Greek Terminology

Active - an initiated member of a fraternity/sorority who continues to meet all required standards

Alumnae - a female member of a Greek organization who has graduated and is no longer affiliated with an undergraduate chapter

Alumni - a male member of a Greek organization who has graduated and is no longer affiliated with an undergraduate chapter

Bid - a formal invitation to a potential new member to join a chapter

Chapter - each fraternity/sorority that is affiliated with an inter/national organization

Formal Recruitment - the membership selection process that takes place during the Spring semester

IFC - the Interfraternity Council is the governing body for the twelve fraternities on campus

Informal Recruitment - a less structured membership selection process conducted at various times during the year by fraternities and sororities for groups with openings in chapter membership

Legacy - a prospective member whose family member is an alumni/ae or active member

New Member - a person who accepted a bid and enters into a period of learning the history, traditions, and goals of the fraternity/sorority

NALFO - the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations is the newest council of Greek Life governing the Latino fraternal organization on campus

NPHC - the National Pan-Hellenic Council is the governing body for the eight historically African American sororities and fraternities on campus

PHC - the Panhellenic Council is the governing body for the seven sororities on campus

Philanthropy - service projects or fundraising activities for charitable organizations

Potential New Member - a person who is interested in joining a recognized fraternity/sorority

Probate - the process by which a new member of an NPHC fraternity/sorority is announced to the public

Recruitment/Intake - series of events during a period which is scheduled by the organization to inform and educate potential new members about recognized Greek organizations

Social - a term used to describe the interpersonal development that occurs within Greek organizations