All Greek is Created Equal

The University of Mississippi’s Greek system consists of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPC), Interfraternity Council (IFC), and Panhellenic Council (PHC). There are currently more than 3,000 students in Greek. However, there are less than 100 students in NPC, the united body of Black Greek, according to Rachel Burchfield, Coordinator of Greek Affairs/ Panhellenic Advisor.

The Greek chapters at Ole Miss handle such events, such as rush, advertising, housing, and other events their own way.

There are two processes to rush, recruitment done by IFC and PHC, and intake done by NPC. While recruitment is well known on campus, intake is done in a secretive nature where they have interest meetings for those wanting to rush. Sophomore journalism major, Jonece Dunigan, thought of rushing, and then had a change of plans.

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ound out how much it cost,” she said. “It would’ve been hard trying to balance it with school,” Dunigan said.

NPC currently doesn’t have any housing, but there was in the early 2000s.

“Phi Beta Sigma had a house, but that had to be taken down due to conditions, it wasn’t livable,” said Coulter Ward, assistant dean of students for student involvement, “They’re thinking about building, though.”

During an interview on campus diversity in spring 2011, an African American student mentioned that he or she believed NPC doesn’t receive any advertising as the other Greek chapters do.

“That all depends on the chapter. Each one is different,” said Ward.

With less than 100 students in NPC and no minimum membership, Ward believes it’s hard for them to be heard of with “no physical presence.” However, despite low membership, they show true pride for their chapter.

“They wear their letters more prominently,” Ward said.

Ward describes the NPC as a “refreshing.” The students care about one another and they are lifelong members.

“It’s great to see that community,” Ward said.

Despite low membership, hardly any publicity, and no housing, no one finds it to be of racial discrimination.

“I just feel that people are comfortable within their boundaries,” Dunigan said. “So no, I don’t think there is any discrimination.”

Ward says the university has come a very long way with diversity.

“It means a lot more than race,” Ward said.

Rachel Burchfield said that another concern in the Greek system is the office staff.

“We’re understaffed,” Burchfield said, “we have one advisor for all three councils. I would like to have one for each.”