  You may also find it helpful to visit the websites of our local chapters.   

Can I join more than one fraternity/sorority?

Students, if selected, may hold membership in (1) fraternity/sorority. Be mindful that life-long membership in a fraternity or sorority requires a considerable commitment of time, use of your talents, and finances to further the organization, its values, and programmatic initiatives.   

How much time is required to be a member?

Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires a significant investment of time to be successful and Greek Life is no different. Along with the ongoing training and development associated with being a member, there are some mandatory commitments for members of the organization that are set well in advance (i.e. weekly meetings, campus/community service projects, program participation, new member education, etc.).  Students that are active and consistently involved are usually the ones most satisfied with their decision to join a Greek organization. 

What are the benefits of membership and how long does membership last?

Membership provides personal and professional development among many other benefits.  Through membership, Greeks have the opportunity to be connected as a part of a local, regional, international or national organization and allow for advancement via leadership positions within the organization and/or the councils. When joining these organizations, please consider that membership in a fraternity/sorority is a lifelong commitment.  You aren’t “buying your friends” nor is it “something to do” while you are in college.  After you graduate members often continue their involvement through local graduate or alumni/alumnae chapters serving as a chapter advisor, officer or committee chair or in a regional/national office. 

What is required to become a member of a fraternity/sorority?

To be eligible for membership, the College requires that a student meet/exceed the following: 
  • Successful completion of at least 24 credit hours at Edward Waters College during the academic semester prior to the intake semester (freshmen and first-semester transfer students are NOT eligible for membership during their 1st year on campus). For those who were enrolled in a cooperative education/intern experience during the fall semester, a letter of verification must be submitted to the Office of Student Activities prior to application for membership to be eligible. 
  • Have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher prior to membership intake.  The grade point average is standard requirements for membership, but however having a 2.75 does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the chapter. 
  • Must be an undergraduate student currently enrolled at EWC as a full-time student, being registered for and successfully completing at least 12 credit hours during the academic semester in which intake is being held.  Alumnus of Edward Waters College are ineligible to participate in intake at EWC as they have already been awarded a degree and should seek membership in a Graduate or Alumni/ae Chapter.  Students enrolled at other institutions are ineligible to seek membership through EWC chapters of fraternities and sororities.
  •  Be in good judicial standing with the college per the Office of the Dean of Students and have NO judicial, financial, or academic holds at the time of clearance/s.
  • Must have attended at least one mandatory information session for membership intake offered by Student Activities and Leadership during the academic year they wish to seek membership in a Greek letter organization. 

Is there a cost associated with joining a fraternity or sorority?

Like any other worthwhile endeavor, there is a financial commitment associated with joining a fraternity or sorority.  Most organization’s new member/initiation fees go toward Inter/national dues, chapter operating expenses, initiation costs, and social functions; however, the amount of the financial obligation may differ among individual chapters. Additional costs associated with membership include but are not limited to conference attendance, yearly dues, t-shirts, philanthropic initiatives, and support of other organizational programs. 

Is hazing required to join a fraternity or sorority?

NO, nor should it be!  Fraternities and sororities were founded on strong moral, social, and academic principles.  Hazing or any activity which subjects members to harassment, intimidation, physical exhaustion, or mental distress among other things is contrary to each organization’s founding principles.  All chapters have a new member education program that is designed to teach new members the history, traditions, values, and expectations of their organization. Hazing has no place in these activities and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership works closely with each local chapter and national organization to set/reinforce clear expectations for new member activities. This includes setting reasonable limits on time commitments, activities, and length of programs.

Hazing is against the law, and the College has a zero-tolerance policy concerning such. Rites and traditions vary from chapter to chapter; some are secret, but none should involve abuse of any kind.  If you have concerns that hazing may be occurring, please contact the Office of Student Activities and Leadership and speak with a staff member.  If you would like to anonymously report a hazing incident you can contact Campus Security at 904-470-8888.  

How will my grades be impacted by fraternity/sorority membership?

Academic success is a key component to fraternity and sorority life. All fraternities and sororities at EWC place a value on the academic success of their members. A few of the ways that Greek organizations support the academics of their members is through minimum grade requirements for holding an office and being initiated into the chapter, study halls, along with workshops on study skills, test taking, and time management. 

When can I join?

Membership Intake only occurs during the Fall and/or Spring semester of the academic year.  However, not all Greek organizations participate in intake annually.  Students often attend programs, community service initiatives, and fundraisers throughout the year to learn more about each organization and to indicate interest.  If your fraternity/sorority of choice decides to accept new members, information regarding the formal interest meeting will be displayed in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. Only those organization’s which have been approved to conduct new member activities will have their flyers approved and posted. 

My parents do not like the idea of Fraternities and Sororities. How can I offer them reassurance?

At some point, most of our chapter members also had to have “the talk” with their families. We encourage you to share the Student Activities Greek Life webpage with them. If your parents have specific questions or concerns, we can help answer them. There are numerous undergraduate leaders, alumni, fraternity/sorority inter/national headquarters staff, College administrators and chapter advisors who are more than willing to share their insights and experiences.  You can contact the Ms. Acquanetta Parrott, Director of Student Activities and Leadership with any questions at a.parrott@ewc.edu or via phone at 904-470-8210 

When can I join?

Membership Intake only occurs during the Fall and/or Spring semester of the academic year.  However, not all Greek organizations participate in intake annually.  Students often attend programs, community service initiatives, and fundraisers throughout the year to learn more about each organization and to indicate interest.  If your fraternity/sorority of choice decides to accept new members, information regarding the formal interest meeting will be displayed in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. Only those organization’s which have been approved to conduct new member activities will have their flyers approved and posted. 

When can I join?

Membership Intake only occurs during the Fall and/or Spring semester of the academic year.  However, not all Greek organizations participate in intake annually.  Students often attend programs, community service initiatives, and fundraisers throughout the year to learn more about each organization and to indicate interest.  If your fraternity/sorority of choice decides to accept new members, information regarding the formal interest meeting will be displayed in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. Only those organization’s which have been approved to conduct new member activities will have their flyers approved and posted. 
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