Greek Life Terminology: Sorority and Fraternity Study Guide

Active

A fully initiated member of a fraternity/sorority.

Alumna

A member of a women's fraternal organization who is no longer an undergraduate. Plural: Alumnae.

Alumnus

A member of a men's fraternal organization who is no longer an undergraduate. Plural: Alumni.

Bid

An invitation to join a sorority or fraternity. It is also a formal invitation to be a potential new member.

Big

Nickname for big sister or brother, a mentor assigned to a new member.

Chant/Call

A call used by members of culturally based organizations used to acknowledge or gain the attention of others.

Chapter

An established membership unit of a national or international sorority or fraternity.

Charter

Known as a 'trial period' for a new organization that is awaiting official Chapter Status recognition from their national to establish a letter chapter on their campus.

Crest

Insignia used by sorority and fraternity members. Most Greek organizations reserve the crest for initiated members only.

Initiation

Ceremony during which new members of culturally-based and NPHC organizations become active, life-long members of their organization.

Disaffiliated Member

A student who for some reason removes himself or herself from association with the fraternity and drops membership completely.

Separated

A student who withdraws or separates from an organization after accepting a bid, but before the student is initiated by a chapter.

Dry Process

A fraternity or sorority which does not permit alcohol through the new member education process.

Dues

The monetary costs of membership in a fraternity or sorority.

Founder's Day

An event celebrated by fraternities and sororities to highlight the founding of their organization and celebrate its history.

Formal Recruitment

A designated recruitment period during which a series of organized events are held by each NPC sorority or IFC fraternity.

Governing Council

Also known as an umbrella council, generally supports and acts as a voice for organizations within it.

Hazing

Any requirement by a member which compels a member or new member to participate in any activity which is illegal or contrary to moral or religious beliefs.

Legacy

Generally defined as an immediate family member of an initiated member, such as a sister/brother or daughter/son.

Line

A term used by culturally-based and NPHC organizations to name a group of new members who all joined during the same term, semester, or pledge class.

Line name/number

The name given to a prospective/new member that represents them as a person.

Little

Short for 'Little brother/sister' - a new member who is being mentored by an older member of their organization.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

The governing body of the nine traditionally African American fraternities and sororities, also known as the 'Divine Nine.'

Nationals

Fraternity and Sorority members often refer to their national/international headquarters or offices as 'Nationals'.

Neo or Neophyte

A new member of a culturally based organization or a NPHC organization.

New Member Educator

The liaison between the new members and the chapter, responsible for implementing and monitoring the new member program.

New Member Presentation

Also known as a reveal show, is a presentation that celebrates and welcomes new members in the Multicultural Greek community.

Pin

The active pin or badge, a distinctive insignia worn on the chest designating an active member of a particular fraternity or sorority.

Potential New Member

A person who is interested in joining a Greek-letter organization, and will participate in recruitment or intake.

Prophyte

A term used to refer to an older brother/sister from a culturally based organization.