FAQ About NPHC
On what fiscal year does NPHC operate?
The fiscal year of operation for the NPHC is from January 1 to December 31.
Does the formation of a campus NPHC segregate according to race?
The NPHC and each of its member organizations have non-discriminatory policies and practices. They are also actively involved in activities and programs designed to eradicate bias and discrimination in all phases of life. The formation of an NPHC council ensures that the philosophies of affiliate member organizations are maintained. It is important and highly recommended that NPHC councils seek to influence other organizations through programming and activities.
Does NPHC regulate the activities of its affiliate organizations?
NPHC serves as the coordinating agent, unifying body, and policy implementing body for affiliate organizations; NPHC organizations maintain their autonomy in the establishment of policies and procedure concerning their respective organization. The NPHC sets guidelines in areas of mutual interest and coordinates joint activities. NPHC organizations provide substantial input into the policies and practices of NPHC, Inc. Such input allows for a certain level of uniformity and enforcement among affiliates. Affiliate member chapters are expected to support the programs of their respective councils and to assume the obligations so prescribed.
Should the NPHC undergraduate council be a subordinate group or committee within previously established Greek-letter governing bodies?
In order for NPHC undergraduate councils to have a positive effect on a college/university’s campus and to constructively interact with other Greek-letter bodies, it is vital that the council be autonomous and have the same rights and privileges afforded the other bodies. This means that the NPHC formed on a campus should not be a subordinate body or committee of another body but rather a laterally structured administrative body. It is also important that the campus NPHC obtains a faculty or staff member to serve as an advisor. It is strongly recommended that the campus “advisor” be a member of one of the NPHC affiliate organizations, if possible, or at least someone familiar with the goals and objectives of the NPHC, its strong cultural foundation, ideals, and bond. The formation of a council is encouraged as a means to develop and achieve a basis for mutual understanding and appreciation in all aspects of campus life and its activities. A NPHC undergraduate council may be established “in addition to” rather than “in lieu of.”
Will the formation of an NPHC campus council preclude affiliate chapters from participation in other traditional campus Greek-letter governing bodies like NIC, NPC, NALFO, MGC, and All-Greek council?
While NPHC member chapters are unique, there remains a need for both the social interaction provided by other campus councils and organizations, as well as the cultural interaction existing between NPHC groups.
Should undergraduate councils of the NPHC have access to funding?
Yes, undergraduate NPHC councils should have access to student organizational funding. It should be understood that most of the programs offered by undergraduate councils are essentially service oriented and therefore are beneficial to the general college/university community and should qualify for student funding. An argument at some college/universities is that Greek-letter organizations should not receive student funding. However, this posture assumes that all Greek organizations are identical in nature. Most other Greek organizations receive contributions from alumni groups for housing and other activities. Consequently, they may not desire student funding. NPHC undergraduate councils cannot raise or collect funds for acquiring assets. All funds raised or donated are normally used for promoting programmatic activities specifically geared toward providing service for the benefit of others. Since the activities sponsored by NPHC undergraduate councils are usually designed to enhance the image of the college/university, the entire educational community benefits from NPHC programming.
What is the position of NPHC and Affiliate organizations on the establishment of local NPHC councils?
NPHC affiliate organizations have directed and currently require that where there are two or more chapters of affiliate organizations, an NPHC council must be established (Summary of the NPHC Task Force Report, October 1999):
RECOMMENDATION 9. All undergraduate chapters and graduate chapters MUST belong to the appropriate local council of NPHC and show evidence yearly to their international office that they are in good standing with their collegiate or graduate council. If there is no council and two or more NPHC organization chapters exist at that location, then those chapters must form a council. The international member affiliate organizations will notify their respective chapters of this official mandate through official publications including their respective official publication organs.
