<p>The NPHC groups dont update their USC chapter websites often and that makes it difficult to find out more about them. Can you please tell me anything about them. Anything goes, academics, socialization, stereotypes, MIP activities and dates, campus involvement ect</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>Welp if no one else will…
NPHC is a great organization for the experience they provide: a fraternal experience based on the foundation of mutual culture and/or experience. Golly gee, that sounds great. And it is, but it tends to attract a homogenous citizenry… skipping to the conclusion: to outsiders it is seen as the black frats or sororities. </p>
<p>It sort of boxes people off, not in that they <em>can’t</em> do anything else or they’re labeled, but it’s a big time commitment. My anecdote: I used to have a friend, we’d hang after class every week. But then he joined one of the Latino frats (multi-cultural, but it’s an accurate proxy), and we couldn’t really hang out anymore. He joined a group of students that elected to spend the majority of time together. So while he elected to limit himself to the people in the system (he didn’t put much effort into going outside of it anymore), he got what he wanted: a tight group of friends to spend time with. As you can see in other posts, people worry about fitting in at USC. And other university forums will show the same concern. So it’s worth it… right?</p>
<p>Let’s answer your questions. I’ve had minimal contact with NPHC orgs, but am knowledgeable of some of their leaders through BSA. They’re a great group of people who have deep passions and intelligence that care about their goals. For some, that’s simply excelling academically. For some, that’s sharing their experiences through song and slam and writing, or even TEDx (<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85p1XopjA2k”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85p1XopjA2k</a> Nate is awesome btw). Academically they’re just like any frat system, socialization is just like any Greek system, same for campus involvement and dates, etc. Going further, they’ll connect you to alumni, they’ll provide a day-to-day support structure, they’ll teach you discipline, and they’ll give you experiences that you both share proudly with family and some you won’t tell your family about.</p>
<p>If it’s something that interests you, go for it. I think I’ve drawn an accurate enough picture. Joining a group where you know you belong is a great feeling, and what many students yearn for. Just be cognizant that the basis is a little fixed and you have to do what’s best for you. Here I’ll note the regular Greek system (IFC/Panhellenic) has gotten a rap for being racist correlated to most members being white. I’m not here to prove or refute that as I have no data other than what USC publishes. But the premise is different. Moving forward with simplifications… It’s not, ‘Hey, we’re the same culture so let’s hang out.’ It’s ‘Hey we want to party so let’s hang out.’ You can see one is caused by similar identity and that which one has little control over and the other is caused by similar interests. </p>
<p>I’m one who cares less about identity and more about interests. My best friends are different colors and religions than me. But damn do we love Mario Kart 64. So to answer the one remaining: stereotype. It’s the same as Greek row. If you’re in IFC you probably like to party, and you’re ok being partially defined in that way. Similarly, if you’re in NPHC you’re probably black (or a minority), and you’re ok being partially defined in that way. It’s of course not mutually exclusive though (minorities in IFC or party people in NPHC). It really comes down to the college experience you want. If you think you’ll be happy in NPHC than look into it, and it’ll probably be one of the best decisions of your college career.</p>
<p>For the reader thinking I’ve written a lot but little about life in NPHC, don’t fret. Life in NPHC is like life in anyone’s perception of Greek life. Brotherhood or sisterhood. A solid group of friends. Parties and adventures. Events with other groups in the system. Lots of good stuff. Though this will probably not happen: (bit . ly ) ■■■■■■/PIWiK3. One noticeable difference is the step shows. My noob understanding is that when new pledges get initiated they put on a step show like a coming out party (similar to people in the south have a debutante ball?). Seems like a cool opportunity to put on a show and dance with friends. </p>
<p>Perhaps I wrote so much because when someone asks about a specific thing I don’t want them to feel pigeon-holed, like feeling they have to join a certain type of group. Explore all your options, there’s over 400: <a href=“http://sait.usc.edu/stuorgs/organizations_list.asp”>http://sait.usc.edu/stuorgs/organizations_list.asp</a></p>
<p>So wrapping this up, I recommend you contact the NPHC council and ask to be put on a list to receive info when it becomes available. The world is your oyster. Do what’s best for you. Just remember, you can choose to join them (and if you do I hope it’s awesome!), but you don’t have to choose to join only them. Solid advice for any student joining a socially motivated org is to seek another org where interests or professional aspirations lie. Then you’ll avoid the retrospect of ‘Wow, 4 years and all my experiences were with this one group of people… I only got involved with this one thing…’ Because when you move on after graduating what matters most is the friends you had deep connections with, whether by mutual culture, experience, or interest.</p>
<p>Thank you. That was all very helpful</p>