Common Greek Words to Know

Active: An initiated fraternity or sorority member who is affiliated with a campus chapter.

Alumnus: An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who is no longer in college.

Badge: The badge of an initiated member is received during the initiation ceremony and worn in a designated location. 

Bid: A formal invitation for membership from a Greek-letter organization. 

Chapter: A term used to describe the collegiate group of a fraternity or sorority.

 

Colony: A term used to describe the collegiate group of a fraternity or sorority in a new organization on the campus. 

Greeks: A term applied to members affiliated with Greek-letter organizations. 

Greek Week: A celebration held in the fall in which students participate in athletic events, community service, brotherhood and sisterhood activities, an awards ceremony, and various activities.

Initiation: A traditional, secret ceremony that brings a new member into full Greek membership. 

Inter-Greek Council (IGC): IGC is the governing body of all four Greek organizations. This organization provides leadership and programming for the chapters. 

Legacy: A potential member whose grandparent, parent, brother or sister is a member of a fraternity or sorority. 

New Member: A potential member who has accepted a bid from a fraternity or sorority. May also be referred to as an "associate." 

Potential Member: An individual interested in becoming a member of a fraternity or sorority. 

Quota: The number of women to whom each sorority may extend bids.

 

Recruitment: Refers to the process by which chapters select new members. Deferred Recruitment refers to a time when the formal recruitment process happens in the second semester. 

Ritual: The traditional, secret initiation ceremonies of a fraternity or sorority.