Due to the common use of the shortened form, "Philanthropic" is properly pronounced with a long "i" in the first syllable.

In the early days of the university, students were required to join one of the two societies, and the rivalry between the two was extremely bitter.

The university administration eventually intervened and changed the societies' official rules, making membership based upon geography with the Phi members coming from the eastern part of the state and the Di members from the western part (see below for a detailed description of this arrangement).

In the thirty years before the Civil War, they also invited distinguished speakers (often alumni) to address the school at graduation.

The addresses, which were multi-day graduation exercises, brought politicians, lawyers, physicians, and others to campus.

One of the most important graduation speeches came from North Carolina Supreme Court Justice William Gaston in 1832, in which he urged the end of slavery.

Those graduation speeches have proved an important source for gauging public attitudes towards union and constitutional law in North Carolina.

In addition, in 1904, the university established an independent student government, thus taking away a large amount of the power wielded by the Societies.

Each society is responsible for putting forward a slate of candidates for Joint Senate officers every semester.

If the student was from North Carolina, to the east of Orange County, they would petition the Philanthropic Society.

If they are from North Carolina to the west of Orange County, they would petition the Dialectic Society.

However, in their Fall Session of 2012, this was constitutionally altered and any prospective member can petition either society, regardless of their place of origin.

When a prospective member decides to petition, they may ask any senator in the society they intend to join to act as their sponsor.

It is often the case that potential petitioners will ask a senator who often participates in debates or is currently in an executive position due to their visibility.

The petitioner must then deliver a petitioning speech on a topic of their choosing and field questions from the joint senate.

They finally participate in a round of random questions, which may be humorous and challenge the petitioner to think on their feet.

The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies Foundation holds one of the largest privately held portrait collections in the United States, composed mainly of 19th- and early-20th-century portraits of prominent former members, many of whom held positions of power in the State of North Carolina.

The Societies meet every Monday night at 7:30 post meridiem on the top floor of New West Hall while classes are in session.

Meetings are held in the Dialectic Society Chamber, on the 3rd floor of New West, an academic building near the center of campus.

Debates are held under the guidelines of parliamentary procedure and adhere to a modified Robert's Rules of Order.

Historically, they are assigned by class, with freshmen presenting Papers, sophomore Petitions, and so forth; however, anyone is free to speak on any topic.

The Report of the Critic concludes the meeting; members and interested guests then adjourn to the top floor of New East for light refreshment and to foster the "bonds of amity."

This award is managed by the Societies, who typically determine the winner of the medal based on an oratorical competition.

Sergeant at Arms: This individual is responsible for maintaining the Societies' chambers and book and portrait collections.

The SAA appoints a Curator to assist with maintaining the Societies' portrait collection and library and other responsibilities.

Historian: This individual is charged with knowing and upholding the traditions and customs of the Societies.

It is charged with handling the table at Chapel Hill's annual Fall Fest to introduce potential members to the organization and garner their interest.

Greats Committee: This committee organizes and promotes literary gatherings for members of the Societies, such as reading groups, dramatic performances of Beat poetry, and an annual Halloween event titled "Poe by Candlelight."