Greek Terms & Definitions
The Greek Alphabet
Active: An initiated member.
Bid: An invitation to membership.
Brother: A term used by active members in a fraternity when referring to each other.
Chapter: A chartered undergraduate or alumnae group recognized by a fraternity.
Colony: Status of a new chapter prior to installation.
Fraternity: The name that applies to all Greek-lettered organizations that are characterized by a ritual, a pin, and a strong friendship.
Greek: A term applied to members affiliated with Greek lettered organizations.
Hazing: Unethical and forbidden activities that usually occur before a person is initiated. This applies to both mental and physical activities that are banned from the University, State Laws, Interfraternity Council and National Sorority and Fraternity organizations.
IFC: The Interfraternity Council; this group is the representative governing body of all fraternities. It is designed as a resource for all fraternities and to strengthen the fraternity community through interfraternity cooperation.
Informal Recruitment: The period that begins immediately after formal Recruitment ends, and continues throughout the year.
Initiation: The ceremony in which a pledged new member becomes an active new member.
Legacy: The brother or son of an initiated member.
New member/Associate/Pledge: A member of a fraternity who is not yet an initiated member.
New member/Pledge Education: A period of learning the history, ideals, and operations of the organization.
Philanthropy: An active effort to promote human welfare.
Potential New member/Prospective member: A person interested in becoming a member of a fraternity.
Ritual: The activity by which a fraternity/sorority brings into membership its new members who have met initiation requirements.
Recruitment: An organized activity to meet potential members.
