But why are the NPHC groups so ... different???

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by tld221

is it really that cut and dry (on the bolded)? (im trying to come up with supporting argument, but really thats all i got right now) when i decided i wanted to be part of greek life, i went where i knew greeks would be. when i decided i wanted to be part of NPHC, i went where they would be. i dunno, i jus kinda read your statement as "at PWIs if you go where the black folks go, youre bound to find some NPHCers." which was SO not the case 9:10 times. but hey im jus one person.

In my personal experience, it was true back in the day but not necessarily now.

When I was an undergrad in the late 80's, on my campus, and many other PWIs that I was familiar with, a large percentage (around 30-50%) of American born Black students were members of a BGLO. I seperate American born because most Blacks from other parts of the Diaspora had a lower take rate (5-10%).

In my current experience at a much larger PWI, the overall take rate is quite low (optimistically around 10%). I have yet to encounter a non-American born member of the BGLOs on campus, although I have to think that there are at least a few.

With the proliferation of 'new' orgs - Greeks, cultural, professional, etc. - there are a lot more outlets for students. So an unscientific sample of current Black students would probably find that many BGLO potentials have decided to pledge other types of Greek orgs (multicultural, NIC/NPC, Hispanic, non-NPHC BGLOs, professional, service) as well as other types of clubs. Unfortunately, the abundance of choices often results in lower committment levels and lower overall numbers. You know - Divide and Conquer

[jubilance1922]

Originally Posted by mccoyred

In my personal experience, it was true back in the day but not necessarily now.

When I was an undergrad in the late 80's, on my campus, and many other PWIs that I was familiar with, a large percentage (around 30-50%) of American born Black students were members of a BGLO. I seperate American born because most Blacks from other parts of the Diaspora had a lower take rate (5-10%).

In my current experience at a much larger PWI, the overall take rate is quite low (optimistically around 10%). I have yet to encounter a non-American born member of the BGLOs on campus, although I have to think that there are at least a few.

With the proliferation of 'new' orgs - Greeks, cultural, professional, etc. - there are a lot more outlets for students. So an unscientific sample of current Black students would probably find that many BGLO potentials have decided to pledge other types of Greek orgs (multicultural, NIC/NPC, Hispanic, non-NPHC BGLOs, professional, service) as well as other types of clubs. Unfortunately, the abundance of choices often results in lower committment levels and lower overall numbers. You know - Divide and Conquer

I will agree that it definitely depends on the campus. At my undergrad (Univ. of Minnesota) all of the D9 orgs have non-American born members, I'd guess that at least 1/3 of all BGLO members are non-American born.

[neosoul]

Originally Posted by mccoyred

I have yet to encounter a non-American born member of the BGLOs on campus, although I have to think that there are at least a few.

I'm non-American born!