Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL)
Howard University is home to more than 40 selective, fraternal-based organizations,including Fraternities, Sororities, Social Fellowships, and Societies. Collectively, these organizations promote leadership development, academic excellence, service, and lifelong membership. Through intentional membership processes, collaborative programming, and University-supported resources, selective organizations provide students with meaningful opportunities to build community, engage in civic responsibility, and uphold traditions that contribute to a vibrant and impactful campus culture.
How can we help?
Office of Campus Life
202-806-5990
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday - Friday
Armour J. Blackburn University Center, Suite 122
Washington, DC 20059
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing
- Minimum required cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (NPHC has a 2.85 GPA Requirement.)
Please be aware that organizations may have a higher GPA requirement — the higher requirement applies - Full-time status, having earned at least 30 credit hours at Howard University
- Transfer student exception: Transfer students must have earned at least 15 credit hours at Howard University and be classified as a sophomore.
- Freshman Organization Exception: First-semester freshmen may join freshman organizations without a GPA requirement. Once a GPA is established, students must maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA to join or continue participation.
- Attend university sponsored trainings and educational workshops specifically required for membership recruitment eligibility.
- Must have attended The Membership Education Summit training in the semester of Spring 2026, Fall 2025, Spring 2025, or Fall 2024 and become MES Certified.
- Attendance at the interest meeting/informational of the organization into which you are seeking membership
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated is currently composed of nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities. The NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council was organized on May 10, 1930 at Howard University, in Washington, D.C. with a stated purpose of unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organization.
The NPHC serves as the governing council for all fraternities and sororities recognized by the National Pan-Hellenic Council – Howard University Chapter.
Council of Independent Organizations (CIO)
The Council of Independent Organizations represents a diverse group of Fraternities and Sororities that operate independently of national governing bodies. These organizations provide students with opportunities for leadership development, community engagement, and fellowship while upholding the values and traditions unique to Howard University. CIO organizations contribute to student life through service, cultural programming, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen the broader selective organization community.
Local Based Council (LBC)
The Local Based Council is comprised of selective, Howard University–based social fellowship organizations mostly founded on campus and rooted in Howard tradition. These organizations focus on community building, leadership development, service, and social engagement while reflecting the unique culture and interests of the Howard University community. Through locally driven initiatives and collaborative programming, LBC organizations contribute to a vibrant campus environment and foster meaningful connections among students and alumni.
Professional and Honors Council (PHC)
The Professional and Honors Council is composed of selective organizations centered on professional development, academic distinction, and career preparation across a range of disciplines, including business, law, healthcare, education, and communications. These organizations provide students with opportunities for leadership training, professional networking, mentorship, and service aligned with their academic and career interests. Through scholarly engagement and skill-building initiatives, PHC organizations support students in developing strong professional identities while advancing the academic mission of Howard University.
Report Hazing Confidentially
Hazing is defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student. It may include, but is not limited to, the destruction or removal of public or private property, or any activity conducted on or off-campus that causes or intends to cause an unreasonable expenditure of funds; embarrassing, intimidating or demeaning behavior; exposure to situations that could result in physical or emotional harm; or behavior that causes undue stress, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in any sanctioned or unsanctioned group or organization at the University. By reference, the University also requires that students comply with hazing laws contained within the District of Columbia code.
How to Report Hazing
Reporting Procedures
If you believe hazing has occurred or is currently taking place, we strongly encourage you to seek assistance and report the incident using one or more of the resources listed below:
Formal Reporting
Submit a report using the online reporting form
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?HowardUniv&layout_id=3Office of Student Life
Armor J. Blackburn Building, Room 122
Phone: (202) 806-5990Office of Student Conduct
Phone: (202) 806-6131
Email: StudentConduct@Howard.eduDepartment of Public Safety
Emergency: (202) 806-7777
Non-Emergency: (202) 806-1100- Local Police
You may contact local law enforcement in any location if immediate assistance is needed.
Reports may also be made in person or by phone to the Office of Student Life, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The online reporting form provides an option for anonymous submission.
Anonymous and Confidential Reporting
The following campus resources will keep information as private and confidential as permitted by law during normal business hours:
Online Reporting Form
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?HowardUniv&layout_id=3Office of Student Life
Armor J. Blackburn Building, Room 122University Counseling Service
Phone: (202) 806-6870- Office of Student Conduct
Phone: (202) 806-6131
Email: StudentConduct@Howard.edu
Important Information
The University strongly encourages all alleged acts of hazing to be reported promptly to university officials and/or law enforcement. The University disciplinary process and the criminal justice process are separate and independent. Reporting an incident to the University does not prevent an individual from also filing a report with the police.
Contact the Office of Student Life