The NPHC have a membership intake process that includes informational meetings, specific interviews and other events targeted at the women that are specifically interested in a single sorority. They do not hold recruitment events where all BGLO groups participate. In addition, prospective members must apply, provide resumes and letters of recommendation, must contribute many hours to the chapters community service projects and learn the history of the sorority and the chapter before they are even considered for membership. All this is up to the prospective, not the chapter. The chapter has the final vote on whether or not to accept that member.
My recommendation to you would be to have the NPHC chapter as an associate member of Panhellenic, since they are not bound by the NPC agreements. The Panhellenic and Greek Life office should offer support, including financial if possible, to help the new chapter get on it's feet and recruit it's first member class. If your university has hazing policies, etc., or if you must abide by certain policies to be a member of Panhellenic, the NPHC group will most likely have to check with an advisor or national officer before signing any agreement. Some of the traditional membership intake/new member processes and traditions of the NPHC can be considered hazing by members of the NPC (enforced like dress, rules of conduct and speech, etc.). Make sure everyone is fully informed of the traditions and expectations of each group, both NPC and NPHC.
Barb
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