We take pride in the culture of our department. We draw connections between various fields of study and the rich history of African American and African diaspora achievements. We advance the arts through the productions of our exceptional ensembles. We are advocates for a more complete understanding of the politics, history, and contributions of African American and African diaspora cultures, examining them in classes that are unique, dynamic, and life-changing. We look squarely at the corrosive effects of racism, and work in the direction of social justice.

A welcoming + inviting place to be

Faculty, staff, and students in our program will tell you that our community feels like family. Goodwill and collaborative spirit is abundant in our department. Our small class sizes allow faculty to spend more time individually mentoring and getting to know our students. We aim to make our department a place where students feel that they belong.

Our department also supports and manages the Atkins Living-Learning Center, a welcoming home away from home designed to build community through interaction about contemporary issues and life experiences.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is composed of nine historically Black National Greek Letter sororities and fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Formed in 1930 at Howard University, the stated purpose of the organization was “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 organizations.”

Each of these organizations evolved at a time when African Americans were denied essential rights and services afforded to others. These organizations were designed to foster a growth of brotherhood and sisterhood and to serve as conduits by which action plans could be formulated.

Presently, there are approximately 1.5 million members of undergraduate and graduate chapters served by NPHC making it one of the largest Black international organizations in the world.

Visit the NPHC website

Indiana University offers more than 750 student organizations. Each one founded and led by students just like you. Join a student organization to meet other Hoosiers with interests similar to your own. Organizations meet and explore professional interests, hobbies, sports and recreation, academics, religion, service, politics…you name it.

Visit beINvolved. This new system allows students to browse, learn more about, and connect with student organizations and offers user-friendly, new features for student organization profiles.

A community for all

Membership and participation in a student organization must be free from discrimination based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Visit the Student Affairs website