Greek Terminology
You might see some confusing Greek terminology or symbols through out these pages. Here is a list of terms and the Greek alphabet to help you out.
Active - A fully initiated member of a fraternity still in college.
Alumnae or Alumni - An initiated member who is no longer in college.
Big Sister or Brother - After several weeks, the pledge will select an initiated member to be his/her big brother or sister. This older member serves as a resource, role model, and problem solver for the new member.
Bid - A formal invitation to join a fraternity or sorority.
Bid Day - The last day of recruitment which includes activities at the chapter house.
Chapter - A local group of individuals who are affiliated with a national fraternity or sorority.
Formal Recruitment - The major period of time set aside by the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils for meeting potential new members.
Fraternity - Formally, the name applied to all Greek letter organizations. Informally, the name applied to men's groups.
Initiation - A ceremony that brings a new member into full membership.
IFC - Interfraternity Council.
Legacy - A woman whose mother, sister, or in some cases grandmother is an initiated member of a sorority. A man whose father, brother, or in some cases grandfather is an initiated member of a fraternity. Legacy stipulations differ for each sorority and fraternity.
NPHC - National Pan-Hellenic Council
PHC - Panhellenic Council.
Pledge -A potential new member who has accepted the bid (invitation to join) of a sorority or fraternity; also known as an associate member.
Quota - Specified number of potential new members each Panhellenic sorority chapter can pledge.
Rushee - An individual person interested in becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority.
Sorority - A group of women joined together in friendship for leadership and academic purposes.
Greek Alphabet
