Active: A fully initiated member of a fraternity or sorority, often called a “brother” or “sister.” Applies to collegiate members.

Alumna(ae) or Alumnus(i): An initiated sorority or fraternity member who has graduated from college.

Bid: A formal invitation to join a Greek chapter.

Chapter: 1) The collegiate group of a national fraternity or sorority. 2) Weekly meetings of individual Greek organizations.

Continuous Open Bidding (COB): The period during which any group not having its quota of members may rush and recruit individuals.

Fraternity: The name that applies to all Greek-letter organizations. Each is symbolized by its ritual, a badge/pin, and a strong tie of friendship.

Greek: A student affiliated with a fraternity or sorority.

Initiation: The formal ceremony in which pledges/associates become full members of a Greek organization.

Interfraternity Council (IFC): The governing body of all fraternities (learn more).

Legacy: A potential member who has a family member that is an active or alumnus of a fraternity or sorority.

Quota: The maximum number of women a Panhellenic sorority may recruit during formal rush.

New Member: Someone who has accepted a bid to join a fraternity or sorority. To “pledge” is also the process of joining a Greek-letter organization.

Panhellenic Council: A local organization affiliated with a national counterpart and composed of representatives of each local sorority chapter (learn more).

Philanthropy: A charity/service project sponsored by chapters.

Sorority: The term applied to women’s Greek organizations; in actuality, sororities are formally termed “women’s fraternities.”

Recruitment: The activity by which Greek organizations seek new members.