The National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities, also referred to as the Divine Nine, are historically Black organizations focused on making connections, developing leadership, community service, social impact and academic success.
The Divine Nine organizations have no set recruitment time. Their member intake, or rush, occurs throughout the academic year depending on student interest.
“Recruitment is really every semester. It’s just up to those people who are interested in our fraternity,” said Jeremiah Johnson, senior sociology major and president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “Sometimes we can do back-to-back semesters, sometimes we do once a year, sometimes we wait a little bit. It’s just all about those groups of people and if they feel like they’re ready to join.”
When getting involved with one of the Divine Nine organizations, doing your research first is important. According to the National Pan-Hellenic Council President Imani Jones, a senior nursing major, you should find information on each of the organizations so you know which best suits you.
“First, figure out which organization you want to be involved in. You should make sure that you’re evaluating your own values and missions before joining any fraternity and sorority,” Jones said. “I then feel you should do your research and make sure that you know details about the organization you are looking to join.”
Since the rush process is different for each organization, researching their specific requirements is crucial to getting involved.
“Each organization has its own set of different requirements to be involved within their organization, and all the information can be found on – whichever organization you are interested in – their national website,” Jones said.
Once you know which Divine Nine fraternity or sorority you want to join, you can approach their members around campus and get to know the people you could form meaningful connections with.
“You will then have a lifelong commitment with different people involved within the organizations, both the fraternities you will gain a brotherhood and for sororities you will gain a sisterhood, and just to be involved with social justice activities across the world that all people can benefit from,” Jones said.
If connecting with the Divine Nine and their values interest you, you should keep an eye out for them at campus events and involvement fairs.
“When I think of the D9 (Divine Nine), I just think of unity and just having fun and just doing work,” Johnson said.
