The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was founded May 10, 1930 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC. Sorority & Fraternity Life (SFL) recognizes two of the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities with efforts to expand and start another chapter in 2022-2023.
Each chapter organizes educational and cultural programs as well as community service projects for members and the larger university community.
How to Join
Individuals interested in joining an NPHC fraternity or sorority should start by learning more about each organization. A helpful approach is to attend programs sponsored by each chapter on-campus or reaching out to connect. Events are posted on the NPHC social media.
NPHC organizations take new member classes through processes called membership intake. Membership intake is organized by each chapter independently and at different times during the academic year. More information can be found by attending NPHC Meet the Greeks event, hosted quarterly by our office in conjunction with the Center for Black Cultures, Resources & Research (CBCRR).
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (fraternity) - Charter revoked by National Organization in 2019; Recognition revoked in 2021
Zeta Phi Rho (fraternity) - Recognition halted voluntarily in Spring 2022
Suspended Chapters
Pi Kappa Alpha, PIKE (fraternity)-suspended through June 14, 2024, for failure to comply with directives and university policy violations
Recognition for Fraternities & Sororities
The names of the fraternities & sororities listed on this page are the only chapters recognized at UC Irvine. There are honor societies and other professional organizations that use greek letters, but they are not recognized as a fraternity or sorority. Be aware of any group that says they are a fraternity or sorority but is not listed on this page or is not registered with the Student Life & Leadership Office.
Unrecognized groups are also considered underground groups due to the fact that their activities are done in secret.
