Skip to Main Content
Greek Vocabulary
- Active » a member of a fraternity
- Alumnus » (plural alumni) a member of a fraternity who has graduated from college.
- Bid » an invitation to a Rushee to join a fraternity.
- Brother » A term used by active members of a fraternity when referring on one another.
- Chapter » the local group of the national organization.
- Fraternity » A group of men bound together by ritual ties and common goals.
- Greek » A member of a fraternity or sorority.
- Hazing » Mental or Physical degradation of any person which is strictly forbidden by University Policy.
- Independent » A person who is not a member of a fraternity or sorority.
- Initiation » The traditional ritual that brings the pledge into full active membership in the fraternity.
- IFC » The Interfraternity Council, a representative governing body of all men's fraternities.
- Legacy » A prospective member whose father or brother is an alumn or active member of a particular fraternity.
- NIC » National Interfraternity Council
- NPC » National Panhellenic Conference
- NPHC » National Pan-Hellenic Conference
- Panhellenic » A representative governing body of all sororities.
- Pin » (2 types) the active pin or badge, a distinctive insignia worn on the chest designating an active member of a particular fraternity. The pledge pin, an insignia used to designate a pledge of a particular fraternity.
- Pledge » (also associate member) A trial member of a fraternity working to become an active.
- Ritual » The traditional secret ceremonies of a fraternity.
- Rush Week » the period in which fraternities and potential members become acquainted.
- Rush Chairman » An active member of a fraternity who is in charge of recruitment efforts for his chapter.