Topics: Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies

The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, or Di-Phi, is the oldest student organization at UNC, formed in 1795. The group was founded as the Debating Society, but within a few months a group of students broke off to form the Concord Society, citing excessive rules. The groups adopted Greek equivalents of their names in 1796. The two groups merged to form a joint Senate in 1959. The group debates Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. on the third floor of New West.

For many years, students were required to join one of the two societies. Traditionally, students from the west of Orange County join the Dialectic Society, while students from east of Orange County joined the Philanthropic Society. Out-of-state students can choose their own society.

Di-Phi is responsible for many University traditions. “Carolina Blue” and white represented the two societies, respectively, before they were adopted by the University. The group founded the Yackety Yack yearbook, established the basis of the Honor System. Students who died while in school were buried in society plots in the Old Chapel Hill Cemetery. The societies own one of the largest private portrait collections in the United States, many displayed throughout UNC and in the society’s New West and New East chambers.

Notable alums include James K. Polk, Paul Green, Elisha Mitchell, David Price, William R. King and John Sanders.

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