- What is Di-Phi?
- When and where do you meet?
- What kinds of debates do you have?
- Can I speak in the debate even though I am not a member?
- Do I have to speak in the debate if I come?
- What should I wear if I come?
- How long do you guys meet for?
- Is there a particular time of year I need to join if I want to become a member?
- Is Di-Phi a fraternity?
- Can I come to Di-Phi even if I am not an undergraduate?
- What is the difference between a "Di" and a "Phi"?
- How old is the organization?
- Do you have any famous members?
- Why do some members sit on the dias?
- What procedure are you guys following?
- Why do you call each other "Senator"?
- How do you pronounce "Dialectic and Philanthropic"?
- Why is coming to meetings important?
- What if I can't stay for the whole meeting/What if I come late?
- What other functions does Di-Phi host?
- Can guests be fined/ Do the Societies' rules apply to guests?
What is Di-Phi?
The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies are the oldest student organizations at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They were founded only months after the arrival of Hinton James. The Societies' main activity is best expressed by alumnus Senator Thomas Wolfe (Di) in his book Look Homeward, Angel:
"And they talked - always they talked, under the trees, against the ivied walls, assembled in their rooms, they talked - in limp sprawls - incessant, charming, empty Southern talk; they talked with a large easy fluency about God, the Devil, and philosophy, the girls, politics, athletics, fraternities and the girls -My God! how they talked!"
Although our passion is debate, Senators also use the chambers to talk, grab a snack, read the paper, and generally waste time with friends - and maybe even study! We also meet as friends outside of the chambers and hang out, as well as hosting activities and get-togethers on the weekends.[Back to list]
When and where do you meet?
When classes are in session, we meet every Monday at 7:30 for debate in the Di Chamber (3rd floor of New West). On weekends we plan social activities that generally meet in the Phi Chambers at a predetermined time.
[Back to list]
What kinds of debates do you have?
Di-Phi appreciates that our Senators come from all walks of life so we do our best to reflect that in our variety of debates. We have philosophical, political, and scientific debates---and everything in between! It's not uncommon to find a "wacky" debate or two thrown into our schedule for the semester. We tend to gear our debates so that they are accessible to you no matter what your major is----besides, the best debate is one you can argue about! If we have a debate that you know absolutely nothing about, we guarantee that we'll have your mind on one side of the issue or the other by the end of the night (And if not, you can always abstain during voting).
[Back to list]
Can I speak in the debate even though I am not a member?
Yes! Please do! We love hearing guests speak. We know that speaking at the podium in front of all of us can sometimes be a daunting task, but keep in mind that we like to hear every side of an argument---especially yours! Guests are encouraged to speak after the four slated speakers present their arguments. The President will then invite speakers from the floor to the podium, and that's your cue to raise your hand!
[Back to list]
Do I have to speak in the debate if I come?
Nope. We appreciate that sometimes people just like to hear a debate and contemplate their thoughts on the matter, and we will in no way pressure you into speaking (or fault you for not speaking). However, keep in mind that if you decide you want to join the Societies, you're going to have to prove your speaking abilities.
[Back to list]
What should I wear if I come?
There is no dress code for guests. You will notice that the Senators are dressed in suits and ties (and slacks, skirts, or dresses for the ladies), but we do not expect that from our guests. Guests are welcome to wear whatever they please to meetings (as long as it's not offensive), although guests may feel more comfortable in "dressy casual" attire so they do not feel as out of place.
[Back to list]
How long do you guys meet for?
Di-Phi starts at 7:30 on Mondays, and we usually debate for at least an hour. In a heated debate, we have been known to go on for much longer than that. Some meetings get out by 10:00 p.m. and some have been known to run past midnight! Guests are not expected to stay for the entire length of these meetings except when interested in petitioning the Societies. (However, we do recommend that you stay for P.P.M.A.--- it's the best part!)
[Back to list]
Is there a particular time of year I need to join if I want to become a member?
Nope. Interested guests can join Di-Phi at any time during the year, as long as they can go through the steps required for petitioning and induction before the semester ends. It is recommended you allow yourself at least three weeks---joining is a simple and rather painless process, for a detailed description please see the "Join" link to the left, for a quick run-through, see below:
- Come to three meetings, preferably in succession. During these visits it is wise to remain for the entire meeting and speak with the current Senators -- after all, they will decide if you get in! Speaking during the meeting is helpful, but not necessary.
- Find yourself a sponsor among the current Senators. This step is not as difficult as it sounds; almost any member will be happy to sponsor you for membership. Your sponsor will speak with you further and advise you in the remainder of the process.
- During the Papers, Petitions, Memorials, and Addresses of your third meeting or any meeting afterward you must present an original speech to the body (known as your petitioning speech). This speech should be at least three minutes long and should concern a topic you are both comfortable with and knowledgeable of. After the speech, you will be assailed with a variety of questions, some serious and some. . . less than serious.
- After PPMA, the body will enter executive session to vote on your petition. The results will be communicated to you via snail-mail.
Is Di-Phi a fraternity?
Di-Phi is NOT a fraternity (It just sounds like one). We do, however, have many of the values of comraderie and "brotherhood" that make fraternities appealing to many (just without the hazing). You will find that, once a Senator, many of your greatest college friends will come from within the Societies' chambers.
[Back to list]
Can I come to Di-Phi even if I am not an undergraduate?
We welcome any student of UNC, and it is not uncommon to see a few "older folks" sitting in the chambers. In fact, anyone can come to Di-Phi! Bring your parents, your siblings, your friends! Only students of the University are allowed to petition for membership status, but everyone is welcome to come and "listen in".
[Back to list]
What is the difference between a "Di" and a "Phi"?
It's a long story, but a good one! On June 3rd, 1795, students here at UNC created the Debating Club in order to, in their own words: To promote useful knowledge. . . and. . . to cultivate a lasting friendship with each other. . . which shall not be forgotten when we meet in the serious business of life.
The motto of the Debating Club was Virtus et Scientia, Virtue and Knowledge. It created regulations for its members to ensure that they heeded this motto, beginning the tradition of student self-governance on campus. Within a month a dissenting faction formed the rival Concord Society. The schism has been attributed to the growing number of students and to politics, but the motto of the new group is most telling: Virtus, Libertas, et Scientia -- Virtue, Liberty, and Knowledge. The Debating Club officers were perhaps too zealous in the observance and enforcement of their rules for these sons of patriots. The Debating Club and Concord Society soon changed their names to their Greek equivalents, the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, known to succeeding generations as the Di and the Phi.
These two organizations were soon locked in heated competition
in
almost all facets of campus life. They competed especially intensely
for new members. Di's and Phi's would ride out to meet promising
students arriving in Chapel Hill in order to influence their choice of
Societies. This competition became so fierce that, according to legend,
duels were fought. The trustees of the University quelled this practice
of cajoling prospective members around 1850 by formalizing a dividing
line that the Societies had somewhat observed for years. Students from
east of Orange County were Phi's and students from west of Orange
County were Di's. Those students from Orange County and those from out
of state could still choose their Society.
How old is the organization?
Real old! We've been around since 1795. The history of the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies is long and laureled. They were, for many years, the center of college life al UNC: the Societies can claim the creation of the Yackety Yack, UNC's annual; the beginning of one of the first campus newspapers; The White and Blue; and the fathering of the University Magazine; as well as giving the University its school colors:
-
Carolina's colors, light blue and white, are a symbol of unity among Carolina students, alumni, and fans alike, but they began as emblems of factional division between the members of the Di and Phi Societies. The Di, it appears, decided to put blue ribbons on its diplomas, which are given to graduates in addition to the University's diplomas. In addition to blue standing for honor, blue ribbons were the universal symbol for excellence in agricultural regions like North Carolina. The Di prided itself on excellence. The Phi, always looking for an advantage over its older rival, chose white ribbons - indicative of truth and virtue - for its diplomas. As the nineteenth century wore on, these colors became synonymous with the two Societies.
When intercollegiate football began in the 1880s, the team members noticed the school colors worn by schools like Virginia (orange and blue) and Wake Forest (black and gold). They wanted similar identification as Carolina students. Quite naturally, they adopted the Societies' blue and white signifying that students of both the Di and Phi were on the team and supported it to victory. While many recognize these colors as UNC's, few know them as the Societies'.
While the Societies debated, collected books, and turned out original papers and publications, they were also the social outlets for their members. The Societies organized mixers, smokers, commencement reunions, and commencement balls, the highlights of the collegiate year. Even today, they remain an integral part of college life for those students who proclaim themselves Di's or Phi's.
[Back to list]
Do you have any famous members?
As a matter of fact, we do have some distinguished Senators! Take a look at the list:
| Dialectic Society | Philanthropic Society |
| Pres. James K. Polk | Vice Pres. William King |
| Thomas Wolfe | Sen. Thomas Hart Benton |
| Sen. Bedford Brown | Sen. John Branch |
| Sen. Willie P. Mangum | Sen. Thomas Bragg |
| Sen. William A. Graham | Sen. Matt W. Ransom |
| Sen. George Badger | Gov. Richard Spaight |
| Sen. Thomas Clingman | Gov. William Miller |
| Sen. Marion Butler | Gov. Jacob Thompson |
| Sen. Samuel J. Ervin, Jr. | Gov. Charles B. Aycock |
| Gov. Charles Manly | Gov. J.C.B. Ehringhaus |
| Gov. John M. Morehead | Gov. William B. Umstead |
| Gov. John W. Ellis | Gen. James J. Pettigrew |
| Gov. Zebulon B. Vance | Gen. Bryan Grimes |
| Gov. David L. Swain | Prof. Horace Williams |
| Gov. Luther H. Hodges | Prof. Elisha Mitchell |
| Kemp Plummer Battle | Robert B. House |
| Charles D. Mclver | Paul Green |
| Calvin H. Wiley | Thomas S. Kenan |
| Archibald Murphey | Prof. Albert Coates |
| Edward K. Graham | Carlyle Sitterson |
| Frank Porter Graham | Dr. George Hatem |
| Hon. William H. Bobbitt | Vermont Royster |
[Back to list]
Why do some members sit on the dias?
The members sitting on and around the dias (the "stage" behind the podim) are Officers of the Executive Committee. They consist of the President, Sergeant-at-Arms, Clerk, and the Critic, and change every semester via majority vote of the Societies.
[Back to list]
What procedure are you guys following?
We follow parliamentary procedure and we adhere to Robert's Rules of Order:
- The Call to Order - A highly ritualized and sacred occasion in which the president uses the president's cane to announce the beginning of the meeting.
- The Call of the Roll - As the sergeant-at-arms reads each senator's name, he or she calls out his or her county or state of origin (along with unrelated outbursts).
- Initial Announcements
- Reading of the Minutes
- The Presentation of the Scheduled Program - Normally a debate, but outside speakers and events like the Student Body President Forum are also scheduled. Our debates utilize parliamentary procedure, which renders them closer kin to debates in Congress than formal debate style.
- Induction of New Members - A ritual that takes place in executive session, out of the prying eyes of outsiders.
- Reports of Officers and Committees
- Old Business
- New Business
- Papers, Petitions, Memorials, & Addresses - This is the segment of the meeting where our creative talents shine. Senators (and guests) may read poetry, orate, play guitar, lead the body in a cadence, or carry out any variety of wackiness related to public speaking. This is the period in which potential senators petition their Societies for membership.
- Consideration of Applications for Membership - Held in executive session.
- Final Announcements
- Adjournment
- Refreshments - Generally, refreshments are served after the meeting in the Philanthropic Society chamber, found on the fourth floor of New East, but it is not uncommon to adjorn to a local late-night eating establishment instead. (A favorite is Linda's on Franklin Street).
Why do you call each other "Senator"?
During the 1920s the Di became a "Senate" and the Phi became an "Assembly." Although most of the practices taken from the State Legislature at that time have since been abandoned, members of the Societies, whether Di or Phi, now call each other "Senator."
[Back to list]
How do you pronounce "Dialectic and Philanthropic"?
It is interesting to watch the expressions of bystanders when the names of the Societies are pronounced in the historically correct way. "Dialectic" elicits little response, but "Philanthropic" is another matter. Most people expect to hear "phil-anthropic" instead of "Phi-lanthropic." The Phi Society's own pronunciation seems to have arisen shortly after the War Between the States, from the practice of commonly abbreviating the two Societies' names to one syllable. After all, we are the Di and Phi, not the Di and Phil!
[Back to list]
Why is coming to meetings important?
Besides enjoying the spirit and educational qualities of debate, coming to meetings is important because it strengthens the bonds between you and your fellow Senators and is crucial for keeping "up-to-date" with the happenings of the Societies. Matters privvy to Senators during Executive Session are only for those Senators who were present during the meeting and will not be shared outside the chambers. A Senator's attendance at meetings also affects quorum and, depending on the number of consecutive meetings missed, a Senator's status.
[Back to list]
What if I can't stay for the whole meeting/What if I come late?
Don't worry! We know that our guests haven't rearranged their schedules for Di-Phi. We highly encourage guests to try to be present when the debate starts, but if you come a little late, just wait outside the chamber doors for whoever is at the podium to finish speaking and slip in during the applause. Take a seat (it doesn't matter which side) and introduce yourself to us during the break. If you have to leave early, there's always a short break after the hourly debate when you can slip out. If you have to leave at a different time during the meeting, please use your best judgement in terms of making a quiet exit.
[Back to list]
What other functions does Di-Phi host?
Besides our regular meetings, senators entertain themselves in a variety of other Society functions:
- The White and Blue - An occasional publication of the Societies, The White and Blue reflects the eclectic interests of the Senators. Found within its pages are fiction, political commentary, history, poetry, reviews, and anything else the Societies see fit to print.
- The Mangum Medal - The oldest award given by the University, the Mangum Medal is the Chancellor's Award for oratory, given each year to a graduating senior. This award is managed by the Societies.
- The December - A white-tie affair, the Societies' formal ball allows Senators to show off their (often newly-acquired) waltzing skills.
- The Century Debate - A formal debate that takes the place of the standard program for a meeting, the Century Debate pits the Di against the Phi on a question they debated one hundred years earlier. The prize for the winning society is bragging rights for the remainder of the school year.
- The Kemp Plummer Battle Lecture on UNC History - Traditionally given on the evening of University Day, this formal lecture seeks to enlighten the University community regarding its past.
- Phi-day Lunch - Classes permitting, Senators gather each Friday and barge into a restaurant of choice, where they linger long over their plates with conversation.
- Phi-day Nights - It is a given that a group of Senators, great or small, will meet Friday evenings for dinner and revelry. This "revelry" can take many forms, including watching movies, heated arguements, late-night campus tours, and assorted other wackiness.
- The Phi Chamber - The Philanthropic Society chamber is the focus of Di-Phi social life. Within its cozy confines, a Senator can expect to find his or her fellows studying, eating, watching TV, or wasting time in other creative ways. Senators can be found there at all times of the day and night, especially on weekends and exam days.
Can guests be fined/Do the Societies' rules apply to guests?
Absolutely not. You will not be fined for using a Senator's name, improper dress code, vocabularly, or any other infractions that have our Senators fishing in their pockets for change. We merely ask that you respect that Senators and the chambers.
[Back to list]