Greek Facts

Joining the Greek Community is a big decision not only for you but your family as well. For up to date facts and frequently asked questions about Greek Life please visit the following websites:
http://www.fraternityinfo.com/ and http://www.sororityparents.com/

Greek Glossary

ALUMNA/ALUMNUS

An initiated member of a sorority or fraternity who is no longer in college but is a lifelong member of the organization.

BID

A formal invitation to join a particular fraternity or sorority.

CHAPTER

A local group at an individual campus of the larger inter/national organization, designated by a special name.

CANDIDATE

A person going through the membership intake process for an NPHC organization.

COLONY

A newly-formed group of members who have the intent of being chartered as a chapter by meeting inter/national headquarters standards.

INTEREST

A person who is seeking membership in an MGC or NPHC organization.

LEGACY

The brother or sister, son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter of a fraternity or sorority member. Each chapter has its own policies regarding legacies. Being a legacy does not mean automatic membership into that chapter. Nevertheless, special consideration is often given to legacies.

MEMBER

A fully initiated, lifelong fraternity or sorority member who is active at the collegiate level.

MEMBERSHIP INTAKE

The process for culturally-based fraternities or sororities to bring in new members.

NEW MEMBER

A person who has accepted a bid to join an IFC fraternity or a Panhellenic sorority.

POTENTIAL NEW MEMBER (PNM)

A college woman who is participating in the Panhellenic recruitment process.

RECRUITMENT

The IFC/Panhellenic process through which students become members of fraternities and sororities.

RECRUITMENT COUNSELOR

A neutral member of a Panhellenic sorority who temporarily disassociates from her chapter to serve as an unbiased guide during Panhellenic recruitment.

STEPPING

A creative form of artistic dance unique to some culturally-based fraternities and sororities, especially NPHC groups.